Saturday 27 September 2014

Book Review: Woodland Knits

Time for a book review! Now the autumn has arrived I'm thinking about knitting projects, so today I'm reviewing Woodland Knits by Stephanie Dosen.


Stephanie designs and sells knitting patterns under the name Tiny Owl Knits, and some of her most popular patterns are included in this book along with (I think) new ones designed specially for it. I'm (sloooowly!) working on a project using one of Stephanie's patterns, and it is a) adorable and b) really easy to follow, so I was was really excited to see this book.

Woodland Knits contains 21 patterns "inspired by faerie tales and the spirit of the woodland", with accessories ranging from hoods and hats to fingerless gloves and scarves to crowns and fairy wings.

 

The design of the book itself is quite lovely, with lots of shot-on-location-in-the-woods photos and pages framed by patterns of leaves, and the introductory text for each design is sweet, charming and whimsical.

For example: "The Dragon Watcher's Hood will keep you warm while you wait for dragons to appear. It is fitted with three tiny bells in case the dragons you meet get feisty. Dragons love music so when you encounter one, just ring the tassel bells to relax them. Once the dragons are relaxed they'll protect you forever and always toast your marshmallows to perfection." Cute, huh?


There's a list of knitting abbreviations included at the start of the book but no how to guide: you need to come to this with some knitting skills already mastered, but there are a couple of beginner-friendly designs included (the projects are marked with one, two or three owls to rate the difficulty level).


The designs are cute, quirky and girly - accessories for ladies who want to add some fun, magic and charm to their everyday wardrobe.


Many of the accessories would make great gifts,  like the deer hat on the front cover, this lovely birch tree scarf...

 

... and this adorable fox stole:

 

My favourite design in the book? This awesome (and super cosy-looking) bear jumper: 

 

Now, I have to admit that there are many designs in this book which I would never make for myself - they are a bit too quirky for me (my wardrobe is quite boring!) - but this is a really beautiful book.

The knits are all lovely, with a broad mix of different accessories included. Stephanie's enthusiasm for her designs and her woodland theme really shines through and the book itself is gorgeously put together.

If you've oohed over the pics in this post and fancy adding some whimsical knits to your wardrobe this winter then Woodland Knits would be a great addition to your bookshelves!

Woodland Knits is published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd. RRP £14.99. It's available from Amazon UK, Amazon USA, The Book Depository and many other bookshops.

[Disclosure: Quadrille sent me a free review copy of this book and the Amazon and Book Depository links in this post are affiliate links]

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