Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Knitting In Tuscany

I think I can understand why some people wrote negative reviews on Amazon for Knitting In Tuscany by Nicky Epstein. There's a lot of writing in this book which is more to do with travels in a foreign country than actual knitting, so if you're after a patterns book, this is bound to disappoint even if it does turn out the travel stuff is quite interesting. The pattern collection is also somewhat... eclectic. I think the most interesting item for me is the bride's dress - and that's unfortunately crochet! An interesting book... may be:

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Boutique Knits

I was fairly convinced, from the front cover that Boutique Knits (20 must have accessories) by Laura Irwin would just be hats, scarves, gloves and bags. But although 'accessories' make up the majority of this book, there are also a couple of lovely tops and, unlike most accessories books, these really are gorgeous, boutique pieces. I love the look of the softly pleated sleeves (all it takes is a little, pretty piece of lace trim!), and the Whisky felted hat looks a lot of fun. I think the only down side is I'm really not sure about my felting skills - I'm not sure I trust my washing machine... Great for inspiration though (click pics for larger view):

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Vampire Knits

I wanted to love Vampire Knits by Genevieve Miller, I really did. I am, after all, a big fan of the novelty knit, and I used to watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer every week, until it got too confusing. But in the end, I only liked the book. The corset is beautiful, and definitely on my to-do list; the paw print gloves are quite sweet. But I'm not in a rush to make any of these items. A nice collection, definitely, but I'd like more of the gothic and less of the corny, personally (click pics for larger images):

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Romantic Hand Knits

I knew, the moment I saw the front cover of Romantic Hand Knits by Annie Modesitt, that I'd like it. And I wasn't disappointed as there are a lot of (well, 26) very pretty things in here. I'd especially love a go at the hats - they even have a section on millinery techniques! But above all else, those silk stockings are gorgeous:

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Pretty Knits

Pretty Knits by Susan Cropper is exactly what it says on the cover, so if you're not into girly flowers and lace and beads and ruffles, this is not for you. It does, however, have some lovely patterns, both clothes, accessories and furnishings. The only personal disappointment is there are not enough clothes patterns. Definitely some items worth looking at. It seems this book now has a different front cover from the one here (showing one of the very pretty shawls), which, as usual, makes it look a little uninteresting, but it really isn't:








Who wouldn't want a cupcake tea cosy??! ;)

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Modern Top Down Knitting

Another fairly plain front cover, but the insides of Modern Top Down knitting by Kristina McGowan are well worth a look. There are some really lovely dresses for starters, and the knitted jewellery is simple and pretty. I'm particularly keen to have a go at the Feather Dress, the Suspension Dress and the Annie Hat:

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Knitting It Old School - 43 Vintage-Inspired Patterns

Now, from the outside, Knitting It old School: 43 Vintage-Inspired Patterns by Stitchy McYarnPants (apparently) and Caro Sheridan looked like exactly what it says it is: vintage-inspired knitting patterns. Two things, however, disappointed me about this book: first, some of the patterns are actually crochet, not knitting (and there's even a sewing pattern in there too!); and secondly, their definition of 'vintage' is not always the same as mine. For me, vintage knitting is 1920s-50s. I can see that 60s and 70s might now be considered 'vintage' in the clothes stakes, but as I still dress in 60s-70s stuff, it isn't to me! Having said all that, there are 43 patterns in this book, which is a good load, and there are some really great pieces in the collections (I'm especially keen on the Star Trek style jumper, which also has a female knit version in the book), so this is still a book worth getting, if you're into (sort of) vintage with modern twists (click pics for larger images):

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): Japanese Inspired Knits

As per my last post, about picture based knitting reviews, this one is on Japanese Inspire Knits by Marianne Isager. I wanted to see this one because of how much I loved Tanya Alpert's Haiku Knits. This is a slightly different concept, however, and although there are some interesting concepts and a couple of nice patterns, I haven't found as much to love in this book as with Haiku Knits. Nevertheless, it's worth a look as there are some really interesting ideas - the more I look at them, the more I see a possible knitting project in the offing! There are only 12 patterns, to go with the 12 months of the year (click pic for bigger image):

Knitting Book Reviews (in pictures): French Girl Knits

As an avid collector of picture books - be they cookery or, more recently, knitting - AND being a majority online shopper, I am always hugely disappointed at the fact that it is so hard to truly get an idea of what you're buying before you've spent your money. Sometimes I have been pleasantly surprised, and other times extremely disappointed, at the pattern collections in some books. And, weirdly, sometimes the front covers of these books give completely the wrong, sometimes negative, impression of what might be inside. So I've decided, as I've recently acquired way too many of these books, I would start to provide picture reviews. That way, you can actually see exactly what you'll be buying into.

So, without further ado, my first picture review is going to French Girl Knits by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes. This is a classic example of the front picture looking interesting, but not especially exciting. After all, french fashion is supposed to be the fashion, right? So would this be super sexy, flirty and chic, or another great let down in the knitting fashion stakes...?

Thankfully, from my point of view, it turned out to be closer to the former - maybe not overly sexy, flirty or chic, but there are some gorgeous patterns lining up to be knitted (click the pics to enlarge):




What these pictures don't show are the gorgeous backs to some of these pieces. There are only 18 patterns, so get the book at the price you think is right, but it's definitely a good one for pretty pictures... :)