Greetings from Knit Cafe

by Suzan Mischer

Book Overview

Suzan Mischer shares the story, spirit, and patterns of her unique Los Angeles wool store. The patterns included in this book feature everything from hiking socks to a bikini to a dress.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584794836
• ISBN13: 9781584794837
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 9.1" x 10.1"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

One of my favorite knitting books

I purchased this book about two years ago and have enjoyed it immensely. I am working on a hoody sweater that looks like an item from the J.Jill catalog. Also on my project list is a beautiful shawl and elegant "French" skirt. This is a fun book to own . . . I think you will enjoy. Marcia in Phoenix

Beautiful Book

This book is beautifully produced and has great patterns. A nice range of projects, from a baby sweater, knee socks and more complicated designs.

Not your Mama's boring knitting book

What I like about "Greeting from Knit Cafe" is that Suzan Mischer is creating a aura of comfort while you are not only reading but also knitting to this book. I have read a lot of reviews saying that this book is geared towards the "Californian" asthetic, and that it has mostly patterns for thin people, but I would have to disagree. A lot of the patterns you see in this book are geared towards the younger knitting crowd who want to knit more than bulky philosopher's cardigans. A list of the patterns include: Architect scarf beret boxer shorts hiking socks Chanel-ish cardigan jacket classic sweater for guys comfy socks computer keyboard cover felted saddle blacket baby blanket messenger bag huge shawl baby sweater pink dress kid's club skirt basic hat lacy skirt with bows lala scarf love blanket lush hoodiw peace pillow polo shirt pompom awning recycled scarf red carpet gown slouchy alpaca cardigan (my favorite) terry bathrobe weho bikini yarmulke yoga mat bag So as you can see there is a huge variety in patterns. I know the reviewer before me said that the skirt she wants to knit is on the front cover and I do agree it's not a great picture of the said skirt. However there is TWO pictures of that same skirt in the book, one is full frontal of the whole entire skirt on a model and the other is the close up of the lace panels. I measured myself and even though I am a good medium sized girl (and trust me I AM), I qualified for the small in this skirt pattern. Now you must know that this is a very contemporary knitting book, there are even a couple of baking recipes and other tid bits in here and I can understand how someone who is used to regular knitting books might not be used to a book like this. To some in the knitting world it could also be seen as a breath of fresh air.

Vanilla latte, blueberry muffin and some knitting , please and thank you!

Short version; GET THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK RIGHT NOW!! Long version; you know that first black & white page of text in books-with copyright details and stuff? If the number sequence near the bottom reads 10 through 1, you have yourself a first edition, which means you'll need to print off (or refer to) the 4 A4 pages of corrections on the author's [...] website. I bought the book knowing this, and I am so happy I did (buy it-as well as know it, thanks to a fellow reviewer.) So, this book is GORGEOUS! Nevermind the bitter-tinged reviews of some of the others; if you're a good and decent person, whatever your bank balance, you deserve to succeed! This book starts with about 10 pages of the story behind Knit Cafe (Melrose Ave, L.A.) followed by 30 patterns, ending with illustrated knitting exercises, a couple pages detailing special techniques, abbreviations, sources and info on the contributers. There's also a slice of poetry and a couple recipes for yummy shortbread and muffins and a lavender tip to help us battle the forces of darkness (moths), a pop quiz and a page asking what Laura Ingalls would do-whom I don't know, but the advice-to listen to your instincts and solve a problem any way you can if outside help is temporarily unavailable, is sound. The patterns-I'd say there's something for everyone here-especially to make and give as gifts. I'll be giving a few a miss-like the baby stuff and the felted saddle blanket-but only because I don't know any ponies. Or babies. There's a guitar messenger bag, perfect for any rockstars you know, and don't get me started on the red carpet gown-I HAVE to have that-for me, in a different color. The other, shorter dress is angelic in pink and the kids club skirt is a riot-again, for me. (I can fit in kids clothes.) The happy hippy peace pillow is a MUST-for a bunch of people-including me, and the yoga mat bag is the best I've seen so far. Oh and that lovely bikini, which, even though I have a bikini rich book (see other review) I'll be making this one too. The photographs are page-filling, clear, colorful and darn fine looking. Every pattern has a short intro, the ingredients are highlighted on a color band, there are clear diagrams and close-up photos of details. Really, the only tiny little drawback is that, as most of these books are, it's aimed towards women, but if you're a guy looking to knit gifts for a woman, go for it. I cannot WAIT to drop into this place; it looks and sounds like a wonderful knitting heaven in which to hang out (and someone even gave it the thumbs up in Debbie Stoller's SnB book.) As with all books, it's sound advice to check it out at the library or bookstore first, as I did, before purchasing, especially if you're more rubenesque than svelte-I only say that from what I've read in other's reviews-I only just got my copy and have yet to actually use it! Me, I'm happy to welcome it into my ever growing family of knit books.

A yummy treat

This knitting book is just lovely. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it genuinely conveys what the Los Angeles "knit scene" is all about. Suzan mentions that carrying her knitting attracts the friendliest interactions with strangers likening the experience to being pregnant "... a baby-filled belly and a knitting bag seemed to evoke the same ease ..." In a busy city of cars and cell phones, knitting can create the feeling of a village. Her book is homey and sweet, saving mention of Hollywood A-Listers to her heartfelt acknowledgements in the back. Oh, I forgot to mention the patterns are GREAT. I subscribe to several knitting magazines, visit many knitting websites and have a huge pile of knitting books, yet I plan to knit at least five original designs from this book. The "Lacy Skirt with Bows" (as seen on the cover) is fabulous. This book is like a yummy box of chocolates!