K: Knitting America #atozchallenge

Knitting America:

A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art

Written By: Susan M. Strawn

One of my favorite hobbies is knitting. Another hobby is reading. Recently at the library, I thought I'd have a "marriage" of the two and borrow-Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art.

At this point, I have not read the whole book. The pictures alone seem to draw me into this book. There are 19 vintage patterns included. (My favorite is the historical pattern 1920s baby bunting set.) Since I have been reading books about World War II recently, I found myself turning to the section about WWII-Chapter 9: An Army of Knitters. I learned that:

Two notable patents for innovative knitting needles were intended to enhance the knitter's efficiency. In 1944, Samuel Shapiro of Brooklyn, New York, received a patent for his illuminated knitting needle intended for use during black-outs or in dim light. The light from a tiny bulb housed in a special unit at the blunt end of the needle was transmitted through a Lucite shaft and out the tapered working tip. In 1945 Henrietta Fosse, Jean Palou, and Louis Lacombe of France patented a transparent knitting needle marked with gauge measurements.

I laughed out loud when I read the knitting etiquette rules section; the rules were either common sense Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art.
or over the top ridiculous. If you want to learn more about the history of knitting in America or another knitting book for your coffee table, I recommend you look at

Knitting wise, I have cast off two projects this week, but I still need to weave the ends in. (My least favorite part!)

What are you reading or knitting? Join me at Ginny's Yarn Along.