On Saturday I was happy to receive a package in the mail from Amazon. One of the books inside was Cast On Bind Off: 54 Step-by-Step Methods by Leslie Ann Bestor. I am always looking for new knitting books and this one looked interesting. I have more than a few books that explain various cast ons and bind offs, but this one has them arranged by category of use. Cast ons for: all-purpose, ribbing, end-of-row, stretchy, decorative, temporary and hems, etc. Bind offs for: all-purpose, lace, decorative, ribbed, etc. This is really useful when designing so that you end up with a finished object that isn't too tight or doesn't stretch out. While designing a few of my early hat designs I learned the hard way which cast ons and bind offs NOT to use. How disappointing is it to make a hat only to find the brim won't stretch enough to fit over your head?
The actual size of this book is rather small, which is great because it is small enough to fit into a knitting bag. It is spiral bound so it lays flat while you are following the instructions. Each step has a clear photo and written instructions, so everything is easy to understand. Each cast on or bind off has a description, list of characteristics, and suggestions for what it is good for.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of cast ons and bind offs beyond the basics. You can find it on Amazon here.
Now I know I promised a peek at the design I'm working on, but I seem to have hit a snag. Somehow I keep ending up with two extra stitches and I can't figure out why. I'm thinking I will have to knit up a second sample to figure out where the problem is, which won't be too bad since I was planning on knitting a heavier weight version anyway. It will just take a bit longer for me to get it to you, dear Knitters.
But in other news, after I finish up my current commission, I have a design lined up for Knit Picks using their Aloft yarn in 4 gorgeous colors. I can't wait to get it started! I've already used Aloft in my Mariposa Shawl design, and it is heavenly soft and WARM. I couldn't believe how warm this lightweight lace shawl kept me.
Until next time, Happy Knitting!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of cast ons and bind offs beyond the basics. You can find it on Amazon here.
Now I know I promised a peek at the design I'm working on, but I seem to have hit a snag. Somehow I keep ending up with two extra stitches and I can't figure out why. I'm thinking I will have to knit up a second sample to figure out where the problem is, which won't be too bad since I was planning on knitting a heavier weight version anyway. It will just take a bit longer for me to get it to you, dear Knitters.
But in other news, after I finish up my current commission, I have a design lined up for Knit Picks using their Aloft yarn in 4 gorgeous colors. I can't wait to get it started! I've already used Aloft in my Mariposa Shawl design, and it is heavenly soft and WARM. I couldn't believe how warm this lightweight lace shawl kept me.
Until next time, Happy Knitting!
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