Book Review: Vogue Knitting Knitopedia

Vogue Knitting Knitopedia, The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters, released this month,  retails for $34.95. This is the book for those that want a quick reference to every knitting term, technique, tool, designer, and fiber or tradition.  The pictures are big and beautiful, and include maps, photographs, technical drawings, schematics, and tables for every curious need. This book is best left at home, however, due to its size and hard cover.

On a more entertaining note, there are essays written by top names in the knitting world, peeking out at you throughout the book, ready for your eyes to devour. If you want to try your hand at design, there is some basic information on how to do that, and how to substitute yarns. The flow of finding what you need is so easy with extensive cross referencing on practically every page. In my opinion, Vogue Knitting Kniopedia would make a great gift for the beginning knitter, and for those that want to learn a lot about knitting in a short amount of time.

Vogue Knitting iPhone Application

This is a very cool application with many useful tools and features.

"The Vogue Knitting iPhone app is a complete digital organizing, tracking and planning app for the active knitter. Keep all of your project notes, multiple row counters, needle and crochet hook inventories, yarn stash and swatch info with you when you're out knitting or buying supplies at the local yarn store. Never buy an extra row counter or duplicate needles again!"

It costs $3.99 to download, but that is well worth it and will pay for itself with the amount of time an energy you will save when you use it. Don't forget to scan over the customer reviews for extra important information about this app.

Book Review: Vogue Knitting Stichionary 5

If you are a knitter, you probably already know about the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary series. The latest edition, Stitchionary 5, Volume Five Lace Knitting by Carla Scott, will be published in June 2010. It is wisely divided up into seven categories as follows: Easy/Mesh, Allover, Panels, Edgings, Motifs, Combos, and Chevrons. I personally love edgings, because they give added interest to something that is minimal, or to some, boring. The book also features huge images in which you can see great detail, which is much needed for knitting. There are no garment patterns in this book, only the stitch patterns for creating that beautiful and fashionable piece for you to wear for years to come.

Also, don't forget to check out the other series of this collection:
Stitchionary Volume One Knit and Purl
Stitchionary Volume Two Cables
Stitchionary Volume Three Color Knitting
Stitchionary Volume Four Crochet

Nifty Gifts for Knitters

Since I have been using my Xtensor, I have noticed that my hands do not get as achy and as tired as fast. The instructions are clear, making it easy to put together, put on and start using right away. It's lightweight, comfortable to wear, and you can do the exercises anywhere. It is a great invention at an affordable price. It would be perfect for the elderly as well.

Here is some more information about the product:

"Our hands are the most crucial part of embroidery and sewing. Whether you’re stitching, patch working, knitting, or crocheting, the muscles in your hands are constantly clinching and gripping, which can cause cramping, muscle aches and pains. Now you can safely strengthen your hands, allowing them to do more and perform better. Introducing the Xtensor, a medically-supported exercise device designed to offset the continuous gripping actions the hands go through every day. Xtensor (http://www.thextensor.com/) is a core training tool that improves range of motion in your fingers and structural stability in the wrist and elbow. By applying gentle adjustable tension specific to each finger, the Xtensor provides a natural path of motion to strengthen the muscles that open the hands. Easy-to-use, the device fits on your hand and stimulates the muscles that open the hands through the use of specifically designed finger bands that generate resistance. The Xtensor is the first device to specifically exercise the finger extensor muscles and tendons with pinpoint precision."

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Bloom Putty might not seem like your average crafting accessory, but it works similarly to the Xtensor (above) in that you can exercise your hands with it. I noticed this the first day I played with the silly stuff. You can pull, twist, stretch and bend it. This is another great gift for arthritis sufferers. I love Bloom Putty and I know you will too!

-Available in 14 different scents and colors plus 6 unscented colors, so you are sure to find one (or many!) that you'll love!
-Scented with organic and natural oils, NOT artificially scented chemicals which can be absorbed into the skin or burn if rubbed into the eyes.
-Conforms to ASTM 4236
-Conforms to ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety, F963
-Tested for lead content. Complies with 16 CFR 1303
* Since this toy can be molded into various sizes, choking hazard - small parts, not for children under 3 years old.

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Who says patterns are not a good gift? There are tons of free ones on the web, and you can just download, print, and get a little creative with the wrapping for something truly special. Some people cannot find good patterns and if you can, I'm sure they will be happy to receive them. Check these out:

Women: Katalin Mobius Wrap and Wristlet Set (when you go to this page, click the green link in the body of the post to download this pdf file).

Children: Mazie's Mittens by Stefanie Japel ( This is a pair of mittens knitted with only 2 needles! Search for this on Ravelry. You must be a registered user to get this pattern.)

Unisex: Pebbles Scarf by Teresa Chorzepa (This link opens a PDF file immediately. This pattern is from the Tahki Stacy Charles e-newsletter).

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--SAVE WHEN YOU BUY--

-Kpixie is having a sale right now, in addition to the sales they always have going on.

10% Off your order of $50 or more. code: DEC10

15% Off your order of $75 or more. code: DEC15

20% Off your order of $150 or more. code: DEC20

These codes expire midnight December 9th, 2009 (i'm not sure about the time zone).

-VogueKnitting is having a 40% off book sale.

Vogue Knitting's New KnitBook!

We all know how stylish and classic Vogue Knitting patterns can be. Now there is a way to get only the patterns that you really want from the company, in one printed book, specialized for you. Vogue Knitting is now offering KnitBook!

"A KnitBook is just like any professionally printed pattern book…with one difference—it’s created by you. You choose the cover design, the title and most importantly, the patterns. Now you can have all of your favorite patterns in one book, printed and shipped right to your door! Books start at $24.95."

This is very interesting and economical because you only get what you really want to make and wear!

The Vogue Knitting Website - A Great Resource

The Vogue Knitting website is becoming a great resource for today's most fashionable patterns. You can preview the patterns before you even buy the magazine on the website, as well as download free patterns. There are nice wallpapers for your desktop to use, live chats, podcasts, among other great features. Check it out today, even if you just need some inspiration to get you in the knitting mood again.

Vogue Knitting Fall 2008

Click here to preview Vogue Knitting Magazine's Fall 2008 designs. Also, on August 5th, the new video segment will be showcased on the website, featuring the "Made in Canada" designs.

Don't forget about VK's free desktop wallpapers, and free knitting patterns!

For your enjoyment, here are a few latest high fashion knitting designs on recent runways:

Designs from Emilio Pucci Fall 2008 Ready to Wear Collection

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2008 Ready to Wear Collection

Lace Smocking - Fresh and Feminine

Flower trim tank featured in Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008

If you purchased this issue of Vogue Knitting, you will want to view the smocking workshop that was not included in the issue, at the link above. This beautiful, feminine, and frilly tank is perfect for Spring. I could see this on a bridesmaid in a fresh Spring wedding.

Free Pattern - Valentine's Day Hearts

Crocheted Hearts from Vogue Knitting



Cute and Chic. Make a dozen for your Valetine :)