Knitted Gardens

Rating:
Summary: Beyond bears and booties
Review: If you like to knit for children, Jan Messent's _Knitted Gardens_ will take you to a whole new level of creativity. I bought this book after having my interest piqued by a simple pattern for a farmyard playmat in Debbie Bliss's _Toy Knits_. _Knitted Gardens_ takes the same idea--patchwork squares in different colors and textures--and runs with it.

Messent gives ideas for a garden pillow (adorned with miniature knitted vegetables), an elaborate bedpread, cottages, and even a monastery garden complete with friars. Although patterns are included, the value of this book lies in its power to inspire the knitter to design and experiment with whatever s/he has on hand. (What a great way to use up your oddments... and make room for more stash!) Some of the most interesting ideas mix knit, crochet, and needlepoint for an unusually wide range of textures and styles. Most of the stitches are basic enough for beginners, but the open-ended designs will also hold the interest of more experienced knitters.

And here's a secret: grownups enjoy these lighthearted designs at least as much as the kids do.