Book Review

Returning from Portland this week, I found the books we had ordered had arrived.  Yea!! There is nothing more exciting than a box of books – unless, perhaps, it is a box of yarn.  But one cannot really compare books and yarn (thank goodness).  Apples and oranges.  I will take either one any day of the week!

But this particular box of delights was books.  George’s Patrick O’Brian novels (of Master and Commander fame) and my Alexander McCall Smith’s Isabel Dalhousie mysteries (of The Sunday Philosophy Club fame – and my current drug of choice).  A volume of W.H. Auden another of Robert Burns (both of whom are mentioned a number of times in The Sunday Philosophy Club – so, yes, I am now taking book recommendations from my books….).

Of interest to knitters, though, would be Fairy Tale Knits by Alison Stewart-Guinee – a delightful set of patterns for storybook-inspired children’s garments.  Robin Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella – as well as pirates, elves, mermaids, princesses…. I am impressed by the pieces because, in the author/designer’s words, “They are not costumes, but rather outfits to wear on a regular basis.”  They are based upon timeless clothing styles – the kind that are neither outgrown quickly nor doomed to looking out-dated in a few years.  Classic as the stories that fire imaginations for generation after generation, these garments are definitely worth knitting!

I might add that the technical aspect of the book looks good so far.  Having not actually knit anything from it yet, I have to hold back from full approbation, but it has schematics, several photos for each design, a comprehensive techniques section.  And the directions seem to be laid out logically and efficiently. 

If you have needles in your bag and children in your life, you would probably find Fairy Tale Knits an exciting addition to your library -- and your project list!

Comments

[alison]

I just stumbled on your blog and lo and behold this nice review!...Thanks so much! The other books you mentioned are right up my alley—big fans of the Master and Commander series and Auden and Burns in this house. I think I'll have to add the Isabel Dalhousie mysteries to my cue.

[Angoragoblin]

I love fairytales! It is a good thing I do not actually own the Fairy Tale Knits book because I might wake up in the night and start hunting for yarn to make the adorable chain mail sweater with!
I really want to make the Cinderella dress too.