Customer Reviews

Haiku Knits: 25 Serenely Beautiful Patterns Inspired by Japanese Design

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's kind of interesting to see the divergence of reviews here. I think I have an idea why-- this is not your grandmother's knitting book! Instead, the designs here are modern, sophisticated, wearable works of, okay, I'll say it-- ART. The photographs are gorgeous, I immediately saw a multitude of things I'd love to make and wear. I've already started the feminine, delicate shawl, ("Fisherman's Net"), which, if I do say so myself, is turning out beautifully, and plan to move onto the very cool scarf entitled "Hazy Moon" next. The patterns are clear and well-detailed, the yarns chosen unique and interesting, and the overall feel of the book is thoughtful and inspired. I'm so pleased to have discovered this book and this designer. Highly recommended.

I received this book as a gift for my wedding anniversary. The photography and the designs are beautiful. I see a number of items such as Morning Glory, Riverbed, Long Night, Flickering Flame and Sand Dollar that I would love to knit. Just reading the names is enjoyable. Most interesting is how the architecture of the pieces differs from other knit garments I've made, with seams in surprising and decorative places, many gossamer details. Many patterns mix two yarns of varying textures.

I haven't made anything from the book yet, as it was just published a few days ago, but upon reading, the the patterns seem well written and clear. The sizes range from the usual small, medium & large. Many knitwear patterns are written too large for me so I am hoping the small or medium will be suitable.

I do wish the all the garments were shown from the back and sides as well as the front. And a black hat & scarf set has no depth in the shadows so the detail is lost.

As a professional artist & graphic designer, I am inspired by books such as this one. Over all, an enjoyable gift.

I adore the patterns in this book - the Japanese inspiration is clear, the pieces are wearable art, unusual and lovely to behold. I wanted to try a quick project from the book, as I have so many other projects going at the same time, and settled on the Clear Waters wrap. The pattern seems easy enough but -

I knit a couple of rows before I discovered a problem: the pattern says to cast on 34 stitches, and really need to cast on 36. Then another problem appeared. The pattern says to knit to the last four stitches, knit two together and then knit the last two stitches. This results in a nice, clearly defined edge. But only on the left! I worked quite a few rows before I realized that I was missing that edge on the right because the pattern doesn't say to knit two together in the beginning of the row.

It makes me worry about the other patterns in the book. If this one simple wrap is so badly edited, then what about the others? I have had to restart this simple thing a few times already.

It is a lovely book, but beware of editing (or writing?) errors!

Fascinated with learning new techniques? The Japanese handknit aesthetic comes clearly through the pages of this book. The sweater on the front cover is waiting for me to clear up my Christmas knitting so I can knit myself this beautiful pattern. There are at least 6 patterns I want to book. Some feature asymetrical designs that are so popular and youthful among hip clothing manufacturers like Free People. If you are looking for something different with clear pattern instructions, this could become one of your all time favorite pattern books.

I love knitting wool sweaters, the nice cozy type to keep warm in cold weather. But the first time I experienced Tanya's shop, and saw the amazingly beautiful garments she had created, I was delighted to see a fresh approach. Here were artful pieces - not too hard, but with some great interest and style. And using materials that I had long admired, but unsure of how to approach. I am thrilled to have this new book of designs to inspire me to take my knitting to new heights of style and artfulness.

While not sized for amples, the schematics and simple but creative designs allow for easy adaptation to other sizes. And - there are a few warm wooly sweaters here too - with special artistic "twists" not found elsewhere.

This is a great addition to my knitting collection! I look forward to creating some amazing pieces with this book as my guide.

I'm so happy. I made my first ever knitting project from this book, using the pattern for the "Seaweed" top. When I went shopping for a tee top to wear under it, the salesperson asked me where I bought the great top. It felt great to say, "I made it." I want to try several others from this book.

Love all the designs and would wear just about all the pieces. I already got the yarn and started on the "cover" project. I like the idea that the designs look very sophisticated but the patterns themselves are quite simple.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's beautiful!

it is always a gamble to order a book like this, without being able to see what is inside, but i was intrigued by the title and cover. i was very pleasantly surprised to find that there are several projects that i really love. the photos are beautiful, the instructions that i have come across so far are accurate. i highly recommend this book if you are looking for something more creative than the standard fare.

I love this beautiful book. The patterns are original and interesting. Unusual textures are created by the mixing of yarns and stitches. I can't wait to begin my first project from the book, "fallen leaves", for my daughter.

I spent my entire life watching my mom knit baby booties and sweater vests. I only knitted one garment growing up because I never felt as if the patterns were fashion forward. Knit tops and outerwear should sell an outfit and, in mind humble opinion, be wearable art. Finally, I see a book that understands wearable art and being fashion forward. This is definately on the top of my Christmas list! And, my knitting neighbor doesn't know that one will be waiting for her under the Christmas tree as well. Shhhhhhhhh Keep the secret!