The Children's Collection

Rating:
Summary: Splendid knitting designs for children
Review: As a mother of two daughters and a passionate knitter, I am very glad I bought this book. There are splendid designs for boys, for girls and some which are wearable for both.The knitting instructions are easy to understand, though average knitting experience is needed. Some difficult techniques are explained, f.e. the "vertical double decrease". I think it's particular good to have four sizes with each design, so you can knit the same design for two different-aged children. Each design is photographed in detail, not only to make a beautiful picture but to give the knitter an impression of what's awaiting him. What seems to be a bit of a problem if you want exactly the same knitting as in the book is that they have used Alice Starmore yarns only. Nevertheless an inspiring book! If you want to knit something special for your child, buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Must-Add to Your Knitting Library!
Review: First off, I'll admit to significant bias, as I am a huge Starmore fan. That aside, this pattern book is one of the Starmore team's best, and is a worthy addition to a knitting library (even one, like mine, already stocked with every Debbie Bliss book). I won't begin to confess how many projects' worth of yarn I have stockpiled already, and yet it was all I could do not to run out TODAY and acquire more for several projects in this book. Some knitters will recognize a few previously published patterns for grown-ups, resized for children highly successfully (Sand Dollar from the now out-of-print Pacific Coast Highway, for example, finally makes sense as a young girl's sweater dress). Others are wholly new and as exquisite as anything we've ever seen from these designers. (Secret Garden is next on my "yarn to buy" list.) As a mother of two boys and aunt of two nieces, I also was pleased to see a nice balance between feminine, masculine and unisex patterns. All in all, a fabulous treat for knitters with children anywhere in their life!