Loop-D-Loop: More Than 40 Novel Designs for Knitters

As you can see from the number of reviews with passionate views, both positive and negative, you should probably check this book out in person before making a decision. I have been knitting for many years and find this to be one of the most inspiring knitting books I've ever encountered (and I have a whole room devoted to fiber arts books). I've made many of the projects so far and routinely have strangers come up to me to ask if I'm wearing a "Teva." I have found the patterns to be well written thus far, and she has really turned me on to big gauges. For years I pretty much stuck to finer yarns, and it's so much fun to turn out a project in a few days or less. One week I made five ballet t-shirts--a few for me and a few for my daughter (who loves hers). But I can see that those with curvaceous figures might have issues with the sizing and styles. As far as the criticism that these patterns are too "trendy" and will be out of fashion before you can wear them, I would argue that these styles are not really IN fashion per se, but rather outside of mainstream fashion. They either fit your style, or they don't. Many are inspired by historical designs, and I plan to keep wearing them for many years. The photo styling is deliberately edgy, and many of the sweaters can easily be worn with your favorite jeans or skirts (and "normal" hairstyle!) for a more everyday look. As for shocking the neighbors with too much skin, it's easy enough to add a skin-tone camisole or strapless bra underneath any skimpy styles. If you mesh with the Loop-d-loop vibe, this book will have you knitting--and dreaming--deep into the night for many years to come!

I was very excited when I found out that Teva Durham had a book coming out. As I am a 50-year old woman living in a small town in Wyoming, I have to admit that many of her designs are a bit "over the top" for me although I have long admired her style and creativity. This beautifully-photographed book really does have something for everyone. The patterns run the gamut from fun and funky to bizarre to absolutely gorgeous. All of them seem to employ interesting and well-thought-out methods of construction. As a rule, I hate making the same pattern twice, but I have already made two Corkscrew Scarves, and am about to make the Braided Neckpiece for the second time. I bought yarn for the Cabled Riding Jacket even before I bought the book! As for some of the criticisms in other reviews, I would like to point out that it IS possible to substitute less expensive yarns for more expensive ones. (Actually Durham's designs cover a broad range of yarn prices.) As for the small sizing of many of the patterns, it IS possible to alter patterns to fit larger sizes. After all, being creative and adventurous is what the book is all about. If you are undecided about buying this book, I say go for it! You are sure to find something different and exciting that you will love to make.

I found this a thrilling and beautiful book, not least because of the exquisite collaboration between author, photographer and models. Being old and large I can wear only one or two garments presented in this book (with some adaptation) -- but there are plenty of things I could make for others! A pretty book like this is surely even more for inspiration than for the actual patterns. Teva's courage in pushing the envelope of traditional knitting makes me want to express myself in wearable art too, and she sets forth good directions for creative thinking. Think about planes, she says, think about tubes, think out of the box about what can be done with yarn and some needles, and get out of your rut! Knitting most certainly isn't what it used to be. Many people who learned their knitting as young children fifty years or more ago have nostalgic feelings about the time everyday knitted garments were worn gratefully season after season by family members of all ages. This is not what knitting is about any longer. In fact, it is only because of talented younger enthusiasts like Teva Durham that knitting has undergone its current revival. People need to create with their hands and find it relaxing to escape into knitting, but they wouldn't continue to do it if the activity didn't produce fun, interesting things for themselves and their friends. Grandmother's grey botany wool cardigan is too boring, too hot with central heating everywhere, takes far too long to make with all its tiny stitches, and gets moth holes during the summer. So new and different things are needed - and a whole lot of them are suggested in this book. However, knitting is knitting. You pull some loops through some other loops either backwards or forwards, and the technique itself leads to a repertory of pattern types that knitters have been using for centuries. So I take issue with the reviewer "Rosy" who thinks it's all been done before and the predecessors are not given acknowledgement. Of course it's been done before (and isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery?), but not in these shapes, with these colors and these yarns by these people living and breathing right now -- and showing such energy and beauty through the ancient craft of knitting. Just as each generation needs its own, new translation of the Bible, and, indeed, of all the classics we anglophones read in translation, each art and craft also needs a re-incarnation in every generation. Why not stand back with grandmotherly pleasure and delight in the new knitting antic and prowess of the young? I love this gorgeous book with its bold and lively ideas, its sound design principles, and its absolutely wonderful photographs - and I love to think about all the talented young people involved in it! Let it be said of us oldies, "They also serve who only stand and [applaud]."

I have been waiting eagerly for this book, and am overwhelmed - it's even better than I thought it would be. Fabulous, all the way. Great patterns, clear photos and explanations of unusual techniques, interesting writing - it's THE ideal knitting book. The patterns are incredibly cool. I want to make all of them. There's a variety of stuff here, including chair covers which transform an ordinary folding chair into a beautiful objet d'art. Some patterns are for adults, some for kids, and some are sized for both. There are jackets, shells, cardigans, sweaters, capelets, a kilt, a really cute pair of gloves, a hat..... for a preview, you can hit her website, and that should convince you. (google loop d loop). Some of her patterns use thick yarns, and some use fine, so that will appeal to those lucky knitters who have the patience to use fine yarn:) Although her designs are really hip, there are a number which would suit the more conservative - just look at the two on the cover.... beautiful stitch patterns, shapely but not OTT. I highly recommend this book. Much more worth it that Tricoter's newest, which has very few patterns and way too many ponchos. I had it on preorder before I even saw the pics on her site, and would have paid twice as much for it. I REALLY hope she publishes more in the future.

This absolutely wonderful book of knit designs is a great addition to the knitting library - the designs are alot different than your usual knit tops - for instance an almost sleeveless shell w. just a bit of cap sleeves and a hint of a stand up collar. A good range of patterns from a wonderful cabled long jacket to sleeveless shells w. great stitch patterning. I can see that the designs won't get dated quickly. The yarns used too are versatile - so you aren't stuck with a choice of one or two yarns (as some books are). And the book design itself! You will really enjoy the great large, clear photos - some have the same garment in another view. The graphs are larger that usual and shaded for ease in reading. One of my favorite parts of the book is Teva Durham's writing and viewpoints.