53 of 57 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
a crocheter's review, July 24 2010
By Patricia R. Andersen "redheaded booklover" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet (Paperback)
As always, keep in mind that "knit" comes before "crochet" in the title. And similar to frozen dinners promising "gravy and roast beef", there are more knit patterns than there are crochet patterns. How many more? There are a total of 20 more knit patterns that crochet patterns for a total amount of 34 patterns - 7 crochet, 27 knit. This is of interest to the crocheter because you have to figure out whether the 7 crochet patterns are worth buying.
The patterns for crochet are as follows: Granny Bag, Crochet Flower Brooch, Cheerful Earmuffs, Gilded Mesh Scarf, Colorful Crochet Flowers, Felted Yule Bling and Felted Trivet and Coasters. The Granny Bag is as you would expect it to be if you are a crocheter, the twist being it is felted and lined. The Cheerful Earmuffs are very cute if you're an earmuff wearer. The Gilded Mesh scarf is great looking. The crochet flowers were all right, but honestly, the Felted Yule Bling and the Felted Trivet and Coasters just left me cold. The most intriguing pattern, the one of the little felted hearts on the cover, is knitted.
Is it worth it for a crocheter to buy this book? Well, if you want to make really cool looking earmuffs, I'd say, yes, you should definitely buy this book. The mesh scarf is great and the fringe is a wonderful twist that I would never have considered. The crochet patterns are well written. But I have to admit I was really disappointed that the heart pattern was only in knit.
The knit patterns look great. The Weekend Socks look terrific, the arm cozies are lovely. Not Being a knitter, I can't say how well they are written, but I'd would presume they would be well written because of the crochet patterns.
What's the verdict? If you're a crocheter, you may want to check this book out in person to see how many patterns you would be likely to use. It does have some great ideas.The knit projects look fantastic and since there are 24 knit patterns, the knitters get more bang for their buck.
46 of 50 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not particularly PRACTICAL gits to knit @ Crochet, July 28 2010
By Samiam - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet (Paperback)
I am sure that a lot of effort went into designing the projects that went into this book. Personally I was looking for a book that offered more options for things to knit and crochet that were a bit more practical. For instance: Egg covers - for covering an egg that is served in a little wooden holder? . . . Seriously? I don't have time to knit 'stuff' like that! Would have loved to see ideas that were FUNCTIONAL as well as attractive. I realize that this is personal preferences, but this is one book that I wish I had checked out at the library before I jumped in and bought it! I just don't see myself reaching for this knitting book the next time I want to make a gift for someone! If you are looking for a pattern for gift and want to make a hat, scarf or mittens check out: 60 Quick Knits: 20 Hats*20 Scarves*20 Mittens in Cascade 220. Now that is a great knitting book!
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
FELT, KNIT and crochet little doo-dads, Aug 7 2010
By Joanna Daneman - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet (Paperback)
Ok, who will like this book and who will NOT?
1. Knitters who like to felt. There are small projects like little hearts to use as pincushions, egg cozies, and other doo-dads. Also felt medallions to embroider and ornament baby wear.
2. Felters who want to do little projects. I mean, little.
3. Anyone with kids who want to try small felting projects
4. People who like fiber-related Christmas or holiday fiddle-faddle
Who will not like it? Anyone who wants bigger stuff or thinks they could figure all this out on their own and not buy a book.
I liked the pincushion idea (the hearts are cute, they could be addictive.) The baby sweater is different and quite modern-retro. The egg cozies are nice--we eat boiled eggs and the little warmers are very pretty and stylish. Other than that however...well, not my kind of thing.