No not the ereader. This Knook is a gizmo that created by Leisure Arts that is supposed to allow you to knit and crochet. First of all I had a heck of a time getting the thing because Leisure Art’s gave WalMart an exclusive which expires in October and I couldn’t find it at any of my local stores. Ended up getting info from Leisure Arts and having local WalMart order it. It costs$7.00. Anyway this is how it comes.
The Knook Package
Inside are three “crochet hook” tools with a hole in the bottom. You hook a piece of cord through this hole and ultimately place your stitches on this cord.
The largest Knook
Each of the three knooks are sized like crochet hooks G,H & I. I used the I and some worsted weight yarn. Without going into great detail you chain a row of stitches like crochet and then pull loops on to the knook and slip them on to the cord and begin to knit or purl. You can watch the videos for free on their site. One of their theories is that people who don’t knit can learn using this device and either become proficient with this or transition to knitting needles.
What attracted me was that they have a scarf pattern that switches from knit to crochet and uses a variety of stitches. You can download the scarf pattern free of charge also. Anyway I looked at the video teaching the basic knit and purl work ( all videos are done for left and right hand users) and then the scarf video which shows you how to switch from knit to crochet. This is as far as I got with a K2P2 (2 rows) P2K2 (2 rows) box pattern:
Knook Knitting
So here is my initial review, what the heck? I find using the Knook awkward and difficult to maneuver. If you knit and crochet you will understand right away how you can make both knit and purl stitches with the one hook but why bother? I don’t thing this is a good segue into knitting for a crocheter. I do both and think you should learn the traditional way. You can do both like I do and I love both. I couldn’t get the stitches tight enough for you to see a pattern. I have put the Knook away and I will pick it up again in the future and try again. But not today! I still like the idea of moving between knitting and crocheting and actually I do with half the fuss. Would love to see any finished work using the Knook. Anyone out there?
Today I bought a knook. I’m already “hooked”. I must admit I knit and crocheted prior to my purchase. My preference for outcome was knitting and my preference for tools was the crochet hook. For me the knook was “a marriage made in heaven.” It was a little akward at first, especially the purl stitch, The more I did it the easier it was, So just hang in there. It works up fast and the result is just like knit. No more long akward needles for me – I’m hooked!
I will have to try mine again. I couldn’t get the hang of it!
Anybody who doesn’t love their knook can mail it to me! I started knooking around Thanksgiving of 2011. Can’t needle knit, but my knitting with a knook is beautiful if I do say so myself! Tonight I started a baby blanket for my newest grandchild and I wish I could stay up all night working on it. It’s so much fun and so rewarding. I haven’t mastered the purl stitch but that’s not a big problem. The way you turn the work at the end of each row, you get a wonderful garter stitch and that works for me. Purling is a big awkward but I haven’t given up yet. It will come.
couldn’t get the hang of it but I must admit my frustration level is like that of a five year old!