I did read this book however and it was so good.
"Sweater Quest, my year of knitting dangerously," by Adrienne Martini. I think both knitters and non-knitters would enjoy this book. It reminded me of a gossip magazine for the knitting world. For the non-knitters out there, you will not believe some of the things that went/go on in the knitting world. It does say if you enjoyed the movie, "Julie and Julia," this is the knitting equivalent; and I totally agree.
The book is centred around the author who wants to knit a "Mary Tudor," sweater. Now for those of us who is not in the know like I was, the first thing you think is how can someone write a whole book about a bloody sweater/cardigan? However before you know it you are sucked right into this real life story. I was also sitting with my mouth open at the story behind the designer of the sweater pattern Alice Starmore. Oh, I hope to goodness she doesn't sue me for mentioning her name? She is what I would call trigger happy when it comes to suing folk.
If you enjoy looking up things on Google this book is also for you, as there are so many names, things and places I had to look up, just to see what's what. Chapter 7 was of interest to me as the author travels to Toronto to meet with various knitting people, so more places and people to look up. The author does kindly say, "Given that I don't live in Toronto, which is quickly becoming the center stitch in the modern knitting world......." that makes me realize I have a lot more learning and day tripping to do right on my own door step.
Obviously the one thing you have to look up at the end of the book, is the cardigan that the author ended up knitting. It is a piece of art, you can see a photo of it here, that is also where you can read more about the author of the book Adrienne. Make sure you click on the photos to see the detail, it is gorgeous, and no wonder people ooh and aah over it.
Here are links to other things mentioned in the book:
Virtual Yarns
New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck
Yarn Harlot - Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Purple Purl
Amy R. Singer - Knitty.com
Lettuce Knit
The Knitter's Review Retreat
Camilla Valley Farms - super close to where I live.
There are many more interesting people and places mentioned in this book.
Stars out 5 : 5 Loved the book, very interesting. Well worth the read even if you don't knit.
Had another
Too see more blog posts in this week's Yarn Along with Ginny, please click on this link.
27 comments:
That cardigan is absolutely beautiful.
J x
Looks like a good book to read - the cardigan she made is gorgeous.
Delightful brooch but the book sounds amazing. It is now on my list to read.
Interesting post. Too bad I am such a crappy knitter.
Just had a look at eh cardigan and it looks amazing. Her comment about the sleeves has got me really wanting to read the book now lol I am going to find it and read it. Love your flower. So very cute
Great review! And the broach is sweet. I still can't knit.
I love the brooch, what a happy little piece!
Hmmm, my daughter's birthday is coming up... the book sounds like it would be perfect for her.
Your brooch turned out lovely. That book sounds good and I'll check for it at the library this week.
That brooch is very creative. Who needs diamonds for jewellery when you have a knitter in the family?
I have that book. I started reading it and got side tracked. I'll have to get back to it!
I've heard of this book.....but had totally forgotten about it. I have a bunch of Alice Starmore's design books and have been intimidated by each and every one!!!! (I've heard that suing report, too!) In some respects, she makes Kaffe Fassett look do-able!! (I've actually done one of his designs.)
Love the little brooch....perfect project for the summer.
The book sounds good...not a knitter but I can believe still see it being a fun read. Will come back later to visit links, though I did click to see that sweater!
Amazing sweater! The book sounds interesting. You would like the books by The Yarn Harlot, and her blog is very entertaining also. Nice job on the brooch.
What a pretty brooch! That book looks very interesting. I think I'm going to look it up and see if our librarian can't get it in for me :)
Your brooch is beautiful and your book sounds fun! That is a gorgeous sweater.
I have read the book already but you make me want to go to the library and check it out again! The brooch is lovely. with all the knitting I do, magic loop is something I have never mastered.
Blessings,
Betsy
Love your brooch. I wish that I knew how to crochet pretty flowers like that.
If I lived closer, I would ask you to teach me:)
Have a wonderful week.
Connie :)
It is a pretty brooch! I've done the odd inadvertent delete on a comment myself.
Another great book to look for. Thanks Gill! Beautiful brooch.
Your brooch is very pretty Gill.
As a knitter I can appreciate the amount of work that went into the cardigan. It really I'd a work of art. What will she do next I wonder?
Wow, what a cardigan. Perhaps it should be hung up on a wall rather than be worn.
xx
I wouldn't normally consider a knitting related book unless it was a reference one but your description has me intrigued :)
You would so enjoy Debbie Macomber's books. Especially any of her Blossom Street books.. The Shop on Blossom Street and Summer on Blossom Street are a couple of the titles. She also does knitting for charities.
I'll have to tell my daughter about this book as she is quite the knitter...although she may already know about it. The sweater the author knit sure is a beauty! Nice job on the brooch!
Lovely brooch, simple but so effective.
The concept of knitted flowers awes me. As a crocheter I understand them, but knitted flowers...much too complicated for me to comprehend. And yours is so pretty.
The book sounds really interesting, I'll look out for it!
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