Plum Dandi Knits: Simple Designs for Luxury Yarns, by by Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary

Format: e-ARC, 128 pages

Publisher: Interweave

Published: November 30, 2017

ISBN: 9781632505941

Genre: Crafts & Hobbies, Non-Fiction (Adult)

Back cover blurb: Polished knits. Plush yarns. Perfect match.

Sometimes nature’s most beautiful details are the perfect inspiration for creating simple yet luxurious knits. In Plum Dandi Knits, Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary–designers, friends, and leaders of the much-love Plum Dandi group on Ravelry–bring you 23 projects that reflect and react to the natural world with a sumptuous twist of plush fibers, feminine accents, and stylish comfort.Lace that mimics soft forest foliage or the numerous tassels of a pine tree. Textured patterns that call to mind a babbling brook or waterfall. Thick wool shawls and sweaters knit in anticipation of blustery cold days ahead. The uncomplicated pieces in this collection, knit in soft, luxe yarns, are soothing complements to slowing down and settling into peaceful moments. Wherever you seek stillness and calm, Plum Dandi Knits will help take you there.

My review: Gorgeous collection of snuggly warm patterns. The photography is wonderful, the patterns look clear, and I have almost all of them in my knitting queue to try. There are also handy hints at the back of the book with drawings for different cast-ons and other techniques. Highly recommended.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 5/5

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Knitted Toys, by Jody Long

Format: e-ARC, 112 pages

Publisher: Dover Publications

To Be Published: July 20, 2016

ISBN: 9780486802886

Genre: Crafts & Hobbies

Back cover blurb: Create a teddy bear, propeller plane, Russian doll, fire engine, and other cuddly toys with this easy-to-follow book. Knitters will treasure this guide to crafting 20 fanciful toys that appeal to boys and girls alike. Toys range from such traditional items as a bunny and a puppy to winsome versions of more unusual animal companions ― a snake, bumblebee, mouse, caterpillar, and other endearing creatures.
There are step-by-step directions for each of the toys — several with bonus accessories to knit — as well as color photographs of the completed projects. Suitable for knitters at all levels of experience, these toys make wonderful gifts and cherished keepsakes.

My review: I’m a sucker for a cute knitted toy pattern, so this book – full of 20 of them – immediately drew me to it. These are all so cute, and can be created by knitters of all abilities. I may just have to try all of them, although the fire engine, pig and cake, and gorgeous dog who reminded me of Gromit from Wallace and Gromit will be top of that list. The instructions are clear and concise and cover all angles. Overall, a lovely pattern book.

***Disclaimer: This e-ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to them. ***

My rating: 4/5

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