0
0
If you’re looking for simple ways to pamper those you love this holiday season, editor Judith Durant offers 101 ideas in her new book, Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders.
Like Durant’s previous collections, 2006’s One-Skein Wonders and 2007’s 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders, Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders is a collection of 101 patterns to knit (and a couple to crochet, too) using just one skein of yarn. This time, the yarns are those sumptuous yarns that you just can’t resist—the soft alpacas, cashmeres, and angoras, along with the fascinating bamboo, soy, and even corn. You walk past them in your local yarn shop, and you fall in love at first feel. And while a full sweater made of cashmere might not be in your budget, you can justify just one tiny skein, right? And that’s where this book comes in.
The 101 patterns in Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders are organized by the weight of the yarn—from lace weight to bulky. Like its predecessors, this book once again opens with a section of full-color photos, which are then followed by the actual patterns.
Since the yarns used throughout the book are so luscious and luxurious, it seems only natural to fill it with equally luxurious designs—and Durant and her designer friends don’t disappoint. I was thrilled to find a bunch of patterns for lacy shawls and scarves (and even some lacy socks and hats and mitts). But there’s more to this book than just lace. There are pretty silk purses and beaded cashmere wristlets for a night on the town. There are cute gifts for a new baby, a pampering spa set, and plenty of cozy neck warmers, too.
As with Durant’s other books, many of the patterns are simple and straightforward—some are just a page long. This time, though, since there are so many lace patterns, some of them are more involved, often requiring several pages and as many as three lace charts. So if have an aversion to charts (like I do), several of the patterns might give you that feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach. But, really, they’re such gorgeous patterns that they’re worth the chart-reading headache.
The best thing about Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders, though, is that it takes some of the guilt out of those impulse yarn buys. Thanks to this book, you’ll have plenty of options for that bright pink cashmere that you couldn’t live without. And at less than 20 cents each, the patterns’ bargain-basement prices will make you feel a little bit better about the 20 bucks you spent on a single hank of yarn.
