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Needles and Artifice: A Refined Adventure Story with Ingenious Knitting Patterns
The Ladies of Mischief Interrupt Their Knitting to Present to You…
Needles and Artifice: A Refined Adventure Story with Ingenious Knitting Patterns
Gentle ladies and kind sirs: welcome to the world of Needles and Artifice, where corseted Victorian fashion gets an energized infusion of punk.
In this fantastically playful take on steampunk knitwear design, the Ladies of Mischief offer not only 23 original patterns, but also a high-flying, busk-snapping adventure that plays out across each chapter.
Pull on your goggles and spats, knitters: you’re in for a wild ride.
The Ladies of Mischief are 12 friends who believe that if you mix different personalities, quirky ideas, a vast variety of talents and gifts, and a handful of challenges, with trust, love, and a little compassion… you can write a book and run a business. They really believe the power of friendship can encourage, support, and push you to use your talents for creative, collaborative and visionary work. And they wrote you this book to prove it could be done. But mostly they did this because they are all really good friends. And they really like to knit. And wear corsets.
Needles and Artifice: A Refined Adventure Story with Ingenious Knitting Patterns
Gentle ladies and kind sirs: welcome to the world of Needles and Artifice, where corseted Victorian fashion gets an energized infusion of punk.
In this fantastically playful take on steampunk knitwear design, the Ladies of Mischief offer not only 23 original patterns, but also a high-flying, busk-snapping adventure that plays out across each chapter.
Pull on your goggles and spats, knitters: you’re in for a wild ride.
The Ladies of Mischief are 12 friends who believe that if you mix different personalities, quirky ideas, a vast variety of talents and gifts, and a handful of challenges, with trust, love, and a little compassion… you can write a book and run a business. They really believe the power of friendship can encourage, support, and push you to use your talents for creative, collaborative and visionary work. And they wrote you this book to prove it could be done. But mostly they did this because they are all really good friends. And they really like to knit. And wear corsets.
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 30, 2024
A cute and light steampunk story accompanied by some complementary knitting patterns. Nothing I would knit so I can’t speak to the patterns but very imaginative.
October 19, 2013
Needles and Artifice is a combo steampunk short story and steampunk knitting patterns. My four stars goes toward the patterns, which I would actually have granted five stars except the way the patterns are given seems sometimes overly complicated and not streamlined enough (based on my reading the patterns). I haven't tried to knit any of them yet. Though I will! Their claim of "ingenious knitting patterns" is really no exaggeration.
The short story aspect of the book, I would give only two stars, unfortunately. Needles and Artifice begins with Anna--a Lady of Mischief (a band of like-minded lady adventurers and uber fans of tea and knitting) and one-man airship pilot--and Kristoff ("a real gentleman") on Anna's airship when it is attacked by pirates, . We then follow the fledgling not-yet-couple as they gather resources and fellow Ladies of Mischief to seek revenge and put an end to an evil plot against them.
The story was well-polished--which is more than I can say for a lot of self-published books--but not well developed. First, there was one glaring mechanical issue of a very inconsistent viewpoint. The story jumped from the head of one character to the next sometimes within the very same paragraph, making things often rather confusing for the reader. One of the other major issues I had was the fact that the The Ladies of Mischief faced basically no resistance throughout the story. Everything was easy for them. They breezed through every tight situation with nary a scratch to show for it. Also, the personalities of the other Ladies didn't quite come through in the narrative itself (despite the inset character introductions at the beginning of each chapter). I found it hard to tell them apart sometimes, and they served more as filler than actually adding anything to the story itself.
On the other hand, I liked the characters of Anna and Kristoff. Though I would have liked to find out more about their back story. How did they even know each other? How did Anna come to rescue Kristoff from his undesired arranged marriage (the off-stage event that happens before the story, to set the events of Needles and Artifice in motion). I also loved the photography of both the characters, at the beginning of each chapter, and of the knitting patterns. Some of the set photos were fantastic as well, although most of the hand-drawn illustrations or "notes" didn't quite work for me.
The short story aspect of the book, I would give only two stars, unfortunately. Needles and Artifice begins with Anna--a Lady of Mischief (a band of like-minded lady adventurers and uber fans of tea and knitting) and one-man airship pilot--and Kristoff ("a real gentleman") on Anna's airship when it is attacked by pirates, . We then follow the fledgling not-yet-couple as they gather resources and fellow Ladies of Mischief to seek revenge and put an end to an evil plot against them.
The story was well-polished--which is more than I can say for a lot of self-published books--but not well developed. First, there was one glaring mechanical issue of a very inconsistent viewpoint. The story jumped from the head of one character to the next sometimes within the very same paragraph, making things often rather confusing for the reader. One of the other major issues I had was the fact that the The Ladies of Mischief faced basically no resistance throughout the story. Everything was easy for them. They breezed through every tight situation with nary a scratch to show for it. Also, the personalities of the other Ladies didn't quite come through in the narrative itself (despite the inset character introductions at the beginning of each chapter). I found it hard to tell them apart sometimes, and they served more as filler than actually adding anything to the story itself.
On the other hand, I liked the characters of Anna and Kristoff. Though I would have liked to find out more about their back story. How did they even know each other? How did Anna come to rescue Kristoff from his undesired arranged marriage (the off-stage event that happens before the story, to set the events of Needles and Artifice in motion). I also loved the photography of both the characters, at the beginning of each chapter, and of the knitting patterns. Some of the set photos were fantastic as well, although most of the hand-drawn illustrations or "notes" didn't quite work for me.
October 15, 2012
This is so cool. I got the version where you get the Ebook right away and the hard copy once it's published. I've never understood why anyone would want both before, but in this case where there is both a story and knitting patterns, it makes perfect sense. How many times have I squashed a spendy pattern book to my scanner in an attempt to get a copy of a knitting chart I can put on a clip board? This way I can print out the pattern I am working on so I can easily see it and mark the rows off as I finish. So very handy. Also the publisher sends you a link so you can have a copy kept on your Ravelry account just in case your computer crashes (knocks wood). Backups are cool.
Just so you know, the patterns that would look good on busty and/or plus sized girls come in lots of sizes. They explain how things like long fingerless gloves can be made to fit. The pictures are amazing. I will be starting The Warm & Tingley Headscarf and then plan to make The Abundance Vest so I can join the local Red Vest Society which is currently all guys but they I could certainly join wearing that vest. LOL
I haven't read all the story yet, but the parts I've skimmed on the computer look like a rousing steampunk adventure. Here is a link to pictures of the patterns. You can message me if you have questions about things like the sizes included with the pattern.
Just so you know, the patterns that would look good on busty and/or plus sized girls come in lots of sizes. They explain how things like long fingerless gloves can be made to fit. The pictures are amazing. I will be starting The Warm & Tingley Headscarf and then plan to make The Abundance Vest so I can join the local Red Vest Society which is currently all guys but they I could certainly join wearing that vest. LOL
I haven't read all the story yet, but the parts I've skimmed on the computer look like a rousing steampunk adventure. Here is a link to pictures of the patterns. You can message me if you have questions about things like the sizes included with the pattern.
January 9, 2013
A lovely book for the money and a great concept - knitting patterns matched with steampunk characters and an airship adventure, what more could I ask for?!
The quality of patterns was brilliant and I loved the sheer quantity they've included here, as well as writing an interesting and reasonably engaging storyline. Although it read a little more like brain candy I still enjoyed reading the different chapters and the character perspectives and profiles, though I did feel like I might as well have been reading some fanfic blog... nevertheless this didn't detract from the charm of the book and if anything endeared me to the characters further as I felt that I might've been among friends. Still thoroughly enjoyable, and I have a huge respect for the excellent styling of the models/garments/layout.
The quality of patterns was brilliant and I loved the sheer quantity they've included here, as well as writing an interesting and reasonably engaging storyline. Although it read a little more like brain candy I still enjoyed reading the different chapters and the character perspectives and profiles, though I did feel like I might as well have been reading some fanfic blog... nevertheless this didn't detract from the charm of the book and if anything endeared me to the characters further as I felt that I might've been among friends. Still thoroughly enjoyable, and I have a huge respect for the excellent styling of the models/garments/layout.
February 3, 2013
Stellar.
An amazing blend of storytelling and knitting patterns. The patterns in and of themselves are gorgeous (I've ordered 2 colors to make myself 2 frockcoats and some simply amazing silk blend for the Hush chemise already) but even more, the story itself is outstanding! Even my very-much-Not-a-knitter husband got sucked into the story and loved it.
The best of both the story and the craft world. The only downside I can say? The anxious waiting for the ladies to hurry up and get the next book put together!
In addition to a wonderful pattern source, a rollicking good steampunk swashbuckling tale - the photos are just amazing. They really did an excellent job putting this book together. And as an added spiff for me... they released the E-book on my birthday, making a rough day world's better.
An amazing blend of storytelling and knitting patterns. The patterns in and of themselves are gorgeous (I've ordered 2 colors to make myself 2 frockcoats and some simply amazing silk blend for the Hush chemise already) but even more, the story itself is outstanding! Even my very-much-Not-a-knitter husband got sucked into the story and loved it.
The best of both the story and the craft world. The only downside I can say? The anxious waiting for the ladies to hurry up and get the next book put together!
In addition to a wonderful pattern source, a rollicking good steampunk swashbuckling tale - the photos are just amazing. They really did an excellent job putting this book together. And as an added spiff for me... they released the E-book on my birthday, making a rough day world's better.
March 17, 2013
How often do you get a steampunk adventure WITH knitting patterns?
The story follows the adventures of a group of Ladies who turn male/female relationships upside down, but in a genteel sort of way. There is always time for tea and knitting. (It was so nice to know that Kristoff makes a good cheese toast. I'd like to meet him myself.)
The moral of the story...Don't mess with intrepid ladies with mad mechanical skills.
The patterns are probably not for beginners and a few look rather daunting at first glance, but many of them look like something that can be worn whether or not you are into steampunk.
The story follows the adventures of a group of Ladies who turn male/female relationships upside down, but in a genteel sort of way. There is always time for tea and knitting. (It was so nice to know that Kristoff makes a good cheese toast. I'd like to meet him myself.)
The moral of the story...Don't mess with intrepid ladies with mad mechanical skills.
The patterns are probably not for beginners and a few look rather daunting at first glance, but many of them look like something that can be worn whether or not you are into steampunk.
December 9, 2015
I like steampunk and I like women owning their personalities and respecting each other while having a blast. This is an adventure story that includes tea, knitting and Amazonian sheep! It's not a complicated story but it made reading a pattern book infinitely more fun. It would be nice if there was a follow up book but I think this is a standalone volume. The pattern weren't as interesting as the story, mainly because steampunk costumes aren't everyday wear for me and I don't know anyone to knit steampunk things. The patterns didn't seem easy but would be great for someone looking to advance their knitting skill set.
December 27, 2012
What more could you ask for from a book? Adorable and engaging story, wonderfully creative knitting patterns, beautiful photos and an overall creative experience. Simply beautiful. I'm so proud of the Ladies for all they have accomplished!
September 15, 2013
I'm not sure if I really get to claim that I've finished this book until I've knit one of the patterns, but, given how long it will take me to do that, I'm claiming completion. I really do want to try some of the patterns, though. Oh Legacy Frock Coat, you will be mine.
September 5, 2014
Four stars for patterns...one star for the story.
The patterns, though, are really pretty. I'm making the sky captain coat right now and while I'm not overwhelmingly fond of the pattern writing, it's clear enough for me to know what I'm doing. Just don't read the story; it's awful.
The patterns, though, are really pretty. I'm making the sky captain coat right now and while I'm not overwhelmingly fond of the pattern writing, it's clear enough for me to know what I'm doing. Just don't read the story; it's awful.
July 24, 2015
What fun! A knitting pattern book held together with a short steampunk novella.
The patterns all look wonderful when seen in the photos - but although I am a competent knitter the written versions scare me - why do Americans write big chunks of their knitting patterns in semaphore?
The patterns all look wonderful when seen in the photos - but although I am a competent knitter the written versions scare me - why do Americans write big chunks of their knitting patterns in semaphore?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews