Customer Reviews

Boutique Knits: 20+ Must Have Accessories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the best knitting books that I have ever bought. I just love the hat on the cover and that is what attracted me to it. I have knit the sideways cloche hat three times already and it is so fabulous. The yarns do tend to be American but finding a substitute is not hard. The hat on the cover is knitted in Rowan yarn.
This book has lovely photos and good clear instructions. I am sure that I will knit many more of the patterns.

I love this book and (most) of the designs in it. Just to give an idea of skill level - I only learnt to knit on boxing day (Christmas just gone) and have already made 4 of the items out of this book. The instructions are really simple to follow and there's a great glossary at the back with illustrations which explains each of the stitches in case there's any you don't know. I've got a few pattern books but this is my favourite - because the designs are so modern and it makes me feel like a 'proper knitter' when I've finished a project!

I've knocked a star off because there a couple of things I can't make because I can't hold of the notions eg hand-made brass D ring which the author got in the US but I can't find in the UK. Not that it's her fault...

This book is truly beautiful, some of the patterns have a lovely vintage feel and have proved very popular with my 22 year old daughter. I have made the gorgeous hat with the plait up the side numerous times for friends and family and everyone loves it. I have also made the hat featured on the cover and it turned out beautifully. for anyone who likes to knit something that little bit special this book is a dream.

I've made the hat on the cover and it turned out lovly, so why give it a 3 star, well perhaps its because it is using american terminology but I had to rip back and try to figure things out few times as the instructions got confusing half way through. I haven't tried anything else yet but now I am awre of this I'll be more wiser.

A terrific book. Some of the patterns are a bit more than I can handle but the hats are just lovely. I particularly like the cloche with the twisted band up the side and have knitted several of them. Again, with all American books, the wool thickness can be a bit of a problem so it is always wise to do a tension square before starting the item. However, once that problem is resolved, the patterns are attractive and unusual. I would highly recommend it.

Knitting has made a come-back. Many designers are attempting to produce up-to-date fashionable knits that anyone can knit. As a knitting addict and knitwear designer, I wish more people would realise that once you can knit and purl - you can use knitting as a textile fabric with shape, texture and imagination.
American knitter, Laura Irwin has not gone for boring - the lacy texture of the Shibori scarf, the textured hats, appliqued gloves and knits coupled with attention to detail, puts this ahead of many modern knitting books. I love the simplicity of the Alpaca scarf. Laura has included knitted accessories including bags. For me, some of the projects are off the scale of wearable, but it takes all kinds. Laura has a lively, creative imagination that she is applying to an art form in which proficiency is clearly shown. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, USA I would love to see her include elements and influences from that fabulous landscape, which is such a rich source of inspiration.
This is a beautifully illustrated book with a clear set of basic instructions on how to knit. Garment knitting instructions are clear and use charts. Unfortunately, there are no English yarn suppliers given. U.S and U.K. knitting needles sizes are given and some of the yarns stated are available here in England.

I bought this because I simply loved the look of the hat on the cover. I've since knitted both this one and one other hat, and found the instructions straightforward, the designs clearly explained and the book generally beautifully photographed and laid out. The hats were great fun to make and the results stunning, and I will be making them again, so in that respect the purchase has been well worth it for me.

However I must say I'm really not that keen on the majority of the other projects, some of which I find too homely and some just a bit weird rather than actually stylish (like a bag made to look like a jumper with two cowl necks) - I'd hoped for more of that 'retro' look, but obviously that's just my own personal opinion. I'd recommend you check out the whole book before buying it if you get a chance, and if the projects appeal to you it'll be a good investment.

I loved the patterns in this book. The patterns are interesting and a bit different from the norm. The hats are lovely and some of the patterns incorporate felting. The only downside is that the patterns are written for the American market but the yarns can be substituted.

This book is gorgeous! As a new knitter a lot of the patterns are well above my level but they make me want to knit and knit and knit. I've made two hats and a pair of sleeves now, and I particularly enjoy the combination of ribbons, little extras and knitting. People assume my hat is shop-bought, and I love it - no fuddy knitting here!
I have got two little irritants though; the patterns often require a but of (frequently incorrect) guesswork that wouldn't throw an experienced knitter, but mean I have to unravel a bit. Although other reviewers have mentioned this, the yarns are difficult to find over here. I don't know if it's my new-knitter disregard for wool types, but I just amble along to my local yarn shop or knitting mentor and ask if another yarn will work just as well - so far they have.
It is an inspirational book though!

really cool book with something for everyone. smaller projects to bigger ones so can suit your time/ budget.
i would defo recommend this book to people who like to create something special.