Knitting | Farmhouse Fibers

Loom Knitting Primer

Books, Knitting, Weaving

[wpzon keywords=” isbn 0312366612″ sindex=”Books”]
Knitting looms are flying off the shelves in craft stores because loom- knitting is such an easy craft to take up-it can be learned by both children and adults alike in just a few hours. If you have fond memories of spool knitting (a round wooden spool with a central hole surrounded by four small nails) when you were a child then you know how easy it was to create yards and yards of knitted tubes. Today’s loom are just as easy and fun to use!Widely available in craft stores, looms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some are circular, others rectangular, some tiny and some large. The size of the loom dictates the size of the knitted piece although you can easily join smaller panels together to make larger items.This book is designed as a hands on project resource as well as an essential reference for the growing band of loom knitters.Clear step by step illustrations throughout show how to cast-on, bind-off and knit a wide range of stitches on both round looms and knitting boards.Practice projects are provided for each technique, and there are more then 30 attractive patterns to get the crafter started. – the first book to provide patterns for an increasingly popular tool- comprehensive techniques and information provide the essential back-up manual to supplement the minimal instructions that come with the looms – over 30 quick and easy patterns for sweaters and accessories- written by an expert in the field An Alternate Selection of the Crafter’s Choice Book Club

Laura’s Review: I started to use a rake loom because, although I learned to knit and crochet umpteen years ago, I never seemed to advance beyond “beginner.” The rake loom was finally something I could use while watching TV without dropping stitches or destroying a pattern. And best of all, it allowed me to make hats without repeating my first (and only) failed attempt on circular knitting needles.

Rake loom brochures come with most loom kits, and give you the basics to make hats and tubular scarves. A more advanced booklet that came with my hand-made wooden looms showed how to make more complex tubular thingies; why, I even made socks with a turned heel! But the Loom Knitting Primer is far better than the basic instructions. The book teaches you many techniques until you can probably loom knit anything that you could make with regular knitting needles. And there are several projects included to test your skills.

Perhaps knitting is still faster or ultimately more flexible than loom knitting. But, if you have Knitting-Phobia or you just want to try something different, with this book by your side you will find the rake loom much more rewarding and versatile than you ever thought possible.

The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak

Books, Knitting, Spinning

[wpzon keywords=” isbn 1400053528″ sindex=”Books”]
In The Natural Knitter, Barbara Albright takes readers on a rich journey through the joys of all-natural fibers–materials that can make an incredible difference, both in your knitting and in the health of our planet. From the animals and plants that produce the fibers to the artisans who work with them, The Natural Knitter presents the first-ever all-encompassing look at the world of natural knitting.

Tempted by the versatile and beautiful yarns produced from the fibers of llamas, sheep, cashmere-producing goats, and angora bunnies–as well as from cotton, hemp, linen, and silk–some of the most renowned designers in the textile industry have contributed patterns to this collection. There are more than twenty wonderful projects in all, and each highlights the softness, drape, and quality of the fiber used–from Norah Gaughan’s “Architectural Rib Pullover” in cashmere and wool yarn and Vicki Square’s “Uma Sweater” in silk yarn, to clever designs like Debbie New’s “Cast-Off Clothing” in hemp yarn and Barbara Albright’s “Lilliana’s Organic Cotton Poncho and Drawstring Pouch” design for organic cotton yarn. Meet the entrepreneurs who are creating beautiful products that are also non-toxic and earth-friendly, using plant-dyed fibers and unique processes. For the adventurous, step-by-step instructions are included for dyeing yarn naturally at home.

Lavishly illustrated and thoughtfully detailed, The Natural Knitter offers a thorough and engaging picture of the natural fiber industry–and a beautiful palette of designs for readers to knit, savor, and enjoy.

Spin to Knit: The Knitter’s Guide to Making Yarn (Paperback)

Books, Knitting, Spinning

[wpzon keywords=” isbn 1596680075″ sindex=”Books”]
Knitters who want new worlds to conquer can reach for this guide to handspinning their own designer yarns. A rundown on equipment introduces the drop spindle, supported spindle, niddy-noddy, McMorran balance, and yarn meter, while the following sections include choosing wool and other fibers, presenting knitting patterns suitable for handspun yarn, and in-depth profiles of real urban spinners. For crafters who want to experiment with spinning but don’t want to sacrifice too much of their knitting time, there are lots of ideas for jazzing up a thrift-store cardigan with handspun trim or knitting a boatneck pullover in a combination of commercial and handspun yarns. Methods for incorporating beads and threads into yarn and a technique for dyeing yarn in the dishwasher are also featured.