"Perfect book for all those extra skeins of yarn."
Reviewed by Sandra Wurman
Posted July 15, 2017
Self-Help | Non-Fiction
I learned several things in Jen Lucas' book COZY STASHING-
BUSTING KNITS, some were probably not intentional but rather
eye
opening for an old time knitter. I developed a new respect for
charting, something I often passed over when looking at
instructions
for a new project. When tackling a gorgeous shawl -- like many in COZY STASH-
BUSTING KNITS -- the line by line, row by row instruction
seemed
labor intensive and yet following the chart was easy as pie
once you
got the logic behind them. Patterns are logical and charts
take the
pattern and translate them into a graphic image of the finished
project. Knitting and other crafts are considered logic puzzles which
is one of
the reasons they are positive therapies for people with
diminished
memory and other problems. Looking at a knitted garment is
like a
textured puzzle and you get such a feeling of accomplishment as
your work unfolds. I have a personal formula for determining the value of
purchasing a
book of patterns driven by the number of projects I could
see me
tackling. COZY STASH-BUSTING KNITS has 22 patterns of which
more than half are already on my to do list. Many of the
patterns use
three or less skeins of yarns and of course that is why the
title fits.
The vast majority of the patterns are rated as intermediate
and I
guess that is due to the lacing element in them. However the
stitches
are basically repeats of many fundamental ones repeating
over and
over to get the lacey body of the item. Don't be hesitant
to try these.
There are many small items to allow you to test your lacing
ability.
Then you can readily move on to larger projects like the
shawls. In each pattern there is an URL address to download a
printable chart
so you have a copy that you can enlarge and make personal
notes.
Every pattern is written in the more typical manner
accompanied by a
chart. You can go either way -- or when questioning
something in one
refer to the other. I personally found this a great help. Jen Lucas has illustrated each project with beautifully
photographed
samples of the finished item. She also gives hints to
working the
project in different weights of yarn. If you are comfortable with lacy stitches and cables there
are sure to
be a host of projects you will see to use up some of those
skeins that
are sitting on your shelf or in bins. All knitters have left
over yarns of
all types and weights. In COZY STASH-BUILDING KNITS you can
easily make gorgeous gloves, hats and shawls with whatever you
have on hand and perhaps learn a new stitch or two. COZY STASH-
BUILDING KNITS by Jen Lucas is a well written, illustrated,
thought
out book that accomplishes her goal handily with class and
fashion
sense.
SUMMARY
Popular designer Jen Lucas is celebrated for her lacy
sock-yarn creations. Now she brings her light and lovely
style to the heavier-weight yarn in your stash. You'll find
snuggly and trendy hats, shawls, mitts, mittens, scarves,
and cowls designed for your favorite DK, worsted, and bulky
yarns.
- Easy tips make converting patterns to different yarn
weights effortless
- Projects feature a variety of
textured stitches, including cables and
lace
- Fashion-forward accessories are perfect for
handmade gifts, or just for you
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