Melissa LeapmanRezensionen

Projects in the Insta-Knits books are presented by the time it takes to knit them. Otherwise there is nothing special going on. Baby knits are generally pretty quick anyway and I didn't care for the designs offered. I think you should go with designs you like.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Insta-Knits for Baby by Melissa Leapman
Starts with index where it shows the finished- projects and where you can find the instructions and how to make them.
Love that each section has timed projects included within. Very helpful if you know you only have a certain amount of time to complete a project.
Each project starts with a title, color photo is shown, pattern lists measurements, materials, gauge, notes on special stitches, how to assemble are shown with pictures.
Love the short but the longer patterns as well.
Such cute and colorful projects for babies. Charted patterns are also included.
Love some patterns that could be used in an afghan. Resources are listed as well as abbreviations and glossary of chart symbols, techniques, and basic knit stitches explained with pictures, author resources and so much more.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Globe Pequot, Stackpole Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#InstaKnitsforBaby #NetGalley.

NOT the same old, same old.

Here are a lot of stitches I haven't seen before. Thank you, Melissa Leapman. Most newer stitch dictionaries I have seen are reruns of the ones that have been around awhile, namely Barbara Walker, the original Sunset/Harmony and the French one (Tricotiere?). Leapman's book is a real addition to my collection. While not all of the designs are new to me, the originals are well-balanced, often with good play of light and dark and more subtle tones. I can picture their usefulness for a number of project types.
The methods involved in knitting the stitches are all in my knitting vocabulary. There aren't any moves that involve extreme needle-hicular acrobatics--calisthenics and twisting yes; circus-level contortions, no. The explanations of the techniques in the back matter are clear. The drawings are exceptionally informative and were certainly done by an artist who understands knitting.
A lot of swatches have both right and wrong side views. I'd like to see ALL of the wrong side views, even if they aren't considered suitable for the front of one's knitting. I'm nosy that way. I believe that dictionaries should be descriptive, rather than prescriptive. The many wrong side views take us a long way in that direction, but let's go all the way.
The photography on the swatches is sharp and easy to read with the exception of many of the holey stitches. You can't see the holes. This happens a lot in stitch dictionaries, but isn't necessary. Also, as is standard, the charts are too small with no attention paid to other readability enhancements, such as font. The symbols are even hard to make out on the key to the symbols. I ask that publishers put more effort into book design when it comes to the graphics.
As a knitting stitch dictionary aficionado and knitter, I highly recommend The Knit Stitch Pattern Handbook by Melissa Leapman.

8 baby afghans.

15 interchangeable crochet squares for making an endless supply of must-have bags you'll want to take everywhere. Five fun projects with 8" squares in medium weight yarn will inspire you.

nonfiction; knitting (advanced)
I checked this one out along with [b:Knitting Double: Mastering the Two-Color Technique with Over 30 Reversible Projects|17802396|Knitting Double Mastering the Two-Color Technique with Over 30 Reversible Projects|Anja Belle|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1380034221l/17802396._SX50_.jpg|24903912] from my local library and like the patterns and step-by-step illustrated instructions better in this one.

Months later (thank you, pandemic borrowing rules!) I finally took a second look at the instructions and figured out double knitting (as well as increases and decreases when double knitting). Not all steps are illustrated, and you have to be able to figure it out from text only, but I found it to be pretty clearly written. I looked at the special "invisible" casting-on technique featured in here for double-knitting, but decided it's a bit too finicky for my lazy hands, and I'll just go with standard, more visible casting-on, and perhaps also binding-off.

Recommended for advanced knitters, especially if they are able to teach themselves "from a book."

I was so excited when I won a giveaway copy of this book here at Goodreads. I've been a crocheter for nearly 25 years and accessory projects are my favorites! I love to make hats, scarves, handbags, jewelry....any accessory! They make perfect gifts, and are easily portable projects I can take nearly anywhere.

There is a nice mix of patterns in Melissa's Leapman's book. Everything from crocheted hats to jewelry. I took my time perusing this book fully before reviewing it. I made 3 projects, and read the instructions for all of the patterns. Very easy instructions, great photographs and fun patterns! My two favorite patterns were the Ashley Headband (I love to wear similar headbands while jogging because they keep my ears warm and hold my earbuds in) and the Phoebe ring. The headband is a quick project but has a nice finished, fashionable look. And, it stays put while I run! The Phoebe ring is made from thread and just has an awesome eclectic fashionable appearance. I've made 3 of them so far -- I love this pattern! And, the friends I gave them to loved it as well!

I definitely recommend this pattern book for crocheters! A nice blend of different projects, and difficulty levels. Beautiful photos and concise directions, too.

I checked out this ebook from the library and was pretty pleased with the instructions for fitting garments, however I didn't care for many of the patterns. I will apply some of the techniques in my sweater knitting, so it was helpful in that way.

Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps, and Stoles
An Easy, Innovative Technique for Creating Custom Designs, with 185 Stitch Patterns by Melissa Leapman
This book concentrates on making shawls using a modular form in 7 easy steps.
Make a lot of these for others at nursing homes and for other religious charities.
Tips along the way that you can use in most any pattern you have used or will use in the future.
There are so many variations even in the edgings and starting rows.
Helps you decide on the shape you want.
Some of the colors of the finished items are in dark yarns with dark background-hard to see what it is you are looking at.
Like diagrams and charted stitching guides. Like how briefly the 7 steps are discussed then next chapters are more detailed.
There are charts along the way that show what you should select as per the yarn you choose and needles.
Found the book confusing as you have to go to many different sections in the book to finish one piece as they are broken up into modeular wedges.
Good thing is you can customize the sections to what you want to achieve. Gallery of shawls is included along with all the information you need to get the supplies to make one for yourself.
Resources include glossary of knitting techniques, shown in diagraoms along with written words in how to make them: how to read charts, finishing your shawl and an index in a foreign language.
Problem I have is I hate sewing smaller pieces up, rather do a one piece design-there are some of those as well.
Received this review copy from Storey Publishing, LLC via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#KnittingModularShawlswrapsandStoles #NetGalley

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Sometimes a book falls into your hands at exactly the moment you need it. Knitting Modular Shawls, Wraps and Stoles by Melissa Leapman is one of those books. I had just finished knitting my first shawl based on an idea that started what if I did this. Exploring this book took me further down the path and now five shawls later I’m hooked. This book is both for people like me who like to design their own knitting projects and those who like clear concise patterns to follow. The photographs are beautiful, illustrations informative and the designs interesting and creative... the only limit is your imagination. I would say definitely add this book to your Christmas list if you are interested in creating beautiful shawls wraps and stoles.
Publishing Date December 25, 2018 #NetGalley #KnittingModularShawlsWrapsandStoles #MelissaLeapman #storeypublishing

Knitting shawls can seem daunting. I've met a lot of knitters of all sorts of proficiency, who complain about shawl knitting, especially the ones with a lace patterned body.

This book makes shawl knitting understandable and easy to follow. Knitting a shawl is broken down into seven simple steps that the knitter needs to follow. Further, once you have understood those seven steps, you can mix and match from a multitude of forms, borders, edges, inserts, lace patterns, or simple textured pattern created by knits and purls.

As daunting as knitting a shawl might seem, it is not. I'd recommend this book to any knitter who knows how to cast on, knit, purl, do a yarn over, do a kfb, or kfbf; but even if you don't know how to do all of those yet, this book will show you. It also explains how to read charts. Advanced knitters might find this book interesting, because it helps them create their own patterns, since each step of the construction is explained.

There are a lot of projects with detailed pattern instructions, which you can use to explore different levels of shawl knitting, as well as, different shapes of shawls.

A gem among knitting books.

There are so many knitting instruction books out there that it is becoming difficult to find new ideas. However, Melissa Leapman has succeeded in writing an excellent volume of interesting, interchangeable patterns for all levels of knitters of shawls, wraps or stoles. Knitters can design patterns by following instructions to combine sections. You will find patterns for triangles, horizontal insertions and borders which, when assembled, can provide unlimited possibilities. There are 212 patterns along with a glossary of knitting techniques, how to read knitting charts, a list of symbols and abbreviations and a metric conversion chart. This will make a great addition to your knitting library. Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Storey Publishing, and Melissa Leapman for an ARC in exchange for a review. My opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advanced copy.

Shawls are one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe. They are an excellent layering piece, can be worn many different ways and are easy to make. You can use almost any different yarn weight so you can use your special lace weight skein that you bought when you were somewhere special, or a worsted weight that you have laying around in your stash. They make beautiful gifts and the knitted shawls of today are not what your grandma used to make.

If you are new to knitting you might not know that Melissa Leapman is a very well known and prolific designer. Her patterns have been in all the major publications for both knitting and crochet. She has written many books herself, some of which I own and I really do love her designs. Part of wanting to check out this book was because I saw that she was the author. She does not disappoint.

This book is truly amazing. There are so many components to it, so I’ll try and break it down for you. First she has 7 steps in creating the perfect shawl. First you choose your silhouette. She breaks down the shawl into the smallest component - the wedge. Then, depending on how you want your shape, you decide how many wedges you want. Two wedges creates the triangle shawl. Once you start adding on, there are different ways you can put the wedges together to get different shapes. You can use up to six wedges. The second step is the choose the stitch pattern. She has many in the book, but you can use any stitch you want, from any stitch pattern book. She has accounted for how to adjust to different number of stitches in the stitch pattern, so really anything can work. Then you decide on your background texture. Choosing between a knit background or a garter stitch background will really make a difference to the appearance of the stitch pattern. Step four asks you to choose your edging and step five a cast on tab, which goes hand in hand with the edging you have chosen. Step six means choosing a border and step seven a bind off and that completes the steps in constructing a shawl. You can choose a solid fabric or decide on a lacy, more openwork design, the choices are endless, but by breaking it into these easy steps nothing is overwhelming.

There are fixed patterns that you can follow step by step with picots of what the end product looks like. What is even better is that there is a gallery of shawls at the back set up so that you can see how each of the seven steps apply to each of the patterns. Simple substitution and small tweaks give you another jumping off point to creating your own design. Of course, you can be as creative as your imagination and remember, if you don’t like it, you can always undo it! There are no mistakes. I love that you can all take baby steps and get more creative as you become more comfortable with experience. There are many diagrams and charts that clearly help you map out what style you would like to make. Even with the most basic design, and a simple stitch pattern by simple changing one or two small elements like the border, or the edging, you can end up with a completely new looking shawl. The possibilities are endless!

This book is so easy to use, full of inspiration and really limitless in ideas, I think it will become a staple that you will refer to many times for many years. I am so excited! I can’t wait to cast on my first project. Now hmmm, which yarn shall I choose??

The patterns weren't so much "me", but great ideas on combining yarns, whittling down stashed yarn.

Simple instructions for stranded, intarsia, and double knitting.

I've read some of this, and the patterns look pretty good, but I haven't made anything from it yet. The first sweater I ever made was from a Melissa Leapman pattern, and her instructions were very easy to follow.

Great collection of stories! The second and fourth were by far my favorites, but all were well written and interesting. (though the third had too much non-con for my tastes)

Will be looking forward to reading more from these author's works in the future.

Cables Untangled. An exploration of cable knitting . over 20 designs & more than 100 cable stitches. Melissa Leapman. Porter. 2006.

This book features Basics, Translating Knitting Charts, i.e. symbols and words, Designing with Cables, Techniques. 20 designs. Stitch dictionary.

This is the third beautiful book from Potter Craft in New York. From those I’ve seen, I feel we can count on them to make fine knitting books. This one is clearly set out with excellent drawings of cables up close and good photographs.

The section on designing with cables gives good advice and suggestions.

The projects include clothing, accents for the home, gifts and an extraordinary cabled, fringed skirt! Skill levels indicated. The stitch dictionary and cabled panels are clearly shown with excellent detail.

Jacqueline Biéler, November 2008

oddly limited to just one colour at a time, since i don't like many of these methods found it useless. conventional patterns, ie back and two sides when it would be easier to knit in one piece. but good method for joining yarns and carrying yarns½

I bought this hoping to find a couple of nice sweater patterns to work on for winter. I was a bit disappointed with the patterns as a whole, bit too much cropped tops etc. But probably a couple of things I'll make given some slight adaptations.½

Beautiful book--to look at as well as hold. The items in the photos look "fresh" and soothing, you want to touch them. When I checked the book out from the library, I found myself wanting to copy so many patterns that I decided to buy it (actually, I swapped for it).

This book has so many nice patterns and a stitch dictionary that is very easy to use. I checked it out from the library but I may have to buy it one of these days.½

This is one of my favorite knit books. I have made almost all of the sweaters in it.½

There are some fun designs to check out.

Matching sweaters/cardigans etc. for families or if you take another tack, different sizes and variations of similar knitted items. Some of them are quite over-done but there are others that are just plain beautiful.

Entwined hearts: Woman's high-neck pullover, Man's v-neck pullover, baby's pullover and pants set; Spicy Fair Isles: woman's rolled-neck pullover, man's crew-neck pullover, child's zippered pullover; Toasty Trio: Woman's Cardigan vest (!), man's rugby stripe pullover, Child's cardigan; Pastoral Pastels: Woman's cropped cardigan (!), Girl's Dress, baby's all-in-one; Riot of Ribs: Woman's mock turtleneck pullover, man's v-neck pullover; Bird's-Eye Bulkies: Woman's Cardigan, Man's Cardigan, Child's Crew-neck pullover; Harbor View Guernseys: Woman's rolled-neck pullover (!), Man's Cardigan vest (!), Child's rolled-neck pullover; Argyle Antics: Woman's Crew-neck pullover, man's v-neck vest, child's color-block pullover; Quick and Cozy: Woman's shawl-collar cardigan, man's crew-neck pullover, Girl's Swing Coat; Seaside stripes: Woman's sleeveless pullover, Man's crew-neck pullover, Infant's Pullover; Nordic Warmth: Woman's Zippered high-neck, Man's Turtleneck, Child's Crew-neck pullover; South Hadley Tweeds: Woman's Shaped Cardigan (!), Man's Cardigan (!); Cabled Elegance: Woman's tunic (!), Man's Crew-neck pullover(!), Child's crew-neck pullover; Casual Comfort: Woman's high-neck pullover, Man's zippered pullover, baby's cardigan and pants set