Adorable Knits for Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers

Rating:
Summary: Frustrating
Review: I bought this book because of the unique, beautiful knits I hoped to produce. I have used Debbie Bliss' and The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits with no problems and great results. I expected the same results and was disappointed with this book. I tried to knit the sweater on the cover using the correct yarn and needle size (5). The proportions of the sweater were off by several inches and I had to rip the whole thing out. I have tried to find corrections to the pattern online but have found none.

Rating:
Summary: 25 projects are sure to keep you busy
Review: I really admire that this book doesn't try to cram in a "how to knit" chapter in the very beginning. Those hurried instructions never do justice to someone who's never knitted. Therefore, don't buy this book hoping that it will contain a chapter teaching you how to knit, because it doesn't. After a few pages devoted to general knitting considerations, the patterns begin. They include two fully-knit sundresses, a dress incorporating some fabric, sweaters, blankets, a vest, hats, mittens, and booties. I was very impressed with the patterns because they were very sophisticated in their simplicity - often the best-dressed kid isn't the one wearing the sweater incorporating every color in the rainbow. Zoe Mellor's designs are fun, but very balanced in color, texture, and pattern - if a sweater is striped, it doesn't also have a big clown in the middle; if a sweater is highly-textured, it doesn't also incorporate stripes. Among the skills used here are: color work, lace, Fair Isle, cabling, bobbles, and tassels. Overall, I would say the patterns are best for an intermediate-skill knitter. Depending on the project, there are patterns here to fit ages 6 months-4 years. Some items are clearly for girls, but most patterns can be adapted to either gender.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Sweaters-Bad Instructions
Review: This book has really nice sweaters in it, but there are errors in the book so beware!!! The sweater featured on the cover tells you to use US size 5 knitting needles which can not be true since the pattern for the sailboat sweater (page 83)uses the same type yarn and gauge but tells you to use US size 3 needles. After knitting the star sweater (cover) with the US 5 it is obvious that there is a typo. I ripped the sweater out and reknitted with the US 3. What a waste of time!
Also the star sweater and sailboat sweater have inconsistencies with the number of stitches you should have left at the neckband so you have to figure out some work around for those errors as well. I only have experience with those two patterns in the book and have found both of them to have mistakes. If you purchase this book I would recommend reading the pattern carefully so you can plan ahead. This book is not for beginners and can prove to be very frustrating.