By Joelle Hoverson and photographs by Anna Williams.
I mention the photographer because the images in this book are simply stunning. And, I think, that images in a pattern book are so very important. The images in this book are luscious, warm and very welcoming. From the safran knitted floor pillows, in the exotic and comfortable lounge rooom, to new squishy sleeping newborn baby wrapped in the garter stitch blanket, to the soft felted yoga mat bag slung on the back of a rustic white chair in a shabby chic setting. It is all so desirable, I want these things, I want the life that these images invoke. What must I do to have them? Why make them of course!
The concept of this book is knitted items that can be made in under 10 hours (you need to be an experienced knitter to achieve this timing). But this is not just a pattern book, it is a book of ideas too. With essays on colour, chapters on fibres, tools and how to use a pattern, this is a very useful book. Again great images illustrating the essays, particularly helpful I thought were the images of the knitted swatches in different gauges.
The middle section of the books has the patterns, 2 hour projects, 4 hour, six and eight hour projects and a few longer ones. I have already mentioned a few above, but there are more. Some of the shorter projects include a lovely Kerchief, leg warmers, the requisite baby hat and scarfe, but also some great adult hats too with variations. I love these, hats with pompoms, with brims, with ear flaps with rolled edge etc etc and again the photograph of the colourful beanies all lined up on a rustic wooden bench is fabulous.
No knitted gift book would be complete without knitted baby clothes. But the baby jumper and pants in this book are so cute that I would actually consider dressing my child in them. Not frilly, not silly, just simple and rustic and practical.
Some of the longer projects include knitted toys and an intricate cable purse – with what looks like an excellent chart to work from. I am in love with the womans sweater. That neckline is just divine, I love the simple hemmed cuffs, it is feminine and it is definitely not fussy. It is this lack of fussiness throughout the book and the projects which makes this one a winner for me. Joelle of Purlsoho, obviously has a wonderful sense of colour and style (in her previous life she was top style editor), the yarns and textures and colours throughout are perfect, finishing with a fab chunky mens sweater in chocolate brown – I really want this for my man – Must get knitting!
But what of the patterns, the instructions? These too are very good. Each pattern has detailed finished measurements, needles, notions and gauge to use, occasionally there is a chart or drawing of the shape of the garment depending on complexity of the pattern. The only problem I see is when discussing the yarn to use alternatives are not given. If you cannot source that particular yarn what then? uhm… I guess that is where swatches come in!)
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I love looking at this book, too. I’ve made the baby bonnet and the waffle-looking scarf (I forget the name). The baby bonnet challenged me, but that could have been the yarn replacement I used. The scarf was easy enough, but rolled. I’m amateur enough that I didn’t know it’s not supposed to do this. The lady at the LYS said, “too bad it rolls.” In the photo of it, it is rolled the other direction, like a cinnamon roll. I think they styled it this way so it doesn’t show the other kind of roll. Does this make sense? Anyway, I still like having the book.
I’ve borrowed this book from the library and it really is lovely! One thing to note though – there were quite a few pattern errors in the first edition – there are errata on the Purl Soho website:
http://www.purlsoho.com/_gr/our_books/lmkg_corrections.pdf
I first heard of the book though Alison of The Blue Blog and she has discovered a couple of other little annoyances as well, and posted solutions on her site, eg: http://alison.knitsmiths.us/001606.html
Still an inspiring and gorgeous looking book though!
I have had this on my wish list for a while. Thanks to your great review, I think it is time to order it and get it into my hands! Thanks for the detailed review.
I bought this shortly after I started knitting, and the woman’s hourglass sweater was the first I ever made. I’m actually wearing it now! I am not sure how many of the other projects I will make, but it is a beautiful book to flick through for ideas.
I’ve made the angora baby booties from this book -absolutely adorable and very easy and quick to make (but mine were tiny – the newborn outgrew them in a week!) I’ve also made the Kureyon child’s scarf – obviously a simple project but the vibrant colours make it really exceptional. My only beef is the the title of the book is a bit misleading – I can’t see how a sweater can possibly be a “last minute” gift!
I like this book too.
I have made a few items with great pleasure, it is beautiful and inspiring.
I just wanted to add that there are corrections for many patterns online. It is particularly sad to think that the numerous mistakes have been tranlated in french, but not the corrections!
Anyway I think that the last english edition has been corrected. Not sure. you better have to check before trying any pattern.
I’ve got this book, too, and it’s definitely my favourite. I’ve made the Airy Scarf, the elephant toy and the giftbag so far, and am nearly finished that little cabled purse – and you’re right, the chart is great, very easy to follow and you can get into a rhythm with it easily.
I saw this in the bookstore, flipped through it, was well-pleased by the photography, but didn’t think the book looked all that special. Then again, I only had about 5 minutes, so I missed alot.
You’ve convinced me that this book deserves a second viewing, and possibly a buying.
Cheers!
Hi, I bought the book as well…I’ve made the bunny and the teddy…I am up to the trunk on the elephant and cannot understand the instructions beyond that point…..Don’t know where I am to join new thread….once I’m on my way I can complete him…there again he might sit and gather dust and remain unfinished…such a shame. (Any assistance would be greatly appreciated) I knit toys for charity and found these toys to be fast turn around. I learned the magic loop method using this book, and provisional coast on and highly recommend it.
Stringy,
I noticed you made the airy scarf. I started the scarf, but had lots of problems with the gauge (I’m a tighter knitter so it didn’t match to the specified gauge) — did you use #10 needles? Perhaps I should just loosen up a bit? Also, did you find the yarn difficult to work with? Is this a project where you should just keep at it and it will take shape?
Thanks!