I was in distress, angry and mad. I loved this book and knew it to be one of, if not THE reference books for knitters.
As a knitter and a trained librarian (yes, I do hold a degree in library science from an institution of higher learning accredited by the American Library Association), I can say that this was not a good weed.
I realize that when compared to the other volumes on the library's knitting shelf, that this tome is old. But for it's age it is in remarkable condition. The newer volumes most likely refer back to this book.
There is one page missing (p. 275-276, in case you are wondering). But when I looked at the newer stitch dictionary, which is completely in color, I found that the first 20 or so pages were missing. This includes the critical how to read the charts in this book section. I borrowed that once and never went back to it.
In a last ditch effort, I went into the library's book sale room.
I was trying to make heads and tails out of the filing system there -- it wasn't Dewey or LC, and really didn't make much sense -- when I saw it.
There on the fourth shelving unit it lay face up on a shelf. That precious tome of knitting knowledge that I love.
And for $2 it was mine!!!!
Oh, I happy dance through the rest of my day.
My first project using my precious book was this purple cowl.
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| This Diamonds and a Flower Cowl is knit from a cotton/silk blend sport weight yarn. Yarn Manufacturer is known as ball band was lost before I got home with it. |
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| I did ten repeats of the Diamond Mesh Pattern. |
Using US Size 5 needles I cast on 37 stitches using crochet cast on. This simple technique using a crochet hook. Start with a slip knot on your hook then wrap the working yarn around your knitting needle and pull up a loop with the hook. Repeat this until you have one less than the desired number of stitches on you knitting needle. Place the loop on your knitting needle.
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| I chose not to block my piece. |
After ten repeats of the Diamond Mesh Pattern, I did six rows of Easy Lace. Then came the Tulip Bud Pattern V. 2 followed by another six rows of Easy Lace.
To do the three needle bind off, I picked up the stitches on the cast on edge (made easy by the crochet cast on), and joined the ends together.
I hope you find that one knitting, crochet or whatever craft you practice, reference that helps you on your crafting journey. What's your favorite craft reference book?
