The Yarn Girls Guide To Beyond The Basics
Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs
In A Nutshell: 34 fun, stylish patterns knitted in chunky yarn for quick results
I know when I’ve enjoyed a book when I immediately looked to see if the author’s have written anything else. Fortunately The Yarn Girls have obliged so I have already ordered their earlier work “The Yarn Girls Guide to Beyond The Basics” from the local library. Thanks to the wonders of Ravelry I was also able to check out their complete knitting oeuvre.
This book is entitled “Beyond The Basics”, but none of the designs are particularly difficult. Furthermore, they are knitted on large needles with chunky wool, so they are as close to instant gratification as knitting can get. 34 patterns cover a variety of pullovers, cardigans, ponchos, hats, scarves and blankets. They are excellent simple styles with a twist, exactly the sort of stuff I like to knit. I’ve picked out a striped cardi, A-Line pullover, and flared hat as future projects. What really endeared me to this book, was the little intro to each pattern, describing the person who had inspired the design.
I do have some criticisms. Some of the information could have been provided in a more understandable format. I’d normally check for bust measurement to determine which size to knit. Here the width was given, e.g. 17.5”, so it was necessary to double this figure to find the correct size. Only three sizes are provided for each pattern, so they are only suitable for standard sized people. The weight of the yarn isn’t given, so it isn’t simple to work out a possible substitution. It would also have been useful if more help could have been provided in how to adapt a pattern. I’d frequently like a sweater shape, but would like to change a neckline.
Saying all this, I still love The Yarn Girls and look forward to seeing more from them.
