Big. Chunky. Easy. Fast. Instant Grat. That's what I'm craving right now. So for the time being, I've banished all those socks - all those small yarns and size 0 needles. Bring on the Size 13. Size 17. Size 19. How's that for the big sticks?
At the stress level I'm at right now, just PLEASE give me easy and mindless.
Now let's discuss books to inspire in this Big Knitting. Starting with Big City Knits. I know this book was out in 2007, but I didn't discover it until recently, after talking about it with a couple of people at The Studio Retreat. This is a book of 31 Chunky Yarn Weight designs by the designer Wenlan Chia, maker of Twinkle Yarns. I notice that Knitpicks has the book on sale right for now 34% off and I'm debating whether I should buy it now or wait until they have another 40% off sale. The copy I've been reviewing this week is one from the library, but I definitely think I'll try to make a couple of things from this book, as well as Loop d Loop, another great source of big chunky projects that I'm craving right now.
One thing to be forewarned about if you consider getting this book (Big City Knits) is that the bust sizes range from 22" - 35." There has been a well-discussed "sizing issue" with folks wondering why the size range doesn't expand to larger women. From what I understand, though, the patterns are made out of huge stretchy yarn, so perhaps if I make the size Large, the 35", that it might fit my 38" actual size. We'll see how that goes.
Also, the designer, Wenlan Chia, had a live discussion chat over on the Vogue website this week. You can read the transcript here.
And finally, before Vogue's Winter issue leaves the book stands, if you are drawn to these bigger knits, go out and grab a copy of the Winter issue of Vogue, which features "Bold and Beautiful" designs, including Michael Kors, Wenlan Cia and Tom Scott. The good thing about the designs featured in the mag this month is that they DO include larger sizes, not just designs for the skinny minnnies, so it's definitely worth checking out. I like these designs very much and am thinking of making one . . . or two . . . or maybe all of them. How big is my Ravelry queue getting these days?
Have a great weekend everyone. For me, it's Big Knits time. And I'm still trying to track down the jumbo needles.
3 comments:
Warning about the Twinkle patterns. They are NOT well written and the errata does not fill in the gaps. I am a big fan of big needles and yarn. I made the Balthazar vest and it was a headache at first. I have started two other projects from the book. One I frogged and the other is languishing in the WIP pile after I got frustrated with the directions. It's almost like she didn't really want to reveal the patterns for her fabulous knits.
Just remember...chunky yarn, big needles = visual chunkiness.
Yeah, that's true bulky yarns CAN make you look bulky, but that depends I think on the project. After working so hard to lose some weight, I will only wear what looks good on me. I sure don't want to look larger than I am. Eeks!
Post a Comment