Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun

by Tracey Ullman, Mel Clark, Eric Axene (Photographer)

Tracey Ullman has been known for almost 20 years as an award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer, well-loved for her eccentric and iconoclastic humor. She is also an avid knitter, and she brings the same freewheeling spirit to her most recent production, a book she created with knitwear designer and yarn-shop owner Mel Clark. Although she has been knitting since the age of four, Ullman was, she says “helpless to make anything other than long, holey scarves” until she met Clark, who taught her how to follow a pattern and knit for real.

Passionate and funny, serious and spirited, Knit 2 Together features lively lessons for beginners and more than 30 original designs for knitters of all abilities and stripes—from witches britches and house slippers to a saucy apron and a table skirt. Complete with sidebars and vibrant color photographs, the book also relates Ullman’s personal stories and reflections on her life in knitting. This one-of-a-kind brainchild of two perfectly matched creators—one a master of knitting, the other a master of wit—is sure to delight veteran and novice alike.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Humor

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Tracey Ullman is an English stage and television actor, comedienne, singer, dancer, screenwriter and author.

Her early appearances were on British TV sketch comedy shows A Kick Up the Eighties (with Rik Mayall and Miriam Margolyes) and Three of a Kind (with Lenny Henry and David Copperfield). She also appeared as Candice Valentine in Girls On Top with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

She emigrated from the UK to the US and created her own network television series, The Tracey Ullman Show, from 1987 until 1990, from which The Simpsons was spun off in 1989. She later produced programs for HBO, including Tracey Takes On..., for which she has won numerous awards. She has also appeared in several feature films. She currently stars in the sketch comedy show, Tracey Ullman's State of the Union, for Showtime.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never tried any of the patterns, though a couple of them looked fun. But I'm a huge Tracey Ullman fan, and have been since back when the Simpsons were just some cartoon shorts on her fabulous skit show. What was great about this book were the stories of her life as a knitter, things like leaving her knitting on the backseat of a taxi and running down the street after it, screaming until the driver stopped, horrified that she'd left her baby on the backseat. And I loved things like lists of famous knitters, real and fictional. It was a fun book that made me a feel a part of the knitting community, as it were.

[Jennifer Defoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the patterns in this book. My only problem with the book is that the clothing patterns (like most books) are not made for big girls. So I will have to do some tweaking for some of the patterns.

I did like that there were stories with some of the patterns. I like Tracy Ullman and I liked her even more after reading this book. For some reason when I find out a celebrity is a knitter it makes them more "human" to me.

Overall I think that these patterns were fairly straight forward. It seems that even the more difficult patterns are easy to follow.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny stories and adorable patterns. The patterns cover a wide level of skills, with Mel reminding us that Tracey only knit scarves before she decided to make some of these things, so we shouldn't be intimidated. The patterns are the knit equivalent of the really hot girl next door. Super cute, but approachable, and attainable because you knew her in her awkward stage when she dated the pimply kid in your brother's class.

I only wish that there were more sizes given for these patterns, because while I think I could start one of these at my skill level, I don't think I have the skills or ability yet to modify the patterns. I will definitely get this again/buy it when I think I can do that, as some of the shrugs are gorgeous.

[Haka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone else mentioned how dorky the cover of this book is and I would absolutely agree. I don’t know if it’s the time this was made or if Tracey Ullman is just a corny person but not only did i find the cover design very “silly” (not in a good way) but a lot of the added photos of Tracey (and some of Mel) were cringey, too. It gave them a very annoying presence visually.

That said, I liked the book because I liked the layout of the patterns and anecdotes. The project photos were much more reasonable and flattering to the projects offered- many of them still very stylish and relevant almost 20 years after the book was published. I have not knitted any of the projects but I did add some to my queue on ravelry. I can’t say how clear the patterns are, but they appear to have a nice layout so I look forward to trying some soon!

The overall theme of the book was very lighthearted and encouraging. I don’t know about Tracey Ullman as an entertainer or comedienne, but I think I liked her sense of knitting humor to a certain limit. Her material isn’t belly laugh funny, but it’s not lame humor either. Her “yarn dreads” are super outdated and embarrassing, though. ULTIMATELY she doesn’t care what I think about her. She is one of the highest paid entertainers in Britain so she is loved by many, maybe not me.

I also really liked the helpful tips that were scattered throughout the book. I really liked the Mel contributions, but found Tracey a bit overkill. Too much mugging. Too much putting herself in the book in ways that make her come off a bit exhausting to be friends or knitting buddies with. In fact, take note of their faces on that stupid cover.
Tracey is so confident at how “funny” they look, but Mel looks like she reads a room much better. haha

[Elianastar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I resisted for years...

... because the whole idea of the book sounded just too hokey. But it popped up in one of my “special price digital-book” emails last weekend & I just couldn't talk myself out of it for practically *free*!

It *is* a little hokey but it also has many charming designs & even more charming stories! I love it when people share the stories behind their designs & the creation of their projects. This one has both tucked into every design. I'm really glad I stopped resisting! Looking forward to making several of the designs & borrowing some inspiration for several others! Really, every project in here looks like a fun knit. Check it out! I suspect you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I am.

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a knitting pattern book with beautiful, full-color photos of the finished products in use. Scattered throughout are hints, tips and short stories about the authors’ knitting escapades. There is practical knitting instruction in the back.

The patterns range from practical to glamorous, utilitarian to silly. I’m interested in trying several of them.

I’m not an expert knitter by any means, but I think some of the New Zealand knitting abbreviations are different than the US ones I’m used to. I’ll have to check on that.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun to read book of patterns by Mel Clark and commentary by Tracey Ullman. I especially like the Rowena Cardigan, the Sea Anemone Messenger Bag, the Luxe Neck Warmer and Daphne's Baby Cape. The Tutu Tea Cozy makes me wish I drank tea, and as for the Tahiti Photo Frames, I would never have thought of such a thing, but why not? Great way to use small balls of leftover yarn. I think I'll make one for my All the Colors of Darkness felted wall hanging -- I don't like the frame it's in.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun book to read with some interesting patterns.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on a clearance table at...get this...Tractor's Supply! Wow. And it was only $3. Awesome.

So I hadn't intended to read the whole thing, and to suggest that I read every word would not be true (it's a lot of patterns, after all), but I did plow through the entire thing in one long sitting.

There's like 5 patterns in this that I want to do and it's funny and fun and cute. I had no idea that Tracey Ullman was a knitter and it's fun to hear about her path. Overall a fun little book.

I haven't tried any of the patterns yet so I can't speak to their ease and/or readability, but once I try one I'll let you know. I'm looking forward to it!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a Christmas gift from Peter's mom, and I love it. There are a lot of really beautiful patterns for intermediate/advanced knitters. The combination of the knitting expert (Mel Clark) and the comedienne (Tracey Ullman) make for a light, easy-to-read tone, and the entire spirit of the book is "no matter how hard it looks, you can do it!"

[Caulyne B · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a couple great patterns in this book. It is a funny knitting book-- something I didn't think would exist in this world. I rarely use the yarns suggested in patterns-- so I don't know how available the suggested yarns are. I made the herringbone doctor's bag-- and overall I was pleased with the results. There are a few others that I would like to try.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased for Daphne's Baby Cape pattern (p75) ended up using another pattern (by choice of giftee and for time-sake) but am keeping the book because I will make this cape! Other patterns in the book are equally inspiring. Love the Luxe Neck Warmer. Ullman and Clark's wit throughout is worth the purchase alone.

[BookMouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book. I never knew Tracey Ullman was a knitter or even designed her own patterns, so that was kind of a cool surprise. I enjoyed reading the little blurbs throughout the book (and the ones before each of the patterns too, which I usually skip), because they're so funny. The patterns were OK, but not enough for me to buy the book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long-time Tracy Ullman fan I was biased towards liking this book before I opened the cover.

What is inside are eminently wearable and knit-able designs for all ages and genders.

Clear, understandable instructions, beautiful photographs, and everyday usefulness makes this a perfect book for knitters who are tired of shawls and beaded scarves.

[Knitology]

'Knit 2 Together' features lively lessons from beginners and more than 30 original designs for knitters of all abilities and stripes - everything from a lady's detective hat and house slippers to a saucy apron and a table skirt.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised at how nice many of the items are in here. There are personal little stories placed throughout the book, which, for some reason, seem a little annoying and unnecessary, but the patterns are good.

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like one of those glossy cookbooks that you drool over but will never use to actually make food. Very fun to read, though, and her breakdown of basic skills at the end of the book is well-laid out and helpful.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knitted my first big project (the satchel) from this book, and while I could have done a better job reading the directions, it came out useful. I'm using it as my knitting bag now 'cause it's a little too big to carry otherwise.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you know Ullman means "wool man"? This is just one little tidbit I learned about Tracey Ullman, that and her love of all things knitting. Some cute patterns included, plus lots of laughs about her knitting adventures.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really cute. Ullman's stories about her knitting fiascos are a hoot, too. Fun just to read, even if you don't knit. I want to make the slippers if the libraby will let me renew the book! Otherwise, I guess I'll have to buy my own copy!

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The really cool thing is that Tracey reconnected with her knitting at a shop in Fells Point in 2003. That had to be "A Good Yarn," while filming a John Waters film. There are some really good patterns that are on my endless list.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful projects. I really want to make a pair of witches' britches!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's much better than the dorky cover leads you to believe. Open it up!

[Nitrorockets · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It has great patterns and I like the way there is a no nonsense appeal to the patterns. Great book that isn't boring.

[Zelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

She learned to knit while filming a John Waters movie. I can't help myself. I looked at Borders, I borrowed from the library, and I had to have my own, xeroxing would not suffice.

[HeidiFinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good discussions about knitting with Tracey Ullman providing a respite of humor.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious excerpts from Tracey on her battles and victories with knitting. Not stodgy at all and with great, realistic patterns. I highly recommend it.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly hilarious. LOVE Tracy Ullman.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must go back and make Daphne's Baby Cape if I have a girl (page 75). Also like the Pimlico Shrug (page 108).

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns! Too bad they're way beyond my skill set...