Here's what I think of it.
First off, overall this seems like a great book. For me, most of the designs are appealing. They have pretty details and modern shapes. I think many people could find something to like here.
The advanced patterns include quite a few colourwork designs, and many also incorporate embroidery, which is quite neat. This is a new frontier for me so it will be fun to explore!
Small digression- it seems if I come into possession of a pattern, it automatically becomes more appealing, even if I wouldn't have been drawn to it before...do you know what I mean? Or is that just my weird brain? I think it's partly just because it grows on me the more I see it! (Plus, I don't have to pay to use it, haha!)
Pros:
- There are quite a few designs- 20 in all, and they are quite varied. It's not clogged up with novelty/useless patterns either- 19 out of 20 are wearable designs, and there is one bag.
- The photography and styling is very fun, young, and colorful. It's beautiful to look at. I would describe the book as having a 'cute' aesthetic, which I love of course, but isn't for everyone.
- I love that it doesn't hold your hand too much- I believe beginners don't have to sit around making easy scarves for a few months before they can move on. This book has a great progression of difficulty which I believe would be much more challenging and satisfying for an ambitious beginner. (This was the problem I had with Knitty Gritty- the projects ranged from super easy to easy).
Cons:
- I craved more pictures. What does it look like from the back? I want to see it with the model standing! Of course I realise a book doesn't have infinite room for pictures. Some designs have more pictures than others though. I think I've been spoilt by Ravelry a bit. But...more pictures please! :)
- There are no schematics of the patterns. I also would have liked a little blurb describing the construction and features of the garment. Is it seamed? Is it top-down? You'll have to read the pattern! (Call me lazy if you want, but I want that blurb). Most of the patterns seem to be knit flat from the bottom up and seamed (I believe this is the more traditional way- I look forward to giving this a go!).
- This is a book for beginners, but I would highly recommend using another resource to fill in the gaps. I found when I started that learning from a book was very hard- I wished I'd used knittinghelp.com's videos from the start. However the photos are very clear and nicely put together.
- A few patterns reference optional crocheted details, but that's not taught in the book. You'll have to go elsewhere! No big deal, but just another reason I think this book needs supplementation.
- This isn't a problem with the book, but the designs aren't all represented on Ravelry. I think it's missing out on a chance to get more exposure. However, I think they are all gradually getting put on Ravelry, hooray! It's just taken a while- almost none of them were on there when I got the book, but now some are.
Unfortunately, I can't comment on how well the patterns are written considering I haven't knitted anything from it yet!
The garments each come in five sizes, ranging from 30" bust to 40". Some patterns' size ranges start at a size lower than others, which is slightly odd, but won't affect most people.
The book contains:
-a scarf and mitten set
-a bag
-wristwarmers (seen on the cover)
-a ribbed hat
-a hand puff and collar set
-four sweaters
-five cardigans
-a lacy collar
-two sleeveless tops/vests
-a tam and snood set
-a pair of socks
-a cape
This is my favourite pattern:
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A cropped cardigan (my fav!) with bobbles and cables. Too cute! |
(My excitement about the pattern was slightly dampened upon realising that only the the main sections of colour are charted. The extra embroidery is left out! I suppose we're supposed to just make up the rest of it our own. That's a bit frustrating.)
I could see myself snooding it up in this:
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Both these patterns are included. Pretty! |
The final pattern is a cape- another example of colourwork with embroidered details on top:
There is so much here for a beginner or advanced knitter to get inspired by. I think most of the designs are really lovely, and could see myself in many of them! I counted, and I want to knit 14 out of 20 of these designs... not bad right?
Okay, just one more:
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Love it!! But I wouldn't be able to resist adding lots of waist shaping! :) |
The book/pictures credits are:
LEARN TO KNIT, LOVE TO KNIT by ANNA WILKINSON, published by Quadrille (£14.99, paperback)
Photos © LAURA EDWARDS
I did not receive any compensation for writing this review :)
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