Wire Knits

July 2007

Do you love knitting, but tired of making things out of yarn? Make some fun jewellery and other accessories with your knitting needle, using wire and beads. You don't even need to be able to do much more than simple stitches to make necklaces, scarves, bracelets, bags, corsages and more.

This has definite appeal to anybody who thinks that knitting is a slow way to make anything (ie a beginner like myself) and who thinks that no outfit is complete without several accessories. Let out your inner child to play with a knitting dolly and make some fun tubular jewellery...you don't even have to limit yourself to conventional knitting to do this which ensure a wider appeal. This is not the usual type of craft book with a lot to say about the materials, as most of them need little or no introduction. As long as you know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off (none of which is shown in this book) you can make anything in the book. I particularly liked the section on healthy advice at the back, telling you how to be a fitter knitter, and sort out problems such as eyestrain, backache etc to ensure a long knitting life. The projects themselves have clear instructions (but not the type with lots of staged illustrations) and are attractive and modern, crying out to be customized by anyone who has mastered the basics. This is a useful and user-friendly primer for anybody who wants to learn how to knit with wire.

July 07

As anyone who reads my reviews will know, I am a big lover of jewellery making and am always trying to find ways in which I can extend my knowledge and produce eye-catching results. So when I picked up this book I was eager to get started on some of the visually stunning projects.

Before you pick up this book though it is essential that you know the basics of knitting, as the book doesn't teach you how to knit, it teaches you how to knit with wire. I have finally had a chance to create my first project from this book and the results were amazing. The intricacy of each piece stands out and makes you want to analyse each piece to see how cleverly it was made. So if you are a pro at knitting and want some unique handmade jewellery and fashion items I suggest you take a look at this book. Clothes, jewellery and fashion accessories mean so much more to me when I have lovingly crafted them myself, this book provides me with dozens of ideas and inspiration to go on and design my own.

Without you seeing the photos from this book it is very hard to convey the delicacy and beauty of these items but I will try my best to describe each so that you can understand where my passion comes from for this book. Let's take a look at some of my favourite projects from the book:

Candy Floss Cuff - This is a stunning cuff that has the appearance of pink mesh but between each stitch are delicately coloured and sized beads. If you were to buy an item like this it would be very expensive as after completing my item I had a browse on the Internet and was astounded at similar items prices.

Party Bracelet - This bracelet contains tons of beads that are neatly lined up amongst the wire in rows. Turquoise beads have been used in this bracelet and they produce a most fetching result.

Earth Angles - described as `crystal chips floating on a bed of knitted wire' almost makes it sound like it is something you could eat and if you were to see the photos of this one, believe me it certainly looks appetising to a self-confessed fashion addict. This is very cleverly produced because it is knitted in two parts and then stitched together at the front, giving a delectable edge of vibrant colour in the point of the necklace. There is another similar design called `Peridot Angles' only this is slightly more extravagant and makes use of green stones and beads.

Glamour Bag - This bag is glorious and is achieved by knitting an outer layer of wire embellished with sequins and then lining it with pink felt. Even the handle is highly admirable with a length of French knitting. This is an item that you could quite possibly find in a boutique; so to be able to make one of these for myself is fantastic!

Beach Bangles - If you want to get in on the current boho trend, then these will be the perfect accessories. They really are amazing!! Layered wire knitting in enticing shades with tons of beads will make you want to start making these bangles immediately.

There are 25 projects in total and projects vary from brooches, bags, necklaces to scarves and fairy collars. The book is literally bursting with sumptuous visual arrays of wire-crafted items. Whoever knew wire could prove so attractive! My only downside to the book is that I would have liked a bit of basic information on knitting, in my case I had to have a bit of a crash course off my mum. However the quality and quantity of the projects more than make up for this. I intend to make many more of these stunning projects and might even inject some of my own ideas! A must-have book!

Aug 07

You might have seen bright reels of sparkling wire in craft shops and wondered what you can do with it. The easy answer is to knit it and create exciting fabrics and lots more. This book tells you all you need to know about knitting with wire as well as 27 different projects to experiment with a less than usual yarn. Heather offers lots of advice as she is an experienced wire knitter. Reassurance such that you stitches will never look identical is very helpful for the first-time wire knitter along with ther explanations of the different types of wire available. Although it looks impressive in its own right, the addition of beads to wire knitting means it is absolutely perfect for jewellery items. The first project is a simple beaded bangle which has an opulent, shop-bought look that is so easily achieved at home. The patterns develop with ornate collars, necklaces, bracelet, earrings and flowers that can be added to just about anything such as cards, gift wrap and other items. You will discover just how versatile a wire-knitted l-cord can be with a range of ideas that will keep your jewellery box full of trinkets. Each pattern comes with a list of materials, an easy to follow knitting pattern and making up instructions for perfect results every time. If you can knit and purl, then the realm of wire knitting awaits with a host of irresistible projects.

Aug 07

Do you love knitting, but tired of making things out of yarn? Make some fun jewelry and other accessories with your knitting needle, using wire and beads. You don't even need to be able to do much more than simple stitches to make necklaces, scarves, bracelets, bags, corsages and more.

This has definite appeal to anybody who thinks that knitting is a slow way to make anything (ie., a beginner like myself), and who thinks that no outfit is complete without several accessories. Let out your inner child to play with a knitting dolly, and make some fun tubular jewelry...you don't even have to limit yourself to conventional knitting to do this which ensure a wider appeal. This is not the usual type of craft book with a lot to say about the materials, as most of them need little or no introduction. As long as you know how to cast on, knit, purl and cast off, (none of which is shown in this book) you can make anything in the book. I particularly liked the section on healthy advice at the back, telling you how to be a fitter knitter, and sort out problems such as eyestrain, backache, etc., to ensure a long knitting life. The projects themselves have clear instructions (but not the type with lots of staged illustrations) and are attractive and modern, crying out to be customized by anyone who has mastered the basics. This is a useful and user-friendly primer for anybody who wants to learn how to knit with wire.

Winter 07

This is a very comprehensive book with a good selection of uncomplicated projects. The history and process of wire making are covered as is advice on how to avoid painful fingers. The book is beautifully produced with clear instructions and illustrations. Knitting on ordinary needles and French knitting are both covered. The projects are decorative and many are wearable. Anyone with basic knitting experience would be able to tackle them. I particularly liked the page of 'healthy advice', especially that on how to take care of your eyes. I enjoyed this book and would enjoy now tackling projects of greater difficulty.

Anna Jonathon, Liskeard

No. 82, Aug-Oct 07

If you would like to give your hand-made jewellery a new twist, why not try knitting with wire and beads? Heather Kingsley-Heath has produced twenty-seven projects for you to work. There are bracelets and necklaces aplenty, brooches, talismans, hair accessories and even lovely decorative flowers to make. So many projects makes this inexpensive book a great buy. Knitting with wire that is embellished with beads or a decorative cord can be a great way to use up odds and ends and the ideal way to create a unique item every time. There are no great skills required for this technique, just the ability to cast on and knit or purl as required. Try it and see your work grow in no time.

No. 117, Sept 07

64 pages of designs worked in wire - just as the title suggests - and almost all jewellery. In common with other Search Press titles, this book is about producing something rather than an exposition of the theory, so that there are only two sides devoted to the actual techniques of knitting with wire and another two on knitting with wire generally. There are colourful bracelets, brooches, necklets and flowers with talismans and a small bag too. A bonus is a page on avoiding shoulder and eye problems when immersed in knitting for too long and a reminder that hunching up even affects breathing.

Lesley Fidler

Jan 08

Knitting with wire really isn't as difficult or as scratchy as it sounds! Wire Knits will inspire you to put down your yarns and try something a little different. This fascinating book is crammed with intriguing ideas.

It contains 26 unique projects, plus Heather Kingsley-Heath's experiences and tips. Find out how to choose the best wire then delve in and have a go. If you're new to knitting with wire, get started with a simple plain-knitted bangle then build up to eye-catching layered tubes and braids. Easy to follow instructions nestle alongside handy making-up advice, making this a must-read for knitters everywhere.