yarn isn’t the only thing that arrives on my doorstep when i’m not home—i received a couple of nice books during my absence as well. this one by JC briar—charts made simple—is especially appreciated, because it fills a gap on the reference shelf that’s been too long standing.
JC is a talented tech editor, teacher, and designer who describes herself as a technique junkie and whose classes are offered at virtually every large-scale knitting event (i’ll be seeing her soon at sock camp and the loopy ewe spring fling, in fact).
i really love the simplicity of this book—its black and white interior layout highlights one simple concept about chart reading on each page or spread with minimal text, thus allowing each statement to have importance and space. it’s just the format a learner needs to become a skilled chart reader, one step at a time.
while my friend clara parkes has explained very well why a book about chart reading is necessary, i’d like to tell you more about the book itself and why THIS book is the one you want.
JC begins at the beginning with basic chart reading concepts, explained simply and precisely, then builds on those concepts step by step as she proceeds through the book’s contents.
there are tips and tricks for tweaking charts to make them easier to look at
and guidance for reading/marking charts in a manner that is aligned with your actual knitted fabric.
many times when i teach lace classes, we get into a discussion of chart reading and why it’s a good skill to acquire. we are able to do some skillbuilding in class, but not in the depth this book allows.
i like the detailed way she matches the chart to the knitted fabric in this example of a broken chart, which is typical of examples throughout the book.
like i said—step by step—it’s brilliant!
later, she guides the reader in sorting out more complex types of charts and symbols, such as those with traveling stitches or changing stitch counts
next up is a view into charts for oddball stitches and unique symbols
and finally—my personal favorite—charts that move from side to side or those for which the round marker moves at some point.
**newsflash**—if the sight of that page spread made you gasp, you need this book (you won’t be sorry you bought it).
if you think you can never learn to read charts—think again; with a book like this, you can. the way it’s set up, you can start with the basics and put them to use, then go back to absorb new bits as you need them.
experienced knitters will want this one too, for learning more about the complex charts related to advanced knitting projects. this would also be an awesome book for any teacher to read as well; even if you’ve seen everything at least once, finding a way to explain it to others can be challenging and a guidebook can help you formulate that material for classes.
best of all, it appears that this book is just the beginning of what i hope will be JCs “knitting on paper” series—we can only hope there are more of these clear, concise guides to help unravel the mysteries of knitting.
now here’s the very funnest part—JC has offered to send a copy of charts made simple to one lucky winner. leave a comment at the end of this post between now and 9pm EST on saturday, 2/26. we’ll pull a name randomly from that pool and announce the winner on sunday or monday morning.
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now let’s take a look at another, completely different, but beautiful book i brought home from my trip to TNNA
vintage modern knits, by courtney kelley and kate gagnon osborn, who are the driving force behind kelbourne woolens, distributors of the fibre company yarns (that’s a skein of fibre company savannah, photographed with the book).
i’ve known kate and courtney for a couple of years now, since they first flagged me down at TNNA to say hello—i’ve always like them so much and their aesthetic really appeals to me. this book of vintage-flavored modern designs assembles garments and accessories that feature a variety of classic knitting knitting techniques.
although everything in the book is photographed on a model, i can picture each and every one of these pieces on kate or courtney too—you can tell these pieces were created to be comfortable and wearable for actual working knitters.
what i mean by that is that the garments included are wearable for everyday, both around the house or out in the world—anywhere—AND they put all of our favorite knitterly skills to work in the making. so that when you’re done, you’ve got a garment you enjoyed creating and one you are proud to wear.
from sweaters to accessories, the design choices and styling are wonderful—familiar enough to call comfortable, but smart enough to be part of a working wardrobe.
that is not to say that the collection is lacking in whimsy or nostalgia—not at ALL. there are these adorable thigh-high socks
and then there is this—i really, really want this.
or i might want to knit it for david.
i wonder if he’d wear it?
the best part?? i got my book signed—thanks you two!
meanwhile, back at the ranch, i’m wading through the last stages of catching up with paperwork—completing my tax organizer, ugh.
i told myself that i had to get this done before i was allowed to look at any pattern work or new knitting. so i’m plowing through it. thanks to everyone for your patience while i get things back in order here—it takes a while after a big trip.
the good news is that i do have a little time for actual knitting at night and i’ve managed to complete a couple of projects.
the mink/cashmere scarf, infinity version, is done, blocked, and sewn together.
and i love it. the pattern is waiting patiently for me to get back to it—sorry. i know you want it, i do. there is just so much time in the day, though, you know?
it’s funny, the days have virtually disappeared this week and i know what the culprit is—email, haha. i’ve spent too much time attending to that and not other things. i’m going to have to set limits so i can get my other work done.
oh, and i have more knitting . . . a nearly-completed inky dinky sweater and hat. i have to explain that i haven’t mentioned the yarn used in this project because it’s an older, long-discontinued superwash yarn. it’s very nice and i love the color, but there’s no point mentioning the name, since it’s not available anywhere.
the sweater just needs the underarms seamed and a nice steaming. i have to pick out buttons; not sure if i have something on hand that will work, but probably—a plain shell button should work nicely and i have a ton of those.
i’ve been taking my gray zig-zag lace scarf everywhere with me and knitting a few rows whenever i can. and guess what? it’s growing.
i love this classy charcoal gray blend of yak/mink/merino/soy from great northern yarns; it’s knitting up so lovely in this stitch pattern. this would be a nice lightweight scarf for a man, but i’m keeping it for myself—i think it will travel very well and take that sort of abuse in stride (craig’s yarns are great that way; they just don’t pill).
i like the contrast between the two stitch patterns in certain light; that shaded effect this is most clearly visible in a smooth, multi-ply yarn such as we have here.
i have the matching shawlette on the needles too, but it’s waiting patiently for me to devise a hem chart. i’m so behind, yikes!
with that in mind, i’m going to return to my tax work so i can finish up and move on to patterns. tomorrow we have a new release that i think you’ll like—something you’ve been waiting for, yay.
439 thoughts on “charting a clear course”
What a great book!
Anne, your review is the third one I’ve read about this book. I think it may be time to add it to the wish list to grab the next time I’m at the bookstore or doing a big Amazon order! Thanks for offering up a copy as well.
Love the infinity scarf, I’ve been staring at Craig’s site for a while now debating on what color to get to do it in.
Charts Made Simple looks like a wonderful resource. I’d love a copy. Thanks for the giveaway.
That chart book looks amazing! Definitely a must-have book for any serious knitter, I hope I get chosen. : )
That book does look awesome! I gleaned a little bit of wisdom from your pictures about where to place your post-it : ) Love the infinity scarf – so gorgeous, like a deep green sea of fluffy cables!
I love charts…have a hard time knitting from written instructions as I am a very visual perrson. There is always more to learn though. Would love to have a copy of this book.
Great post! I love reading your reviews and to see the lovely mink scarves.
After Clara’s post about Charts Made Simple, a couple of friends and I were talking about what a great resource it would be and have essentially put onto our wish list. And now I have a chance to win a copy. Thanks, Anne and JC for the opportunity.
I just returned from a 2-day Norwegian Mitten class in Grand Marais, MN. Spent much time working from charts. I’ve found in the past that sometimes charts work well for me, and sometimes I have to revert to the written instructions. I’d love a copy of this book….it may help me learn to be more comfortable with charts.
The book looks like a must have for me. Thanks for the review!
I agree that this book is way overdue. I have knit from charts for some time and hate to get a pattern for lace knitting even an easy on without a chart. I often will convert them to chart on graph paper if it is not included. I do know that some people have problems with them. It takes practice and depending on how your brain is wired it can take longer for some. Charts also read right to left like we knit but some brains have a problem adapting to this change from normal reading.
Your CPA will thank you for taking care of your organizer. I wish our firm had more clients like you.
I love that charts book! It looks like there is a lot more to learn about them!
Oh..I would love to have this book. There are so many questions I have about charts. It looks like this book would answer them. And I love your patterns. The Zig Zag scarf is beautiful.
I like working from charts. Lace is so much easier for me that way!
Looks like we’ll be seeing you again in London this summer! Yay! This time, we will make sure to get your internet connection up and running BEFORE the even starts! I’ll be arriving on Wednesday, myself, so we can work on it then, okay?
Put me down. It looks wonderful.
Thanks for reviewing the book. I guess I should have a look at it. I can technically read charts, but always feel like my brain doesn’t work that way. I look at the chart and, like a second language, have to first think the stitches in words before I can knit them. Certainly slows the process down. Sort of like having to think through how to ask where the bathroom is before you can actually inquire! Leaves you sort of on the edge of a problem sometimes, you know? ;^)
I prefer charts now but I would still consider myself a novice. Any complicated cables get color coded still but I’m able to knit lace from charts with just a quick glance now. Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
I have used charts for knitting lace and cables, and I actually love using them. Would love to have JC’s book to help me on my way.
The chart book looks wonderful! Thanks for reviewing it for us.
I am still adjusting to charts and I think this book would be great. I struggled on the reverse side of a double knitting pattern recently.
Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway, Anne! I would love to win a copy of JC’s book!
Thank you for the review on both books. I’ve added them to my “list” 🙂 Love that zig-zag scarf….if it needs a new home, just let me know. ha!
I think many of us struggle with chart reading. I know I sure do and this book appears to be the answer to my prayers. i would love the opportunity to read it.
Would love a chance! Have heard remarkable things about this book.
Just today I subscribed to your blog and this is the very first post I have read. I would LOVE the book, “Charts Made Simple.” I am a self-taught knitter and this book would help to take me to the next level! I’m glad there’s a book on this subject out there!
The chart-reading book sounds like just what I need! And there are some lovely patterns in the “Vintage Modern Knits” book; I’ll have to put it on my wish list.
Looks like a great book and I will definitely get it if I do not win it!!!
Oh my! I have been drooling over this book. Thanks to you and JC for the chance to win.
What a great book, should be really helpful. Thanks
*Waving hand madly* Please, please pick me! I love this book.
I could totally use a chart reading book.
(Love that infinity scarf! Mink mmmmmmm.)
What a lovely book!! I prefer to use charts only! for all the reasons stated in your post. I remember the excitement when I discovered that charts existed for crochet. Suddenly, half the work in following the pattern was done. Thanks for the opportunity.
Love that gray zig-zag scarf. Will be watching for that pattern to be released! With this long list of comments, I doubt my chances are good for that chart book, but many of the others, it would certainly help me out a lot!
I read Clara’s review and the book sounded great. Now that I’ve seen the contents a bit more, I think it sounds even better! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to get the book! Love the infinity scarf too.
Oh, I would love to win this book! I have the hardest time with charts. Especially when they have a little jog over to the side. Or when you need to do a yarn over in the beginning. I find that just confusing.
Thanks for the review of the book. Hope I win!!!!
The new J.C. Briar book looks amazing! Thank you for some wonderful pics of the inside!
This book looks wonderful!
I would love to devour this book ~ I can read charts but would love to learn how to write my own.
I always re do mist charts (except yours because yours are clear) and usually use color – so I am anxious to see how JC does it.
Great book.
Thanks for the chance.
Well, of course there are 288 comments! I saw Clara’s review of this book and yours is even more exhaustive. I appreciate the page-by-page with pics as it helps me determine whether or not I would really use this book. I’m “getting” lace charts, but cables still stump me. The book looks very, very helpful.
Ummm, charts and me??? It must be time for it to happen as I have read reviews on this before and ..have…given….it…some….thought……(teeth were chattering and I broke out in a sweat saying that!)
A much needed resource…count me in.
I would love a chance to win JC’s book! I already own Vintage Knits….thanks.
I will have to see if my LYS gets the charting book. The only charting I have done is upsized some of CookieA designs to work with my gauge. I would love to learn more.
That chart books looks fabulous. Thanks for the in-depth review!
Boy could I really use the help with the charts!
I am going to have to add both of those books to my wish list!
The chart book looks fabulous! Hope I win it.
Please add my name to the drawing. The chart book was already on my wish list, but now Vintage Modern has also been added. Thank you for the detailed reviews.
A fabulous review of those two books! I am a big fan of charts, I could really use “Charts Made Simple” to improve the way I teach.
I love intricate lace patterns and would just get such a kick out of winning this book. Enjoy reading your blog.
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