Friday, January 28, 2011

Simple Knits for Sophisticated Living

Simple Knits for Sophisticated Living: Quick-Knit Projects from Beautiful, Chunky Yarns by Barbara Albright

I really like the organization of this book. The six chapters separate the categories of their patterns very nicely:
  • Cozy, Comfy Home (pillows etc) - 7
  • Kitchen Knitting (cozies, table runners, place mats, pot holders) - 4
  • Holding it together (purses, backpacks, etc) - 7
  • Knits for kids (sweater, hat, throw, toys) - 5
  • Simple Wearables, Sophisticated Threads (scarf, sweater, vest, slippers, shawl) - 5
  • Under Cover (blankets) - 5
The "how to" instructions are very straight forwards, with clear images to help teach the technique. (If someone is going to bother to give instructions, then they HAVE to show some kind of picture.)

Albright includes some really interesting details in her patterns. I really like the beaded, knit napkin ring. Some of the embellishing buttons really make the patterns look extraordinary. There are some items that are quite unique, I have never seen a pattern for a hanger cover before. Of course, as an avid toy knitter, I ADORE the knitted mice, who look like they could have been needle felted. I like the idea of a picnic blanket with a checkerboard in the middle, and handmade checkers, but I don't think that the concept is new.

Overall, the book is well laid out, and has really nice images. None of the patterns tempt me enough to want to make them, but flipping through this book has giving me inspiration for some other patterns. Therefore, I consider this library trip a success.