Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures

Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures
by Kay Gardiner, Ann Meador Shayne

Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures
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Book Summary Information

Author: Ann Meador Shayne, Kay Gardiner
Brand: Potter Craft Books
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-03-28
ISBN: 0307236056
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Potter Craft
Product features:
  • Dimensions: 9.75 in. h x 8.5 in. w x 0.5 in. d
  • Weight: 1.1 ounces
  • Made in US

Book Reviews of Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures

Book Review: More to Knitting Than Just Sweaters
Summary: 5 Stars

When I learned to knit, I always thought of knitting in terms of sweaters. Later, I came to appreciate books such as Melanie Falick's Weekend Knitting and Joelle Haverson's Last Minute Knitted Gifts for their treatment of smaller, elegant items to knit as gifts. Reading Ann & Kay's knitting blog opened my eyes to the possibilities of knitting for the home. It's no surprise that their first book, Mason-Dixon Knitting, offers a tantalizing selection of patterns to beautify the home.

Mason-Dixon Knitting opens with a chapter on the smallest and most mundane of items--the dishcloth. With a charming ode to Peaches 'n Cream cotton yarn dishcloths, the book then goes on to dazzle the reader with the lovely textured handtowels, cushion covers, curtains, and an extravaganza of logcabin knitting.

Even more charming than the patterns and projects were the anecdotes from the authors, and the lovely profiles of the contributing designers. Knitters in blogland are an entertaining bunch, well aware of their quirks and quick to embrace their weirdness. That endearing tone shines through in the writing, with such tidbits as Ann unearthing the cardigan that her mother knit for her Barbie doll.

The projects include entertainment aspects for kid knitters and yes, some clothing too. My particular favorite is the robe and the clever idea of knitted patterns to be sewn on ready to wear apparel--thus negating the tedious seaming and shaping involved with knitting a full item of clothing. The patterns are tasteful and interesting, without being annoyingly fiddly.

The photos are well done, without making the reader play "what's the model hiding" when trying to figure out how the pattern translates to the photo of the item. If I had one small concern, it is that many of the patterns call for cotton or linen yarn. Those fibers are a bit too stiff for my hands, but do make for nice summer knitting when wool seems too unappetizing.

The book is a wonderful addition to any knitter's library and would make a lovely gift too. Just sayin'.

Summary of Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures

Enjoy the practical advice, real-life knitting instruction, and irreverent humor of Yankee Kay Gardiner and Tennessean Ann Shayne, the duo behind the renowned knitting web log masondixonknitting.com. The ladies of Mason-Dixon Knitting will take you on a thrilling adventure through Knitopia, a place where knitting and creativity unite through the zaniest knitted items imaginable. Kay and Ann reveal that a pattern is a starting line, a launching pad, the front doors of Saks the day after Thanksgiving: oh, the potential!

Mason-Dixon Knitting is a collection of unbelievable patterns, a how-to manual, and a crazy quilt of hilarious narrative, all in one. In this book, Kay and Ann chitchat their way through a series of more than thirty incredible patterns. Drawing creative inspiration from their surroundings, they present colorful blankets, sassy nightgowns, a delicate curtain, and much more to reveal that knitting can weave its way into just about every aspect of life. Most of these projects are the epitome of ease, but you can make them as simple or complicated as you prefer.

Kay and Ann invite you to use your creative vision to interpret each pattern and give it your own personal touch. Full-color photography of these delightful home- and family-inspired knits accompanies each project. Along the way, Kay and Ann will introduce you to incredible knitting personalities, share their own knitting experiences, and present eye-popping knitting phenomena. Mason-Dixon Knitting explores the humor, fun, and outrageous possibilities of a realm in which knitting is much more than a craft?it?s a lifestyle.


Inspiration, Guidance, and 30 Projects to Knit

Featuring: Technical hints; Great (knitted) things you will do; How to cope with disaster; Must-knit tv; Mistakes you will definitely make; Knitting for the common good; Knitting something that looks like something else
Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne are the rock stars of the knitting community--fans flock to their popular blog (masondixonknitting.com) for a daily dose of knitting genius, tips, and humor. In their first book, Mason-Dixon Knitting, you'll find practical advice, instruction, and more than 30 incredible patterns. Want a taste? Check out the details below for making your very own Moderne Log Cabin Blanket. --Daphne Durham

Pattern Preview: Moderne Log Cabin Blanket

This lightweight blanket in a sophisticated wool/silk yarn proves that a log cabin can go to the Big City. There is no "center patch," and there are blocks of color instead of concentric strips. Drape it over a Barcelona chair, or your shoulders, and enjoy.

SIZE: 60" x 50" (150 cm x 124 cm)
MATERIALS: Silky Wool by Elsebeth Lavold, [1.76 oz (50 g) balls, each approx 192 yds (176 m), wool/silk]
A: cream 4 balls
B: brown 5 balls
C: light purple 5 balls
D: dark purple 5 balls
Size 6 (4mm) needles
GAUGE: 22 sts + 44 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch.
Note: Throughout pattern, always pick up and bind off stitches on the RS. See entire pattern



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