Knit and Crochet with Beads

If you are an experienced knitter this is a great way to expand your options. I love a number of the patterns and the instructions are clear. This is a great book but may be a little tough for a beginner.

Great information and instructions for bead crochet, bead knitting , and beaded knitting. Finally you will be able to see the difference between the 3. Fantastic projects that just make you want to try them, even if you don't knit, you will certainly want to learn plus a very nice gallery of one of Ms. Chin's creative creations, book is certainly a great addition to your knitting/crochet library.

I recently received my copy of Lily Chin's newest book. Wow! I recently learned to knit at the beginning of the year. Prior to knitting, I made beaded jewelry. The directions are clear and concise. I put myself in the place of a person who knows nothing about beads. I was impressed. I can't wait to get started on some of the projects. One thing readers might want to take note of, when using glass or seed beads make sure the beads are from japan. The holes are bigger and more uniform. Czech beads or beads from the Czech republic are irregular and may not go through the yarn. Their are two types of beads I recommend, Toho's and Miyuiki's. The book is worth purchasing.

Ok, knitting and bead fans, this is for you. First off, this is a book with both knitting WITH beads and beaded knitting (The former is knit fabric embellished with knit-in beads, the latter is fabric OF beads, with thread holding them into the mesh. No yarn showing.) Most of the projects are knitting with beads or even sewing them on, but Chapter Five is all beaded knitting. Some space is devoted to embellishing with sewn-on beads.The projects are varied--something for everyone from jewelry and bags to socks to sweaters. There are many pages devoted to different techniques--so despite a good selection of patterns, this book encourages the knitter or crocheter to go out on their own. A selection of projects:1. A plum colored crocheted beaded vest. VERY impressive.2. Several beaded scarves3. A "Grace Kelly" collar in champagne color, almost Victorian looking.4. Quite a few bags including some totes, some evening bags and an amulet bag in beaded knitting.5. Pullovers--cabled with beads, and a faux-textured knit with beads replacing the texture stitches (hard to explain, but it's very graphic looking and interesting.) A linen African-looking vest in neutral shades with oblong beades.6. Socks, hats7. Two Forties-looking short sleeve blouses with beads8. A wide-collared paillette (big flat sequin) top that looks like the wide off-the-shoulder styles out now, but harks back to the Fifties. This is crocheted. I think Lily has outdone herself here. These designs are fascinating. And it's not just projects-- the instructions to design your own bead work, including some bead chart paper, are unique among knitting books. I think this book is a must for any serious knitter's or crocheter's library.