Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas

by Melanie Falick, Ericka McConnell (Photographer)

Step-by-step instructions for knitting projects that can often be completed in a weekend are accompanied by full-color photographs, quotations about knitting, recipes for treats, and tips on stress-reducing activities.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, How To

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 3, 2003

About the author

Melanie Falick is the editorial director of STC Craft. She is a prolific and popular author of knitting books.

Reviews

[bibliogrrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly? I only use one pattern out of this book.

BUT I USE THE HELL OUT OF THAT ONE PATTERN.

This is a beautiful book. There are a couple of patterns I like (the chair seat using plastic twine that you knit and then shrink to fit using boiling water? BRILLIANT. I'll probably never do it).

But the side to side knit fingerless glove wrist warmers that specify no yarn, no needles, and you knit to gauge? I've made at least 15 pair. I've tweaked the pattern to make them bigger, and smaller. I've added stitches to the wrist end to make an extra long pair. This is one of the best patterns for the lazy product knitter (read: me) EVER, and I love it so. Well worth the price of the book alone.

I even made a crib sheet for this pattern, because the way it reads in the book is a bit complicated (many different sizes represented), so I have one sheets for the various versions I make.

I love this pattern, and for that, I love this book.

Everything else in the book is LOVELY, but way too complicated for me. Like I said... I'm a lazy knitter. :D (You wouldn't know it from my stash, though)

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't plan to make a habit of reviewing instructional books, such as knitting or beading pattern books or cookbooks, because their goal is to instruct rather than entertain, and I really don't know how to evaluate that. However, I found Weekend Knitting to be an exceptional book, even among books featuring knitting projects that can be completed in a number of days. Here Weekend Knitting refers not only to the length of the projects (and as always, your mileage may vary), but to the role knitting can play in a meditative and relaxing weekend. As Falick writes in her introduction, "my idea of an idyllic weekend[is] one filled with fresh air, beautiful scenery, good friends, delicious food, laughter, and time to knit" (7). As a result, Falick's book includes not only projects by multiple designers, but also quotes about knitting from Pablo Picasso and Virginia Woolf, a divine recipe for hot chocolate, knitting book and movie lists, and even a guide to hand massage for those long knitting sessions. There are also lovely photographs by Ericka McConnell, many of them taken at the Morehouse farm, and featuring models of different ages and genders. These models are shown enjoying just the kind of weekend Falick describe, some of them even knitting (I wish that they showed some of the male models knitting---guys do knit too, after all). This is a book I pick up, not only when I'm looking for a new project, but also for inspiration more generally.
On to the projects. I have made the Berkshire sweater twice, because it's a really versatile and basic pattern that goes quite quickly. I made the Cozy Armchair socks as a gift for my mother, and I've made several pairs of the fingerless mitts. The last is a great pattern for using up small amounts of yarn, and has instructions for various gauges. I want to make the Union Square Poncho and the Fluffly lace camisole and Pull-Off Cowl is quite gorgeous. There are patterns suitable for all levels, and there are technique notes for each pattern, but the patterns aren't marked for difficulty at all. My advice is to read through the project completely and see whether you understand the techniques involved; you know your skill level best.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like to drool over beautiful patterns and think about curling up on a snowy day with some wool work on your couch with a mug of homemade callebaut hot chocolate, then this book is for you.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the very first knitting book I ever bought myself, almost five years ago when I was in DC for an internship. Since then I've been slowly knitting my way throughout the book. I fell in love with the craft, and this book helped me along even more so with its warmhearted narratives and knitting facts strewn throughout. I especially loved the five petal flower pattern, while I've made at least four or five of them by now, I've managed to keep track of just two that I typically set up on my bathroom sink.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for the serious knitter

Mostly pretentious stuff, picture Pippa Middleton meets crafts and you'll know what I mean. Only the most expensive and obscure wool choices, garbled instructions and insulting snippets like how to boil the perfect egg or make tea. Assume the publisher was sucked in by the extreme novelty value but it won't be a best seller and therefore, thank goodness, there won't be a sequel.

[MC · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 / 5.0

None of these projects are for me. They do not captivate me or interest me or offer me any inspiration to make them. The instructions and layout of the book are fine, no issues reading it on the Kindle, but I cannot find a single project worth my time and yarn.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me

No doubt these would be lovely creations, a Kindle format just doesn't work for me. That shouldn't prevent another knitter from trying it.

[Anne Hawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this book. There are 50 project designed by different well-known designers and each talks a bit about her knitting and project which is very interesting, but most of the projects are very plain. Some of my favorite designers have projects, so I was anticipating stunning designs from them, but most are more like beginner projects. I guess I should have anticipated this because the projects are designed to be completed in a weekend, but I got the book as a Kindle book, so I didn't get to see the projects before I bought it.

There are a few projects that I will probably make like the lace edged pillow cases, the little bolero jacket which is wonderful and the ear flap caps, so I feel like I got my money's worth, but I wish the elf toe slippers were in adult sizes. They are so cute, I may just have to make them and find a kid to give them to;>)

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've checked this book out from the library twice, both times admiring the beautiful coffee table quality of the book AND its fun practicality.

The flower washcloths are so unique and whimsical. They are definitely not your grandmother's washcloth.

Other projects to try: Argyle slippers, Cache-coeur bergamo (bolero-like), and Fingerless mitts.

This copy is getting well-worn as evidenced from being checked out frequently. I think it's time I get my own copy.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

completed two projects from the book:
- baby sweater
- fingerless mitts

Patterns can be hard to follow, so a few trial and error for me (beginner/intermediate knitter). You will need to have another reference book for stitches if you are not a more advanced knitter. The final product of both of my projects turned out well.

[Cindyruma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected.

Many of the patterns are not realistic weekend projects. But my biggest problem is the yarn is not described by weight. Most of the yarn is discontinued so a lot of research is required to find equivalent yarns. One pattern looked interesting but finding the yarn is hopeless. It was cheap or I would have given it one star.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice mix of things, but nothing I HAVE to make. The idea of knitting a seat to fix a chair that needs re-caning is cool, though. And the garter stitch fingerless mitts look like they would be quick and practical. Might have to make a million of those.

[Meryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing crazy exciting, and the project I originally got the book for had really confusing directions.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's beautiful you need to read it when you are listening to Norah Jones. It's also better in your hands than an ebook. it has great patterns. if you are a knitter you will enjoy this book

[Nyxie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well-written instructions, but boring patterns. Not innovative or unique at all. Also, a significant chunk was wasted on knitting for kids.
Clearly not my cuppa.

[Amy Softa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun projects that range from easy to more complex. Great gift ideas in this book.

[Amy Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Patterns

If you think weekend knitting means projects to finish in a weekend, some of the patterns fit that description. However, there are also many larger projects, such as sweaters, shawls, a small afghan and baby blanket, and socks etc. Skill levels are anywhere from beginning knitters to experienced. I think most knitters could find a few things they would want to knit from Weekend Knitting. The styles in this book are all fine, she just has different tastes than mine, but just In types of sleeves for a sweater and some color patterns that I don't particularly like. That holds true for most knitting books, this just had more than the majority I have, and I have a lot (too many, some would say). All that being said, there are two projects I've picked out to make.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The patterns are a little old fashioned now and the layout of the instructions leaves a lot to be desired. I expected easier and quicker patterns that really could be done in a weekend.
I enjoyed the discussion around knitting like movies & books that feature knitting but all in all I think this book has had its time.
Also none of the links to the contributors seemed to work anymore which is sad.

[Susan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing project book

I use to own this book many years ago and I am pleased to get it on Kindle. The projects are still fresh and give you lots of ideas to modify them. Good beginner to medium skill book for knitters. Intarsia may be hard for beginners! Still a good go to for quick gifts

[Roxanna I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good knitting book. The instructions are simple enough to follow, not pretentious or overdone like many knitting books. When you knit a pattern you realize that it has funky parts that are strategically out of view in the photos. Mymkoms favorite knitting book but she wont believe me when I tell her she didn't mess up and you can see it's a little funky they just hid that part in the photos!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting home projects - and some basic clothing projects.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some lovely projects and is a worthwhile addition to my knitting library. I won't be starting on any of the ideas pictured until I finish knitting already in progress.

[Audrey Cagle]

Made the socks and mittens. Good leisure knitting book right here

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do own this craft book from many years ago, and do occasional refer to it for times of when variety in knitting projects are needed.

[Karlene Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weekend knittin

So many ideas to make just in one weekend! Some I had done but more to do. Start now for the holidays gift giving!

[Kristine]

review from my Vox blog:

I requested this book because there was another Melanie Falick book I was interested in, and our library didnt have it. At first glance, I didn't think I'd find anything I liked in here. But when I read it again last night for the 2nd or 3rd time, I realized I have 3 post-its of noteworthy patterns!

I'd like to try reverse-bloom flower washclothes, I think those look so soft and pretty and would make a super gift. There are some things in here that i'd not really ever try like egg cozies!The scarfs and hats don't thrill me a lot either. The unisex knock-around cashmere pullover has a really charming construction with some of the stitches going around the other way. And then there's the cache-couer bergamo. I love the look of this. I'm really not sure how it would fit me, but I'm tempted to try it. I bought a shirt last spring that had a similar neckline and it really was romantic and pretty seeming, and I think this would even be nicer because of the heavier quality. It's in Muench Bergamo, which no one carries anymore, but I found a Rowan Bamboo tape that seems like it could be cool, with a little more sheen. There is also a perfect shawl that is very sweet looking with a pretty lace edge. And all the way through are weekend tips and recipes. Finally, I really like the cozy armchair socks. They have an afterhtought heel on them, and I really like the striping. I just think the construction of them looks easy and pretty. I may just need to own this book!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book! The photography is inspiring - not to mention all of the gorgeous colors of yarn used in the projects. And I loved seeing all of the different things you can do with knitting! The knitting related side notes - books, movies, hot chocolate etc. were fun as well. I've read it a couple of times and have browsed through just looking at the pictures 20 or 30 more times.

Are these projects I could finish in a weekend? Ha ha! No! Maybe the handwarmers or a washcloth (if I was home alone). But there is a disclaimer in the front of the book mentioning that these are not all single weekend patterns. Are some of the patterns beyond my ability - for now, yes. Are there some I feel confident to tackle in my knitting infancy - YES! I am already working on one. Are there several things I will probably make from this book - certainly!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful book. There's a lot of patterns in here that I can't see myself using often, but heck, everything is just so pretty and fun to look at! I really want to try out the big half-moon shaped shawl, and there's a scarf made with relatively cheap yarn that would make a great gift. The patterns are challenging, but there's a good mix of easier ones in there. Only problem: the short bolero type jacket is really cute, but the yarn it's made out of has been discontinued. It's a thick, ribbon-like tube, which is going to make it a bitch to find a substitution. But apart from that, everything is so pretty!

[Mary Chrapliwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a person who likes to read cookbooks and craft books? I know I am. Sometimes I even jump into cooking or creating from these books.

This book is a crafter's and reader's dream. Falick doesn't just fill the book with patterns and instructions, which are beautiful, but also with short stories and even a few recipes. I can also totally see myself making some of the simpler projects in the book - especially the flower-shaped knitted washcloth (I would probably use it as a coaster). The book is full of simple and more complicated projects for experienced knitters. This is a beautiful book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I only found one or two patterns that I would want to knit in this book, I still really enjoyed looking through it. I thought that the whole layout of the book was done very nicely and the photographs were definitely a highlight. I think this is a book that any knitter could pick up and find something interesting in. I would recommend it.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...