Family Circle Easy Knitting Plus Crochet: Holiday 2005

Included in this issue are two mini-booklets provided by Bernat and Lion Brand. The Bernat booklet has several patterns certain to appeal to the younger set, done in colours and yarns that anyone over 20 would look silly in! The booklet from Lion Brand has 6 patterns in it for the cooler weather, from kooky hats and skirts for the young girl to a neat chain-link scarf for those that are young at heart.

Mosaic knitting has a brief feature in this issue with both hand and machine instructions for a couple projects. Sweaters, wraps, shrugs, ponchos, and pullovers galore fill the pages. There is a very sexy tank dress for the more daring. A section on crocheted work wardrobe separates has very nice styles, not at all clunky looking. There is even a skirt that is definitely not just for casual Fridays! There is a section on cable knitting that should find something to appeal to everyone. For those that are new to cables, there is even a tutorial that shows you how to make these different sizes and styles of cables. A basic sock pattern is dressed up by using 2 strands of sock yarn, and several suggestions onhow to make your socks your own. There is one pair of patterns for those that insist on having a holiday sweater... this is sized for Moms and kids. The few patterns included for children are very timeless and at the same time very appealing to the young. The felted projects included this time are mostly accessories for storing your knitting tools, shown in bright colours, are a treat for the eye.

Creative Knitting: November 2005

The focus in this issue seems to be cool weather wearables. There is a large selection of sweaters, pullovers, capes and ponchos in a variety of styles, yarns and sizes. Whatever your taste, you are sure to find something you like. There is even a poncho for your favourite pampered pooch. Of course there are several scarves... the latest must-have fashion accessory in various novelty yarns. For those that are interested in mosaic knitting, there is a very good lesson on it, as well as several projects to practice on -- coasters, card holder, hat, and stockings. The latest fad, felting, returns in a purse pattern, and 2 hat designs. There is a cute twist on standard socks, done mostly in worsted weight... just in time for the cooler weather. One afghan done in chenille, and a sweater for a child and their teddy rounds out this issue.

There is an interesting article on alpacas and how versatile the wool is. The first part of a two-part article on plus sized sweaters looks very promising. A great reference for those that design for larger sizes, or those that knit for them! Towards the end of the magazine is a lesson that for me is more than worth the price of the magazine... a description of how to do the Kitchener stitch, aka grafting. It shows you with several illustrations, as well as step-by-step written instructions!

Simple 1-2-3 Knitting Scarves

My thoughts on an interesting little digest mag I picked up at the checkout counter!

Family Circle Easy Crochet Plus Knitting: Fall/Winter 2005

My personal thoughts on the premier issue of this new magazine. This one is more in a traditional review style.

Interweave Knits Crochet: Special Issue 2004

This is my comments on a few of the patterns of note in the previous year's edition of this magazine.

Interweave Knits Crochet: Special Issue 2005

One of my first reviews... this one is a rather lengthy review of each pattern in the magazine as well as my overall impression.

Welcome to my review blog!

Since I like to review the crafting books I come across, I figured I would create a blog for just that! Now to figure out how I want to put my old reviews on here...