Knitch Magazine

Title: Knit Now! 26 Projects for Baby, Home, Gifts and More

Author: Candi Jensen

Date Published: July 2010

Review Date: August 25, 2010

Who is this book for?

Candi Jensen brought knitting to public television with Knit and Crochet Now. Now projects from this popular series are available at your fingertips. The concept behind this teaching series was to present knitting techniques through demonstration and to model patterns that used the new technique. These techniques are now available in a new book, Knit Now! Designed for novices or those who want to improve skills, Knit Now! will give you all the know-how you need to take on more advanced projects. The projects in the book range in experience level from easy to intermediate. As the title suggests, there’s a nice variety of ideas for gifts, baby, home décor and “wearables” for everyone in the family. Most are quick to finish projects, and all will help you develop confidence in your knitting. The enclosed DVD enables you to study the techniques at your own pace. Knit along with each of the six segments as you complete the Baby Afghan Square of the Week with a tutor at your command.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

Knit Now! compiles 26 in-demand projects from the show’s first three seasons, plus a few patterns not previously aired. Most of the projects feature readily available yarn in a sampling of wool, cotton, acrylic and blended fibers. Knitters will be exposed to all weights of yarn, too. From socks to super-duper bulky “yarn” from cut up t-shirts, and everything in between, knitters will get a chance to try out every gauge.

What's Inside

The 26 easy to intermediate projects from well-known designers were selected to represent a variety of techniques along with the eye appeal that will inspire knitters to keep knitting. Knit Now! includes a good introduction to the use of color, texture and fiber for new knitters.

There are two sampler afghans, one for baby and one for the home, but there is no rule that says you can’t make your own combination of squares. All are knit to the same 10-inches square size with the same gauge and medium weight yarn. Altogether, you can choose from 18 different patterns. On the other hand, the Stained Glass Afghan, rated easy, is going to require a lot of sewing or crochet to join the 172 knitted pieces. Though stunning when finished, for any but the most compulsive knitter, I think this project will likely become a new knitter’s first UFO (un-finished object). On the other hand, the cable knit throw afghan may look more intimidating (it’s rated for intermediate knitters), but it’s knit as one piece, cast off with no finishing. Take the time to learn to use a cable needle and do a few yarn overs, and you will have a good looking lap robe and no need to sew up pieces. There are other exciting projects to choose from that are equally quick and satisfying to finish. Try the cute crochet bordered bibs, apple dishcloths and the infinity scarf first. Felting is another great project for beginners because it covers up a lot of sins of omission and commission. The make-up case (Butterfly Wallet), catnip toy and felted bracelet and barrette are fun and easy projects. Surprisingly, only one garment in the book (the Earflap hat) uses circular needles. Most of the projects are knit flat and don’t require much finishing, although there are socks and toys that are constructed on double pointed needles.

Using It

Knit Now! is organized according to the type of project rather than techniques presented. All the baby, accessory, home decor, wearables and quick gift ideas are grouped together in separate chapters. The format for patterns is a little inconsistent as you might imagine when they come from so many different designers. The patterns are also identified by the episode in which they appeared. Visit the website for links to other program information on the projects and knitting tips.

Best Pattern (or Best Advice)

Tucked into the back cover is a DVD with video clips demonstrating each of the squares in the Baby Afghan Square of the Week. Knitting is notoriously hard to capture on camera, but these short demonstrations are very well done. Brett Bara, the program’s host, coaches the viewer through each step, particularly helpful for beginners. Note the disclaimer that some of the techniques will be a little different for Continental (left hand) knitters. However, if Continental knitters watch carefully, they can adapt Brett’s rhythmic English (right hand) method of knitting for Fair Isle and other uses.

Recommendation

Faithful fans of the popular television series Knit and Crochet Now will recognize many of the patterns in Knit Now! from the series. All episodes of the series are posted on the program’s website, where a majority of the projects in the book are available for free download. However, the book is still a helpful adjunct to the program’s video demonstrations. Without entering into the debate about the future of books versus electronic media, let me just say that Knit Now! is an example of how a book can supplement video and web information. The book binds the full color patterns together in one handy portable volume where users can record project notes and find technical guidance.

Overall Recommendation

Knit Now! is an inspiring and helpful book for beginners. The projects are challenging, useful and fun to knit. I rate this book #7.