Customer Reviews

Comfort Knitting and Crochet: Afghans: More Than 50 Beautiful, Affordable Designs Featuring Berroco's Comfort Yarn

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Comfort Aghans is a lovely book, filled with over 50 afghan patterns. Roughly half are knit and half are crocheted. The vast majority are written for worsted weight yarn; the remainder are split between DK and chunky gauge. You'll find just about every style under the sun, from traditional stripes to more understated textural patterns; interesting variations on afghans made of squares; modular knitting & creative crochet shapes; embroidery, colorwork, cables and more. There are a few styles specifically shown as baby blankets (although making other patterns in traditional baby colors would easily work) but most of the choices are shown on couches, chairs or other non-baby settings. There are lots of clear, beautiful photographs; charts are provided where necessary; and the skill level ranges from afghan to afghan (some are suitable for beginner knitters or crocheters while others employ more advanced skills). If you do the math, this book is a wonderful value: at the current Amazon price, patterns cost on average less than thirty cents each. And there is nothing about this book as opposed to any other book that would make it difficult to substitute yarns if you didn't wish to use the Berroco yarns shown in the book. At around three bucks a ball for Comfort DK, for example, I don't think the Berroco yarns are exceptionally pricey in the larger scheme of things, but given that afghans provide great flexibility in size/gauge (they don't need to fit precise measurements in the way that, say, a sweater does), and given that most of the book uses worsted weight Comfort -- one of the most readily available gauges available -- it would be a cinch to substitute whatever worsted yarn you prefer, from Red Heart to Malabrigo.

All in all, a lovely book with tons of patterns that run the gamut when it comes to style, technique and skill level.

I purchased this book because I am a knitter and I just love the varied and beautiful patterns that are in here for afghans and comforters. The book calls for the use of Berroco yarn but any yarn with the same gauge can be substituted. Most of the afghans call for needle size 8 - 10 U.S.

My favorite afghans in the book are the Retro which is reminiscent of the 1980's with "mock cables, twisted stitch blocks and garter ribbing". The Gypsy Patchwork is colorful and wild and "evokes the gypsy in all of us". The Weave is a sophisticated looking afghan where each square is knit individually and then sewn together. The Basketweave is perfect for a beginner and would make a beautiful bedspread. There is no edging in this pattern so it can be knit very quickly. Petal is a lovely baby blanket that has a repeat square pattern with a flower in the middle. Floret is also a baby blanket with "cables, ribs, and bobbles" that come together "to form stylized flowers". Still Life will make a lovely wall hanging. It is a multi-color pattern with a vase of flowers and a book lying nearby. It is a piece of fabric art. For you experienced knitters out there who want to take on a challenge, The Ukranian Tiles blanket is spectacular. Made in red and white it consists of "complex geometric patterns...inspired by classic Eastern European textiles as well as the elaborate patterns used to decorate Ukranian Easter eggs." The Kilim is a two-colored textured afghan worked with bobbles and Fair Isle colorwork. Herringbone is a classic afghan with cables and twisted stitches that are knit in a repeat pattern that is easy to memorize. I plan on knitting this afghan soon.

I think you knitters out there get the idea. This is a book of plentiful and beautiful designs, some for the beginning knitter and some for the more advanced. The patterns are adaptable for size and shape and can be made larger or smaller than those in the book. There is something in here for everyone and I highly recommend this book.

The pictures of the projects can all be found on Ravelry. Some afghans are challenging whcih I have come to expect from the Berroco design team. Others are easy for all skill levels. Yarns can all be easily substituted. The variety here is pretty amazing and very different from the usual afghan book. Both crocheters and knitters are in for a treat with a total of around 50 patterns. Certainly a bargain.

On the positive side, this is a gorgeous book with beautiful patterns for both knit and crochet--easily bought on a whim. I should, however, warn beginners that this is clearly written for experienced knitters/crocheters, as certain things are assumed to be known or understood (despite the claim that this book is "intended for stitchers of every skill level").

The first and only pattern I've tried is the Bicolor Chevron, and I found two errors: the first repeat asterisk under Row 2 shouldn't be there, and the amounts given for the two colors of yarn are backwards (you should buy 9 skeins of color A and 7 skeins of color B). I also had trouble understanding the described method for handling the color switching, though I am admittedly no expert.

I haven't taken a serious look at any of the other patterns yet, but the amount of errors/difficulty I experienced with the first makes me seriously question the rest of the book. I don't necessarily regret buying it, but I expected much higher quality (at least in terms of editing).

Seldom do you find a knitting/crochet book where you like almost every pattern. This book has beautiful patterns, new and different, not the same old junk.

I love this book ! As a knitter it is often difficult to find afghan patterns. This book has unique designs that are beautiful. The directions are easy to follow and the results are stunning. I bought this book to knit the afghan, "Bright Star" and I am thrilled with the results. I will definitely be making many of the knitting and crochet afghans from this book. The yarn is easy to work with and knits up beautifully.

This was a rare purchase for me. The knitting books I buy are usually for making sweaters, or socks, or lace. Something to wear. But ... have you seen this book? If you want something warm and cozy to keep you warm, this is definitely the place to look.

This book is a collection of over 50 patterns-a mix of crochet and knitting-for afghans. Some are made in one, big piece. Some are made up of squares or triangles or other geometric shapes. Some make great use of color work, some have cables or other texture. In other words, there's lots of variety.

The patterns all call for the same yarn-Berroco's Comfort yarn. But I bought this book primarily for the patterns, not because of the yarn. The designers are top-notch, too. I mean ... Norah Gaughan, for one, and Marjorie Winter, for another, are responsible for most of the designs. The others are credited to Cirilia Rose, Donna Yacino, and Brenda York.

Seriously, this is a great collection of afghans-lots of variety, lots of skill levels, lots of different techniques. There are at least a dozen I'd be happy to have myself, and the book is a delight to browse through. The photos are gorgeous and atmospheric and really make the afghans' beauty stand out.

Yep, there's a reason that this is the first afghan book I've bought in about 15-20 years.

A wonderful selection of patterns, great variety; can't wait to get started. Perhaps I'll give up sleeping.

I have tons of afghan patterns in my collection. These patterns are unique, fashionable, and up-to-date. I really needed another book on afghans like a hole in the head but I am SO glad I bought this one.

I bought this book as a birthday gift for a close friend, and since she says it looks like a good book, I am very happy with my purchase. The book got to her in good time, and she says that there are patterns that look interesting/attractive to her, so I'm doubly happy. She has made it a tradition to crochet afghans for friends and family, including my son and other babies in the family, so it's very rewarding to me to help keep her sweet tradition 'going'. Also, she wants to learn to knit, as well, so it will be interesting to see if there will be satisfactory 'results' in her eyes from the patterns/ideas in this book. (Of course, I would LOVE an afghan for myself, but I REALLY didn't buy this book for selfish reasons....LOL.)