Step It Up Knits

The mailman brought Vickie Howell's latest book, Step It Up Knits, a couple of days ago. I don't know if I've mentioned it lately, but I love my job. I get books and yarn in the mail all the time. Books and yarn are two of my favorite things in the whole world. Some days, they beat out my husband. He usually redeems himself and ends back up with top billing pretty quickly. Especially if he brings chocolate.

I have to admit that I wasn't enamored with the cover. I haven't figured out what it is about it that doesn't sit quite right with me, but something is off. But we all know the old adage that tells us not to judge a book by its cover and that true here. 

The first thing I noticed as soon as I opened it was the bold, graphic font in the Table of Contents. 

I like the arrows at the top and the entire feel of this spread. The end papers echo the arrows too. This is the kind of thing that made me so happy back in my previous life in publishing. Geek-y, I know.

The premise of this book is that we are all busy but that doesn't mean we have to settle on ribbed scarves or stockinette washcloths. Step It Up Knits uses small projects to encourage you to try new things and expand your skill set. They are quick enough knits that you won't get bored yet they have enough meat in them to provide a challenge.

The book starts out with about twenty pages of technique. There are both verbal and pictorial instructions so all kinds of learners will be able to understand what Vickie is trying to teach you. 

My very favorite project in the book is Fancy Pants. In this project you'll learn about going from knitting in the round to knitting straight, and how to add and simple lace cuff. 

They are knit in a DK merino/silk blend but you could easily substitute our Honor. These are reason enough to have a baby. I mean seriously C.U.T.E. 

Downward Spiral uses Shepherd Sport in the Pullman colorway. Here you learn how spacing decreases will give you a pinwheel effect at the crown. It's very clever. 

This is a nice book. I like the concept behind it and it's executed well. Nice paper, nice layout, pretty patterns. It appeals to both the book and yarn geek that kick around inside my head. Well done! 

Vickie and the nice people at Chronicle Books gave me a copy to give away. This time I'm going to ask you what book you are reading. If you don't have one on the bedside table, tell me the title of the last book you read. I'll start. I'm reading Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz for my book club.

We'll use the random number generator on Monday at noon central time.