Mar 10
The Very Easy Guide to Cable Knitting by Lynne Watterson does exactly what it says on the tin. I have had a go at cable before, but only within easy reach of my darling Mum who is a much more accomplished knitter. With this book I now feel I could fly solo. The pictures are very clear and each new technique is explained thoroughly. The book also cements these every few patterns with a project, which are a sensible size upon which to practice something new. Each section is called a lesson, and it does feel very like a course which builds the complexity of the patterns. The book is very plainly laid out, there are no sumptuous images of fancy yarns and massive knitted blankets of unimaginable complexity but I think this makes it all the more inspirational. I have big plans for my adventures in cable, this book allows you to do that- to use the lessons learned for your future knitting projects- definitely a book shelf staple not a one-project wonder!
* Jennyflowerblue.blogspot.com *
Apr 10
Cable always looks difficult: impressive, but difficult. Here is a whole book dedicated to helping knitters get to grips with this attractive and important stitch. The book says even beginners, and indeed the basics of the craft are all in here from choosing your kit to casting on, and doing the basic stitches such as plain and purl. It is organized in a series of lessons, and these are the first five of them although I wouldn't personally buy it for a beginner unless they were learning to knit just so they could do cable. There are some good projects in here for attractive and useful garments such as a scarf, tea cozy, hot water bottle cover, bags, baby blanket etc all of which feature cable of course but which are not necessarily ideal projects for the complete novice. Any improver who had already done a bit of ordinary knitting and could follow a basic pattern would probably be all right with most of them. There is a short chapter on reading charts that most people would find very useful and two whole sections on the cables themselves (mock and true), each presented as a small sample to work through before tackling an actual item. I like the staged approach to what is generally regarded as a complex aspect of knitting and it does indeed look possible, particularly as working a sample first then making a simple project is an excellent way to learn. The latter part of the book shows you some ways of making your work look even better, such as tassels, adding buttons, blocking and pressing and the all-important (and often omitted) aftercare. If you want to learn cable, here is where to do it.
* Myshelf.com *
May 10
Beginner or dab hand at knitting? Either way, you can knit cables, as this book proves. The cables are divided into three sections - easy, cable panels and cable patterns - so you can learn how to create anything frommock cables to intricate bobble-textured plaits. Each lesson opens with a cable technique explained in clear instructions and step-by-steps. At the end of each lesson there's a project that uses the stitch patterns you've learned, so you can practise the techniques.
* Knit Today *
June 10
If you've not yet had a go at cable knitting, or if you'd like to try some new cable stitches, this book will tempt you to do it. Its pages are filled with clear photos of dozens of different varieties, helpfully grouped into three sections. First there are mock cables that can be worked on two ordinary needles, then cable panels and finally all-over cable patterns. Each stitch is given its own page with photos, diagrams and instructions. At the end of each section you'll find a small number of projects to try out your new skills, ranging from quick knits such as mug cosies to larger items, including a baby blanket. As a bonus there's a final chapter about finishing techniques such as fringing and pom-poms.
* Simply Knitting *
