Great Little Gifts to Knit

I first discovered Jean Moss' designs back in the late 80s/early 90s and I've been a fan ever since.  Her Sculptured Fair Isle was one of the first sweaters of hers that I knit back then and I continue to wear it to this day.  It's a favorite, timeless and draws compliments regularly.  My blog post about this sweaters from August 13, 2010 is here.

When I heard that Jean had a new book coming out I got very excited and when she asked if I'd like to review it, I was thrilled.

Jean's new book is Great Little Gifts to Knit and it is very timely, given that many of us are about to start knitting for Christmas.

However, the projects are wonderful for any time of year.  There are 30 projects to choose from and a variety of techniques - something for everyone.  Having a 10-month-old granddaughter and 3-1/2 year old grandson, I was immediately drawn to the beanbags.  She would love to hold and squish them as she's getting acquainted with the look and feel of everything around her.  He is learning his  numbers and I envision playing games of catch, e.g. toss a "2" to me, or "how many ducks are on the beanbag"?  I also think these would make a nice gift for a person who sews, just add plenty of stuffing and you've got a pincushion - quick and easy gift.  The other thing that came to my mind when I saw these is that it would be a good project for someone who wants to try out intarsia, one of my favorite knitting techniques.

Whoopla

The Baby Shower set pulled at my heartstrings as it brought back memories of following my first patterns and making gifts for friends when they were expecting.  Back then I wasn't brave enough to attempt to knit a thumb in a mitten, and it's not needed for a newborn.  This is the perfect pattern for a new knitter, but also good for anyone who wants to make a charming gift to give to the expectant parent.  The added embellishment of the flower on the cap and shoes is adorable, and can easily be left off for a baby boy.

Shower Set

There are plenty of patterns for grown-ups, too.  They haven't been forgotten.  You can choose from shawlettes, leg warmers, berets, mittens, socks and more.  There are even projects for the home:  placemats and pillows.  I like the cushions and I'm betting that one of them will be on my needles before long.

Checkers Cushion and Seat Cover

And how you resist making a guitar strap that can double as a belt.  It's a fine way to hold your Fender or a cinch in a blouse

Hendrix Guitar Strap and Belt

There are so many other projects in the book and I could go on and on.  These were some of my favorites.  You can get a copy of the book for yourself at Amazon.

CONTEST:  I know that you're going to want a copy of this excellent book and Jean is giving one away by way of my website.  All you have to do is go to the gallery on Jean's website and look at the projects.  Then, come back here and leave a comment on this blog post.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you.  You can leave an email address with spaces inserted so that it can't be picked up by any automatic gatherer. Tell us what project you would like to make first, for whom, and what would be the occasion.  Perhaps it's a beret as a Christmas gift for a friend, or a tea cozy for a favorite teacher.  On Monday, September 16th a name will be drawn at random and the winner will have a choice of a hard copy or digital download of "Great Little Gifts to Knit", shipped directly from the publisher.  Good luck!

The blog tour continues and if you'd like to read more review of Jean's book, please check out the blogs listed below, and Happy Knitting.  Thanks, Jean, for allowing me to be part of your book tour.  I didn't want to read any previous blog posts until I'd written mine and know I'm off to see what other bloggers have to say...

Blog Tour Itinerary:

Mon 2 Sep       Wendy Knits Wendy Johnson

Wed 4 Sep       WEBS    Kathy Elkins

Fri 6 Sep          Getting Stitched on the Farm Kristin Nicholas

Mon 9 Sep       Stolen Stitches Carol Feller

Tues 10 Sep     Knittedbliss Julie Crawford

Wed 11 Sep      Black Bunny Fibers Carol Sulcoski

Thur 12 Sep     Rhythm of the Needles Joanne Conklin

Fri 13 Sep        Tiny Owls Knits Stephanie Dosen

Mon 16 Sep     Just Call Me Ruby Susan Crawford

Tues 17 Sep     Zeneedle Margene Smith

Wed 18 Sep      Redshirt Knitting Erika Barcott

Thur 19 Sep     A Friend to Knit With Leslie Friend

Fri 20 Sep        Craft Sanity Jennifer Ackerman Haywood

Mon 23 Sep     Connieleneknits Connie Lene

Tues 24 Sep     Knitsofacto Annie Cholewa

Wed 25 Sep      Ulla Bella Anita Tormoen

Thur 26 Sep      A Really Good Yarn Julie Schilthuis

Fri 27 Sep         Urban Yarns Alexa Ludeman

Sat 28 Sep        Linda Marveng  Linda Marveng

Mon 30 Sep      Yarnings Jen

Tues 1 Oct         Tentenknits  Margaux Hufnagel