Review Today, a poncho is not just a poncho, worn by 1970s hippies as fair and foul weather coverings. As Oslo based knitter and author Samson (The Cable Knitter's Guide, 2017) demonstrates, it's a multipurpose garment, serving as a shawl, sweater, neck warmer, even glamorous accessory. So her 40-plus designs include not only the over-the-head version but also accompanying accessories--scarves, headbands, boot toppers. Though billed as both classic and contemporary in design, styles lean toward the traditional-cables, stripes, Fair Isle, and the like-with muted colors the norm. There is something for everyone, ranging from novice to experienced (even though level of difficulty is not indicated); each includes at least one color photograph of the finished garment in addition to good instructions. The beginning introduces knitters (and crocheters, too) to the different poncho shapes and features abbreviations, important to distinguish in this age of transatlantic patterns (UK and U.S.). Booklist, August 2017--Ponchos to KnitThe Cable Knitter's Guide is a nice mix of 50 cable patters, stitch-dictionary style, along with 25 patterns for garments, accessories and household items. The crisp yarn and great photography really show the cable swatches; instructions for the cables are given in both text and chart form. Intermediate-level knitters will feel comfortable tackling these projects. This cable book is different in one way from many other how-to books: In the glossary section, rather than simply having definitions of the cables with a drawing or photo, the publisher has included QR codes. Aim your tablet or smartphone at the QR code, and it will take you to a silent YouTube video of the technique. You may find this fascinating and useful, or you may prefer old-school illustrations, but it's an interesting way to combine paper book "technology" with modern technology. Creative Knitting Magazine In this Norwegian import, knitter Samson explores traditional cable knitting via a cable stitch dictionary featuring large, close-up, color photographs of a variety of cable swatches, as well as written and charted instructions. The cables are organized by type "e.g., reversible cables", and each chart contains a clear description of the length and width of the repeat. Chart-reading skills are essential to cable knitting, and Samson provides video tutorials "accessible via QR codes in the book or the author's YouTube channel" for each symbol in her cable charts. A selection of projects includes sweaters, throws, socks, and small accessories. VERDICT Cable knitting looks more complex and involved than it is, and Samson breaks down the steps in an accessible manner. Library Journal, May 2017--The Cable Knitter's Guide About the Author Denise Samson was born in Oslo in 1956 and started to knit when she was 5 years old. It is more common to see her with needles and yarn than without. Denise is a passionate knitter and is also an experienced translator of books about hobbies and handcrafts. This is her third book about knitting. The first, The Cable Knitters Guide, a reference book of cable knitting, came out in January 2017. The second, Ponchos to Knit, came out June 2017 in the US. She still resides in Oslo, Norway.
D**N
Introcuce yourself to a new hobby
Brilliant little book......fabulous ideas, well written and presented - clear, easy to follow instructions, with loads of photos, and includes all the motifs that are used in the book.Excellent way to introcuce yourself to a new hobby.
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