Closely Knit: Handmade Gifts For The Ones You Love

by Hannah Fettig

Knit the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion Closely Knit is filled with thoughtful knitted gifts to fit all the people you special handknits for mothers, daughters, sisters, the men in your life, precious wee ones and treasured friends. From luxurious scarves and totally wearable sweaters to cozy socks and even a quick-to-knit heart pin, there really is something for everyone on your list in this book. And there's a great range of big and small projects, each rated with a handy time guide so you can choose what to knit based on how much time you have. If you're really pressed for time, look for the quick-fix options throughout the book that give you shortcuts for making handmade gifts in no time flat. Inside, you'll

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of knitting patterns is organized by the person for whom each finished item is intended (such as mom, friends, men, children). A few of the patterns are quirky (bird's nest pincushion, juggling balls, heart pin), but it seems like the author put a lot of thought into providing a wide range of gift options. I often start projects with the best of intentions toward getting them finished for a specific event and then run out of time, so I liked the tips about adding customized knit touches to store-bought items. This is an especially good idea when you want to give something handmade to someone who won't appreciate the long hours you put into it.

The patterns are predominantly written (very few charts are provided). Each pattern has several photos of the finished item and close-ups of the details. I think it's a well-conceived idea, but most of the patterns weren't to my taste.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some pretty designs and some that just made me go "huh?" Another that won't make the cut for me to purchase after the library preview.

Oh, I will be knitting a heart pin for a friend, though. It's a quick, easy pattern; it's really cute; and I can use stash yarn. The trifecta of perfection.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I like how the author included projects that would appeal to several skill levels. I think she has an eye for what the knitters like. I certainly loved it. I love the yarn selections but I’m biased as some of those yarn brands she suggested are already my favorites. For substitutions I think there is extra research to be done on the part of the reader to determine gauge.

[Gen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't what I was expecting and there is very little in this book that I'd actually knit.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

a few interesting projects.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The child’s Kangaroo Vest looks adorable! And I’d like to make the Cap-Sleeves Eyelet Top sometime, when I have found the right yarn (7 skeins of alpaca, each 50g/109yds).

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty patterns for gifts, though many of them are a little off-the-wall (a birds-nest pincushion?). This book is sectioned by recipient with a few patterns for each. I haven't made any of the patterns so I don't know how they knit up, but there's a neat sweater for mom, a cute pair of mittens, a sweet pair of pants for baby, and a great pair of 'guy socks.' There's even a pretty pillow pattern.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional and contemporary patterns with a handy time/effort guide. Also includes ways to make most of the more difficult projects with "shortcuts", such as using purchased sweaters to felt the bathmat project. The men's section is especially well-done.

[Minnesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not wild about this book. It has too many small, silly-looking gifts and only 3 adult sweater patterns, including the slipover vest for men. A crewneck pullover for men and one ruffle-edge cardigan for women.

[Bridgid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kangaroo vest features pretty yarn, but overall nothing I'd love to knit.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Variety for kids and adults. of p.57-9 pair of embriodered socks

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

All types of things for people that you love. Scarves, hats, socks, afghans and pillows. Difficult to easy patterns. Something for everyone.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty little gifts, loved that they were off-the-beaten-path. (The photo frame, the bird's nest pincushion.) Didn't see anything I absolutely HAD to make, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Polly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice simple book with suggestions on knitted gifts, but I'm not sure what I would make from it. Some of the finished objects didn't really fit the models (baggy) so I'd be nervous to cast on.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several very cute patterns in here that I'd like to make! Unfortunately the ebook formatting went a little wonky on my ipad, but still readable!

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of these patterns look merely okay. As always, they threw in a knitted skit because, for some reason, it's pretty much the only item you have to make yourself if you want one. Capitalism hasn't jumped on that cash bandwagon yet. *shrugs*

I am, and will always remain, 100% here for the Man Socks. Hands down. Best name ever.