Hats Gloves Scarves: Easy Designer Knits for Family and Friends

by Louisa Harding

Not only is a knitted hat, pair of gloves, or a scarf a thoughtful and useful handmade gift, it's also one that's easy to make. Louisa Harding writes and designs for Vogue Knitting, Knitting magazine, and other publications, and knitters of all skill levels will love her simple patterns with uncomplicated finishing techniques for these handy accessories. Illustrated with handsome and instructional photographs, these great designs can be adapted for the whole family. Knitters can learn fun ways to embellish their creations with ribbons, beads, or embroidery, and there are also helpful tips and hints throughout, from how to measure proper length for a scarf to making the perfect pom-pom. 

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book, but I subtracted a star because I found it annoying that all the models were white. Let's see some diversity.

[PoligirlReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine for a library copy, but I wouldn't purchase it. The patterns are nice but nothing amazing--nothing that would be worth the labor of knitting. Harding does offer good suggestions for customizing the accessories though. There are no difficulty indicators given, which always annoys me, although there are designer notes. Almost exclusively Rowan yarns.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing for me.

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does exactly what it says on the cover - knitting patterns for hats, gloves and scarves.

Most of the patterns are easy to follow and can be adapted to suit the beginner and intermediate knitter. At the time of its publication, Louisa Harding was still designing for Rowan Yarns and - surprise, surprise (!) - most of the yarns used for the patterns are Rowan. I love Rowan yarns but as we all know, they are rather pricey. Some of the yarns featured have been discontinued and you will have to go on a hunt for substitutes. Even though Harding advises against this, I have successfully substituted some of the yarns and really don't think it makes such a big difference.

As mentioned above, some of the patterns in the book are suitable for beginner knitters or can be adapted to suit the beginner's needs, but I would sincerely advise all beginners to have another reference book at hand when attempting a project. Even though basic knitting and finishing skills are introduced at the onset, the explanations and illustrations are not very detailed and some of the techniques used in the patterns lack clarifications. That said, the patterns are clearly written - as you would expect from a professional designer.

The designs themselves are BEAUTIFUL and varied - some chunky and playful, others are elegant and delicate: Something for everyone and every occasion!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first real pattern book. The directions are pretty clear, even if they could be improved with formatting or charts. The biggest problem I have with the books is that the hat patterns are not written for knitting in the round. I was really proud of myself for converting one hat pattern to a pattern for circular needles; I was pretty disappointed that I ended up hating the hat. I've made the Divine Lace scarf twice -- it was the first lace project I attempted and I liked the way both scarves turned out.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good book on giving ideas and patterns for projects. Though the author seemed rigid in the "request" that only the yarn that was listed for the pattern be used, I believe the projects listed can use an alternate material.

Not a book for a beginner, though the patterns seemed simple.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, simple patterns. It's added several items to my project list.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear, simple knitting instructions for cute practical items.