Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures

by Kay and Ann Meador Shayne Gardiner

Hardcover, ?

Status

Available

Barcode

431

Description

Enjoy the practical advice, real-life knitting instruction, and irreverent humor of Yankee Kay Gardiner and Tennessean Ann Shayne, the duo behind the renowned knitting web log masondixonknitting.com. The ladies of Mason-Dixon Knitting will take you on a thrilling adventure through Knitopia, a place where knitting and creativity unite through the zaniest knitted items imaginable. Kay and Ann reveal that a pattern is a starting line, a launching pad, the front doors of Saks the day after Thanksgiving: oh, the potential! Mason-Dixon Knitting is a collection of unbelievable patterns, a how-to manual, and a crazy quilt of hilarious narrative, all in one. In this book, Kay and Ann chitchat their way through a series of more than thirty incredible patterns. Drawing creative inspiration from their surroundings, they present colorful blankets, sassy nightgowns, a delicate curtain, and much more to reveal that knitting can weave its way into just about every aspect of life. Most of these projects are the epitome of ease, but you can make them as simple or complicated as you prefer. Kay and Ann invite you to use your creative vision to interpret each pattern and give it your own personal touch. Full-color photography of these delightful home- and family-inspired knits accompanies each project. Along the way, Kay and Ann will introduce you to incredible knitting personalities, share their own knitting experiences, and present eye-popping knitting phenomena. Mason-Dixon Knitting explores the humor, fun, and outrageous possibilities of a realm in which knitting is much more than a craft—it’s a lifestyle. Inspiration, Guidance, and 30 Projects to Knit Featuring: Technical hints; Great (knitted) things you will do; How to cope with disaster; Must-knit tv; Mistakes you will definitely make; Knitting for the common good; Knitting something that looks like something else… (more)

Publication

GOLDEN BOOKS @

Similar in this library

ISBN

0307236056 / 9780307236050

User reviews

LibraryThing member romasita
At first I was hesitant to buy this book. I never really read the Mason-Dixon Knitting blog, and wasn't *that* impressed with the patterns in the book. I borrowed the book from my local library, and perused the patterns a bit more and decided that this would be a good addition to my library at some
Show More
point, simply because of the quirkiness of the stories. After returning the book, though, I found out a friend of mine was pregnant. Well, I just had to make the cute little baby bib from Mason-Dixon Knitting, so I borrowed the book from a friend. Then, I thought I should also make myself a few dishcloths, as I bought a new house. And then, I wanted to make a log cabin blanket for said friend. And then, maybe a baby kimono sweater. Well, after all of that, I decided to buy the book. I'm still knitting items from this book - the one that I wasn't so impressed with at first! I love the patterns in the book and have knit more items from this book than almost any other that I own.
Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLibraryhag
This collection of knitting patterns and information is fun and informative. The patterns are great. I have checked it out so many times, I am going to have to buy it some day.
LibraryThing member Katissima
While the projects in this book aren't necessarily too hard for a beginning to intermediate knitter, I have found that the instructions don't always include all the information I want/need. So, I would have an experienced knitting friend or a sound book on knitting techniques on standby!
LibraryThing member jennyo
Yes, I'm geeky enough to have read this book cover to cover in one sitting. Yes, I'm becoming a serious yarn addict. Yes, I have two projects going now, and I don't really even know what I'm doing.

I really liked the patterns in this book. Love the idea of the log cabin blankets. That's my kind of
Show More
knitting, I think, something that you obviously spent a lot of time on, that looks beautiful, that's really useful, that you can use a lot of great colors in, but that requires almost no stitch counting and very little fancy needlework. I like that the patterns are for very practical things.

I also liked the recommendations for where to find inexpensive natural fiber yarns. I'm sure I'll be buying some cones of Peaches and Creme soon.

I was not so wild about the layout of the book. There were several times I felt like entire pages were out of place. And the text was pretty disjointed, but seemed like someone had made some attempt to organize things. They just weren't very successful at it.

All in all, because of the useful patterns and the fact that Kay and Ann encourage people to grab their needles and yarn and experiment, I think this is a pretty decent knitting book and I'm glad to have it in my collection.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cindratee
Love it! The authors are as charming in the book as they are in person!
LibraryThing member Antheras
In 2002, Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne met on the Rowan Yarns online forum and a legendary correspondence was born. Yankee Kay and Tennessean Ann are the personalities behind Mason-Dixon Knitting and over the years they have developed a dedicated following of knitters who enjoy their irreverent
Show More
correspondence and breezy guidance through Knitopia.

Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures is a superb collection of thirty-four patterns that has knitters around the world obsessively knitting Baby Bibs O’ Love and Mitered Square Blankets.

The projects here are useful, sure to inspire beginners and experienced knitters alike. Beginners who are tired of scarves can choose from washcloths, towels, bibs and rugs, as Kay and Ann tell us “Remember: No project is too ambitious if you crave the result enough.” To that end they’ve included patterns for beautiful nightie and robe set made from linen yarn, log cabin bedspread and an elaborate lace lining for Moses baskets.

Kay and Ann provide knitters permission to experiment and play with yarn. Their Mitered Square Blanket proves that playing with colour is the “most fun part.” This basic pattern can be knit in anything from two to forty colours, as a blanket or bedspread. The project is limited only by the knitter’s imagination.

Full of Kay and Ann’s trademark wit and style, Mason-Dixon Knitting is a must have for all knitters. Expect it to quickly bear all the signs of a well-loved favourite.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MarlaF
Very good book mainly for home decorating. Teaches you how to do a log cabin afghan.
LibraryThing member web20student
Excellent, liteerate guide to knitting with a Southern flair which means there's a lot of cotton yarn used. Also calls on the Southern tradition of collective crafts so there are patterns for friendship afghans.
LibraryThing member catknitter
The log cabin knitting section caught my eye, and I have made several items using this techniqe, which doesn't require much thought or expertise, but can produce a spectacular result. Pictures and explanations are generally good, altho a lot is expected of the knitter, which could turn off newbies
Show More
(keep other sources close to hand!)
Show Less
LibraryThing member AnaNg
This book made me want to knit dishcloths again. I can't WAIT to start a log cabin afghan. I'm eyeing my windows for suitable curtain recipients. I heart this book.
LibraryThing member r0ckcandy
A fun read and great patterns. Highly recommended if you're into knitting for the home.
LibraryThing member castiron
A fun read, though I wasn't inspired enough by the patterns to buy my own copy yet.
LibraryThing member frannyor
I tried making the baby kimono for a baby shower. I should have known there's no way you can make a garment for a newborn from cotton worsted. Everyone cooed over the item, but I knew it was too big. Many of the other patterns in the book are available elsewhere.
Also, the "jokes" aren't funny.
LibraryThing member dulcinea14
I've had this book for years and it's a favorite. Beautiful color photographs, witty writing, and the story of a magical friendship between two women who met on the internet. I would say this is a book best for novices who know the very basics but are ready to move on from boring garter stitch
Show More
squares. The patterns are simple, but not boring and the color selections are spot-on.

Their blog is pretty great too, with the unique format of them addressing their posts to each other. It's like reading letters, both intimate and informative. Highly recommend swinging by there.

The first pattern I made from this book is the Ballband Dishcloth, which is fun and easy and looks great with bright colors. I learned how to create a Log Cabin blanket from this book as well, and learned about "calamari" knitting and its endless possibilities. The Baby Kimono is super easy and super cute. I have also made the rippled hand towel.

Eventually I want to make the other hand towel, the Bubbly Curtain for my kitchen window, the nightie and robe for when I drop a few more pounds haha, the Big Dotty Cushion for *something* (it just looks like a fun pattern), and the Superfancy Potholder Loop Rug because it looks cool as shit and would be a lot of fun to make.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Melissk
Great ideas, lots of inspiration.
LibraryThing member Laiane
Unimpressive and unoriginal, unless you like garter stitch rectangles and faux down-home smarm.
LibraryThing member kmajort
These gals don't take knitting too seriously - or at least, they're serious but have fun as well. Good instruction & patterns...
Will constantly be reading.

Original language

English

Original publication date

2006

Collection

Page: 0.1181 seconds