Urban Knitter

Urban Knitter

by: Lily M. Chin

Topics include: last sts, first dpn, less sts, selvedge sts, third dpn, second dpn, work until piece measures, end sts, sts until piece measures, needles one size, remaining sts, shorter than foot, front twist, knit piece, slip sts, first sts, sts total, armhole shaping, circular knitting needles, more sts, armholes measure, slip marker, purl sts, cardboard sole, circular needles

Book Description:

Book Description It's not just Grandma who loves knitting nowadays. Young urban professionals and Hollywood celebrities are turning a centuries-old pastime into a hip, stress-relieving hobby. No one knows this better than Lily M. Chin, named "Master Knitter" by Vogue Knitting and cited in major media for her chic designs. In this book she profiles the most inventive, diverse, and inspiring young knitters in the country who are giving the craft a fresh new look. About the Author Lily M. Chin is the "On Design" columnist for Knitter's magazine who has worked with everyone from Isaac Mizrahi to the Gap. She travels the U.S. and Canada giving workshops and seminars, and has her own web site.

No pot holders here! Great little portfolio of projects. -- A knit-book junkie, I recently picked up a copy of this little number for my collection. I enjoyed the really interesting mix of projects for beginning and intermediate knitters. I consider myself to be a seasoned knitter who can handle projects with varying difficulties, but I appreciated that the easier patterns weren't just pot-holders and long scarves. I confess that all of the projects didn't jump right out at me, but let's face it, what knitting book can claim that? Besides, there is something more to appreciate about Lily's book than first meets the eye: the incredible attention to detail that goes into every pattern. I selected the men's raglan sweater to knit up -- chose a cool silk yarn. The pattern itself was easy enough, but what was completely impressive were the way the pieces fit together perfectly, right down to the matching seams. Of note, Lily added this fabulous decrease "tuck" at the shoulder that really made it look professional and downright cool. If you're from the Elizabeth Zimmerman school of knitting, this sort of pattern detail is lost on you (don't get me wrong, Lizzie's my idol). On the other hand, if your idea of a perfect evening is s flawless seam or a perfectly graduated arm, don't overlook this book.

The devil is in the details -- At first glance, the Urban Knitter does not have a lot of slick designs, engagingly photographed with pretty models. Visually, I found it left a lot to be desired. But if you look past the cosmetics, there is a wealth of information here on FORM and FIT detail that is unique and useful. Examples: there is a lot of attention to construction. So much so that two sports bra patterns are given. The directional knitting is interesting and fitting such a knitting garment is no mean trick. While some of the other items may look boring, good simple patterns that can be knit in a fine yarn for evening (cardijackets for example) are valuable. Maybe you won't be knitting a dress or a bra, but this book will teach you about construction and fit in a way no other knitting book can.

Unique...takes you inside the mind of a master designer -- I like this book, it is akin to the adage "teach a person to fish instead of giving them a fish". Each pattern is prefaced by a few pages that go through how the design came about and all the myriad decisions along the way and the tips and details that make it a successful project, from fitting to finishing. The patterns may not be everyone's cup of tea (though I did like at least 4 of them to make, well worth the purchase price) but the thought processes are invaluable especially to the beginning knitter who needs to get into the mindset of tweaking patterns. I can think of only one instance which would have been a nice touch: photos of the knitters wearing their completed projects! But other than that, this is a knitting book that dares to be different in format and aim, and that rates a big plus for me.

Reviews:

A workshop with Lily Chin at a bargain price. -- This book is like taking a workshop class with Lily Chin, except the price is a bargain and you get to keep a set of detailed notes that Lily herself wrote for you! As a busy mom, I don't have time to write reviews, but I had to write this one because I don't feel that the reviews written do this book justice. Reading this book, you learn a lot about how to match a yarn to a project, what to consider during the design process, some special Lily Chin techniques that have worked for her, how to ustom shape a knitted item to your own shape, and many other useful tips and concepts for knitting. Everytime I read this book over, I learn something new. I have read it several times, and even purchased a second copy just in case my first copy gets damaged or lost. I would say that this book is similar to reading one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, where there is lots of talk about knitting and few fancy looking pictures or garments. The book was not well marketed in that it seems to be a book aimed at hip knitters looking for hip designs -- in which case, they should have put more money into photography, models, graphics and layout to create a hip look. Instead, they tried to make the production of the book as affordable as possible, so the price would be affordable. But the end result is that the book and the garments don't look snazzy at all. The patterns included in the book are all well designed basics that we could all use. I think that they would probably much more attractove looking if they were on models or mannekins. I have to say that I haven't had time to knit any of the patterns yet, but I want to do several.

Disappointing -- I got this book sight unseen thinking it was a book of Lily's designs. WRONG! Very boring and blah! I turned around and donated mine to the local library. There are tons of better books out there and don't waste your money on this one. It's a stinker. I sold mine immediately -- I got this book as a gift and turned right around and sold it. Not one pattern I wanted to make or idea to work with. Others have already mentioned the poor layout of the book and that the designs aren't actually shown on people. The designs are boxy and dated (like a lot of Lily's designs--although she didn't design the work here, it has her stamp on it), and some are entirely impractical (knitted dress anyone?). If you like her work, you may like this book. If you're not nostalgic for the 80's, keep looking. It grew on me... -- Like so many other younger knitters, I am a big fan of Lily Chin's designs and her highly technical column in Knitter's. I was quite excited when I heard about this knitting book and it was a bit of a letdown when I actually saw it. As pointed out before, the color pictures are stuck in the center of the book so that the reader has to stick her thumb in the pages to save her place so she can see what the project will actually look like. Also, the finished designs are not modelled, they are photographed less attractively on a shelf, like a department store ad or something. It's a shame since I think it would have been cool to see the young designers modeling their creations. Ok, that's the bad stuff. Here's the good stuff. The book is well-written with a short knitter's bio of each of the Urban Knitters Ms. Chin selected for the book. Many of the designs have little twists and touches that makes them more professional and unique than your average knitting patterns. The design of the knitted bra is a definate highlight and though I know I am in the minority, I thought the knitted shoes were kinda neat. They just would have looked better if there had beem a model. Shoes (especially sandals) don't look too exciting by themselves. Advice? This is a tough one. Look at the sample pages, maybe even borrow a copy from a friend or from the library and see if this book contains the sort of things you enjoy knitting. But then again, this is a fairly inexpensive knitting book so if you feel adventurous, take the leap as I did. Maybe the book will grow on you too!

A Good Reading Book on Knitting -- I could not make up my mind for long time since some says this is interesting but others says it is boring. But, I finally decided to purchase this book and have just received the book yesterday and loved to read this book. I have never seen the book like this. The closest one is E. Zimmermann's books in the sense that; 1) it encourages readers to create their own craft, 2) the end-products are pretty but not necessary appealing to the mass, 3) people still love the book because it focuses on the process of the creation, from which people can learn a lot. It taught me to take my knitting activity more seriously by making it a "project" . It encourages you to start clarify your needs, to set goals and to choose strategies and etc. Just like you are required to do at work or school. It is relatively small in size (8" X 8") so that I could put it my bag to read in commuter train every morning. The patterns may not be as gorgeous as the ones which is created for more commercial purpose. They are rather simple, meeting somebody else's needs. However, I could find 5 items I like to knit myself out of 20 items shown. If your purpose is to find lovely commercial patterns to start right now, this book would be waste of your time and money. If you enjoy reading and thinking about knitting, and love to create your own project, this is a good reading book. A motivational book for young knitters --- I'm really disappointed that many of the other customer reviews of this book failed to mention the great personal stories about young, urban knitters. I haven't even tried any of the patterns yet, but I have enjoyed reading the stories about how these knitters learned to knit, where they find time to knit, and the challenges they have in creating new designs. These are patterns work by real people who worked with Lily - not patterns designed for size 2 people - give me a break. I'm glad that Lily realizes that not all people who knit (or crochet) are plain-Janes who live in the sticks. There are a couple of designs by young men and the women featured range from students to investment banker. BTW, her defination of young, urban knitters are people under 40 years old who lived within city limits. Knitters come in all sizes, shapes and colors - and in this book you'll read about such people. If you enjoy learning about new people and reading about knitting and the process of developing projects I think you'll enjoy this book. Yes, some of the patterns may seem "dull" to some of you, but if you don't know what you're doing, or if you're intimidated at the idea of knitting clothing or accessories you will probably feel as motivated as I did after I read this book. It's unlike seeing an cool knit tank top in a magazine or pattern book and only having the patten to go by, this book offers you a little commentary about the techniques used in designing the pieces. I am going to try the sleevless tank top and/or the cheniile pillow one day. Even if you don't care for the patterns in the book, or if you're still uncomfortable trying to complete a sweater or a pair of socks, I think that you may still enjoy reading about other people who enjoy knitting (or aspire to knit) as much as you do - no matter how old you are.

Not your typical pattern book -- If you are looking for a 'typical' knitting pattern book, this isn't it. If you are looking for a good read and a profile of the new generation of knitters, buy this book. Lily walks us through the design process and opens up the possibilities of 'doing it yourself'. Yes, the garments would look better on models, but then the book would cost more, too. I got to see the garments at Stitches West, the photos don't do them justice. Again, consider the bargin price. All in all, glad it is on my shelf. Has Something for Everyone -- Lily Chin's name should be enough to make all knitters give this book serious consideration, even those of us who are way past young, or hip, and who may even be (whisper) grandmothers. While you will never catch me in a hand knit bra, I have to admire the talent Lily displays in designing one. My to-knit list from this book will include the Apron Front Halter Top for my teenage granddaughter, the Log Cabin Baby Blanket for a new baby and socks for myself. There is something for everyone here, along with loads of information about design process and knitting technique. A lame book from a great designer -- As a long-time knitter (though maybe no longer a YOUNG Urban Knitter anymore), I honestly thought I would enjoy this book -- Lily Chin's designs in so many knitting magazines are always stunning and "fashion forward" in their engineering and up-to-the-minute designs. So I really looked forward to this book's publication and having it in my own personal knitting library. But, sadly, this book just didn't cut it for me. It was boring. Boring. Boring. It's production value was weird: the actual knitted garments are all clumped in the center of the book, so that you have to leaf back and forth, back and forth, from the pattern to the photo -- and that's NUTS! And nobody is ever seen modelling them, so that, laying flat, they are all out of context. And, quite frankly, none of them struck a sense of "fashion" with me -- they're all just kind of weird. I'm sure there are fellow knitters who will love this book, and to them I say, "Great!" But for me, this book just didn't hit the heights I KNOW Lily Chin is capable of hitting. Adventurous and thought-provoking new knitting book -- I bought Lily's book at the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in February, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Several knitters attending the retreat told me that there were some techniques in there that alone made the book worth buying. Once I got it home I found myself studying the innovative designs for shoes (several styles, with directions for everything, from soles to tops), bras (with details which which combine design and functionality very well), and a variety of other garments. Apparently Lily met with each knitter (HYUK) both by email and in person, and worked with each one to develop a pattern for the garment they dreamed of. Some knitters took the lead and Lily had little to do but support them; others gave Lily an idea and she helped them identify what they really wanted. Then together they created a design which met the vision as well as incorporated interesting knitting techniques. Yes, the knitters who told me to buy it for the knitting ideas alone were right. I may never knit anything out of it, but Lily's gift for thinking clearly and communicating her process of working out knitting designs is well-documented in this innovative book, and leaves the reader a more competent knitter. And yes, there are not just patterns for shoes and bras in here, but also sweaters, tops, dresses, etc. Whether you are a young, hip, and urban knitter or a young-at-heart, widening-at-the-hip, and rural knitter like me, you will find this collection of patterns, insights into the design process, and narratives about a delightful variety of HYUK's to be worthwhile. Besides, I have always been fascinated by the idea of making shoes, and anyone who figures out how to construct knit shoes with functional soles, capable of going out on the town and not just into the bedroom, is a hero to me. Don't just skim this book, read it, and you will be grateful you did.