Wednesday, August 27, 2008

REVIEW: Gorgeous Knitted Afghans

Gorgeous Knitted Afghans: 33 Designs for Creative Knitters
by Fatema, Khadija and Hajera Habibur-Rahman
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Lark Books (September 2, 2008)

GorgeousKnittedAfghans



What, another afghan book with more Grandma-looking throws, you say? No! This is a great new, vibrant collection of afghans that mix influences from Eastern art with classical and contemporary Western styles.

The authors, 3 sisters who were brought up in a home decorated with exquisite Islamic art, handmade Persian & Turkish rugs and Indian embroidered pillows, come from a family rich in heritage. These designing sisters have more than a decade's experience amongst them and cleverly draw on their rich Middle Eastern craft heritage for their inspiration. You'll be saying "oohh" and "aahh" as you can't wait to get your needles clicking and expand your own skill and creativity with their distinctive designs.

Amongst the 33 patterns in Gorgeous Knitted Afghans, you'll find everything, from classy to trendy; from country home to city loft; from summer throws to warm winter wraps; from gifts for baby to wedding heirloom lace with pearls. You'll also find a little bit of everything skill wise... lace, bobbles, color work, mitered diamonds, cables, knitting with beads, slip stitches and more!

Some of my personal favorites inclued Fiesta, a diagonal-rib afghan that will remind you of a South American bazaar; Cashmere Earthtones, made of squares with a diagonal cable pattern; Stormy Weather, a great cabled afghan to wrap yourself in on the couch during a New England winter; Days Gone By Garden, a collection of spring colored flowers embroidered on basket weave squares; Sporting Plaid, which looks just like a classic plaid stadium blanket; and Mother's Moment, designed by the authors' mother using bramble stitch to knit blocks that are later put together with a cable border.

Each project features great color photos, easy to follow directions and clear charts. The patterns are all rated according to skill level, with yarn requirements written by weight and yardage, but also informing you of the exact yarn used to complete the project shown (making for easy yarn substituting!). With 15 pages of basic knitting instructions included, this is truly a beginning level friendly book, after all... there are no armholes or sizes to fuss with! Seasoned knitters need not worry though - there's plenty of experienced level patterns for you!

Gorgeous Knitted Afghans is not your run of the mill, same 'ole, same 'ole afghan book. If you're looking for granny squares or boring, you won't find it in here. If you're looking for something new and different, but not too trendy, you will find it here.... and the book comes out next week, just in time for your fall and holiday knitting!


4 comments:

Anita said...

Ha! I could have sworn that I already have this book! LOL Must be another one with a similar title.
Hmmm... what does that say about me? Too many pattern books? Losing my mind??? he he

SissySees said...

To Anita - both? ;)

Afghans just require too much of a commitment from me...

Paula said...

Wow that sure isn't "your Grandma Afghans, afghan book!"

I love the mitered corners! I haven't tried making those yet!

Grace said...

the book looks absolutely gorgeous, someone is always asking me for an afghan and I am always looking for new ideas!

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