This post contains affiliate links.
I recently received a review copy of Quick-knit Flower Frenzy: 17 Mix & Match Knitted Flowers
My favorite patterns are Sakura by May Ho, Dahlia by Ashley Forde Rao, Daphne by Lorna Miser, Roses in Bloom by Jodi Lewanda, and the flowers on the Quick Color Wheel Wreath by Carri Hammett, who I interviewed here earlier this year. (The patterns aren’t on Ravelry yet, but Sakura is the orange flower at the top center of the picture of the front cover, above, and the two flowers beneath it are Daphnes.)
If this was just a pattern booklet, it would be unremarkable. Some folks would love the patterns, others would hate them, and others would be indifferent. But this is actually a technique book disguised as a pattern collection. Each pattern includes a step-by-step photo tutorial demonstrating at least one technical aspect of that project. Many of the tutorials focus on gathering and finishing techniques, but there are others showing cast on methods (crochet and Channel Island), picot bind off, attaching beads, and stitches for increasing and decreasing.
The book also displays the flowers as part of a range of projects including as embellishment for shoes, a hat, a lampshade, and a clutch. While this is great inspiration for how to use your finished flowers, I wish more of the tutorials (or even the written directions) explained how to create such a project. The ring, lariat, and wreath projects include instructions on how to connect the flower(s) to the rest of the piece. If you’re not the type to experiment with a glue gun, you may prefer a book with more detailed assembly instructions. Another minor drawback: The booklet is a little thicker than other Annie’s titles, so it doesn’t lay flat so you can’t read and knit.
If you are looking for tips on how to attach flowers and other appliques to projects, look elsewhere. If you’ve ever seen a cute flower pattern but after knitting, ended up with a shapeless blob, this is the book for you! I would also recommend this book to advanced beginners who like quick projects, embellishments, and/or are looking for ideas for those little scraps of yarn left over after finishing a project.
Full disclosure: A free electronic review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. Although I accept free books for review, I do not accept additional compensation from the publisher, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. This also post contains affiliate links. You can read my affiliate and review disclosures here.
Giveaway
I’m giving away my review copy of Quick-knit Flower Frenzy: 17 Mix & Match Knitted Flowers,This giveaway is open to all readers. Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, December 23, 2012.