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Now is the time of year when knitters and their fellow crafters start to get just a little bit nervous. December is only a couple of months away—and no matter which holidays you celebrate, December is a time of giving. For knitters, that means it’s time to kick it into high gear, working on the hats and scarves and socks and other handmade gifts that you told yourself you’d start working on in July.
In the midst of all the panic, Melanie Falick’s book, Handknit Holidays, featuring creations by more than 30 knitwear designers, is a soothing reminder of the beauty and joy of the holidays. At first glance, this book may be a bit overwhelming for less advanced knitters. Many of the designs you’ll find in this book aren’t necessarily projects you can quickly throw together before the holidays. There are a number of patterns that are perfect for the more advanced knitter—who’s comfortable with colorwork and charts and small double-pointed needles. But don’t let that scare you away. On second glance, you’ll realize that many of the designs aren’t all that difficult. There are still plenty of quick-and-easy, last-minute projects, including hats, scarves, sachets, and even cute knitted ornaments for the tree (which are perfect for using those tiny leftover yarn balls that you just couldn’t bring yourself to throw away). Many of the others only look like they’re difficult. The designs are stunning—from beautiful tree skirts and Fair Isle wraps to lace shawls and spectacular heirloom tablecloths. Even if you aren’t daring enough to knit all of them, you’ll love to admire them—and you’ll most likely be inspired to give them a try and learn something new.
The patterns in this book aren’t just patterns for holiday gifts. They encompass the entire spirit of the holiday season—from gift-giving to entertaining to decorating to dressing up for holiday parties to quiet evenings in front of the fireplace. They’re filled with detail and color—and holiday warmth. Adventurous knitters will want to pick up their needles and get started on the patterns right away. Intermediate knitters will find new inspiration. And the beautiful photography and breath-taking designs will have novices paging through, over and over, admiring the possibilities and stepping up to a new challenge.
If you love the refined, elegant feel of Interweave Knits (of which Ms. Falick was once the editor), you’ll want to run right out and pick up this book. Not only is it filled with exquisite patterns, but it’ll make a great holiday coffee table book, too. If you’re looking for a great companion book, filled with easy-yet-impressive gift ideas, check out Ms. Falick’s Weekend Knitting or Joelle Hoverson’s Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.
