More Paintbox Knits: 41 New Designs for Kids

Rating:
Summary: A quantum leap in this design team's talent!
Review: A year or so ago, I borrowed a copy of _Paintbox Knits_, the first book collaberation of this design team. I have to say that I was a little underwhelmed: there were three or four patterns that piqued my interest, but not one for which I would bump another project's priority on my "to knit" list. The patterns were simple enough for me, as a busy mom and newbie knitter, but they seemed "gimmicky", relying on busy color schemes that reminded me of boxy machine-knit store brands, more than anything.

With this book, it seems the author/designers have truly come into their own! They still have a penchant for color, but so many of the new patterns make beautiful use of texture, simple cable patterns, etc. to create a garment that could easily be adapted to the knitter's personal color sense and style. Even a relatively "busy" pattern like their American Flag pullover is an understated classic. (Although I'm not likely to be knitting those dizzying button-and-intarsia strewn holiday sweaters...)

With the current "knitting is cool again" fad, and a plethora of teaching books riding the wave, the authors have found a good balance between over-complexity and the temptation to make every knitting book a "teach the newbies" book. No, there are no Debbie Bliss style works of exquisite and intricate precision here, but the authors do provide some wonderful and not-too-intimidating introductions to new techniques such as Entrelac, a basketweave-look pattern.

My rule of thumb is that a pattern book should have at least at least one "must have" pattern in it for every dollar it costs. By that standard, I think that lots of folks who have children to knit for will find Paintbox Knits II well worth the investment!