Barbara Benson (3) (1973–)

Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits by Barbara Benson is a different type of lace knitting reference book. Lace knitting is usually done with very fine yarns. This book is a game-changer because the lace patterns are done in heavier chunky yarns, making the stitches easier to work and also making the lace motifs easier to admire. There is a variety of patterns: 3 scarves, 4 shawls, 4 hats, 2 ponchos, 2 pairs of mitts, 3 cowls, 1 throw and 1 vest. The instructions are easy to follow, usually accompanied by graphs. The photography is beautiful, showing all accessories with multiple photos. You will find techniques, abbreviations and yarn sources. A good addition to your knitting bookshelf. Thank you to Rowman & Littlefield and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Big Yarn, Beautiful Lace Knits 20 Shawls, Hats, Ponchos, and More in Bulky Yarn by Barbara Benson
Starts with table of contents and introduction about lace knitting and 'what if' and thus this book was created.
Basic instructions on how to read the charts and the difference between lace knitting and knitted lace. Other detailed instructions include reading a chart,
other important information. What I like is I've done lace knitting using very fine threads with tiny needles and it takes forever and too easy to drop a stitch.
I love that with this bigger larger products the end result will come much faster-true gratification.
I feel even a beginner would have no problem with the patterns in this book.
Love the sections on markers as I've had to use lifelines before. Like explanation about YO's and their purpose in the lace knitting.
Love the section on why the author choose different yarn types: how the author includes both types of yarn selections in a pattern-results will be different, thus the blocking instructions.
Fit, drape, shaping all play into swatching. Swatching using back and forth or in the round-never thought about this before-SO useful.
Brilliant vibrant colorful photos show different angles of the patterns. LOVE that there is a man in a few of them making the item for both sexes.
Pattern start with a title and bit summary of the shapes and what makes the pattern
Finished sizes, yarn, needles, gauge, special stitches which are explained here, and then instructions row by row to start and instructions for charted rows.
What I like also about this book is that it's not only shawls but other coverings: hats and wristers
End has sections on techniques with pictures and diagrams and also a list of abbreviations and how to do them and what they mean in the patterns.
Yarn resources are also noted and acknowledgements. Love visual index showing picture of the item and name and page number for each. What a super collection.
Like patterns on so many and figure they'd also look great in a baby charity afghan.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Rowman & Littlefield via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#BigYarnBeautifulLaceKnits #NetGalley… (más)