The Urban Knitter: 7

by Lily Chin

A master knitter celebrates the art and artistry of this centuries-old needlecraft as she profiles inventive young knitters and their innovative designs and provides easy-to-follow patterns for dresses, jackets, handbags, and other fashionable clothing and accessories, along with a list of suppliers

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425183289
• ISBN13: 9780425183281
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 153 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A workshop with Lily Chin at a bargain price.

This book is like taking a workshop class with Lily Chin, except the price is a bargain and you get to keep a set of detailed notes that Lily herself wrote for you! As a busy mom, I don't have time to write reviews, but I had to write this one because I don't feel that the reviews written do this book justice. Reading this book, you learn a lot about how to match a yarn to a project, what to consider during the design process, some special Lily Chin techniques that have worked for her, how to ustom shape a knitted item to your own shape, and many other useful tips and concepts for knitting. Everytime I read this book over, I learn something new. I have read it several times, and even purchased a second copy just in case my first copy gets damaged or lost. I would say that this book is similar to reading one of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, where there is lots of talk about knitting and few fancy looking pictures or garments. The book was not well marketed in that it seems to be a book aimed at hip knitters looking for hip designs -- in which case, they should have put more money into photography, models, graphics and layout to create a hip look. Instead, they tried to make the production of the book as affordable as possible, so the price would be affordable. But the end result is that the book and the garments don't look snazzy at all. The patterns included in the book are all well designed basics that we could all use. I think that they would probably much more attractove looking if they were on models or mannekins. I have to say that I haven't had time to knit any of the patterns yet, but I want to do several.

A Good Reading Book on Knitting

I could not make up my mind for long time since some says this is interesting but others says it is boring. But, I finally decided to purchase this book and have just received the book yesterday and loved to read this book. I have never seen the book like this. The closest one is E. Zimmermann's books in the sense that; 1) it encourages readers to create their own craft, 2) the end-products are pretty but not necessary appealing to the mass, 3) people still love the book because it focuses on the process of the creation, from which people can learn a lot. It taught me to take my knitting activity more seriously by making it a "project" . It encourages you to start clarify your needs, to set goals and to choose strategies and etc. Just like you are required to do at work or school. It is relatively small in size (8" X 8") so that I could put it my bag to read in commuter train every morning. The patterns may not be as gorgeous as the ones which is created for more commercial purpose. They are rather simple, meeting somebody else's needs. However, I could find 5 items I like to knit myself out of 20 items shown. If your purpose is to find lovely commercial patterns to start right now, this book would be waste of your time and money. If you enjoy reading and thinking about knitting, and love to create your own project, this is a good reading book.

Has Something for Everyone

Lily Chin's name should be enough to make all knitters give this book serious consideration, even those of us who are way past young, or hip, and who may even be (whisper) grandmothers. While you will never catch me in a hand knit bra, I have to admire the talent Lily displays in designing one.My to-knit list from this book will include the Apron Front Halter Top for my teenage granddaughter, the Log Cabin Baby Blanket for a new baby and socks for myself.There is something for everyone here, along with loads of information about design process and knitting technique.

Adventurous and thought-provoking new knitting book

I bought Lily's book at the Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in February, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Several knitters attending the retreat told me that there were some techniques in there that alone made the book worth buying. Once I got it home I found myself studying the innovative designs for shoes (several styles, with directions for everything, from soles to tops), bras (with details which which combine design and functionality very well), and a variety of other garments. Apparently Lily met with each knitter (HYUK) both by email and in person, and worked with each one to develop a pattern for the garment they dreamed of. Some knitters took the lead and Lily had little to do but support them; others gave Lily an idea and she helped them identify what they really wanted. Then together they created a design which met the vision as well as incorporated interesting knitting techniques. Yes, the knitters who told me to buy it for the knitting ideas alone were right. I may never knit anything out of it, but Lily's gift for thinking clearly and communicating her process of working out knitting designs is well-documented in this innovative book, and leaves the reader a more competent knitter. And yes, there are not just patterns for shoes and bras in here, but also sweaters, tops, dresses, etc. Whether you are a young, hip, and urban knitter or a young-at-heart, widening-at-the-hip, and rural knitter like me, you will find this collection of patterns, insights into the design process, and narratives about a delightful variety of HYUK's to be worthwhile. Besides, I have always been fascinated by the idea of making shoes, and anyone who figures out how to construct knit shoes with functional soles, capable of going out on the town and not just into the bedroom, is a hero to me. Don't just skim this book, read it, and you will be grateful you did.

Lots of Nice Designs @ A Great Price

This is a wonderful book aimed at young,fashion conscious knitters. There are 20 projects in the book. I am 40 & have been knitting since 1968 but found plenty of designs I'd like to make--the unisex garter-striped diagonal vest, the cardijacket and the evening cardijacket preeminent among them. I can't imagine wanting to knit shoes or a sports bra, but it's nice to have patterns available should I change my mind. She has designs for garments, socks, household items, stoles, and purses. The designs vary widely in skill required and there is something for everyone, including men. There is a short article about the knitters for whom Chin created the items,with accompanying photograph. And I hope the low price of the book sets a trend!