Wednesday, November 21, 2012

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. 


55 comments:

Angelique said...

I'm reading Cinder by Marissa Meyer. :)

cindymen said...

Cutting For Stone
by
Abraham Verghese

Kay said...

I just started Dear John by Nicholas Sparks and have realized it might be a bit poignant along with the waves of nostalgia that hit me over the Thanksgiving holiday. But this great, new knitting book would be just the thing to lift my spirits! (hint, hint oh random number generator) ;)

Ellen said...

I am reading "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn.

Thanks for having this giveaway and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Joanne Perrow said...

I'm reading Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich - always a funny read.

Sheila said...

I just started Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

deidre said...

I am reading The Speed Queen by Stewart O'Nan. (holiday material right?) Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Ciara Eirikswif said...

A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecroft. I'm a history geek.

MNetzer said...

I'm reading Reached by Allie Condie. Although I have to give a hearty second to Joanne Perrow's Janet Evanovich title, they are so fun to read! Happy Thanksgiving!

kat said...

I'm reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I'm reading Pride and Prejudice on my nook....last book I finished was The House at Riverton...

AC Smith said...

Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, by Mark Beck. It's all textbooks, for me!

JudyAnn said...

I'm reading The Ambition by Lee Strobel, also for a book club.

Changing Paths at 55 said...

I'm reading Faithful by Kim Cash Tate. Fiction, very good, Christian book.

Anonymous said...

I'm reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.

Anne Sowell said...

I'm reading Perdido Street Station by China Mieville in hardcopy and Spying in High Heels by Gemma Halliday on my Kindle

Anonymous said...

Together for Christmas by Lisa Plumley

Love romance Christmas books this time of year.
Feel good story and holiday spirit!

Theresa Foy

Ps book sounds good.

Sue Who Knits said...

I am reading "The Face on the Wall" a mystery by Jane Langton. I enjoy her stories.

amchart said...

A Good Year by Peter Mayle. And oh my goodness I want to win ... my 11 mos old NEEDS some fancy pants for her birthday next month!

indigoeddy said...

I'm reading the blind assassin by Margaret Atwood yet again.

Unknown said...

I'm reading Secrets on Saturday by Ann Purser. I would love to knit the Fancy Pants for a friend's baby who is due in January.

Susan said...

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Heather said...

I'm currently reading Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

mesha said...

The last book I read was Janice Evanovich's Explosive Eighteen.

Amber said...

i am reading wolf pact part 1 by melissa de la cruz.

margaretlaw said...

just finished 3rd book of the 50 shades of Grey series.
margaret.

Leslie Schroeder said...

Guilty pleasure-I am reading Frozen Heat by Richard Castle. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mirdiz said...

I'm reading the wise man's fear by Patrick rothfuss, it's the second book in a series about Kvothe :)
Miriam

Anonymous said...

The books I'm currently reeding is Grignard Reagents New Developments ed. Herman G. Richey, Jr. and The Orgaometallic chemistry of the transitions metals by R H Crabtree, There isn't much time for fiction If you are a student. I do "read" my knitting book back and forward, to be inspired in the evenings.
Ninnilina on Ravelry

Lcubed said...

Just started "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford for bookclub.

Would like to win the book and have AM knit the Fancy Pants pattern for her daughter!

GudrunThomassen said...

Just finished reading _Look Me in the Eye_ and I'm listing to _The Wilderness Warrior_

MotherHenKnits said...

I'm reading the first book in the Outlander series when I get time.

Rora114 said...

Just last night I finished "Academ's Fury", which is book two in the Codex Alera by Jim Butcher. It's awesome fantasy.

Now I'm going to start listening to "The Dirty Streets of Heaven" by Tad Williams, and my bedside table reading will be book three of the Codex Alera.

Sarah said...

what a great idea! I'm reading The Private Patient by PD James

sandi said...

I've got Michael Chabon's "Telegraph Avenue" in audio on my iPod, and Barbara Kingsolver's "Flight Behavior" on my bedside table.

Carol said...

I'm reading Mr. penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore. It's great!

Kathy said...

Last book I read was Johanna Lindsey "Let Love Find You". It was just okay but one of the authors I enjoy reading.

Sybil said...

I am reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James.

Savannagal said...

I'm reading two books right now. The Year of the Goat: 40,000 Miles and the Quest for the Perfect Cheese by Margaret Hallaway and Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das. I recommend both. Happy Thanksgiving.

LaurenS said...

Henry VIII The King and His Court - Alison Weir

Aprille Janes said...

Love the "bite size" projects in this book.
I'm reading "Launching a Leadership Revolution" by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward. For fun, I also have Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong on my IPad.

Unknown said...

Gosh those little pants are too much! I've had "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies" on my nightstand for months now. I really need to pick it back up again!

mamagotcha said...

An Everlasting Meal, Cooking with Economy and Grace.

When I saw that cover, maybe it was the hairstyle... but I totally thought it was some 70s retro post!

Pam Huang said...

i am reading a book from the libray called Zoobiquity. Those Fancy Pants caught my eye since I have a new granddaughter.

Vasiliki said...

I am reading The Racketeer by John Grisham

KnittingMama said...

I'm reading Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe.

Nicole said...

I also think the cover is odd - it looks like a throw back to the 70s, but then, perhaps that's the idea.

As for the book I'm reading just started The Brother Gardners: Botany, Empire, and the Birth of an Obsession by Andrea Wulf.

Rachael said...

I'm nearing the end of my first trimester and I've been so tired that J.K. Rowling's new book, The Casual Vacancy, has been sitting unopened on my nightstand for weeks! I've heard it's very good and I know if I start it I'll stay up way too late reading.

Mimi F said...

I'm reading "Still Life with Chickens". So far very entertaining.

Anonymous said...

The book sitting next to me is "Splitting Heirs" by Ron Blue (but I haven't picked it up in a couple of weeks). Most of our books are of the Dr Seuss, Golden Books variety lately :)

Cath Pete said...

Freeman by Leonard Pitts, Jr.--great book by the way.

Marilyn a.k.a. Merry said...

I'm reading "The Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" for book club at Wahoo Public Library.

Denise said...

I am also reading Cinder by Marissa Meyer YEAH!!

Lorna's Laces said...

Comments closed.

Sybil who is reading 50 Shades of Grey is our winner! Kinda of funny given the new 50 Skeins of Grey yarn colors we just announced. http://lornaslaces.blogspot.com/2012/11/50-skeins-of-grey.html

Sybil, please get in touch at yarn@lornaslaces.net so we can get a mailing address.

Gwyneth A said...

I just finished "Beauty" by Robin McKinley, and am now telling myself I cannot re-read all of McKinley before Christmas, until I finish some projects!