| Knitting at Home: 60 Classics from Ella Rae Designs |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Knitting at Home: 60 Classics from Ella Rae Designs
Author: Leanne Prouse Date Published: 2010 Review Date: October 25, 2010
Who is this book for? Knitting at Home is a book aimed at hipster diy’ers, and those who knit for them. The illustrations, models and projects are compelling in a “let’s get at it way”. These classic designs are practical, stylish and well designed. Nearly all have a surprising element, like the turned back pom-pom trimmed edge on the cabled crib afghan or cot blanket, as the Aussies call it. Leanne Prouse, who is from Western Australia, has been designing knitwear for more than 20 years. This book introduces Leanne to a wider North American audience. It offers readers a peek into all the things she loves and that inspire her: yarn, fabric, embroidery, texture, print, and color. Knitting at Home will inspire you to add knitting to all corners of your home. Everyday objects like place mats, pillows, and blankets for babies and grown-ups are supplemented with several fun felted projects, a special set of dolls, and handsome garments like socks, sweaters and scarves. Leanne introduces her projects with a personal message, “It’s the simple things in life that sometimes give the greatest pleasure: the joy of sharing good times with family and friends, and the satisfaction of making your house a comfortable and inviting home for those that share it with you." This captivating book brings dozens of ideas for cozying up your nest with knitting.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Like many designers, Leanne Prouse developed a signature yarn brand, Ella Rae, and she uses this yarn for all the projects in the book. There’s a helpful summary of yarn information and specifications at the end of the book, and it describes the yardage and recommended gauge for all the yarns. With the exception of Ella Rae Amity, an Aran weight yarn, all other projects are worked in medium or worsted weight yarn, and you can easily substitute any yarn that works up at a gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches. Color substitutions may be a bit more of a challenge: Ella Rae yarns use a numbering system for colors, not color names. This isn’t much of a problem if you are swept away by the single color bobble throw knit in a beautiful teal shade of Classic Superwash. A quick check of the Knitting Fever Inc website (they’re the American distributors for Ella Rae yarns) shows this color is available and it’s called “Slate Blue”. However, if the Chevron afghan is the project that you think would really make your décor pop, you will have greater difficulty. Happily, all six colors use the same quantity of yarn, so you can be fairly certain of the quantities you’ll need. Unfortunately, the colors repeat is not obvious from the photos in the book, and none of the colors listed are available in Ella Rae Amity. Finally, the afghan is worked in two strips of alternating color sequencing, which are then sewn together in alternating sequence. If you want to replicate this striking color pattern, you will be well advised to get out the color pencils and do some sketching and swatching. Enjoy the challenge and come up with your own amazing color pattern.
What's Inside The collection of 60 classic designs is divided into chapters that fit rooms of your home, but that’s just an organizing technique. In Chapter 1, “A Room for Living”, you’ll find a knitted throw, a crochet throw, socks, fingerless gloves, a floor pillow, two sweaters, and an arty mobile. You’ll find a similar mix in “A Room for Retreating” which includes three pillow projects, two felted projects, a lap robe and two hot water bottle covers. I haven’t seen a hot water bottle cover since I last looked at one of my vintage pattern books, but these cozy-looking projects cause me to reconsider. Altogether, there are dozens of blankets, throws, and apparel items to inspire you. Rounding out the patterns, Leanne sprinkles handy tips throughout the text and adds general advice on knitting, yarn substitutions and felting in the appendix.
Using It Knitting conventions vary widely among different knitters, regions and traditions. Most American knitters prefer knitting from graphs and charts, and they may dislike the line by line instructions used here. Others who are confused by charts, graphs and symbols will find the detailed notations reassuring.
Best Pattern Leanne Prouse uses a subdued, calming color palette that is pleasing to look at and easy to live with day after day. Knitting at Home is a study in how these colors can be used to add understated emphasis to your décor. The Patchwork Throw is a great example of effective use of subtle colors in a muted range. Juxtaposed with an arrangement of lavender flowers in an Arts and Crafts celadon vase, this afghan sets off the room. Perhaps the most inspiring chapter in the book is “A Room for Little Ones.” This single chapter is packed with as many projects as many books. From the fun and charming Jacqueline, Madeline and Molly dolls to the felted boots and baby slippers five different baby throws and two sweaters, you’ll find a memorable project idea for the little ones in your life. Recommendation Knitting at Home stands apart from most knitting project books because it is a decorating/lifestyle book and a knitting book. The photography, layout, and typography make this book a pleasure to read. They coordinate beautifully with the palette used in Ella Rae yarns and depict a lifestyle, not just a spread for the knitting. Winnifred Ann’s tea cozy is displayed in a beautiful spread with lovely antique china, a vase of opulent peonies and a slice of lemon curd sponge cake that will send you searching for recipes. The timelessly classic garments are elegantly simple, comfortable and stylish. Overall Recommendation Knitting at Home is an inspiring book filled with 60 project ideas for stylish knitting for you, your home, and all those on your gift list. This book rates a 9.
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