A review of the latest knitting book by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne entitled "Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide"
Upon first opening "Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide", high-hopes were present. Having been reading Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne's website Mason-Dixon Knitting for a while and loving it, the book was something to look forward to, and it did not let down.
Kay and Ann's conversational style of writing, which works well on their blog and translates beautifully to this book, is one of the hallmarks of this book. This is not just a simple "here's how to knit, here's a pattern" book. Rather, it speaks to people who already knit, and talks about the creativity and love of knitting. While it is good for beginners as well, it doesn't bog you down with "this is how you knit, this is how you purl". Instead it ties in personal stories, trials, and joys that Kay and Ann have experienced through knitting and shares that with the reader.
This book is styled like a blog, with Ann and Kay take different sections and tell different stories. Kay tells us about Log Cabin knitting in chapter four - not only how one goes about it but also her experiences with it, followed by patterns. Ann discusses family projects in chapter four, telling us about her son's eight-pound ball of yarn and how she had to purchase it off of him so she could knit with it.
One of the wonderful aspects of this book are the patterns and their simple yet elegant design. There is an exceptional balance between the narrative and the patterns, with them being placed strategically in sections where they relate to the narrative, and doubled with the handy pattern index in the back you're never at a loss where to find that perfect project. Not only are there beautiful patterns that have got me shopping for yarn (like the Mason-Dixon After Dark Nightie and Robe), but also there are functional and attractive designs for blankets, curtains, rugs, and dishcloths.
The best part about this book is its style. Its "find a pattern and run with it" attitude, the creativity it fosters, and the knitting for the love of craft that it shares with the reader. Kay Gardiner says it best, and sums up the book's attitude most succinctly: "Remember: Knitting and life intersect. Figuring out how you can knit the two together? That's the fun part."
© Kelly Gilliam, text and images. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
