Customer Reviews

Naughty Needles: Sexy, Saucy Knits for the Bedroom and Beyond (Potter Craft)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I just received this book in the mail, and I am very excited to try out several of the patterns. As several reviewers have stated, this isn't your mother's knitting, more of a Bettie Page + Raquel Welch debauched craftnanza. Although assuming that the reader knows the basics of knitting, the patterns seem simple enough for an adventurous beginner (and this book is certainly aimed at the adventurous), while remaining fun and interesting enough for a more intermediate level stitcher.

The concern I have is the lack of finished dimensions for any of the projects outside of the painfully vague "Women's S/M/L". If the patterns were for bulky sweaters this could be overlooked, but the body hugging styles require a good fit, and without finished dimensions choosing the appropriate size requires a certain amount of math. This book could have gotten five stars if the pattern writers had saved me the effort of figuring out what "Medium" actually means!

The past few years have seen knitting rapidly expand beyond a granny craft. With the explosion of knitting blogs, knitting has come out of the closet with a variety of designers creating racy lingerie and adult garments. Nikol Lohr's recently published book of knitting patterns Naughty Needles: Sexy, Saucy Knits for the Bedroom and Beyond, invites knitters to "knit naughty" and explore their inner sex kitten.

Channeling classic 1940's Fredericks of Hollywood, Lohr's patterns can be knit in playful and vampy versions. Those aiming for the "Austin Powers'" Fembot look can knit their nighties in feminine pink while the bad girls can go for racy black. Bikinis come in several dress-up styles ranging from "Gidget" to B-movie cave girls, and the various patterns aim to provide something for all skill levels.

The later half of Naughty Needles contains patterns for adult dress-up and games. As Lohr states, her Baby Blue Ball Gag "is a dandy stash-buster and a wonderful short-row primer." Her knitted straitjacket can be knit in a compos mentis version for those who are no longer a danger to others or themselves.

Note: There is partial nudity and adult activity shown in some of the photos, as well as some "explicit" illustrations. Knitters may wish to keep this stashed safely out of reach of young children.

Visit the official Naughty Needles website for some free patterns and wonderful wallpaper for your computer.

Armchair Interviews says: Hmmmm, you may never again look at knitting needles the same.

This book is hilarious! It's always fun to see what kind of knitting patterns are out there and who is creating what and these are legit knit patterns, albeit very specialized ones (strait-jacket, anyone?) I don't know if I will actually make any of these, but I will treasure this for it's entertainment value and as a unique addition to my knitting library.

I especially got a kick out of the models, it appears that Ms. Lohr relied on extensive use of her knitting circle friends and if I am not mistaken it is Ms. Stafford, the Domiknitrix herself who is wielding the knit-whip on page 102. A nice touch and a nice use of your friends!

A fun book and highly recomended for the unconventional knitter. [...]

This is a great book if you're looking for something easy and eye-catching to knit.

So far, all I've had a chance to knit is the flogger and one of the lingerie patterns. They both came off without a hitch. The directions are clear, and the pictures are great. (And unlike other knitting books, I haven't come across any mistakes in the patterns.) I'm in the middle of knitting the garter belt and opera gloves in this book, and they're shaping up wonderfully.

Some of the patterns are a little silly (like the mermaid tail and the nurse hat), but most of them are lovely and sexy.

I am very excited about this book, because I'm tired of knitting books that focus on scarves, hats, and sweaters. Nikol Lohr has really filled a niche for people who like to knit, and who like to make naughty things. She designed very clever, easy-to-follow patterns in her book, including a lace-up garter belt and matching gloves, and a beautiful slip. Her method for making a punisher-whip is straightforward and very crafty - I can't wait to try it out! The condom and lube cozies are quick projects that can use up the extra yarn in your stash, and make great gifts.

Nikol is probably the craftiest (in a good way), most creative and most clever person in the cyberuniverse, which, if you have been following her online antics for years as I have, you would know. Naughty Needles does not disappoint.

I am an experienced knitter, so I didn't need another typical knitting book. I have a large knitting library already. I knew that Nikol's book would be fun, well thought-out and clever. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the new and fresh ideas contained in Naughty Needles. Even after having read myriad knitting books, there is a lot to learn here. The projects themselves are cheeky, as the title implies, and Nikol approaches them with her signature mix of self-depricating irreverence. To me, this is refreshing. While Naught Needles might not be everyone's cup of tea, this book is not like the last knitting book you picked up. In a good way. Nikol has an obvious mastery of the subject (both the knitting and apparently the naughty) and a unique perspective, from which even people who have "read all the books" and know well how to knit will learn something and be inspired.

Of course, I would buy anything that Nikol Lohr puts out. Ever.

This book had me and fellow knitting friends amused at some of the rather risque projects (who doesn't need a knitted "ball gag"?) that are useless to a majority of the folks I know. It is amusing, though, that someone has created patterns for such things. I was uncertain on whether I would keep the book as I probably wouldn't use it much. However, patterns for gossamer nighties and retro swimsuits did inspire me to keep the book for gifts that would be fun to create and give (say for a bridal shower instead of the boring Victoria's Secret or Frederick's of Hollywood fare). Some of Nikol Lohr's projects, like The Mermaid's Tail, are a little out there. I wonder who would truly take the time and expense of yarn to knit a project that you couldn't exactly get much use from? There is also the felted nurse's cap with optional pirate eye patch, babydoll nighties ala Austin Powers Fembots, and Mrs. Robinson seductive attire. If knitting fantasy costumes is you're thing then this is the source. This book would also make a adventurous & enticing alternative to the an average knitting book as a gift for the seasoned but open-minded knitter as it looks at yarn and fibers as sensuous materials that yield sex kitten results. Definitely not grandma's heavy woolen home-made looking projects. I don't think you'll be seeing any of these items at a local arts n' crafts fair...at least not in plain sight. Overall, the book is hilarious to look through and read (we especially got a kick out of the little knitted animals that hide condoms and pillows that hide sex toys and patterns to knit pasties for every occasion). It certainly shed new light (actually alot of light as the finished projects are quite skimpy) on knitting. It's definitely not just for scarves and sweaters anymore!

I have to agree that not all of these patterns are "practical", but with the internet around full of free patterns, it is rare for me to see a book worth purchasing. This one is different however. The punk feminist in me is cheering with raised fists at the patterns in this book. It is very satisfying to take such a time-honored, "matronly" art of knitting and turn it into something not only fun but also truly sexually liberating. My favorite pattern is the "secret pillow" ;). I've seen plenty of lingerie patterns on the internet, but this book definately pushes the envelope.

I haven't made anything from this book yet, but I enjoyed just looking through it and thinking of all the patterns I'd like to try! Definitely not your grandma's knitting book...or your mother's for that matter! Several of the patterns had two variations to them. There were a few bikini patterns, a camisole/dress, school girl socks, baby doll nightie, some bondage stuff, and some dress up stuff. I'm still a beginner, but the directions look pretty good and I think I could manage them. Additionally, there is some good reference info for us beginners and experienced knitters who just need a reminder

This is an absolute essential for every spirited knitter's bookshelf. I've made a couple of things from it, but my reason for counting this among my must-own books isn't actually about the patterns. I love the sheer attitude it has, full of fun, unapologetic, sassy femininity. And I really enjoy the photos - the models she used are real women, in so many aspects. They're tattooed and they curve and they're imperfect, and they represent quite a spectrum (heck, she has her own mother modeling the Mrs. Robinson - one hot mama indeed!). Even if you never knit a single pattern, it's worth the price to leave it on your coffee table.

From a more technical viewpoint, the patterns are fun and well-written, and she does have some good tutorials about short rows and shaping. Sizing tends to run small-average, but most patterns are fairly easily modified for more ample bodies. Any skill level can find a project in this book. She also uses a variety of yarns from both the LYS and the mass market chains, so there's something for every budget, even if you aren't into substituting. A few unusual notions are called for (D rings, rubber balls, etc), but they're easily found.