Karen Chacersquo;s book; Story by Story; Building a Storytelling Troupe is a must have for anyone even slightly interested in starting a storytelling group with students. I know I am guilty of sometimes skipping over sections; but every word that Karen writes is important and useful distilled (and therefore potent) information. Ms. Chace not only tells you what to do to run a successful troupe; but also WHY you need to do it. This is; to me; very important. Sometimes one is tempted to skip things; but this book explains how important the steps are. Everything from how many hours Karen thought it would take; to ACTUAL hours; where the funding comes from; how and why to lay foundations and expectations (including lsquo;no teasing policiesrsquo; and group dynamics); right the way through presentation skills to advertising the event and getting bums on seats (emphasis important)! Over the years Karen has and continues to come up with new and inventive ways of teaching the skills of storytelling; and a great many of these exercises and activities are included in the book. When it comes to research and materials as well as technique; Karen adds new meaning to "thorough". There are links to websites for stories; for grants; for microphone techniques; and how storytelling connects to the school curriculum and more. And if you prefer to read books; there is an extensive bibliography; too. Basically; I believe if you want to succeed in building a storytelling troupe or group; all you need is Karen Chacersquo;s book; Story by Story; Building a Storytelling Troupe and to do everything Karen suggests. I am sure it would be very hard to fail if you follow her words of wisdom between the covers of her goldmine of a book.Simon Brooks; storyteller; and educator
#3902530 in eBooks 2014-08-20 2014-08-20File Name: B00NDI45HK
Review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Wendy just gets Better and Better!!By ShirleyThis book is fabulous! Okay; that might sound like a bit of hyperbole; but if you are a fan of toe-up socks; then you must have this book. Pure and simple. Socks for you; your husband; boyfriend; best friend; your child or someone elses...something for everyone. Anklets; regular socks; kneehighs...and if you fancy something really over the top; try the thigh-high stockings!The subtitle on the cover says it all: "Adventurous Lace; Cables; and Colorwork" - yup; got that right! The lace patterns are lovely; there are Austrian twisted stitch patterns; and some really beautiful stranded knitting...including argyles; which Ive always wanted! One of the things I particularly like is that the photography showcases the socks which are knit in solid or semi-solid colourways; so that the stitch detail is wonderfully visible; unlike some sock pattern books which feature socks in patterned yarns where the design pattern is lost completely.Are you are a fan of short-row heels; or do you prefer the look and fit of the heel flap style? These heels are in here. There is also a short-row heel with a mini gusset...something Ive been curious to try. And while there is a great deal of valuable information and lots of helpful advice; as with her other book; Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits; this book isnt a rehash of that book. Rather; this is the next step in your toe-up sock knitting process!The layout of the book is very nice. In Part One; she provides basic information; including tips for designing your own socks. Part Two covers the patterns; which are nicely divided into types of patterns: Lace; Cable and Colorwork. The Appendix covers knitting and finishing Techniques. And finally; the Index includes small photos of each of the completed socks and the pages where they can be found...a very handy and thoughtful addition. Clearly; this woman has put herself in the position of the reader/knitter and knows what we would like in a book.Ive bought; and returned; toe-up books from other designers; but Wendys are definitely keepers! And if you would like to know Wendy a bit better; then read Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn. Not only is it a hoot; its also got patterns for socks; sweaters and more!18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Wendys Toe-Up Socks for EverybodyBy knitting doveAfter receiving "Socks from the Toe Up"; I had to order her new book. I follow her blog for us and she often adds tips on sock and shawl knitting. It is great to have a book that dedicated to Toe-Up socks again. The one thing you can count on in Wendys books is a range of socks for the new knitter to experienced knitters.The author gives a short section on how to start the socks - at the toe! She offers four different cast-ons for the toes and explains the three different techniques: double pointed needles; two circular needles and one long circular needle. The gets you off to a good start.Wendy provides some beautiful sock patterns; 21 in all. There are seven each in lace; cable; and colorwork. All of the colorwork are called Fair Isle by technique in that there are only two different colors worked in any one row. In each of the categories given there is one in the easy; some in intermediate and some in higher areas of knitting ability.I have given a brief breakdown in what is in the book. The cable area covers mostly stitches that only reliant on two stitches to be worked. If you are competent in doing cables without the cable needle; this would be a good time to do it since most of the socks use 2 stitches in making the cable. If you are not familiar with cables or are able to handle cables well; both ways are easy to use in this section. I would suggest that you look up the no cable needle needed method because the cables used are simple.I would like to see one of Wendys socks incorporate using three colors in any single row. Most of the cable patterns also include lace in them. But she has given you great value in this book. The organization is excellent; the charts are included; and the pictures given tell you what to expect as an outcome. I think all skills in knitting will find this a fun book to have and use.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Really great book for toe up socks!!By K. BurkeThis is becoming my favorite sock book!!! Ive been knitting socks toe up two at a time ever since I found the toe up method. though the two at a time method is a little more time consuming you dont have to take such rigorous notes to repeat on the second sock!I just finished my first foray into twisted stitch cable socks (the wrought iron pattern) in a knee sock! I love this pattern!! I should admit that I used my intuition on the shaping on the back of the sock and didnt really follow the pattern as it was charted. Instead I used the advise in the "about knee socks" section in the pattern!Why toe up? Because you dont have to figure out how to shape and close the toe! While I like the kitchner stitch method I could never remember how to do it and using Susies stretchy bind off instead of trying to figure out a really stretchy cast on is better for me!! Also no uncomfortable closure bumps in the toe with the tow up method!!I also like the fingers first glove/mitten idea... Its easier to figure out gauge in the palm and looks nicer IMO... But Im a seat of the pants knitter and do a lot of my knitting patternless!!The only downside is the lack of any information of the "eye of the partridge" heel flap pattern. Which is one of my favorites!! You can look it up on YouTube if you are looking for an option other than the rib flap that is so common.Great book and would certainly suggest this to a friend!!!
