The Knitter's Life List: To Do, To Know, To Explore, To Make

by Gwen Steege

Knit a traditional gansey sweater with indigo yarn. Tour a spinning mill. Discover five ways to cast on for socks. Meet your personal knitting hero. The Knitter’s Life List is a richly illustrated compilation of 1,001 experiences and adventures that devout knitters won’t want to miss. You’ll find classic techniques to master, time-honored patterns to try, unusual yarns to work with, museums to see, books to read, and much more. Get inspired and live the knitting life of your dreams!

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2011

Reviews

[Heather Ordover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me, CraftLit, or "What Would Madame Defarge Knit?" knows that I enjoy things that live between the lines--that aren't easily pigeon-holed. Ms. Steege's book, therefore, makes me very happy. I enjoy the eclectic nature of the profiles which range from camelids to designers, farms to fabric, and all the while conveys a gentle good humor and love of our crafts.
Anyone who loves to learn and loves all things soft and warm will find themselves smiling through this new book.

[V. Briceland · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you, as a knitter, are so completely devoid of imagination, initiative, drive, and the ability to make endlessly long simple craft-related bucket lists that include the following—

"Try knitting on a bus!"
"Try knitting in a car!"
"Knit a scarf!"
"Knit a sweater!"
"Knit a pair of socks!"
"Visit a yarn store!"
"Collect all your needles in one place!"

—then very likely this book could be for you. If you are a knitter who actually has a couple of brain cells in that noggin of yours sparking around somewhere, however, you likely do not need the author's inane suggestions.

If you, as a knitter, are likely to blink, take pause, and wonder what the hell planet Gwen Steege is from when among her bland maxims she drops the following list items—

"Watch the film version of Cabaret!"
"Visit Estonia!"

—then you can join me in tossing this book (which is apparently intended for desperate suckers who need a holiday gift for feeble-minded relatives who enjoy knitting) into the compost heap in which it so richly belongs.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get the idea - setting milestones for yourself - but I don't see the value in using someone else's knitting bucket list. Why not just make your own list? This is especially true with regard to the author's personal taste in patterns and yarns - why follow her design preferences instead of making your own list?

[Laura]

I didn't read this straight through, I picked around and read the bits I found really interesting.

This book is an overview of the world of knitting, not just the craft. It discusses a little bit of everything, including some important designers, ways of knitting, fibers, fiber festivals. It's all very light, and generally I am past it and have read the same or better information elsewhere. Where I think this book works is as a gift. I get knitting books as gifts since people know I knit, but it is so often a beginner book or a pattern book with nothing I want to make in it, or even (UGH) a novel that happens to have knitting in it. I would much rather receive this or other "knitting lifestyle" books as a gift since there is so much to it, every knitter is bound to find something useful. If nothing else, actually marking up the pages on a bound copy, checking off the list would be fun.

[penny shima glanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knitter's Life List is much more than a list of things to learn or do. It not only includes techniques to learn, traditions to explore, fibres to try, and people to meet in list form, but it includes details about many of those techniques and traditions. It definitely lives up to its promise of providing 1,001 inspirations for Every Knitter, a claim that is printed right on the cover!

Let's use the Socks List as my example.

We start with a bang of a nice fill-in-the-bubble list of over sixty items including: people to meet (such as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee), things to discover (swatching sock yarns), things to try (knit a pair of Cat Bordhi's socks or knit a pair of argyle socks [I'd have to finish the pair I started many years ago]), techniques to learn (memorize kitchener stitch, use a picot bind off), places to go (Sock Summit), experiences (knit two socks at a time with magic loop), and extra credit to ponder (which came first, sock or shoe?), and 14 more blanks I can fill in myself. Ok, there are many items on this list I can check off, but I'm finding that I'm now thinking of other socks I want to knit with techniques mentioned here. It's that nudge to perhaps finish the argyle socks I've ignored for six-or-so years that my knitting needs.

Following this list, one finds 20 pages of technique with accompanying step-by-step photos, historical tidbits, and stories behind techniques we know and love (the story behind Judy's Magic Cast On).The photographs are clear and stunning and where appropriate become diagrams to highlight technique or construction.

What's even more exciting beyond the basic organization of the book is the extensive index and appendix. What impressed me is that when a topic (such as CraftLit) is indexed as appearing in the main body of the book and that text mentions that more specific information may be found in the appendix, the appendix page number also appears in the index for that item. It's these little things that take this from a nice book to a great book. Why am I so enamored with this index? Today thanks to technology I'm spoiled by the ability to search information more vast than I can really comprehend with just a keyboard, a computer, and a search engine. I love books but I'm increasingly frustrated when items I want to find aren't easily find-able. This index proves it's possible.

I'm drawn by everything in this book. It's moved from being a book I borrowed from the library because I was concerned it would be too cliché and without any substance, to a book that I hope will take up permanent residence on my bookshelf. It provides a nudge to get out of a well worn rut and try something from an angle different from most other books that are begging for coveted shelf space.

It's packed with useful information for everyone from a new knitter just bitten by the bug and to knitters with more stitches under their belt and yarn in their stash. I think nonknitters would enjoy the historical information sprinkled throughout.

[Sharron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I divide books such as this into two categories. The first is "worth buying and keeping" and the second is "borrow from the library, note what interests me, and return to the library". This book falls in the second category. I did get some benefit from reading it but not enough to justify either its purchase price or filling up more of my increasingly jammed bookshelves. More and more I find myself considering cook books, gardening books, travel guides, and any sort of hobby/craft book with that distinction in mind. In fact, even more critical than its cost is the question of where am I going to shelve it? Am I willing to give up another title to make room for this one? The answer in this case was no but I am glad I borrowed it from the library.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that is best given as a gift. It's an eNORmous paperback volume simply full-to-the-brim with ideas and lists and thoughts and bits'n'pieces of knitting-related trivia and information and, yes, inspiration! But I found it to be rather overwhelming in its bounty, thus my comparatively low rating. It's really a wonderful book, but it's the sort of thing you need to sample little bit by little bit, here and there, kwim? As a gift for someone you like/love who likes/loves knitting, this would be an ideal gift. And it would make a nice gift for yourself sometime too....

[Amy Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Knitter's Life List includes in-depth profiles of types of yarn; an overview of classic techniques, styles, and designs for sweaters, shawls, hats, mittens, bags, socks, and more. There are profiles of ground breaking designers, based on original interviews; and museums, festivals, and other places and events that will feed the knitters curiosity. Wonderful to browse, readers will be inspired to master new techniques, learn about their favorite designers, try yarns made of rare fibers, and experiment with color. Knitters will delights in the challenging checklists they'll strive to check off. [Marketing Copy]
My Take
I love the format of The Knitter's Life List. I'm a huge fan of making lists, but the downside, of course, is that they either feel incomplete or too long to me. I don't think anything can be done about that.
Intermediate knitters will delight in adding this one to their collections. If anything, the lists can be a terrific set of guidelines for how to mentor others as you continue coping with your own knitting addiction.
Gwen Steege gets major brownie points from me for securing interviews with some of the great greats of the knitting world like Ann Budd. (If you don't know who Ann Budd is, team up with someone who's dying to run out and buy this book. She'll be happy to enlighten you.)
The only bone I have to pick with The Knitter's Life List is that it doesn't contain any actual patterns. It refers to various projects every knitter should try, but doesn't provide the patterns for them. Not to worry, plenty of other books cover that ground very well, but don't provide the nice overview that Life List does. Combine this one with Stitch 'n' Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller and/or Knitting Without Tears Kathy Zimmerman, and you're invincible.

[Nada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...

The Knitter's Life List, as the quote above suggests, is designed to help readers discover different aspects of the world of knitting. It is not a how-to book in that it does not have specific patterns. It is more a who's who and a what's what in the world of knitting. Individuals who have had and continue to influence the craft of knitting. Types of projects - sweaters, socks, scarves/shawls, hats, gloves/mittens, bags, kids knits, and home decor. Yarns. Techniques. References to classic patterns. Places. Traditions.

For a non-knitter, this book may hold cultural interest. Perhaps, not to be read end to end. But to be skimmed through, looking at the illustrations. The individuals and the history of knitting and the traditions from around the world are interesting in and of themselves. Even if you never intend to knit a stitch.

For an avid knitter, the book is a gold mine of information. Perhaps, to be read end to end. Perhaps, to be used as a reference. The information is probably all available elsewhere. This book pulls it together in a nice, neat package. It's probably not all inclusive either because no book can truly be. But it's a lot to keep a knitter busy for a long time just trying some of the things referenced. Take what you enjoy, and leave the rest for another knitter.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sampler platter of the knitting world. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of knitting, starting with yarn and general know-how, moving through different kinds of projects (sweaters, socks, hats, etc.), and concluding with a chapter on other fiber crafts such as weaving, spinning, and crocheting. Each chapter is loaded with suggestions on activities to try, brief articles on well-known (and not so well-known) personalities in the knitting world, and all sorts of lists: books to read, movies to watch, places to travel, retreats, fiber festivals, and so on. This is a book designed to rev up your enthusiasm for knitting, whether you're new to knitting and need an introduction to all these things, or are a seasoned knitter and are looking for a change. There are no patterns in this book nor much in the way of detailed instructions for techniques, but the last pages of the book are loaded with references to other books for further help. I generally enjoyed reading the book, but there's a fine line between "encouragement" and "pressure," and sometimes the book slid into the latter, giving me an impression of "You will be creative and original, darn it!" Still, I'm glad I read it—I'm just not going to keep it.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a trade paperback version(320 pages) not an ebook but the paperback doesn't seem to be listed at Goodreads. Real review after reading of course.

This is more of a resource book than anything else. If you want to know which book to learn something from(and then find that book) this is for you. Or if you'd like a broad overview of a certain subject, interspersed with brief informative articles, this book is for you. But if you're looking to learn techniques(or even get much of a clue about them), then I'd recommend something else. I found it interesting enough for what it is. The title is truthful though. It is primarily a list.

I do wish it wasn't quite so wool snobbish. I'm allergic to wool and would like to, for once, find a book that doesn't list wool or wool blends as just about the only yarn worth using. That isn't a failing of this book only(some will find it a recommendation), it pretty much describes all knitting books published.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know, I know, this isn't fiction, but there is so much to read in depth here that I just had to put it on my bookshelf. Also I would give it more than 5 stars if I had that option!
This book has literally EVERYTHING except actual knitting patterns, though it has lots of how-tos and tips, including suggestions on how to expand your knitting horizons that vary from the easy(knit a hat with pompoms) to the far out (go to Peru). There are numerous profiles of designers, thumbnail histories of knitting styles and fibers, and introductions to other fiber-related arts, including crochet, yarn dyeing, and weaving. There are even lists of books and movies ("Wallace and Gromit", "Harry Potter") pertaining to knitting and knitters. Whether you knit a little or a lot, this book is truly a must-have.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person with a short attention span for knitting projects, this book was great for me. I now have a list of things I've never tried. Some of them I wanted to do beforehand and some I'd never heard of until reading this book. I also feel like I know more about knitting than I did before, though I did only skim some of the patterns as I'm not currently making anything that might use them. I thought the scope and depth of the book was just about the right mix, though I occasionally felt bogged down when reading some of the sections that I was less interested in(scarfs! For some reason I'm just not into them, and it's not the author's fault) or when it talked about a single knitter too much despite liking several of the highlighted people's works.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't try any of the knitting patterns, so I can't comment on how reliable they are. Some of the patterns did look interesting, though.

The author/editors seem to be trying for a crossover of some kind with this book. Rather than just a knitting pattern book, it also has features highlighting various things--unusual yarns, people who knit, etc. Some of the features were just not interesting to me, particularly the pages that just talked about a specific person who knits. I mean, I'm sure they're great people and everything, but why are they in this book?

Also, this author shouldn't try to be funny. It came off kind of...strange.

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good place to begin for the beginning knitter ready to venture past scarves but not sure in which direction. A wide, shallow compendium of our knitting world, complete with references for those who choose to dip deeper in any facet. It includes biographies, biology of wool-bearing critters and fiber-bearing plants, projects, techniques, tips, styles, traditions, gossip. Many experienced knitters may want to challenge themselves against the checklists. The author ought to be helping shape the Ravelry website.

Fun for fans of the craft of whatever skill level.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. I checked it out of the library because it was on the new books shelf. Maybe it would be useful to someone who is really new to knitting and really enthused about getting "into" everything int he knitting culture. Actually, I will probably chick it out again and read it more thoroughly. It includes many LISTS and ideas of new techniques, books, yarns, festivals etc. to try out. It might be great for a guild to use it to find out what might be of interest to the membership.

Glad it is at the library. I probably wouldn't buy it. Still liked it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a relatively new knitter, I appreciated the scope of this book. I felt comfortable enough to know many of the knitting terms (as I have knit hats and scarves and one kid's sweater). But, I didn't know a lot of the info on different authors, etc. I found my next knitting project based on her brief interviews with influential knitters/yarn producers, etc. An interesting read - great to take in small chunks since the chapters cover different topics.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book, not only for knitters, but for anyone interested in fiber arts. There is lots of information on the history of knitting, but also on different types of yarn, different knitting techniques, and advice on problem solving. The book is set up to explore types of knitting...sweaters, mittens and hats, adult patterns, knitting for babies and children. As a knitter, I found it very informative.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library but quit reading after a few pages because I didn't want to ruin the joy of reading it when I bought my own copy. It is the type of book I can see myself pulling off the shelf when I am in a knitting slump to find new things to try. Although the book is light on actual instruction, it has several lists of techniques to try and books to seek out. I can't wait to have my own copy to scribble in.

[Tawney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once past the list that begins each chapter this book has a great deal of information. I found the lists mind numbing primarily because of their lengths, although they do include plenty of ideas. There are nuggets and globs of learning in each chapter: technique, history, personalities. Most valuable is the Appendix which lists resources in print and online. It makes the book a keeper even if you already know how to knit backwards or have worked with pineapple fiber yarn.

[Skari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Some of the lists are a bit silly and I just glanced at that them, but between the short lists there is a wealth of information and inspiration, especially for a person newer to knitting. I enjoy how encouraging this book is for new knitters just to experiment and try anything, and the pages are chock full of beautiful glossy pictures. This is one I'd like for my personal collection.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy that i picked up this book from my local library! It wasn't the normal knitting book that was a bunch of patterns and a little blurb on how to knit in the back of it. This book talked about many different types of knitting, knitting history, books and movies about knitting, spinning and weaving as well. It was full of info about techniques as well. I seriously recommend this book to knitter enthusiast. I felt the need to read every single page.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really loving this book so far,I'd put it in the same category as the Clara Parkes books that I also love. Yes, there is some repeat information but it's not a book aimed at beginners and it's not like just because you know how to cook you stop enjoying reading cookbooks! Personally I don't find the actual 'list' parts that awesome,but it's a great concept and I appreciate the approach.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically everything you need to know to understand what yarn nerds are talking about. Really a great overview of the last 10 years of knitting culture. Also, well designed and fun to read. 5 stars for telling me that Barbara Walker, pattern stitch guru and Barbara Walker, goddess expert ARE THE SAME LADY.

[Maralis Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is mostly a guide for making your own "bucket list" for knitting/yarn enthusiasts. It has many suggestions for techniques, yarns to try, people to go meet etc. This is not meant for people who like to knit. It's more intended for people who are passionate about knitting and the fiber arts world.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of knitting book.. One that should be on every knitters bookshelf. Lots of info and ways to challenge yourself to become a better and more knowledgeable knitter. Would make a perfect gift for you knitting friends.

[Probibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read. It has no patterns but lots and lots of pictures showing different kinds of knitting. I have been knitting for about a million years and can't say anything in here was new to me, but it was an enjoyable read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for people who enjoy knitting. I find the book very interesting because I have been knitting for about 8 years and I get bored with doing the same things or working with the same yarns and this book gives me a checklist so I can mix it up a bit.

[Amy Spahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has a lot of good ideas and references. It touches the surface of a lot of things and lends inspiration to learn more. I got it from the library and decided to ask for it for Christmas.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Gwen Steege's approach on this book -- a blend of tips, techniques, personalities, styles, traditions, and yarn fiber information. Best tip so far: adding a bit of moisturizer to my needles. Totally works well in this humidity!