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47th out of 49 books
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39 voters
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Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures
by
Kay Gardiner,
Ann Shayne (Goodreads Author)
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 imagi...more
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published
March 28th 2006
by Potter Craft
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Absolutely hysterical! I love their common sense approach to projects. I'm not sure how many of the projects are for me, but I am intrigued by the log cabin pattern...
I'm a new knitter, and this book definitely inspired me and reaffirmed my decision to knit. First of all, it's really funny, and there's not much I love more than a book that can make me laugh out loud, because so many of them don't. Even some of the patterns made me laugh. It even had my husband chuckling (and why he was reading it I have no idea).
It's full of interesting anecdotes, witty jokes, and great advice. There are 30 patterns in the book, and they're not your usual suspect...more
It's full of interesting anecdotes, witty jokes, and great advice. There are 30 patterns in the book, and they're not your usual suspect...more
Normally I wait until I am completely done with a book before reviewing it. However, I just finished ripping apart The Gentle Art of Domesticity and this book shines in contrast. Mason Dixon Knitting is both pretty and practical, fun and informative, everything I hoped Gentle Art would be but wasn't.
This book is also blog-based, yet it succeeds as a book in its own right. Partly that's due to the truth in advertising of the title. It really is "stories, patterns, advice, opinions, que...more
This book is also blog-based, yet it succeeds as a book in its own right. Partly that's due to the truth in advertising of the title. It really is "stories, patterns, advice, opinions, que...more
I have found my knitting idols! Love the authors' philosophy of knitting and life. Next employee discount days, I will buy this book.
So I'm not done with this book yet, but the patterns are really poorly written for beginners. The colors, layout, and graphics of the book are great and appealing. However, they really should have had a beginner try to follow their patterns without asking for help. I'm sure they would have found it as frustrating as I am when trying to make this darn baby kimono. I'm sure that I'm about to turn this kimono into a horrible disaster.
The ballband dishcloth pattern was great even though ...more
The ballband dishcloth pattern was great even though ...more
Gorgeous photos, some great-looking projects, and fun, easy-going, chatty text. These ladies make knitted dish cloths seem hip, cool, and totally with-the-times (so ecologically sound!), which is sayin' something.
My only complaint is that the patterns are a bit difficult to read and full of omissions (like, how many skeins of yarn does the pattern require?). If you're a beginner, you may need a basic knitting book in order to understand the patterns here. However, the style, tone, an...more
My only complaint is that the patterns are a bit difficult to read and full of omissions (like, how many skeins of yarn does the pattern require?). If you're a beginner, you may need a basic knitting book in order to understand the patterns here. However, the style, tone, an...more
When did I start reading knitting books, I wonder? Well, just about 2 months ago when I started knitting...and became totally OBSESSED! This book is fancy and colorful and full of cute anecdotes and nice patterns. They love the garter stich as do I, so perhaps I'll start a giant bedspread quilt one day soon. For now, I'm working on their baby bibs and burpies for all the preggers ladies in my life. Not the best for beginners - I tend to go to other books for basic info.
I checked this out from the library to take a look at it so I would talk myself out of ordering it from Amazon. No such luck! It's at the top of my list now. This was really fun to read, had lots of great information, and I liked nearly every single pattern in it. That's pretty rare.
I've never read their blog, so this isn't fan solidarity. It's just very readable. I haven't actually knit a single pattern from it, but the instructions look clear enough even for me, and I'm serio...more
I've never read their blog, so this isn't fan solidarity. It's just very readable. I haven't actually knit a single pattern from it, but the instructions look clear enough even for me, and I'm serio...more
This is a nicely written book with beautiful photographs. It is funny and I got a few good ideas from it. I have been knitting for several years, but am still at the beginner level and perhaps a bit above that. The patterns in this book look too difficult for me for the most part, although I do like the rug ideas and I want to try them.
I like the look of the log cabin pattern, and hope to one day perhaps I will be able to knit that.
I like the look of the log cabin pattern, and hope to one day perhaps I will be able to knit that.
I am not a very dedicated reader of the blog, but I really enjoyed both books. This book has what is probably my most-knit pattern ever, the Baby Genius Burpcloth, which I have re-purposed into Baby Genius Washcloths many, many times. The patterns are practical, relatively simple, and exceptionally classic.
Definitely a good one to read & re-read, but I think probably I'd have gotten more out of it if I'd been a reader of the blog first. But there's some great country-style patterns in here, albeit a bit over-focussed on dishcloth cotton, which I can't use because it makes my hands ache.
Very heavy on home decor, the patterns aren't that spectacular but just pretty good. What sets this book apart is the stories, the anecdotes and how the information is presented. It's fun and different and a highly recommend it to any knitter interested in something a little unusual.
The fact that I found this pattern book an entertaining, funny read is perhaps testament that my knitting hobby has gotten a little out of hand. The irreverent spirit of Kay and Ann's now-famous blog is preserved in this collection patterns and anecdotes.
That said, I'm probably not going to knit anything in this book, save for a dish towel or two (and what dish towels they will be!), they certainly did inspire me to consider that yes, I can create more than human garments with my kn...more
That said, I'm probably not going to knit anything in this book, save for a dish towel or two (and what dish towels they will be!), they certainly did inspire me to consider that yes, I can create more than human garments with my kn...more
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For anyone who loves-loves-loves knitting, this book is a must-have! Not only are the patterns lovely, the wit and humor of the authors can only be understood by serious, die-hard knitters ... those of us who would rather knit than do almost anything else.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
My mom has this book and I have browsed through it a couple of times. However, I have been contemplating the purchase of this book for myself over a period of time so thought that I would check it out from the library for one last once over to determine whether or not I should add it to my well-pruned personal book collection.
After reviewing each pattern and reading the book through, I find this book to be fun and entertaining. Some of the patterns are quite appealing to me, such a...more
After reviewing each pattern and reading the book through, I find this book to be fun and entertaining. Some of the patterns are quite appealing to me, such a...more
fun look at knitting not starting with the basics 'knit a scarf!'. good patterns as well, especially the afghans.
kindred spirit "I wanted something I could knit without looking away from a riveting British drama on PBS".
ha
kindred spirit "I wanted something I could knit without looking away from a riveting British drama on PBS".
ha
I have read this book several times it seems. I have made several of the baby kimono sweaters and almost have the Modern Log Cabin Baby Quilt done. It is really fun and entertaining - if you are into knitting, that is :)
This book is amazing, its true to its title and on my wishlist. Definitely not for beginners, you need to have a solid foundation of knitting in order to appreciate this book. First knitting book to make me laugh out loud.
Funny with some great, practical patterns for things I can see myself making (eventually). Very intrigued by the log cabin style blanket. Has a mix of different patterns for various things (blankets, dish cloths, etc.)
Lot of really cool inspirational patterns in here. I'm not sure if I have another blanket in me, but man, their take on using knitting to produce blankets that look quilted is positively breathtaking. Funny and fresh.
I love this book -- it's probably the only knitting book I've ever read, as opposed to skimmed. The authors share many of my sensibilities about knitting -- that it shouldn't be so difficult as to be work, but should be challenging enough to be fun; that experimentation and possible failure are part of the glory; and that knitting with friends, or sometimes even just talking about knitting with friends, constitutes a rollickin' social occasion (particularly when mixed with good food and/or drin...more
I look at this book when I want inspiration. I usually end up making ballband dishclothes, but it gets me to play with colors and ideas. And to reinvent them for myself. It's also entertaining which is a good thing.
Quirky, fun and practical advise. Straight forward patterns, info on how to adjust patterns to your liking and how to think outside the box. I pick this up and read the stories over and over.
Kay and Ann simply are stars in the Knitting World. Their blog is fantastic and this book just continues in the fantasticalness. ;o) The book is beautifully photographed, the projects are mostly easy ones that knitters of any level can complete with success, and what little there is to read outside of the patterns is great just like the MD blog is. And I LOVE a book that is mostly dedicated to projects made with yarn that can be bought for less than $2 a ball in most stores. :)
My o...more
My o...more
This is a 'must have' for any legitimate knitter. The ideas are ingenious. Fun. Often purdy fast. I strongly recommend to ANYONE!
Oh! and I have read this... ummm.. prolly about 40,000 times ^_^
Oh! and I have read this... ummm.. prolly about 40,000 times ^_^
I love Ann and Kay's blog and books. They have a comfortable mix of chattiness, useful information and charming patterns. I'm working on Moderne Log Cabin Blanket for a wedding gift now.
This is one awesome book. The writing is pure fun, and the projects ain't half bad, either. :) Lots of knitting books on the shelves, but this is one of my all-time faves.
Timnah
rated it
The witty, self-deprecating writing style of the authors (who trade off writing sections of the book) and the make-it-work mantra driving the projects make this a lively knitting book that inspires the reader to try new stuff and make up her/his own designs. This book captures the spirit of the knitting movement in this era and so should be part of every public library enjoying a knitter's patronage.
The knitting patterns are nice, BUT - this book, and their second one, are both worth reading cover to cover just for the laughs! By far, the most entertaining knitting books I have ever seen!
Honestly the best knitting book I've ever had (rented from the library or otherwise). It has great useful patterns, and very entertaining bits and pieces in between.
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