Friday, June 27, 2014

Great Little Gifts to Knit

NOTE: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is gorgeously photographed and the patterns all look to be clearly written, with easy to follow instructions and charts in many of the patterns. There's a little something for everyone in this pattern book, from beginners to stuff like intarsia that makes me quake in my boots! Each pattern is clearly labeled with skill level and approximate time to complete. The techniques section at the back is especially helpful to someone like me who is ready to try new techniques/stitches.

There are some really cute patterns in this book.

 Deco Backpack: I will admit I am a bit addicted to knit bags. And I already have two knit backpacks. But the look and texture of this bag make me want to go stash-diving!

 Masham Scarf: The trick of using different sized needles to make a light and airy scarf is something I never would have thought of, but oh what a look! The Kidsilk Haze just begs you to reach out and touch it. I love that just by changing that you get two completely different looks.

 Baby Love Blanket: I don't want to make a whole blanket (just did that, took forever and not ready for that kind of commitment again, yet, haha), but I'm tempted to try the center square of the baby love blanket, just for practice at shadow knitting. And the booties from the Shower Set! I may have to make the blanket recipient some booties to go with it.

 On the other hand, I am not a fan of fingerless gloves, (especially froufrou ones!), wristbands or leg warmers (sorry, the 80s are over, I don't want to go back there!) and I don't have a smartphone to make a cozy for. And while I love the Feather and Fan pattern, the Fiesta Shrug that looks to use that pattern makes me cringe.

 All in all though, I would say I like enough of the patterns to make this book a thumbs up.