Not To Be Added To My Library, II

Today I'm reviewing Yarnplay at Home: Handknits for Colorful Knitting.

Let's start with the positives: nice photography, nice yarns, the test knitters did a good job with the items.

OK, then.

I guess I was hoping for a book that had more unusual patterns for domestic life items. The book did not endear itself to me by beginning with the section entitled "Cloths + Cozies" The first pattern is for a CD Cozy. While the author came up with this as a way to personalize a gift of a CD, I can't see that, as a recipient of one, I'd have much use for it. I have a storage place for CDs and it doesn't anticipate each CD being wrapped in it's own yarn cozy. The author also suggests it can be used for carrying a favorite CD around in your tote bag. Who carries CDs? I have them in my car and at home. I have yet to begin carrying my favorite with me.

A few patterns later...two dishcloth patterns. Now I've got nothing against dishcloths - I use them myself. There is nothing ground-breaking about these two patterns. Pull out any stitch dictionary and make up your own.

Many of the throws and blankets caught my eye because of the color combinations of the yarn used. But the patterns are too simple to be much of a challenge to anyone other than a very beginning knitter.

Another problem for me is that the yarn choices for some of the items are not practical. It is one thing to use fine wool and put time and effort into an heirloom item, like a christening shawl. But to use Noro for a baby blanket (that one assumes should be used on an everyday basis) is just too impractical. What sleep-deprived, exhausted new parent wouldn't just love to have to handwash (and air dry) this item each time the baby spits up (or worse) on it. And unless you're getting Noro at a very deep discount, the materials are not just impractical, but so is the cost.

So, my verdict - if you're anything other than a beginning knitter, skip this one.

Not To Be Added To My Library

Another book I picked up from the library is The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book.

If you like history (which I do), it's worth checking this book out at your local library for the nine pages of history in the beginning of the book and the other essays and old photos scatter throughout the book.



However, none of the patterns in the book appealed to me. (Apologies to those who like this book, but I found quite a few of the garments to be in the fugly category.) Worse yet, I found the descriptions, well...you be the judge.


This vest "can easily be reinterpreted as hip-hop preppy or tongue-in-cheek chic."

Uh-huh.



"Even now, Mr. Ski Lodge strikes the perfect balance between well-groomed stylishness and casual cool - a piece that works just as well at a rock concert as it still does at a mountain resort."

I'd like to know the last time the writer was at a "rock concert." (And if they have been to one recently, what they were smoking?)



If you're not a fan of bolero vest, this could be lengthened into a longer vest as it's knit in one piece. But if this were my book, I wouldn't have included this photo and would have had the item re-knit. Take a good look at the photo. Does it appear the model is holding one shoulder up in order that the hem is even? It also appears the right and left side corners are not symmetrical. Not only that, but the embroidery is a long 4 step process that includes photocopying (and enlarging) the guide to fit the vest, and on from there with tracing paper, running stitches, etc.



"Earth Mother captures what it meant to be an emancipated woman. Its long lines and knee -grazing length suggest stature, comfort, and confidence - a woman free from the constraints of the male idea of beauty. The dynamic pattern also has an ethnic flavor that imbues a sense of worldliness and whimsy. Whether worn at a cocktail party or for running errands, Earth Mother is a statement piece that surely announces, in Helen Reddy's words, "I am woman, hear me roar!"

Stature?

Whimsy? (Can one be worldly and whimsical at the same time?)

Cocktail party?

A Helen Reddy quote in a book published in 2010?

Uh-huh.


As awful as the description is, the finishing of the garment is worse. Take a close look at the neckline and the hem. This crocheted hem looks really sloppy and "hand-made" in the worst sense of the word.

Among the other patterns are "The Grooviest Poncho" and "Hippie Stash Bag." (And does "stash" in the title refer to yarn or another kind of stash or is it a cutesy double entendre?)

This book would be interesting if I was a costume designer for a re-make of the Partridge Family or the Brady Bunch. But until Hollywood calls, I'll save my money.

I Think I've Got Enough Yarn In My Stash To Do This...

I don't know if you've seen these. What I'd like to know is how long it took them to knit and crochet everything. The first is the actual commercial, the second gives you a little insight into how exactly they filmed the commercial.

Oh Yeah, I've Said This Sh*t

Have you seen this?



I think the only thing in this video that's not true for me is that I've never put yarn in with the onions - no sense hiding yarn there as DH will fry up onions when he's solo for dinner.

But I have used the oven as a temporary secret storage space.

If This Doesn't Put A Smile On Your Face...