by Ardeana Hamlin
of The Weekly Staff
Remember when you learned to knit? One of the first things you were taught was that if you knit every row, that’s garter stitch. Then you learned to purl and the world of stockinette stitch opened up to you. That led to cables, bobbles and other knitted intricacies, including lace work.
If you want to return to basics, so to speak, there is now a book for that. It’s title is “50 Garter Stitch Gifts to Knit: The Ultimate Easy-to-Knit Collection Featuring Universal Deluxe Yarn.”
Until I happened upon this book I had never heard of Universal Yarn. It required a visit to universalyarn.com where I discovered that the company is based in Harrisburg, North Carolina, and that stores in Auburn, Cape Elizabeth, Hancock, Waldoboro, Bar Harbor, Freeport, Standish, Waterville, Belfast, Stockton Springs and Windham stock the yarn.
But back to the book. Projects include scarves, hats, cowls, sweaters, bags, slippers, a baby blanket, hand puppets, mitts and a doll. Each one illustrates the versatility of garter stitch. A symbol placed at the beginning of project instructions indicates whether it is easy, difficult or in between, making the book a good addition to a knitter’s library, whether beginner, intermediate or experienced. Each project is illustrated with a full page color photograph, making it easy to see what the project will look like when it it finished.
Of course, I have my favorites. I like the Unisex Striped Hat sized for both men and women. I like the Lace-Edge Shawlette, too, though not the colorways — which is not to say that the combination of toast, chocolate and baby is unappealing — I’d prefer to it this in one color.
When I saw the Square Baby Cap and Cuffed Booties project, I knew this was one I’d want to knit to have on hand the next time I needed a handmade baby gift. The bonnet is a rectangle with two sides sewn together. It has I-cord ties.
I definitely can’t resist the Mobius Hat, which has a twist worked into the cast-on rounds that creates a turned up brim. The colorways of chartreuse olive and brown bronze are very fetching.
The last project I tagged for future reference is the Rag Doll. This appealing playmate has an embroidered face, a ruffly skirt and striping on the legs to simulate socks.
The book also has a Helpful Information section with a glossary, useful techniques, how to make a pompom and embroidery stitches.
To learn how to obtain a copy of the book, inquire at your local bookstore or public library, or go to universalyarn.com.