The book has patterns,
interviews, and essays
on wellbeing for knittersTHE KNIT VIBE
by Vickie Howell
IN THIS love letter to the art of knitting
and our wonderful knitting community
a rou n d t h e worl d , V i c k i e Howe l l c e l e br ate s
the people who inspire us, and the health
and wellbeing benefits our craft bring us,
as well as offering a wide range of knitting
projects to keep us entertained.
He r b o ok b e g i n s w it h a s e r i e s of a r t i c l e s
looking at a diverse range of knitwear
designers, yarn producers, knitting artists,
and community activists. There are
i nte r v i e w s w it h mu c h-love d d e si g n e r s
including Kaffe Fassett, Bristol Ivy,
Caitlin Hunter, and Nicky Epstein, and a
look at the work of the women behind the
Pussyhat Project, plus chats with a number
of yarn entrepreneurs.
The next section explores how knitting
can bring physical and emotional benefits
to participants, with a range of essays and
photo g raph i c g u i d e s on topi c s s u c h a s yo ga
and strengthening exercises for knitters,
nutrition and mindfulness, and
explorations of the spiritual aspects of
knitting from a range of belief systems.
In recognition of the fact that giving is
an important aspect of our craft, Vickie
Howell provides a collection of ‘go to’ gift
patterns. All are quick to knit, and would
Great reads
Celebrate the creative and wellbeing aspects of knitting, and
discover beautiful patterns, with this fascinating guide
b e e a s y to c u s tomi s e; d e si g n s i n c lu d e a
g r a d i e nt s c a r f, c a bl e d mit te n s, a h at, mit t s
and cowl, slipper socks, and a classic
crochet baby blanket.
Ne x t up i s a c ol l e c t ion of m ore i n- d e p t h
patterns using interesting constructions
and stitch patterns. Nancy Marchant
contributes a stunning two-colour brioche
cowl, and Tanis Gray blends traditional and
modern style with her chic Fair Isle snood.
There is an elegantly cabled hat from
K ate G a g n on O s b or n of Ke l b ou r n e
Woolens, an airy and sophisticated
bias-knit vest, textured socks, and a pair
of i r re si s t i bly c ute k n it te d mu k lu k b o ot s
with leather soles, designed by Amy Small
of yarn company Knit Collage.
If you like creating something a little
unusual or unexpected, there are four
homeware projects blending knitting with
macrame or embroidery, or using oversized
crochet stitches for maximum impact.
Finally, ‘The Knowledge’ chapter
provides photographic step-by-step
tutorials on a range of less well known
techniques that can transform your
knitting. Interesting cast-ons include the
E-wrap, German Twisted, and Indian
cast-ons, while you can learn how to work
the Portuguese purl, discover chain plying
and Russian joins, and try Wendy’s SSK
cast-off and Russian grafting.The Knit Vibe is published by Abrams
Books, priced £22.99. To order, visit
http://www.abramsandchronicle.co.ukPR
INCIPAL^ PHOTOGRA
PH
Y^ BY^ TRA
CI^ GOUDIEReviews
The Knitter 34 Issue 143 Subscribe now at TheYarnLoop.com