Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful to look at and inspiring, but...
Review: ...not necessarily recommended for beginners. The instructions at the beginning of the book show how to knit and purl, but finishing techniques (backstitch, etc.) are not covered and are required for almost every project.

This book is better as a primer on yarn color theory, a coffee table book or as a general inspiration than a beginning knitter's manual.

Rating:
Summary: Easy, but wonderful
Review: Even though I would classify myself as an advanced knitter, I love this book and highly recommend it. Even though these patterns are simple (and designed for the beginner) they don't look like My-First-Knitting-Project-- if anything they just remind that less is more and the beauty is in the simplicity.

I had to buy this book after leafing through it a few times. Even though I didn't really need the patterns, I had never thought of doing some of the things Ms Knight has done with knitwear. The inspiration the photos and projects gave me demanded that I add this book to my collection. (Please note, this review refers to the British edition)

Rating:
Summary: Fresh, clean vibe
Review: I like the feel of this book - it seems to come from a world that is bright and clean and warm and tidy and quietly creative.

I like the side-by-side comparisons of swatches in different weight yarns. And this is a good introduction to household items that are knittable - a different way of thinking for me.

My favorite item so far though is the loofah mitt - knitted with sisal. That just wouldn't have occurred to me ever.

This book isn't worth hundreds of dollars or anything, but I think it offers something fresh for those like me who are new to knitting.

Rating:
Summary: yummy
Review: I love looking at the pictures in this book! To get an idea fo the projects, think of items you would expect in Real Simple magazine. I do agree with some of the previous comments about how you can't always get a feel for what the finished item looks like. The other thing that is annoying is that although there are a lot of alternatives to using a certain yarn for a project, there is no indication as to what yarns were used for the alternative projects. Some of the projects use interesting materials like some rows of raffia for the table runner and using medium weight white string to make knit boxes which I think are just too cool.
So, other than the caveats I mentioned, I really think the book has great ideas for people who like the the neutral, simple, contemporary look for the home.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book, Super-easy projects
Review: I'm a beginning knitter and I LOVE this book. There are simple pillows, blankets, a wash mitt, a bag, a rag rug, and other home decor projects to knit in nice, natural colors. The patterns use lots of squares so the knitting is easy (not a lot of decreases or increases). There are a few intermediate projects, like a sweater, a "cuddle coat," and cute little booties. But the best thing are the photos--beautiful, close-up shots of luxurious yarns that make you want to pick up your needles and start right away!

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous book with a "nature" twist
Review: The emphasis of this book is clear - fantastic photography. From the front page to the back, it is filled with some of the most spectacular photographs of knitting I've ever seen. The intended emphasis of the book, though, is to feature simple, natural projects for the home - made from natural materials, mainly in earth tones, these items will not overwhelm any decorum. The book starts with a showcase of all different types of natural materials that can be used in knitting - yarns, twine, stones, buttons - all photographed in the most amazing way. There is a pretty short section explaining how to knit, but although the photographs are great, I don't think this is the book to pick up if you don't know how to knit at all. The projects include decorative cushions, throws, a felted sweater, slippers, a sisal wash mitt, mini bathrobe, a basket, and even a bathrug. Most projects are worked in garter, stockinette, or seed stitch, some with striping and bead decorations. These look like simple projects with an earthy slant that would thrill any "all-natural" lover. I think that this book is so beautiful and that it would also make a great gift.

Rating:
Summary: Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents
Review: This book has a FEW really cool ideas and A LOT of very basic stuff. Definitely geared to someone just starting to learn how to knit. It's not very challenging, or creative. The pillows and blankets are rather boring.

The only things I'll probably use are:

1. Beaded edges or tassles on pillows.
2. The knitted rug. I'd probably want to knit it with sisal twine, which you can find in any local hardware store. Denim would also be really interesting. The options are endless.

The rest is either too easy or too ugly.

Rating:
Summary: Comforts of Home: Simple Knitted Accents
Review: This book is very lovely and I use it for more inspiration than actual patterns for home decor.

Hand-knitting household accents is an enjoyable and relaxing task. They give yr home a comfortable and lived in look and you have complete creative control in colours, patterns, texture and size instead of purchasing something readymade in a store. They also make extremely thoughtful gifts especially if you make things to match the gift recipent's colour scheme and decor.

My favourite pattern in this book is for a lush shaggy bath rug. I also like the beaded accents on the throw pillows.

This book is appropriate for every skill level, in fact more advanced knitters would just finish the project that much quicker and easier, while the novice knitter would have a fairly easy time knitting the mostly rectangular patterns and most of them call for fairly bulky yarn.

I would suggest purusing a copy at a bookstore or library before purchasing because it is a little pricy and the best aspects of it are the ideas and presentation. Most semi-experienced knitters would not even need a pattern if they saw a picture and then could knit from their mind's eye.

On the other hand this book is so lovely and provokes creativity for me in decoring my home that it is worth having and keeping and flipping through.

Rating:
Summary: Aesthetically pleasing and simple projects abound!
Review: This book is very lovely and I use it for more inspiration than actual patterns for home decor.

Hand-knitting household accents is an enjoyable and relaxing task. They give yr home a comfortable and lived in look and you have complete creative control in colours, patterns, texture and size instead of purchasing something readymade in a store. They also make extremely thoughtful gifts especially if you make things to match the gift recipent's colour scheme and decor.

My favourite pattern in this book is for a lush shaggy bath rug. I also like the beaded accents on the throw pillows.

This book is appropriate for every skill level, in fact more advanced knitters would just finish the project that much quicker and easier, while the novice knitter would have a fairly easy time knitting the mostly rectangular patterns and most of them call for fairly bulky yarn.

I would suggest purusing a copy at a bookstore or library before purchasing because it is a little pricy and the best aspects of it are the ideas and presentation. Most semi-experienced knitters would not even need a pattern if they saw a picture and then could knit from their mind's eye.

On the other hand this book is so lovely and provokes creativity for me in decoring my home that it is worth having and keeping and flipping through.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Wonderful book for those who like simple and classy design. There is so much in this book. I have already made many of the featured projects and love the results. If you like to knit, buy it. If you don't knit yet, start with this book.