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

by Teva Durham, Adrian Buckmaster (Photographer)

A collection of more than forty knitting designs for adults, children, and the home explains how to create fashionable scarves, cardigans, slipcovers, and more, in an illustrated guide by a former editor at Vogue Knitting International. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jinn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I'm really no good at reviews. My apologies in advance.)

I should have bought this book the first time I spent an hour looking through it. I suppose the significance of this find was lost on me until it was too late.

I'm a knitter. I refer to myself as an avid knitter, though I have yet to produce any yellow duck sweaters, ill-fitting caps or gaudy mittens. It will come with time, I suppose. The patterns in this book are unlike anything you will find anywhere else. The colors actually go together, for one. The patterns are from this century, for another. There's a huge variety of styles, though predominantly European to my eye (which I find endearing). I think the reason I didn't buy this gem when I saw it at the bookstore was because I wasn't ready to try out the more difficult patterns it offered. I should have bought it anyway, to have when I was ready for it.

(After perusing the reviews before mine, I find that I may be the only person in existence who would, in fact, try out most of the patterns, if not wear them. Welcome to the world of Jinn, I suppose. I love things that are profoundly different. Teva Durham, my knitted hat is off to you. Thank you for providing me with options, if nothing else.)

[HadiDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the weird designs ...I will likely make the 'paper chain' scarf and the aassymetrical knit sideways cardigan. lovely to find a book of designs that feel fresh and modern.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never really liked the cover of this book, so I resisted it for a long time. Finally, somehow, it wound up on my holds list at the library and I’m really happy it did! This is one knitting book which I actually read, because it is fascinating to hear author & designer Teva Durham’s approach:

“I want my designs to express the deeper meaning I have found through knitting–therefore, I may use symbolic motifs or reference costume history with a hint of ecclastiastical or Elizabethan styling. I believe that with such dramatic and cerermonial elements, knits can explore visual metaphors just like museum-sanctioned art; I seek the subtext in this textile medium.” (p. 7)

Durham divides her work into three approaches: cycles, planes and waves, making for three distinctive sections of patterns. While I personally wouldn’t knit that many of her patterns, I find the writing and descriptions of how she designs fascinating. You know a writer is good when even her acknowledgments page is interesting!

The patterns I might do someday from this book are the ballet t-shirt, the yoke vest, and the corrugated asymmetrical v-neck. Maybe the lace leaf pullover too, the one which has been all over blogland too.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen one of my fav knitting blogs talk about the Geek Spiral sweater, I anxiously awaited this book from the library.

But then the more I read about it online and in the book, I just wasn't as excited about actually making it. This book has so many unusual patterns in it. Defintely more towards making things just to be fashionable than my tastes run.

However, I did enjoy seeing some of the ideas, conceptualizing what it would take to make these things. For example, the construction of the yarn-over steak vest was really interesting. The basketweave scarf with ends that hang out is cool. The zip-off sweater that she wore when appearing on Knitty Gritty was fun to see how it's made (and I reocnigzed the slip-stitch intarsia kilt for the same reason).

There were a couple of huge fair isle that were interestng to see. And finally, the one I wish I could wear was a ballet t-shirt, but there's no way the medium/large would fit me, and it's a bit too complex for me to try and modify. I just really like the shaping in the tummy area and the cap sleeves I may photocopy it just in case I want to make it some day.

[Nancy Vincent]

Most complaints about this book have to do with the oddness of the designs.

I don't mind odd designs. In fact, it is why I bought the book despite my major objection.

My major objection is that if you have the approximate dimensions of an adult female (the occasional curve, perhaps even breasts), the patterns will not fit without additional yarn and math. The models look like they haven't eaten in months, not a single one has a cup size over minus double A, and that body type is apparently the only one Teva can design for.

Nonetheless, I've made two sweaters out of this book (corrugated asymetrical and lace leaf) and like them. The asymetrical required additional math, but the lace leaf is made loosely enough that even a grown woman can use it. I want to do the braided neckpiece and a couple of others.

I saw she has a new crochet book out and am willing to learn to crochet to use it, because the reason I don't crochet is that most patterns are beyond fugly.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reading through everything on my bookshelves as a means to edit things down and this book definitely stays. Almost 20 years since publishing, many of the designs are still fresh although many of the yarn manufacturers are long gone. I was at first annoyed at all the author text then felt compelled to read it all as I found her inspirations (at times) interesting. I'm a woman with curves, or at least a curved shape (round), and assume there will be lots of math here. The photos show mostly young and flat-chested folk but besides professional photography there are color charts and schematics.

[Anna Lorentzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't knit much from this book, but giving it 4 stars because my son is the young child modeling the swirl sweater.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several interesting patterns! One I want to make this year: “cashmere lace blouse.”

[Marley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teva Durham is a little nutty. There are some gorgeous pieces and some strange designs; they're most interesting becaue of how they're constructed. Instead of a typical 4 piece sweater (front, back, 2 sleeves) she has an a-symmetrical sweater in 2 halves that end with the sleeves, and top-down sweaters/shells, and a circular purse made with short rows. Some of the patterns are unwearable or almost un-makeable (strange directions and discontinued yarns and gagues that are just wrong...also strange elizabethan collar thing...??)and there aren't enough sizes. That said, great for design inspiration and lots of pretty pictures.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book to look through. I love the photographs, they are brilliant and fill the page with wondrous designs. There were several patterns that took my breathe away, ones that I would love to knit. Maybe someday in the future, when I have honed my skills and can undertake such an accomplished sweater pattern. The only problem I found with this book was that some of the models didn't seem to be wearing much But the knitted items. Other then that, I would recommend this book.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by her approach, and while I have not (yet) knit any of the projects, I find the information on structuring (okay, so I read the patterns for ones that I was curious about) really fascinating.

Definitely a food-for-thought book, and I suspect I will refer back to it when I am ready to try something -- either something from it or an idea I have myself.

I also enjoyed her introduction, and her thoughts about life and knitting.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wouldn't knit every pattern in this book I can appreciate Teva Durham's ability to look at the environment and develop new knitting patterns. That is what one takes away from this book - a new way to think about patterns for knitting.

Some of the garments are clearly to be worn only in a major cosmopolitan city while others are incredibly elegant and beg to be worn anywhere and everywhere.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an odd book...there are a few stunning patterns, that make it worth acquiring, but the rest is just bizarre runway looking stuff that you would never see anyone actually wearing....nonetheless I just went out and bought it at Chapters for $7 because of the stunning patterns. I'm in love with that riding jacket and plan to make it twice over I like it so much.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is only the scarf on the front cover that I find interesting enough to knit up. If you see this in a used book store, this is fine to check out and perhaps gather dust at your house, but I wouldn't pay full price for this knitting pattern book. Too many of the patterns are just wierd!
I do like the chain link locking scarf, it knits up quick and cute.
2 stars

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, creative patterns that are super easy to very advanced. The ballet tee is one of my favorites and I've knit it up several times in different yarns and lengths. Be sure to check out her other books, especially the one for crochet!

[notgettingenough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of my collection I can see going on a permanent holiday some time. Mostly too weird and I suspect a lot of the instructions are inadequate. The only pattern I especially wanted to knit has tortured people according to experiences documented on the net.

[Diana Vance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd yet interesting designs to fit size 0 runway models. Not much here that could be worn in real life, by real women. The book's value is in intriguing ideas that could be incorporated into more practical, wearable designs.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, the projects are amazing and innovative. I've made a couple of them. But I've found the instructions a little difficult to follow at times.

[Alicia]

Wow this looks great! Theres so many cool knitting and fiber books out there, I've got to get better at knitting soon.

[b · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complex and unusual designs but well written.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wouldn't knit much out of this, but it's a great book nonetheless.

[Rachelle Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innovative designs. I'm waiting to develop the patience to knit something other than a scarf. This is the first book I'll turn to when that happens.

[Martha]

design process very interesting but I don't trust accuracy of patterns

[Belknits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible designs.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute stuff, some ridiculous stuff.

[Melissa Ennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly cover, but inside are wearable projects with ingenious construction for women, kids, and men. Lots of projects on big needles.

[Holly Olmstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many patterns, Teva's designs are beautiful and interesting.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice, some look fairly complicated. Several asymmetrical sweaters.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, cutting edge knitting and projects for all levels.