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Cables Untangled
Last year, when I took up knitting, I had purchased a book that had directions to make a fun looking hat made with nothing but cables. After several unsuccessful attempts at making this hat, I gave up. I never could really get the cable to look right. That is until now - the are of making cables has now been demystified after I read Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting
First, the author describes all the tools and basic techniques such as cross cables, twists, traveling cables, and axis cables that will be found in later sections of the book. Not only are they described in detail, but each step has an illustration to go along with it. Additionally, the author provides a "cabling up close" section which provides tips on how to cable faster, how to fix mistakes, and how to keep your cabling from looking oversized and wonky on one side).
Before getting to the heart of the book, she also goes into detail as to how to read knitting charts (a lesson that I will refer to often), provides a glossary of symbols and abbreviations, and how to design with cables. She even has a 'stitch dictionary', basically a 'how to' on making various cable designs - complete with a completed color photo, knitting chart, and abbreviations. Additionally, she gives quick tutorials on increases, decreases, and embellishing techniques.
The real fun in this book is, of course, the projects! There is a little something for everyone in the project section. There are simple projects for beginners including a scarf and hat set and a pullover sweater, home accents such as rugs and afghans, clothing which ranges from skirts and turtlenecks to ponchos and sweaters, and gifts to give for friends. In all there's over 100 cable stitches included in this book - a fantastic resource for beginners and experts! I know that I'll be using this as a reference for future projects for sure.
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Comments: 6 (closed)
Previous Comments
[1] On Dec-11-2006, Melissa R. Garrett wrote:Stacy, would this be a good book for someone who has practically no experience with knitting (um, me), or is there another book you could suggest? Thanks!
[2] On Dec-11-2006, stacy wrote:
The fist 'book' that I got was a kit that had how to make the basic stitches, etc. (It was a Lion's Brand kit with needles, mini book, and thick yarn), but past that, I don't have any books other than those with specific references (like projects, etc.). I've heard good things about the Vogue Knitting book - it's supposed to be a good all general reference book. In fact, I've put it on my Amazon wish list!
[3] On Dec-11-2006, Sharon wrote:
LOL! When I read the title of your post on Bloglines I thought it had something to do with computer cables! Just goes to show how much I DON'T know about knitting! I've got the same question as Melissa - is this a good beginner's book?
[4] On Dec-11-2006, stacy wrote:
I definitely consider myself a beginner as well - especially since I haven't moved beyond making scarves. I think that if you're looking for a book that tackles cables (which I think look really impressive and hard, but this book really simplifies them)and provides lots of projects, then this is a definite must have. It you're looking for a general knitting book, then you may want to try something else and use this as a supplement. Even though this book has some great sections, it does assume that you have some basic knit\purl knowledge.
[5] On Dec-11-2006, bernadette wrote:
A couple years into my beginning knitting, I decided to try a cable. So I "designed" and knitted a scarf for my sister, with just two (or maybe it was three?), long, simple cables running the entire length. I used a very soft, bulky wool yarn in off-white and it looked great. (Use solid colors, best light to medium, in rather plain yarn for best effect of cables. Your hard work will not show up much otherwise.)
It's the only cable I have ever knitted but I remember that once I figured it out it was pretty easy. I knit it on the bus and subway on the way to work.
[6] On Dec-12-2006, stacy wrote:
you made your own? Cool! I had a hard time originally with cables because everything got so 'tight' and mangled looking. I love the way cables look, it reminds me of those bulky sweaters you imagine people running round in the Hamptons wear.