Spotlighted Patterns from Knitscene Magazine
935469
The Best of Knitscene is dedicated to the best patterns in the last five years of this knitting magazine.  There is a short section on trends, one on fair isle and one on yarn weights.  The rest of the book is primarily dedicated to patterns.  The patterns appear to be carefully selected and are lovely.  The instructions appear easy to follow and I can't wait to dig in and start knitting some of these patterns right away.

My favorites abound.  The Central Park Hoodie is a cardigan in a nice rose color with, of course, a hood, knit with a worsted weight yarn.  To assist the knitter with this pattern, there is an article on cables with drawings and directions that are very helpful.  I love the Geodesic Design Sweater, knit in a loden green in lace weight yarn.  "This light-as-air jacket, with its military-inspired bodice tucks, was worked up in the yarn du jour at the time - Malabrigo Lace.  It does require some advanced skills, but it's so appealing that knitters of every stripe have taken a go at it, with fine results."  The Ocsilloscope Shawl is actually a shawlette.  It is knit in a worsted weight in a rich blue.  The Freshman Cable Socks are a twist on the basic ribbed sock.  It 'features an inventive cable design that spirals around the leg and foot.  The visually spare design allows for use of handpainted and variegated yarns."  The Kenobi Jacket is utilitarian and lovely.  'Varying texture patterns, asymmetry, and clean edges make a great casual jacket.'  This is one of the patterns I'd like to get started on first.  The Phiaro Scarf is a delight to the eyes.  'A wide scarf earns its luxurious drape- and wrapability - from columns of dropped stitches.  The openwork ladders lend fluidity and interest to an otherwise simple stockinette project.  Braided fringe finishes the luxe look.'  I was drawn right away to the Emily Shawl.  'This sideways-knit shawlette is inlaid with a sweet leaf motif.  Pointed edges and hand-painted yarn make for delicate appeal, while the knitting itself is not so intricate.'

Throughout the book are articles about different designers, skills, and spotlighted items.  I find this book intriguing with its varied patterns and wonderful selection.  I know I'll be knitting from it and referring to it as a resource.
4235640
"Knitting Little Luxuries" definitely appeals to the new, young hip knitter. So the book is full of berets, bags, wraps and scarves, mostly in trendy colorways (muted gold-beige, pale blue) and with thicker, though not bulky yarns.

The book has four sections:

1. Electic and Quirky: textured stitches, mixed yarns, button trims, ribbon embroidery. Of the projects, there is a rug-textured bag and a button trimmed beanie that I liked. Of the quirkier side, the Alice beret is colorful, yet muted and has a floppy, individualistic shape. A button-trimmed, colorful wrap (the Dottie Wrap) goes well with this and is sort of 21st Century Hippy-Flapper (hard to qualify.)

2. Pretty And Feminine: Here, a beautiful short cardigan with a mixed texture yarn and fine merino trim caught my eye. There are angora mittens, a soft lace scarf.

3. Textured and Modern: cabled items abound

4. Traditional and Folk: features the use of fair-isle or two color knitting to make berets, scarves and pillows.

While this is not classic knitting in the style I prefer, I can see that trendy knitters would find many small and interesting projects here to work on, or to use as ideas for more ambitious projects. I would deem the knitting skill required to be intermediate, due to the use of texture stitches and colorwork. There is a handsomely drawn glossary of techniques, including the embroidery, at the back.
2504094
While I enjoy knitting lace, I find I'm not overly interested in the appearance of most finished lace projects when it comes to actually wearing them.  Brooke answers this dilemma brilliantly with her geometric lace designs.  I'm captivated by the Arbor Triangular Shawl, the Montauk Sweater, and the Wanderlust Shawl, but I have to admit, it's hard to pick a pattern in this book that doesn't appeal.

The patterns are well written, and offered in both text form and charts, and some pattern notes even offer ideas for adaptations (see primrose tunic, arbor triangular shawl, and the aria gauntlets, just to name a few).

I love the mix of femininity with the texture or construction, while the geometry adds a more modern feel to the lace.  The Duo Cowl is a great example of this, with the yarn recommendation including mohair adds a softer look, to a very basic and mesh-like lace pattern.
1551537
Thanks to the excellent instructions and yarn and gauge information supplied by the author of this book, I think the sweater will be easy to chart and change the sizing. I am soooo looking forward to finally looming a sweater. Thank you Ms Norris!

The projects in this book look fabulous! There are really clear instructions and photos. I love the way new techniques are added to simple yet unique projects. I will be able to make small stylish items, then use the techniques learned on other items of my own creation. Of course, I won't get to those for a while, since there are so many great patterns in this book!

Here are the projects. I love and plan to make or only slightly adapt some of them; the others I may try in the future. In no particular order of preference ...

Faux Feather Boa (interesting new stitch)

Basket Hat (Love this! Probably make more than one.)

Fingerless Mitts (Love the loopy wrists.)

Irish Lass Beret (Cute, cute, cute!)

Corkscrew Scarf (Already have the yarn! Yippee!)

Checkered Flag Scarf (Cute and unique! I see lots of future yarn combinations for my wardrobe.)

It's a Wrap Sweater (I plan to adapt the stitching for different sizing. But I think it will be really adorable! And worn a lot!)

Visor Cap (I may try the top with another hat brim.)

Fur Stripes Ear Flap Hat (Funky weird but kinda cute. However no kids at my house.)

Blanket Poncho (I'll try this a lttle shorter and wider, maybe different fringe?)

Double Knit Scarf (I like the side fringe look, but would do it thicker also.)

Adult Socks (I never thought I'd try socks, but these look cool.)

Infant Socks (Very nice. On my list for future gifts)

Cozy Quilt (Maybe I can do a queen size? I like the design a lot.)

Felted Fedora (Possibly in a different color scheme. I love hats with brims.)

Felted Flower (Definitely for the above hat.)

Felted Wallet Belt (Very cute, but not my style. May make as a gift though.)

Felted Slippers (Honestly? Ugh on the styling. I'm sure they're warm though! Hmmm... maybe I'll leave off the cuff or change it and try them after all.)

This book is meant for those with just a tiny bit of loom knitting experience. But not much, as I've only been doing it for about 5 months, and I think the projects are very doable. I think this book will be a valuable addition to the growing library of loom knitting books. Thanks again to the author! I love your book!
1901853
Editors and writers doing a great job the last couple years...designers and patts are fresh, stylish and "on trend" but also can be moderately conservative, new techniques and explorations...love the way the magazine/designs are laid out in sections or themes and the patterns follow directly after the pics within that section/department.  Genius!  Much more natural way of reading and going through the mag...rather than placing all patts at end of the mag. You've kept me subscribing!  I'm a knitter too, but I like crocheting lace garments with plant fibers for the warmer months. Plus, I just need to have a hook in my hand in between knitting projects to give my two knitting hands a break!  I knit continental (and have been doing a lot of color work lately) but crochet with my right.  Keep up the great work!
4919467
Great collection of cable designs with pattern examples.
2931627
A beautiful collection of many beginning lace knitting stitches.  A beautiful, hard cover volume, but strangely sized a somewhat unweildy 81/2" high and 11" wide.  The photography is definitely Vogue magazine quality, and beautiful to look at.  The patterns are nicely written, some are charted.
2492576
Elments of Style by Rosemary Hill is the perfect book for knitters who want to stretch their inner-knitter.  It's not a book for the person who wants to only knit socks and nothing else.

Knitting jewelry with fine wire was outside my knitting basket of interest until I saw Ms. Hill's book.  However, the patterns, photos and illustrations are so detailed that I am motivated to knit up an earring or two! I especially love the leaf necklace.  I highly recommend this book as an excellent addition to your knitting book library.
2124488
This is truly a beautifully-photographed book. The colors and the patterns of the sweaters evoke a nostalgia for knitwear from times of the past  now brought forward into the present.

The photographer, Kristin Perers did a stunning job for her part.

The 2 strands of this strong foundation should have produced a magnificent book.

Country Weekend Knits (CWK) is a hard-cover book with dust jacket that was published in 2008; it has 144 semi-glossy pages, almost all of which have lovely color photos of the knitwear.

The author is Madeline Weston, who owned a yarn shop in Covent Garden, London, and became interested in the classic knitwear from all over the British Isles.

CWK was published by St. Martins Griffin, NYC.

This is what I found out by carefully looking at this book:
* 1. The Techniques section only has 4 pages (pages 136-139) about knitting these sweaters. These techniques were not given with each pattern. There needed to have been many more pages for knitters to learn how to knit each and every stitch and pattern in this book. Other HK books contain these techniques. For some reason, this book doesnt. Maybe a revision of this book will have this.
* 2. There is no mention at all of skill levels (or the building of skill-set levels) for any of the patterns. It is obvious that no beginners could make these. Beginners may, however, have learned enough basics to make a simple bag or shawl with one simple technique, but for some reason, this wasn't offered in this book. Maybe a revision of this book will have this.
* 3. There is no Bibliography section to list other books that offer all of the techniques, stitches, etc. that are used in this book, so that the knitter can learn and practice what this book has left out. Maybe a revision of this book will have this.
* 4. There are no pattern-piece graphics to show the basic skeleton of each piece of knitwear. Maybe a revision of this book will have this.
*5. Many of these patterns have little or no armhole fit, more resembling a T shape (from the 80s) instead of more fitted knitwear armholes from 2008. Maybe a revision of this book will have this.

This book, instead of being a pattern book is more of a LookBook that knitters of all kinds can enjoy but maybe cannot use.

Because this book had such stunning photography, I would like to see this team do more work together, but straighten out problems *1.-*5, above, before publishing and hire a knitting instructor (who teaches all skill levels) to help them do this.

Because of the photography and the hope for a revision, I will give this book 2*, but it is still a fantastic LookBook, as is!
4926979
I loved the patterns in this book.  Just what I was searching for to make my son and Irish aran sweater.  I am in the process of making the fisherman's sweater pattern 1.  So far it is looking awesome.
881107
This book has a lot of lovely knits in it, several patterns that I can't wait to try.  The idea of them being almost seamless is also a real plus.  There are vests, sweaters, cardigans, and dresses.  The patterns are appealing and varied.

My favorites are the Deb Vest in a blue-greay color, knit in garter stitch with Blackstone Tweed Yarn from Berroco.  I love the Jenny Cable Vest, knit in an off-white aran with beautiful accent cables.  The yarn is Jeannee from Plymouth.  The Judy Cardigan Jacket is something to wear anywhere - work or pleasure- and is knit in a lovely gold hue.  The yarn is Ultra Alpaca from Berroco.  The Perri is a tunic length vest in subtle stripes of light grey, yellow and off white.  The yarn is Fresco from Wisdom Yarns and is 100% cotton.  The Wendy pullover sweater is bright and snappy looking.  It is striped in bright colors with a basket weave texture.  The yarn is self-striping and calls for Sonnet from Wisdom Yarns.  I also loved Patti, a cardigan sweater in a heathered brown with three buttons at the top.  The yarn used is Iceland from Crystal Palace.

I don't think any knitter could go wrong with this book.  It has sizes for real people, not just small sizes.  The patterns are varied and lovely and there are patterns for every level of knitter.

Bonnie Brody, 8/9/11
3102521
Vogue knitting magazine is my favorite knitting magazine.  The photos are gorgeous, there are a wide variety of patterns for all abilities, the pattern instructions are very clearly written and easy to follow even on the more advanced patterns and it is enjoyable to just flip through because the photos of the finished patterns are stunning.  I have been knitting for about a year and a half and I have successfully knit an intermediate and one advanced pattern from vogue knitting both of which turned out beautifully.

I love that the patterns are not your average stockinette stitch sweater, they are interesting, fashion forward patterns that would appeal to even young teenagers.
4366635
Great Patterns and have always loved the information provided for making my knit projects look good. Quick Delivery. Thank you!
511227
Louisa Harding does it again. She has an inimitable style to her designs and I love her patterns. In this book she has mittens, a satchel, hats, a lovely pillow and a tunic that I like. She also uses buttons in very creative ways in several of her patterns. Instructions for the patterns are clear as well as instructions for techniques used in the knitting of the designs (e.g. short rows).

The patterns are mostly for intermediate to experienced knitters though there are one or two, such as the pillow, for the experienced beginner.

I would enjoy knitting several of the patterns, find the patterns to be clear and easy to follow, and would use the book as a resource. I recommend this book for any knitter's library.
2542882
I loved so many of the designer patterns that I don't know where to start.  Easy for me to understand and follow (I have  intermediate experience).  I would recommend this to all fairly experienced knitters, although some of the patterns are tailored toward "easy" for those not so experienced.  Whatever the choice, there are many gorgeous patterns in this book.  I am glad to have found it.
2492247
Crochet at Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living is a collection of contemporary home decor projects edited by Brett Bara.  If you were a fan of Crochet Today! when Brett was the editor-in-chief, you will find the types of projects and colors you might have seen in the magazine in this book.

The book is organized into three chapters, Bright and Modern Living Room, Tranquil Bedroom, and Colorful Kitschy Kitchen.  The names accurately describe the types of projects you can find in each chapter.

In the back, you can find pattern abbreviations, a techniques section using the standard line illustrated instructions you may be familiar with from other Interweave publications, a resources section with yarn company contact information, and an index.

The book includes a range of pattern types:

4 blankets,
3 potholders/pan handle covers,
a set of 3 nesting dolls,
3 bowls,
3 cozies (for a tissue box, a teapot, and a cake plate),
2 pillow covers,
2 wreaths,
2 buntings,
and an ottoman, a doorstop, a rug, a trivet, a scrubbie for pots, a dishcloth, coasters, a table runner, and a seat cushion.

(You may notice that I list 31 patterns, though the books subtitle mentions 25.  Some of the patterns include multiple variations, which is why the counts are different.)

All of the patterns are written with US pattern abbreviations, and most also include international stitch symbol charts.  The patterns don't include difficulty levels, but most can be accomplished by an advanced beginner with a little patience.  Each pattern includes multiple, well-lit photos showing the projects in use in a residential setting and is made with yarn in contemporary colors.

My favorite patterns are the Stitchy Nesting Dolls by Amy Gaines, the Sleepy Kitty Doorstop by Brenda K.B. Anderson, the Overstuffed Seat Cushions by Ellen Gormley, the Flowering Trivets by Regina Rioux, and Berry Pie, a cake plate cozy by Ana Paula Rimoli.

If you enjoy crocheting for the home and are able to crochet beyond the basics, this book could be a great addition to your collection. Like all pattern books, the decision about whether or not to buy this book will be largely dependent on personal taste.  You can try out the nesting dolls patterns for free here on the Petals to Picots blog, and Ravelry members can see all of the books patterns on its source page.  If you have an extensive crochet pattern collection, you may already own similar, classic designs, but the contemporary colors and the styling suggestions may be worth the retail price of $22.95 for the softcover (or $17.95 for the ebook).

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet at Home was provided by Interweave. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.
880699
Before buying this book I looked up what patterns come in it on Ravelry to see if there was anything I wanted to make. Several of the patterns appealed to me, (I so want this hat and this necklace) so I was happy to receive this book and get started making things.

The book came very fast, only taking 4 days to reach my house from wherever it shipped from. The pictures are beyond gorgeous, and each pattern is charted and written: a plus for me since I like to gravitate from one to the other when working.
In the first few chapters Laura explains some new knitting terms that she will be using in her patterns. I think of myself as an experienced knitter, but there were are few techniques she went over that I had never heard of before. Also, all of her projects incorporate these "new" techniques in varying ways, so this book would still be good for a beginner knitter. Some projects use all of them (like the shawl) where others use only one (like the hat).

The only downside that I could find is that there is no picture table of contents. In most knitting books I own, there is a page at the front where all the patterns are shown so you can just turn to the one you want to make without having to leaf through the whole book. But that is a minor setback. I still love the book and am planning on making both the necklace and the hat, as well as a few other things.

Read more at: http://www.kitty-ears.com/2014/09/knockout-knits-book-review.html