Simple Knits for Sophisticated Living: Quick-Knit Projects from Beautiful, Chunky Yarns

by Barbara Albright

Book Overview

Once they learn the basics of the knitting, beginners are eager to tackle projects they can create on their own. This book contains 20 simple projects created specifically with the beginning knitter... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564969185
• ISBN13: 9781564969187
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.2" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Just what I was looking for!

Well, almost. I know how to knit and can do some basic things, but I was looking for a book to take me a little further on in my skills, but to date I haven't found the book that can do it. I was also looking for some things to decorate my home with, as always, and this book gave me that. The patterns are simple for the most part, easy to accomplish, and simply explained. I'm looking forward to doing several of the throws for my furniture. One of the things I wish authors wouldn't do so often is include baby items all the time. There are just too many books on the market already on knitting for baby, it's not needed in every book that comes out. The title is excellent for the book.

The Best of its Type

The subtitle of this book, "quick-knit projects from beautiful, chunky yarns," describes quite a few books that are out right now. This is my favorite of the group.The projects include many of the popular "hip knit" designs -- beaded wire napkin rings, wine bottle covers, cell-phone holders, felted bags, welted baskets, a chenille throw -- as well as classic sweater, afghan, scarf, hat, and cushion patterns. There is a wonderful bath set (I will never go back to store-bought washcloths) and a couple of beautiful piano bench cushion designs. You will also find the ubiquitous dorm boots and hanger cover pattern familiar from church bazaars. There are a few toys and kitchen things as well.The mix of trendy and classic patterns and the wide variety of items means that this really could be your only knitting book. (Well, maybe combined with a good sweater pattern book). Many of the designs would make excellent gifts.All the patterns are simple, as promised. I haven't found any errors yet, but most of the patterns consist of a couple of rows and then "repeat till piece measures X", so experienced knitters shouldn't have trouble adjusting. The photographs are sometimes so soft-focus and arty that the finished item is a bit of a surprise, but the things I have made have all been beautiful. There are many interesting suggestions for ways to adapt the patterns (the wire napkin rings, for example, might be made with hemp, or leather strips), and useful tips for working with particular materials. Finishing instructions are detailed and thorough. There are beginning how-to-knit instructions with photographs, an abbreviations glossary, a good discussion of how to substitute yarns (as well as further suggestions with most projects), and clear explanations of all the finishing techniques required for the projects.

Love It

This book is wonderful. I'm a firm believer in allowing the yarn I choose to decorate the project I'm knitting and not fancy stitches. This book hit the nail on the head. The projects are very versatile, useful and best of all quick to knit up.

Simple and Beautiful!

This book is filled with simple projects for the whole house that are very pretty with up-to-date style. These are projects that one can finish quickly. There are pillows, bags, table runner and placemats, and many more nice, simple projects.