Giveaway and Book Review: Modular Mix by Edie Eckman
I recently received a review copy of Modular Mix: 12 Knitted Mitered Squares to Mix & Match
The booklet opens with a three-page section called Mixed Miters which walks readers through the basics of creating mitered square projects including materials, gauge, and techniques for casting on, decreasing, and joining squares. Fans of Edie know that she likes to include the knitting math, and in this section you will also learn how to design your own mitered squares and determine the appropriate number of stitches to cast on. Edie also explains why you might want to use different cast on methods, which is helpful for other projects, too.
The next several pages are devoted to the Modular Mix Afghan, made up of 20 blocks (some of which are formed by 4 to 16 smaller blocks). Because modular projects are joined as you work, this overview is helpful before diving into the square patterns if you plan to recreate the sampler featured on the cover.
The 12 module patterns are presented in the next section. Each pattern includes a brief introduction, information on the stitch multiples in case the knitter wants to adjust the size, the color sequence, and the pattern. The patterns are simple, but Edie doesn’t do as much handholding as some modern knitters may expect. These patterns are written like recipes, not as line by line instructions. I found them easy to understand, but a beginner (or beginning pattern reader) might be confused when reaching the last set of decreases, for example. Each square is also clearly photographed, so it is easy to see the differences in the patterns. Each square is available in 3 sizes (3 inch, 6 inch, and 12 inch). The projects all use medium (worsted) weight yarn and size 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles, but of course could be adapted to other size yarn and needles for a different effect.
The book closes with a list of knitting abbreviations used in the booklet, charts showing recommended needle sizes for different yarn weights and conversions from inches to metric measurements, and an illustrated Knitting Basics section. There is also a photo index in the back that makes it easy to find patterns in the book. Like other Annie’s booklets, this lays flat and is easy to read while knitting.
Overall, this is a fun pattern booklet for anyone interested in exploring mitered squares. While the booklet is brief (only 28 pages), Edie does pack in a lot of information, so it is suitable for knitters with a range of abilities. An adventurous beginner would have fun learning new stitch patterns, decreases, and increases, and a more advanced knitter could follow Edie’s tips to design their own mitered squares. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Giveaway
I’m giving away my review copy of Modular Mix: 12 Knitted Mitered Squares to Mix & Match
To enter:
Leave a comment telling me about your experience with modular knitting. Have you made mitered squares or other join as you go knitting projects?For additional entries, like Underground Crafter on Facebook, follow Underground Crafter on Twitter, join the Underground Crafter group on Ravelry, and/or share a link to this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. (And then, leave a comment here, on Facebook, on Twitter, or in the Ravelry group letting me know what you did!)One winner will be chosen at random.
Good luck!
Oohhh, I would love to win this book as I adore mitred squares! I’ve only knit very simple ones as charity squares for blankets but would love to knit a large blanket for myself!
I’ve never done modular knitting, only log cabin knittng, but I’ve been wanting to give it a try after viewing some of the beautiful afghans on Ravelry.
I follow you on Twitter and Facebook, and I’m in the Ravelry group. Rav and Twitter ID are both Meanderinghome.
I’ve knitted a simple stocking stitch mitred square baby blanket with a contrast edging. It was fun and I really enjoyed watching it grow.
This book looks very interesting with all the different types of squares, I’d love to give some of them a go !
Looks like interesting patterns, I would love to win.
I have only tried modular knitting once and failed. Perhaps this book is just the trick I need.
I have a modular project sitting in my closet and have been too intimidated to try it.
Maybe this book will be the kick in the pants I need to start.
Thanks for the giveaway!
love the look of mitered squares! I have a blanket started that I’m hopefully going to be finishing now that holiday projects are done. Already “like” on facebook, follow on twitter and am in the rav group
I’ve knitted a mitered square dishcloth but I want to knit a mitered square blanket someday soon.
I have never done mitered squares before, but I would love to try! I think they would be fun.
What a great looking book! I’m working on a metered square blanket, and I think it would be fun to mix it up a little.
Honestly I havent made anything like this yet, but I love the look and want to make a blanket soon!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve never done mitered squares before. Would love to win this, my son wants me to make him a special blanket & it calls for mitered squares.
I’ve never done any modular knitting, but I love learning new things, and since this book also talks about techniques you can then transfer to other projects it sounds like I could kill two birds with one stone!
I would love to win your book! I have not tried modular knitting as yet. The technique is on my to do list this year though! Thanks for the chance to win.
I have never done any of this type of pattern, would be great to learn how!! Thanks
I have mitered knitting on my list of new techniques to try. Thanks for the review of this book. Looks good for entry level.
Ooo! This looks like a great book! This is a technique I’ve admired, but never done. I love the cover shot and the variations they’ve come up with.
I liked you on FB and I do not have any idea about what Modular Knitting is.
I have done one mitered square scarf, but I love the look of the blankets and purses done with them
This Year I told myself I will try different and new technique in the up coming year. Wow, I would love to win the Modular Mix. Thanks for offering the contest..