3 comments about More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.

1. Lovely, simple, elegant knitted projects, beautifully photographed, succinct directions. What's not to like? I want to knit every other project in this book!



2. I adored Joelle Hoverson's first book and had hoped she'd do another.... The first noticeable thing about the book is the photography - it's beautiful! Well worth the price of the book as a "coffee-table" knitting book. Props to Anna Williams.
   
   She organized the chapters by the typical length of time it would take to complete a project: less than two hour gifts, 2-4 hours, 4-6 and onward. For gifts, this is perfect, nothing worse that thinking a a gift will take 2 hours only to find yourself on the clock for 4 hours and only half way through (sometimes project length is deceptive). Plus a chapter on simple, but clever gift wrapping ideas using yarn. And there are a few pages dedicated to specific stitches & finishing techniques- note there is not a "basics section"- you'll have to pick up knitting basics elsewhere.
   
   Hoverson stretches the gammet of projects - baby & adult socks, cowls, sweaters, vests, accessories, wrist warmers, blanket, scarves... pretty much your basic fair. The book is steeped in classics - nothing I would call trendy. A few projects stand out as "knock your (knitted) socks off"-- pointy elf hat (from the cover), the knitted house, cowl and beret.
   
   I will admit, these are my first impressions. I am simply noting the look of the book and the projects offered. The true test of a knitting book is the quality & detail of the patterns. I will soon update with impressions of working the patterns. Any way you look at it, this is a beautiful addition to your knitting library.



3. I waited in anticipation to Joelle's follow up of "Last Minute Knitted Gifts' and was not disappointed. If I could rate this ten stars, I would do so. I have to wear a tracheostomy tube in my throat to breathe, and on page 99 there are patterns for the most beautiful (and soft) cowls one in my position ever hope for. Not only one, but three designs. How wonderful! As I slowly turned each page, what a "delight"...This book far exceeds it's name. Cannot wait to rush to LYS tomorrow and scoop up yarn for several projects I already have tagged as a "must have". I am so delighted with this book, if I could, I would give the author one of the biggest hugs she has ever received. This book has a wide range of projects surely to please any knitter. Whether you are a beginner or advanced knitter, this is the book for you. Thank You JH..Sandy

5 comments about New England Knits: Timeless Knitwear with a Modern Twist.

1. Great pattern book! Contains lovely patterns that are not too simple and not too difficult, yet with interest. Will make at least a couple of the sweaters in the book.



2. I have never written a review for Amazon before, but I was so taken with these patterns that I had to speak up. These patterns strike a wonderful balance between timeless elegance and a strong fashion sensibility. So often pattern books disappoint me because the patterns are either too youthful (read Brooklyn hipster) or too matronly (read Mid-western elementary school teacher). EEK! But New England Knits was a must buy the minute I saw it in my local knitting store. (And I am a cheap sake who normally just gets knitting books from the library.) You won't be disappointed with this purchase.



3. Maybe it is the cover, or the patterns in this book which are so wearable and classic that made me knit the Montague Bulky Lace Vest from the New England Knits at a Maine beach in 85 degree heat. But there I was, knitting away when I had a problem understanding what to do when the pattern called for "a yarn over before a purl stitch". My husband suggested I walk the beach and look for someone knitting; of course, no such luck. That's when I read the section on yarn overs and my problem was solved. This beautiful book is chock full of beautiful patterns. Often a book contains only one or two patterns which tempt me, but not this one. I may knit the Providence Hoodie on the beach next summer!



4. A Staple For Ever Knitters Library.
   I take pride in the fact that i seek out the cutest/wearable knitting patterns.Friends of mine(Im 26)have asked me to teach them to knit after looking through my knitting pattern books and seeing what i make from them.I love seeing my friends and people from my generation pick up the craft,And patterns like these help peak that interest.This Is an amazing book.Depending on the number of patterns in a book or pattern booklet,I have to like a certain # of the patterns to get the book(unless there are a couple designs in there that are so amazing that only liking 2 of 15 patterns makes it somehow worth it).
   This is NOT one of those books.But, of course how can I be surprised as it is a Cecily Glowik Macdonald collaberation.
   I love this entire book.With exception to maybe 1 or 2 patterns I will be knitting my way through this entire book.
   With 25 wearable flattering designs i cant wait to get started.I pre-ordered this book and i dont do that often.It just arrived this morning(A Saturday,last delivery day of the week.Yay!),and Iam so excited about it i just had to get online to leave a glowing and exstatic review for all who have yet to get this book to see.
   This runs the gammut of patterns to choose from:
   
   Cardigans:A couple of my faves,The Greenfield Cardigan looks comfy and pretty as well as the Ashfield and Hampton Cardigans!
   Sweaters both light-weight and heavy cozy ones to choose from,like the Middlefield Pullover(Cover)
   Cabled fabric lined shoulder bag:The Groveland Satchel.
   Colorwork Whale Watch Hat.
   vests:The Airy Lace backed Montague Vest.
   Jackets:The Salem Hooded Jacket or Melrose Peacoat.And much more...
   
   Go ahead and get this book.I know its hard to know if it's any good online since you can't thumb through the pages,but you wont be dissapointed.If you are on Ravelry you can always take a peak at the patterns there.
   5 Stars.Loved it.I really think you will as well.



5. I am so pleased with this book. I pre-ordered it before knowing about no more than 2 or 3 of the patterns, but I'm so glad I did. There are only 2 patterns in this whole book that I would not knit (unless I made some significant mods) but EVERY other pattern is one that I want to cast on for, NOW. I can't think of a book in my collection of over 50 knitting books that has nearly as many patterns that I love as much as those in this one. Buy it now, you won't be sorry!

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No comments about Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker.

5 comments about 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet: A Collection of Beautiful Blooms for Embellishing Garments, Accessories, and More.

1. The flowers are beautifully illustrated with clear instructions even for the crochet ones (which I don't do yet). Can't wait to make some.



2. This is a wonderful collection of garden items to crochet or knit. For the record, there are 40 knit patterns and 60 crochet patterns. (March 2009 edition)
   
   The gallery section (Dictionary of Flowers) shows the samples in actual size, which is helpful. Crocheted and knitted items are intermingled in the gallery section, but there are separate instruction sections for crochet and knit patterns. The instruction sections are further broken down into basic, intermediate and advance levels. All patterns give the suggested yarn weight used in the sample (typically DK or Fine weights), but there are no suggested hook or needle sizes. The crafter will need to experiment a bit with the suggested yarn to achieve the sample size and then experiment from there for specific projects.
   
   The photos are gorgeous and quite inspiring. I love the rainbow of colors. The patterns are mostly flowers, but there are also leaves (about 14) and a few vegetables (4), fruits (5) and bugs (5).... a nice sampling of a garden. (The numbers I provided include both crochet and knit patterns.)
   
   The crochet patterns also feature symbol charts, which is helpful.
   
   The project section at the end of the book is basically a section of project suggestions, not really full blown projects. For me this was the least helpful part of the book, but others may find it helpful.
   
   Overall, I am very pleased with this book and look forward to crocheting flowers for the charity hats I'm making.



3. Exceptional book! Huge collection of flowers and leaves, both crochet and knit, that can be used to embellish ANYTHING, from wearables to afghans, etc.
   The directions are clear, the pictures delightful.
   This is a book I will use and cherish for all of my crafting years!



4. Enough variety and clear instructions make this a book well worth the money and worth owning. I always judge a knit or crochet book by how many items I would want to make and this book comes in at 90%-a high score as many books only have a few items that you really want to make.
   
   You will use it time and time again.



5. Beautiful pictures and easy instructions to follow!!!! Will recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn to crochet and knit flowers!

No comments about Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs.

4 comments about Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet.

1. Was excited to get this book. I have already knitted two of the Linen summer wraps on page 15 and have requests for 3 more from friends. They are quick to knit and so much fun!! Have tagged several projects in this book as "must do". I am really enjoying this book not only for the eye-candy but the fun in deciding which color to choose for each project. Thanks, Mags



2. Ok, who will like this book and who will NOT?
   
   1. Knitters who like to felt. There are small projects like little hearts to use as pincushions, egg cozies, and other doo-dads. Also felt medallions to embroider and ornament baby wear.
   
   2. Felters who want to do little projects. I mean, little.
   
   3. Anyone with kids who want to try small felting projects
   
   4. People who like fiber-related Christmas or holiday fiddle-faddle
   
   Who will not like it? Anyone who wants bigger stuff or thinks they could figure all this out on their own and not buy a book.
   
   I liked the pincushion idea (the hearts are cute, they could be addictive.) The baby sweater is different and quite modern-retro. The egg cozies are nice--we eat boiled eggs and the little warmers are very pretty and stylish. Other than that however...well, not my kind of thing.



3. I am sure that a lot of effort went into designing the projects that went into this book. Personally I was looking for a book that offered more options for things to knit and crochet that were a bit more practical. For instance: Egg covers - for covering an egg that is served in a little wooden holder? . . . Seriously? I don't have time to knit 'stuff' like that! Would have loved to see ideas that were FUNCTIONAL as well as attractive. I realize that this is personal preferences, but this is one book that I wish I had checked out at the library before I jumped in and bought it! I just don't see myself reaching for this knitting book the next time I want to make a gift for someone! If you are looking for a pattern for gift and want to make a hat, scarf or mittens check out: 60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats*20 Scarves*20 Mittens in Cascade 220. Now that is a great knitting book!



4. As always, keep in mind that "knit" comes before "crochet" in the title. And similar to frozen dinners promising "gravy and roast beef", there are more knit patterns than there are crochet patterns. How many more? There are a total of 20 more knit patterns that crochet patterns for a total amount of 34 patterns - 7 crochet, 27 knit. This is of interest to the crocheter because you have to figure out whether the 7 crochet patterns are worth buying.
   The patterns for crochet are as follows: Granny Bag, Crochet Flower Brooch, Cheerful Earmuffs, Gilded Mesh Scarf, Colorful Crochet Flowers, Felted Yule Bling and Felted Trivet and Coasters. The Granny Bag is as you would expect it to be if you are a crocheter, the twist being it is felted and lined. The Cheerful Earmuffs are very cute if you're an earmuff wearer. The Gilded Mesh scarf is great looking. The crochet flowers were all right, but honestly, the Felted Yule Bling and the Felted Trivet and Coasters just left me cold. The most intriguing pattern, the one of the little felted hearts on the cover, is knitted.
   Is it worth it for a crocheter to buy this book? Well, if you want to make really cool looking earmuffs, I'd say, yes, you should definitely buy this book. The mesh scarf is great and the fringe is a wonderful twist that I would never have considered. The crochet patterns are well written. But I have to admit I was really disappointed that the heart pattern was only in knit.
   The knit patterns look great. The Weekend Socks look terrific, the arm cozies are lovely. Not Being a knitter, I can't say how well they are written, but I'd would presume they would be well written because of the crochet patterns.
   What's the verdict? If you're a crocheter, you may want to check this book out in person to see how many patterns you would be likely to use. It does have some great ideas.The knit projects look fantastic and since there are 24 knit patterns, the knitters get more bang for their buck.

No comments about The Knitter's Year: 52 Make-in-a-Week Projects-Quick Gifts and Seasonal Knits.