Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag Of Tricks: Sanity saving tips for better knitting

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I am also a person who likes to understand why - or not- we do do things; when there are more than two ways to do things and why, and what is- and is not- essential to project success. One of the first books my Pop ever gave me was “The Way Things Work” - so I guess this must be a life long trait! Do you wish your knitting was better and that you had an expert knitter by your side to help you when it goes wrong? Then this is the book for you - it even has a special lay-flat binding so you can keep your hands on your needles. The most thorough discussion of swatching and gauge I’ve ever seen. This topic is foundational to project results!

The tips are, of course, fabulously on point for the detail-oriented knitter who looks at a wonky stitch and thinks "don't tell me no one will notice, I notice and I want it to look beautiful." It's a niche that I've found frustratingly unfilled by many of the other books in my knitting library, but no longer! I'm particularly eager to work with her guidance on adjusting patterns to one's own gauge, which is very much a B- subject for me at the moment. This book isn’t just for people who have anxieties or worries that they need to soothe with knitting; Chloé’s patterns even without the addition of her thoughtful text are lovely and this book would make a great addition to anyone’s knitting bookshelf.

Finished Labadee Cowls

There’s a lot of great stuff in this book, but I have make sure you also saw that illustrator credit on the front cover: Franklin Habit. So many years ago, I got to be at a Seattle Knitters’ Guild talk that Franklin did and it was hilarious. His drawings are charming, funny, cute, and informative. They make the book a lot of fun! Fan-Girl Conclusion

She starts by looking at the basics and explores the anatomy of a stitch, examining how this affects the look, feel and shape of the finished knitted fabrics and how different knitting techniques affect the finished outcome. Patty examines the problems caused by common mistakes that many knitters make without even noticing before diving into more complex knitting issues and how to trouble shoot them. All of Patty’s techniques and tips are illustrated with detailed step-by-step artworks for absolute clarity. She starts by looking at the basics and explores the anatomy of a stitch, examining how this affects the look, feel and shape of the finished knitted fabrics and how different knitting techniques affect the finished outcome. Patty examines the problems caused by common mistakes that many knitters make without even noticing before diving into more complex knitting issues and how to trouble shoot them. All of Patty's techniques and tips are illustrated with detailed step-by-step artworks for absolute clarity. And, as you'd expect from a Patty Lyons book, there is a healthy scattering of humor and irreverence throughout - you might take knitting seriously but you don't have to be serious while knitting! She starts by looking at the basics and explores the anatomy of a stitch, examining how this affects the look, feel and shape of the finished knitted fabrics and how different knitting techniques affect the finished outcome. Patty examines the problems caused by common mistakes that many knitters make without even noticing before diving into more complex knitting issues and how to trouble shoot them. All of Patty's techniques and tips are illustrated with detailed step-by-step artworks for absolute clarity. I must be honest and tell you that when I first opened Mindful Knitting, I thought it was going to be a pattern book much like many others that you see which tell you to be mindful about your knitting and offer a few simple patterns. I think that telling someone to “be mindful” is not always helpful, especially if they are not in a place to be calm, but I was keen to see Chloé’s patterns as she designs for West Yorkshire Spinners like me, and her designs are always beautiful. I have another connection to Chloé as well as her Mum is my tech editor so despite my expectations of an instruction book telling me to breathe calmly whilst I wrestled with my knitting, I knew that the patterns themselves would be great. I think this book will appeal to all of us who love to knit…from beginner beginners to seasoned, veteran, knitters. It’s always wonderful to find better, more successful,techniques and answers to our burning questions about knitting!The 35 projects in the book are split into three sections: Tranquil Surroundings, Self-healing and the Gratification of Giving, which work perfectly together – a calm space helps you to feel calm and begin the process of self-healing, and giving to others is always an excellent way of finding joy for yourself. There are projects for all skill levels, from door hangings to shawls, blankets, fingerless mitts, clothing and a really nifty pattern for knitted hair scrunchies (these are definitely on my list to make!). They’re also knitted in easily accessible, affordable yarns and often a project is broken down into small sections so that you are not overwhelmed with the whole process but still have an achievement to celebrate. How to avoid that annoying unevenness at the beginning of a mattress stitch seam. This is wonderful because I adore seamed garments, but hate that it can be such a struggle to get started. I hadn’t ever seen this technique before and will definitely try it on my next sweater (that I’m knitting right now!) This is another book that would make a great addition to any knitter’s bookshelf and more than just a text book, I found it fun to read (I was waiting for my car in the garage and laughed out loud more than once, which I am sure was most disconcerting for the man behind the customer service desk!), and it had me thinking “I’ll try that next time” on several occasions. Patty gives lots of tips on small changes that could make a big difference such as this one below, where she talks about size and ease, something that can be quite off-putting if you’re not exactly the same size as the pattern sizes. It really is like having a knowledgeable friend right there with you. The book is full of all kinds of useful “so that’s why it does that” moments. The chapters cover the fundamentals of knitting, gauge, patterns, cast ons, increases and decreases, pesky problems and secret solutions (a definite lightbulb moment chapter!) and finishing – so pretty much all of the process of knitting anything! It is fully illustrated with both how-to illustrations …