Wendy Bernard is back with a brand NEW stitch dictionary. The queen of swatching has done it again. Creating a second up, down, all-around stitch dictionary. Best of all we have her on the OFFICIAL LAUNCH date of the book! Be sure to listen to this episode and learn all that you need to know about making beautiful swatches and turning it into your next favorite item.
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About Wendy Bernard:
Wendy Bernard is the author of The Knitting All Around Stitch Dictionary, Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary, and the Custom Knits series. Her popular blog, Knit and Tonic (www.knitandtonic.net), has thousands of fans, and her knitwear patterns have been published everywhere, from Knitty and Stitch Diva Studios to Interweave Knits and Knitscene magazines. She teaches top-down knitting on Creativebug, Craftsy, and via her DVD series (Interweave).
Japanese Stitches Unraveled:
One of the greatest things about the stitch dictionaries that Wendy creates is that she really thinks about the way that we are going to use them. Yes, we will knit things flat. Sometimes we want to knit in the round or we want to knit top down and with a traditional stitch dictionary there is a lot of work you have to do before getting started.
In this book Wendy has put together 150 stitch patterns inspired by Japanese stich designs. The book includes fully illustrated charts, symbols and instructions for each stitch pattern. You will also find six garments in the book demonstrating how to translate the stitch pattern to something usable.
This book starts out by talking about how to swatch, why swatching is important, how to swatch in the round and other tips and tricks when swatching. Swatching is an important part of making things, particularly those that you are going to wear. Many people would rather skip making a swatch but this can be detrimental in some cases.
Swatches in this book are broken down into the following categories:
- Knits & Purls
- Ribs
- Fancy & Twisted
- Cabels
- Lace
If you love this book you will want to be sure to check out Wendy’s other two stitch dictionaries and other pattern books.
Wendy on the Yarn Thing Podcast:
Wendy has been on the Yarn Thing Podcast before to talk about her books. I am sure that if you loved this episode you will enjoy learning about her other books as well.
Up, Down, All-Around Stitch Dictionary Episode
Find Wendy Online:
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I want to win Wendy’s book!!!!
Hi Marly, I love listening to you and I always learn something new and I just listened to your podcast of today. Thanks, Yael Arad
Swatching is your friend love you guys I want to win
I want to win. The key words are: Swatching is your friend!
Love watching the podcasts. Love to see all the designers work together. Key words “swatching is your friend” is so true. I used to swatch to get gauge but never washed and blocked them, then I did a pair of mitts where once washed the ribbing changed soooo much they were ruined. Now I gauge swatch and then wash and block and examine. I keep all my swatches with the label from the fiber in a binder with notes. thanks for the opportunity to win
Thank you for a great podcast! Swatching is your friend, and is definitely something I need to do more of.
When I made my first sweater I didn’t use the method “swatching is your friend”. I used “ I don’t need it “ no biggy till my sweater was to biggy for me . So now I love using swatching is my friend/your friend/ everyone’s friend.. thanks
Remember swatching is your friend before you begin to knit to make sure what you make is going to fit.
Swatching is your friend! I have often pondered why people do not combine knitting and crotchet together in a project! It seems like a ongoing battle in ones mind who do both and me as well since I have learned both! I love to hear that I am not alone in this that the Japanese do this!
Thank thank you for the podcast, you are right, swatching is your friend,
When making a sweater swatching is your friend.
Thank you for the podcast. I crochet a lot and only dabble in knitting, but since swatching is your friend and now mine, I going to try more knitting.
This is such an interesting book. I need to go shopping and find all of Wendy’s books. I know swatching is your friend, but sometimes I’m just in a big hurry to get started on a project.
Very enjoyable listening and watching you and your wonderful guest, Wendy on the videocast. Yes, “swatching is your friend!” Beautiful swatches shown make me want to dive right in to creating and designing my next afghan. Thank you Marly, for another opportunity to win
Watching is your friend
Grrrrrr auto correct. Swatches is your friend
I have never swatched any item before. I was very intrigued by this podcast. I was very impressed by Wendy. This was my
first podcast, and am looking forward to next week. I would love to receive a copy of this book.
well, “swatching is your friend”, but I really have to force myself to take the time to do that. If I win this book, I will definitely give it a try before I incorporate these fancy stitches to my knitting! Pick me, PICK ME!
If you care about the correct fit then “Swatch ing is your friend”. Thank you for such inspirational books!
When I am swatching with my friends then my patterns will turn out well.
Swatching is your friend or so I have been told some times I do and sometimes I don’t
Swatching is your friend looks like it would be a great coffee table book. I would love to get this
Swatching is your friend thank you love your podcast and the people you interview
Swatching is your friend otherwise your knits won’t fit!!
To have garments that fits very well, swatching is your friend! Great Podcast!
I don´t do it enough, but I hear you when you say that: “swatching is your friend”. I am soo intrigued by all of these books. Great show today as always.
I want to make a sweater if I win this book. And I’m very much a believer that swatching is your friend. I love knitting books and like referring to them often.
I always like to try new thing— and swatching is my friend so that I don’t regret anything.
While working with yarn swatching is more then your friend…it is your BEST friend, lol
I have yet to knit any garments that required attention to fit. I will take Wendy’s advice “swatching is your friend” as I forge into the world of knits that fit.
Of course SWATCHING is your friend, it’s a knitting thing. Thanks for an informative podcast.
I know that swatching is your friend, but I have never swatched before.
Swatching is your friend but I am still scared to make it my friend.
I want to win so “swatching is your friend”
Love your videos Marly!
You are so fun to watch
Swatching is your friend but not mine. lol I bought a Japanese book and it is hard to figure out so I am excited to get this new book.
After almost 7 year’s of knitting, I have to agree that”swatching is your friend”. I am to make adjustments to a shawl I am knitting because I failed to swatch.
I heard Wendy say searching is your friend. I have done a few mini swatches in the past. But after listening to today’s podcast I think I will discipline myself to do a larger swatch more consistently.
Swatching is your friend and giving it the royal treatment helps keep it from lying. I’m so eager to see more of the book!
I am a first time listener, enjoyed this podcast and agree that swatching is your friend! I am now hooked!
I have enjoyed Wendy Bernard’s previous stitch dictionaries, and this new one is a must have! Yes, swatching is your friend. I find it both necessary and enjoyable. It can be relaxing and a learning experience.
First time on the podcast. Great subject today even though I am not listening live. I want to win!
Swatching is your friend. I have learned that swatching is a huge help.
Blankets made from the swatches would be wonderful.
I just started knitting. Trying to get the hang of it. Looks like a cool book. I agree swatching is your friend, for size and drape. I know from crochet. Also I love watching all your friends (Marly). Will keep watching and swatching. Luv y’all
After knitting several sweaters, I agree that swatching is your friend!
I have never really had a reason to swatch, the only clothing item I’ve done so far is hats! However, when I start a sweater for one of my kids… I know that the idea “swatching is your friend” is something I will have to subscribe to!
Swatching is your friend!! Love watching you guys!
Swatching is your friend or you’ll be mad at the end. You must swatch when it says to swatch!!! What a fantastic show.
I have made the mistake of not swatching….what a nightmare!
Swatching is your friend, which is something that I need to do more of, but don’t as I’m so excited to start another project. Loved your video and definitely interested in Japanese stitches. I have a beautiful 1000 yard skein of silk and am looking for a delicate lace pattern to make a wrap. I will definitely search for Wendy’s book. Thank you!
Don’t learn the hard way like I did that swatching is your friend!
Swatching is your friend! …I just need to **apply** this consistently! lol
I just realized that my comment never showed up. The site hates me, even though I know that swatching is your friend.
This site won’t let me post that swatching is your friend.
This site doesn’t want me to tell you that swatching is your friend.
“Swatching is your Friend! ” I just need to apply that consistently! It’s def not a process I enjoy. 🙁
Tried to leave comments from my PC, but they never show up? Warning in the address bar says unauthenticated scripts are attempting to run from your site. 🙁
Remember swatching is your friend! It is the only way you can make sure that your garments are going to fit.
Swatching is your friend… except when it lies
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that swatching is your friend
I have many japanese stitch dictionaries that I page through and appreciate the pictures but never get around to figuring them out. This book would be great, since all the thinking has been done for me. By the way, Swatching is your friend and definitely my friend. I never do a garment without doing a swatch and get inspired from swatching for my designs =)
Swatching is your friend. Yes, this is something I really should remember and apply!