| Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers: Comfy Slippers for the Family |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers: Comfy Slippers for the Family
Author: Amy Polcyn Date Published: October 2010 Review Date: December 2, 2010
Who is this book for? Humans universally hate cold feet, and nothing chases the chill like a pair of cozy slippers or slipper socks. In Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers, Amy Polcyn presents project ideas for everyone in the family. These slippers are just what you need for quick winter knitting projects and last-minute gift ideas.
What Yarn Does it Feature? The slippers are all knit in medium to bulky weight yarns. Most can be made with one or two balls of yarn, a great way to try new yarns or use up stashed materials. Each pattern lists all the pertinent yarn information. Using this information, knitters can make copies of the models or substitute different yarns. Besides brand name and color name and number, the yarn weight classification, fiber content, yardage, and gauge are specified. The yarns used are machine washable, presumably to avoid problems with felting and consequent shrinkage. Adventurous knitters could experiment with untreated wool by knitting slippers in a slightly larger size, then felting to fit.
What's Inside There are a dozen, plus one (or thirteen), slipper projects for everyone in the family. Projects like the “red sports car slippers” are sure to please little boys while little girls will love the feminine “Little Janes” or the ballerina slippers. There are scuffs, socks, clogs, flats and loafers for adults. All are cozy, comfy and handsome. Amy Polcyn likes to design projects that are simple to knit but still have some challenge to keep the knitter engaged; these slippers are all skill rated at the easy or intermediate level. Most use double pointed needles, but it doesn’t get much more “advanced” than that. These patterns have more flair than simple garter stitch squares. Simple touches like a spray of color beadwork, well-placed cables, lacy cuffs, or a few rows of Fair Isle patterning make the slippers fun to knit and to wear. For slightly more challenge, there are toe-up socks and zippered garter stitch boots.
Using It Sizing is very important for socks and slippers as nothing is more uncomfortable that tight-fitting shoes or socks that slide off one’s feet. Amy Polcyn discusses sizing in some detail, and this section should be reviewed carefully for best results. There are also some helpful tidbits of information on short row techniques, I-cord and applied I-cord, and the Kitchener stitch, but that’s about all the specialized skill needed to knit up these cute slippers. The straightforward patterns are nicely formatted, printed in large readable font with a full page color photo. The book is attractive and inviting; likewise for the projects inside.
Best Advice This book has slippers that will fit and please any feet, so don’t stop with just the immediate family. Knit up a dozen (plus) of these quick projects, then arrange them in a handsome basket in the entry way next to a boot tray. Welcome guests with a selection of slippers in return for kindly removing their shoes. Visitors will be charmed by the gracious foresight – and the knitting.
Recommendation Besides warm feet, there is a lot to be gained from knitting small projects like slippers. These small projects are ideal for experimenting with different yarns and trying out new techniques. In this concise book, knitters can learn or perfect several skills. These portable projects are quick and fun to knit. Anyone lucky enough to receive a gift of warm hand-knit slippers will respond with a beam of appreciation. Overall Recommendation Knit a Dozen Plus Slippers earns a #8 rating.
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