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Tonight, I’m reviewing All You Knit is Love: 20 Patterns for Romantic Handmade Gifts
Book Review
This is a short and sweet pattern book by Debbie Harrold, who is apparently known in the UK for her Knit & Purl greeting cards.
The book features 20 quick patterns for knitted gifties. Most of the projects are made with DK weight yarns and 3.75 mm (US size 5) knitting needles. The creatures are embellished with easy to find craft supplies, such as pipe cleaners, wiggle eyes, and felt. Each pattern includes brief instructions and then directions for “making up” (assembly). As the book is only 50 pages and contains many full page pictures, the assembly details are sparse. My two favorite patterns are “Horny Devil” (basically a knit circle with pipe cleaner arms and legs, felt horns, and an itty, bitty pitchfork) and “Just Married” (a three tier wedding cake).
The book also includes 6 pages of beginner information, such as basic stitches, illustrated instructions for casting on, and tips on pattern reading. There is also a knitting pattern abbreviation list in the back.
What I like about the book: Although the patterns are quite simple, most of them are pretty cute. Since the book is small, it is affordably priced and also portable. The embellishment supplies are easy to find (unlike safety eyes, for example). I think these patterns would make fun arts and craft projects for tweens and teens on a rainy day, as well as great, last minute gift embellishments for adults.
What I didn’t like (or what was missing): Several of the pattern names are way too cutesy for my New Yorker sensibilities (e.g., Ha Pea Valentine’s, Toad-ally in Love with You, and Bee Mine). Many of the patterns are quite similar. If the patterns were consolidated (e.g., “Basic round shape”), more space for directions on assembly could have been featured. The binding makes it difficult to lay this book flat to read while knitting.
I would give this book 3 out of 5 stars for the general knitter as a book with quick and simple gift embellishment ideas. I would give it 4 stars for a knitter who works with older children. If you are crafting with older kids with the dexterity to work with thinner yarn and smaller needles, I think you would have a lot of fun with this book.
Full disclosure: A free 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 All You Knit is Love: 20 Patterns for Romantic Handmade Gifts