Knitch Magazine

Title:

Author: Claire Garland

Date Published:

Review Date: November, 2011

Who is this book for?

Fast & FunKnits by Claire Garland is about making you feel comforted and content by creating something from yarn. Claire is the author Knit & Purl Pets and the creator of Dot Pebbles, the highly popular knit-yourself doll kits which have been featured in many magazines, including Marie Clare. Her latest book is filled with easy but appealing designs. The projects in this book are sure to be a magnet for young knitters who can quickly experience the pride of accomplishment. More experienced knitters who want to create a well-received gift will enjoy these relaxing and quirky patterns.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

Color plays a bigger role than yarn in Fast & Fun Knits projects. Selected for their calming, soothing and comforting sensation or jaunty brightness, the goal is to knit something that creates joy. Claire Garl and uses lavender, green and teal to soothe and she employs bright reds, orangesand yellow for a spirited mood. Claire’s quirky monsters are more silly than scary, especially when knit in pretty shades of blue, yellow and purple. Most projects use only one ball of solid color yarn. Generic yarn requirements are described by yarn weight and yardage. Should you want to replicate the project exactly, the specific yarns used for each project are listed in the glossary.

What's Inside

Many of the whimsical projects in Fast & Fun Knits can be completed within a day; others will take longer, but none are onerous. Beginners who accept the challenge to knit one of these projects will develop several useful skills like knitting on double pointed needles, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches and seaming. They will learn that socks and lace are natural projects for any level knitter. That said, the real objective of this book is to knit cheerful objects that generate a feeling of optimism and joy. Style is not sacrificed inthese quick projects, however. More than fanciful, the projects are both functional and stylish. There are hats, scarves, socks, jewelry, handbags and mug cozies plus toys and decorations. Pompoms, tassels and beads embellish the designs and add a sense of fun in making the projects. If you haven’t made a pompom or tassel in a while, try it. Your smile quotient is bound to go up. For beginners, what could be more inspiring to continue to explore knitting than creating something joyful and useful?

Using It

American knitters will notice a few differences in the way patterns are written. Whether by convention or because the book is geared toward learners, Claire Garland presents all patterns with line by line guidance. There are several simple lace patterns, but no accompanying charts as Americans are accustomed to seeing. Claire supplements the directions with helpful notes on the knitting and finishing. Where double pointed needles are used, the directions offer suggestions on how to distribute stitches to keep the knitting manageable. Increases and decreases are precisely described. Stitch ‘n’ smile notes offer suggestions on how to use the finished objects. The abundant photographs display every feature so that knitters can see shaping and finishing details. Beginners need not worry about a lack of skills or experience. The techniques glossary covers all skills needed for projects in the book. It is exceptionally well illustrated with clear explanations. For example, the continental “pick” and traditional British “throwing” methods of making the knit and purl stitch are discussed in detail.

Best Advice

Knitting should be fun. A little yarn in the right color can lift your spirits and create happiness. Seasoned knitters know this, but sometimes forget that all it takes to jolt oneself out of a funk is to pick up the needles and find a lighthearted project to knit. It is also a profound lesson for young knitters. Relaxation and stress relief are important reasons to learn to knit, and we sometimes need to be reminded to have fun. Start with a cowardly lion monster that will happily absorb your fears about knitting, letting you can cast on for knitting adventures. I had fun knitting one and have decided to yield all my fears to the monster.

Recommendation

Do you know a reluctant knitter? Perhaps it is someone who observes your fascination with knitting but is not enthused about learning to knit a dishcloth. Fast & Fun Knits is filled with projects that will generate enthusiasm and a desire to learn to knit if only to create these clever projects. Even if not used as a learning tool, the Claire Garland’s creatures and accessories make welcome gifts and a burst of fun for any level knitter. Note to knitters: I detected one error in one line of the directions for my knitted monster (line 89). You may want to check with the publisher for other errata.

Overall Recommendation

All knitters should keep a few fast and fun projects at the ready to boost spirits and make a smile. I recommend this book and rate it #7.