The Buzz...About Books

Because the world is just getting stranger, on Wednesday members of the Finnish Olympic team held a press conference to discuss knitting. Since the Sochi Olympics, knitting has been a stress relief method for athletes and coaches on the team. Snowboarding coach Antti Koskinen has become something of a legend, knitting even during competitions. At Sochi, the team made a scarf and added to it at the Rio games. This time, they are creating a blanket for Finnish president Sauli Niinisto and First Lady Jenni Haukio's newborn child, born on February 2. Each Olympic knitter is making a square that will be stitched together to create the blanket. 

If the Finnish athletes would like to move on from blankets, there are many different things to knit. They might want to start with this one:

Knitting for Gold by Sue McBride
This book lets you knit your own athlete doll and sports equipment. Coach Koskinen might want to knit himself a snowboarder but patterns for skaters, skiers and hockey players are also included.

Techno Cozies
Snowboarders and freestyle skiers listen to music while they compete, so they probably need fancy cases for their phones or music players. Use your knitting skills to make unique "cozies" for all of your devices with this book. 

Bag Style: 20 Inspirational Handbags, Totes, and Carry-Alls to Knit and Crochet by Pam Allen and Ann Budd
ebook
Knit a stylish bag to carry all the medals you win.

Knit your Own Moustache: Create 20 Knit and Crochet Disguises by Vicky Eames
It must be hard to be a successful athlete. When the adulation gets a bit too much, a disguise could come in handy. Regain your anonymity by impersonating a rabbit or simply wearing a knitted beard.

Toronto Public Library has many knitting books and magazines. Ask staff members to help you find the perfect book. 

If you enjoy knitting, check out the knitting programs in library branches.