Eh, there's better patterns out there
587022
I bought these for a costume event I was attending, but I didn't end up using it, there are better patterns out there. The instructions were confusing, and the pants are very simple, no pockets! Great if your doing them in leather, but nothing else.
3798606
Some of the clothing patterns in the book are cute, like the halter top, but many of them are spring/summer patterns, and a lot of them seem to be for the slender model types, not curvier and/or larger types. Some of the patterns are of the "T-Tunic" type that you could do just as well making your own pattern for after taking your measurements, and why they weren't presented that way in the first place is a mystery.

And, not only is there no size info on the single size patterns provided, there are no instructions for adjusting the sizes if you want to, which makes one very reluctant to even go buy fabric to make any of these items.

The sewing instructions are unclear, and don't have enough pictures.

I would love to see this book re-published with more size options and better instructions. As it is, buy used or get your library to buy it.

Edited to add: Finally found the size ranges--they are printed in rather small print on the bottom of the pattern envelope.  They run slightly larger than the sizes in Chic & Simple Sewing, but are still on the small side.
4688897
It's ok...I'll wear it.  The pattern design may take some getting used to
3309100
OK, this is useful for average adjustments, but the slow talking prompts and micro-printed manual makes using it frustrating and annoying. I found much free and much easier to use test patterns online, in .MP4 version suitable for a USB dive and a .ISO version to burn a DVD. It does give you the test patterns, and walks you through the adjustment procedures, if you have the time and patience for the slow moving instructions. It could be much easier to use.  It does, however, get the job done, so for that I give it 3 stars.
4245516
This book is OK.
I'm a little annoyed that there are a few typos in this book. Why is it that there are editors listed but you always find words spelled wrong or patterns with errors? You're supposed to be paying for a finished product. That being said, I guess I wasn't a fan of some of the author's little descriptions for the items. To me, like the rest of this book, it feels lacking in excitement or pizazz.
I agree with the other reviewer in saying that the patterns feel a little common. There isn't anything that will really make you say WOW! In Easy Knits for Little Kids, there are patterns for a hat, a scarf, mittens, and wristwarmers with slight variations on them for color or to be a better style for a boy/girl. There are sweaters, a swing coat, a pinafore dress, and a few other patterns for clothes.
For accessories, there are things such as a roll up mat, a striped chair pad, a patchwork throw, and a textured pillow cover. There are several other patterns in this category too.
Easy Knits has some cute patterns, including the one of the slippers on the front. This book would be better for a beginner, as most of the patterns are very basic. At the same time, a more experienced knitter could still get something out of this book by adding their own tweaks to projects. I feel like this book has the potential to be a better buy if you are a creative person. It might be me, but I think the pinafore dress could be prettier if knit with more colors, or the doll would be cuter if given a different type of face than the one in the book, or the pillow more decorative if given a little design on the front.
I wouldn't say this is a waste of money if you buy it used for $10 or less on Amazon like I did. However, I definitely wouldn't have bought it at the $24.95 it says it's worth on the back cover. If you are the type of knitter who is more interested in a basic type of pattern and being able to personalize projects with your own ideas, with a little of your love, this book may be worth the inspiration you can get from it for a few dollars.
1753279
The simplest patterns are fine and fairly well demonstrated. The medium and more advanced ones however are not step by step. Many steps are missing and you go from a picture of one step to the next picture being in a completely different position and orientation of the paper. You are left wondering "how did we get from there to here..?" You just have to kind of guess and figure it out. Some of patterns I can't figure out, and my children lost interest in it long ago. I am now giving up on this book and will be looking for a book with more detailed step by step instructions.
3236545
According to the text on the cover "Pretty in Punk" contains 25 "entirely original" punk, rock and goth knitting patterns. Original? Hmm... Give or take the odd exception, to me these items look just like the sort of thing that you would find at your local teen clothing store.

The book comprises six sections:
*For the head: patterns for hats including the mowhawk hat you can see on the cover. I'll admit that this hat is unique, but I wouldn't wear it in public.
*For the neck: patterns for scarves, ties and chokers.
*For the chest: jumpers, sweaters and tops.
*For the arms: cuffs and arm warmers.
*For the bum: bum flaps and a plaid mini-skirt.
*For the rest: patterns for bags.

There is nothing really spectacular in this book and considering the cost of yarn, if you were interested in wearing these sorts of clothes, you could probably buy stuff just like these for cheaper than you could make them.

The book is in full color, which is a plus, but is not suitable for beginners. This book assumes prior knowledge of various knitting techniques (there are no basic stitch instructions included), but even if it didn't, I would still think that most of these patterns are too advanced for knitting novices.
3321940
This book has intricate designs, but there are places where things don't seem to match up.  It would be more satisfying if, when following threads or patterns, they did connect with each other.

If you're not that detail-oriented (or can overlook it), this won't bother you.
946882
Better than many, but not really good. Disappointing. I can't really recommend it. For basic men's wear patterning, and patterns I can be confident will work off the paper, especially pants, I go back to my copies of Kawashima, or Winifred Aldrich.
2516654
I agree with one of the other reviewers... these are not the same great quality that I have received from Rosie Pope before. They are thinner, stretch out easier, the fit is wide and short... Too bad because I really like the patterns. Not sure if these are knock-offs or what, but these just aren't that great.
4571391
There are a great number of patterns in this book but they are all very standard and traditional - nothing too innovative. It largely consists of angels, snowflakes, and ball ornament patterns. I was hoping to see other subject matters like a train, teddy bear, and such. Just any thing other than angels and snowflakes. So if you don't currently own any Christmas theme crochet book, this is a great one to buy. However, if you were hoping this book would add to your currently collection then it may not do the trick.
2884350
I wasn't very impressed with this book.  The characters were well-developed, for the most part, and the plot moved along pretty well, but as an avid crocheter and mystery fan, I've read better.  I was particularly unimpressed with the "free crochet pattern" of a granny square washcloth that was included.  It would probably be good for a beginning crocheter, given that granny squares are the easiest pattern to learn (and one of the first I learned when I was 12).  As for the story itself, some of the things the protagonist did were rather unbelievable, and the character Adele was depicted rather cartoonishly.  This is just my personal opinion, but the whole crochet/knit feud thing seemed ridiculous.  I personally don't knit, but I don't get all offended when someone refers to my crocheting as "knitting."  Maybe others do, but I'd never heard of that kind of thing until I read this book.
4136072
The patterns are written in the classic Elizabeth Zimmermann fashion - very chatty as if your grandmother is explaining it to you while you fumble with your yarn.  Some people hate this style of "pattern" and want line by line directions.  I'd recommend going to Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Guide or Knitting Know-How.

Personally, I like being reminded of how my grandmother knits.  She measures things out with her hand, casts on, and an hour later she's made a cute little dress for her great-granddaughter's American Girl Doll.
1296807
There are FAR better Japanese stitch dictionaries but most of them are chart only and not translated into English. Though this book does give both English text & charts, so many of the stitches are simple/average stitches found in the majority of stitch dictionaries already published, not the complexity and beauty found in so many Japanese patterns. Each pattern is photographed from the same distance but most appear unblocked and the rib section patterns are mostly knit in a dark navy blue, harder to see the patterns and the lace section is knit in a light pink/beige that is hard to see the patterns. Speaking of sections - there are 5: 1) Knits and Purls; 2) Ribs; 3) Fancy & Twisted; 4) Cables and, 5) Lace. There are no in the round patterns, apart from finished items - a cap, mittens, cowl and maybe the sleeves for a cardigan and shrug. I liked that the Kindle price was so much less than the hard copy but it still wasn't a value because I didn't get any stitch patterns I didn't already have...
1260505
The patterns are good (regardless of whether they are free or not), but my complaint is the quality of the photos - or rather, lack thereof.  For example, check out the pixie hat on the back cover.  That photo is the only one you get in the whole book.  Ho-hum, boring, boring... but then you come across a picture of the finished object on someone's blog, and you realize that the hat is fabulous, especially from the side.  However, had I not seen someone else's photo of this hat, I would not have bothered taking a second look at this book.

(...)
2956656
"Kooky Crochet" is yet another book in a string of teen and young adult targeted craft books that started to surface after Debbie Stoller's "Stitch 'n' Bitch" series, and in my opinion, achieves only moderate success. The patterns in this book are divided into three sections: kitsch for home and self; wacky wearables; and madcap accessories.

The kitsch for home and self section comprises a number of patterns for toys and items that can be used around the house (such as a daisy potholder, a dice cushion and mixed grill placemats). The household items are both practical and fun. The toys, on the other hand, I can't really imagine appealing to all that many children. If you're looking for something to make for a child, you might like to look elsewhere.

Technically, the items in the wacky wearables section are all wearables, although, I seriously doubt that anyone would actually wear many of these items in public. These include a ski-mask that looks just like the mask worn by Nacho Libre, a Medusa hat (with snakes coming out of it) and a fig-leaf halter. However, I do think the fluffy flip-flop covers are cute and intend to make them.

The final, accessories, section of this book is the best part of it. This section contains a number of patterns, mostly for bags and most of which are both different but not too different so that you would be embarrassed to be seen with them. My personal favourite was the emoticon carry bag, and I also think the coffee cup sleaves look like they would make good presents for people.

In spite of the fact that this book contains a set of basic stitch instructions, I would say that many of the patterns in this book are probably a bit too ambitious for absolute beginners. However, for teenagers and young adults who have been crocheting for a while and are looking for slightly more challenging projects, this book is a reasonably good way to go.
4823055
Cards are kind of flimsy, even though they're glossy and the patterns are too easy. We really wish they had harder patterns.

Also, for continuing a pattern for the next three objects, there's not enough room on the card. It's a little thing, but it bothers my daughter.

It is something she could do independently without me having to create patterns, but it's so easy that she's not motivated to do it anyway