Every once in a while, I get a really cool book to review (lots of times I get not-so-cool books, but I tend not to write here about those. You should be thanking me right about now...). A few months ago, I received Vintage Knits for Modern Babies by Hadley Fierlinger from 10 Speed Press. Let me tell you, this is one of the cool books!
Now, let me tell you, it's not easy to review knitting books. First, you can't just READ it and then write up your thoughts. You have to actually KNIT something to test out the instructions, and that, my friends, takes TIME. (I just noticed that "time" is a four-letter word. Coincidence? I think not.) So even though I received this book a few months ago, it isn't until now that I can bring you a full report...
Now I can tell you, not only are the photos gorgeous, not only are the 25 projects are cute and approachable for a time-starved lady like me... and the patterns are easy to follow, and they WORK! (Wouldn't you just hate to buy a knitting book and find out that the patterns... didn't, well, work? Wouldn't that just suck? Well, rest assured, Hadley has put together some mighty-fine instructions.)
I just completed the Organic Heirloom Baby Blanket for a new little one. Isn't it gorgeous? (Just say yes and we'll move on.)
If you're interested in these sorts of things, I substituted six skeins of Lion brand organic cotton (in Almond) for the recommended Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Organic Cotton recommended in the pattern. Why? I had it on-hand. (Yes, I do occasionally "shop my stash" but I try not to make it a habit.)
I have also cast on for the Wavy Cashmere Baby Blanket, but I am not insane (at least about knitting in luxury yarns) so I am doing it in cotton chenille instead of cashmere:
So, in the spirit of fives, here are three more adorable projects I'm dying to create:
The Angora Bolero:
The Vintage Pixie Cap:
The Tiny Trousers (or maybe I just want those Tiny Toes!!):
Anyway, Vintage Knits for Modern Babies is highly recommended. Great photos, easy directions, great projects (perfect for gifties)! To purchase, use this link so I can get a pittance of a referral fee (a girl's got to buy yarn, you know):
Makes me wish I knew how do to more than the knit stitch in the round on a pair of circular needles :)! I did buy a book to learn how to knit socks though, maybe I will move on to this one,once I master that! Adorable projects.
Posted by: Christine Jensen | 12/22/2009 at 10:31 AM
I love knitting baby stuff, even though I am done with babies ;) Such quick and satisfying projects! Thanks for the heads up on this beautiful book. I did get a knitting book to review once that just wasn't worth it, and I felt bad about it (I never did get another book to review...hmmm). BTW, snow and rain are some other 4-letter words. Just sayin' :D Merry Christmas and hope your move goes well!
Posted by: Denise | 12/22/2009 at 10:45 AM
It sucks when sewing books have instructions that don't work, too. Especially when blogs who receive review copies say things like "I tweaked the directions a little bit to make this work" instead of "beginner beware - do not purchase this if you want to keep your sanity!"
I used to receive review copies when I scheduled book-signings at a bookstore (among my other duties). I wish I'd had a blog then because the reviews were wasted on my staff!
Posted by: Deanna - Fun Mama | 12/23/2009 at 12:41 AM
What a cute sounding book ... but i must not pick up another addiction (I mean hobby)!
Posted by: Gab | 01/03/2010 at 06:39 AM