Melissa's latest book is Circular Knitting. It's part of the Teach Yourself Visually Series that Wiley publishes. The idea behind the series is to use minimal text and maximum illustrations to get the point across. While I'm no expert on pedagogical theory, I think knitters as a whole are a visual lot so this makes sense to me.
This book is pretty much soup to nuts. It starts out with a discussion of the pros and cons of circular knitting along with recommendations for needles, yarns and tools that might come in handy. It then goes on to talk about different methods and special techniques of circular knitting. All the while, there are lots of pictures, diagrams and drawings to help you visualize the process.
The middle section of the book is projects. Again, she walks you through from starter projects like potholders and mitts all the way through scary things like steeks. (Eeks!) Each pattern has a nifty little section called "Plan Your Project" where Melissa holds your hand through the process of picking things like your circular knitting technique, yarn, size, stitch pattern etc.
Melissa finishes up with a brief stitch dictionary designed to serve as a springboard to allow you to take the projects in the book and customize them to your own tastes. All in all, this is a great introduction to a way of knitting that is becoming more and more popular all the time.
Lorna's Laces is featured in one of the intermediate projects, Basic Socks, Kids to Adults. The instructions are clear and concise and provide a template to make any size socks in several gauges. This is a feature that will keep me picking up this book again and again.
And this sweet little baby set, Infant's Cardigan, Hat and Booties, is in the advanced project section of the book.
It's knit from our Honor yarn in the Calumet colorway. Seems like a fun project for a lucky baby!
Speaking of lucky...would you like a copy for yourself? I have a signed copy right here on my desk waiting for a good home. Leave a comment here until 5PM CDT on Friday, June 24th and we'll pick a winner with the ever-so-popular random number generator.
64 comments:
I enjoy circular knitting, but could definitely use a few pointers. Thanks for the interesting review of the book.
I would love to win this book! Melissa is such a great teacher and her patterns are wonderful and straightforward.
I would love to knit that cute baby set. Pick me random number generator.
I love the baby set.
that baby set is beautiful! would love to knit this for my first niece / nephew coming soon!
Cute patterns and learning new things is just an awesome combo! I'd love to win this book!
I've just lately discovered the joys of circular knitting and as such could use a book on it. NO SEWING!!! Thanks.
C'mon random numbers... go my way! What a great reference that would be... I can't imagine I'll ever be brave enough to steek!
Would love a copy! The first project I did when I was taught to knit was a hat on circulars. That was brilliant because I was scared of knitting to begin with, and circular knitting especially. It got me over my fears straight away!
Taught myself to knit about 2 years ago when my health cut down on my movement. I have knitted with circular needles, I have even mastered double-points, but I am so scared to try socks! Is that normal??? LOL...
Thanks for an opportunity to win. I am on the cusp of teaching myself to knit socks.. .this book would likely be a great resource!
Heck yeah I'd like to win a copy! I'm always looking for new techniques/tricks to learn.
I've just started my love affair with socks. They are scary at first but jumping in blindly and following the instructions like religion helped. Love it!
Melissa's books are always chock full of information!
Wow, I would love the opportunity to knit with this book! Come on random generator, mama needs a new book!
Circular knitting rocks - minimal seaming has to be a good thing!
This book would be an excellent addition to my knitting library..thanks for the chance to win!
how lovely and the baby set is so cute vbarton24 at gmail dot com
I've been knitting for about a year now and I've done some circular knitting but could definitely use some pointers!
would love to learn how to change flat patterns to circular....it would be another mystery solved!
A knitter never get to many good books! So yes I`d like to win a copy :)
Love love love to expand my knitting library. Thanks LL for the giveaway and thanks MMO for what I'm sure is a great book!
Would love to try the sock pattern with Solemate yarn!
I love you random number generator! And I love circular knitting, too. Pick me please :)
That basic sock pattern is my favorite! I just made a pair for myself using Shepherd Worsted Gold Hill and a pair for a friend using Franklin's color :)
Eeek steek, indeed. I bet with Melissa holding my hand, I could do it.
I would love a chance to win this book. Thank you for
giving us an opportunity. Circular knitting rocks!
I would love a copy of the book!
Would LOVE a copy. I could use advanced circular techniques.
Melissa's a wonderful teacher, would love her book in my house.
What a lovely baby set! And, a great prize, too.
This looks like a great book. Would love to add it to my library!
I'm itching to start baby knitting for a friend due in December. Would love the book just to get my hands on the baby set patterns.
Circular knitting is the only way to go. I'm considering giving away all my straights and double points. Well, maybe....
What a great book. Your review makes it seem like I really need it. Goodness knows I could use all the help I can get!
Love Circular knitting, love to learn more!
Have both her other books and learned to knit socks from them, no second sock syndrome. They are so clear and easy to use, I love them and would love to have a complete set.
Ooh! I want! I want!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Eliana
Thanks for the generous giveaway! The baby set is beautiful.
Visually is the only way to go. Try finding a teacher at 10:30 p.m...or on holidays or while you are on vacation...
Looking forward to seeing the book!
Cynthia
I'd love to have the signed copy! The baby things are adorable.
It would be great to have another of Melissa's terrific books. I'd love to win this one!!
I am enjoying all these different reviews of the book. Like the baby set you picked to show. Wish I had some babies to knit for.
It sounds like a must-have book! Please include me in the lottery.
I don't have that many knitting books and one about circular knitting would be very welcome, especially if it explains steeks. And of course the baby set would be cute too for my december baby to be born.
Circular knit whenever possible, but could use the tips.
On Ravelry - Harleyboy
Wait, is there more than one way to circular knit? I need to learn more!
What an adorable baby sweater!
Circular knitting is the best! Around and around and before you know it, it's done!
Sure, you can never have enough books and visual tips are often better for me anyway. I'd love to see the book.
The more I read about this book the better it sounds.
That definitely looks interesting! Thanks!
I've been anxiously waiting to see this book. Would love to win it.
I have both of Melissa's 2-at-a time books and love them! I would love a copy of her new book. Thanks for the review and opportunity to win the bok.
I have wanted this book ever since I heard about it. I'd love to have it to increase my circular knitting skills. Thanks.
Pat Prahl
pprahl@gmail.com
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy...
I'd love to win a copy of the book- thank you for the chance!
LOVE circular knitting and books! Perfect match.
I would love to win a copy! I am teaching some ladies at work to knit and this would be a great resource for them.
I have never been able to circular knit though I have tried and tried. I would LOVE to have this book because the description makes it sound like the ultimate easy guide to learning circular knitting...and the fact that it includes projects from simple to difficult as well as holding the readers hand when trying to customize circular knitting on one's own...PICK ME!!!!!!!!!!!
Please enter me, the graphic approach is how I learn best. I have nearly zero visualation skills. Even things I know how to do, I can't always picture in my mind.
I hope I've beat the cutoff time - all those zones are too confusing for me. Wonder if there'll ever be a book to Teach Yourself Visually - Time Zones?
Am I to late? I would so LOVE this.
I just have to say charge nurse + nursing home do not = cushy life! LOL!
In many many many ways I am sure she is much happier with the chickens and bees!
Looks like a great book....hint! hint!
#5, Shan is our lucky winner. Please email us your snail mail addy to yarn@lornaslaces.net and we'll set you up.
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