Customer Reviews

Ribbon Knits: 45 New Designs to Knit and Crochet

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

 

 

This book contains patterns for tops, vests, cardigans, etc, made with rayon ribbon. Most of the items are very basic and not interesting or innovative, except for the crocheted purses which are attractive. The recommended rayon ribbon is the author's own brand which, as it turns out, is rather expensive to purchase. Although she cites several companies who are also producing rayon ribbon, the author does not offer equivalencies that would make it easy to find and use the right ribbon. All in all, a disappointing book.

One of the purse patterns is nice (Flapper Wrist Bag), but there are cheaper craft leaflets out with better patterns (acrylic chenille seems to be the yarn of choice right now), and if you collect vintage knitting books/patterns you may already have a lot of this stuff. The author's product line is not cheap either, and many of the projects (especially the hobo bags) look like a lot of the cheap imports available today--why put all that money into something when you could buy a nearly identical item cheaper?

The clothing is nothing remarkable either, and definitely warm weather only. If you like to slice up strips of fabric with a Rotary Cutter and crochet/knit, you might be able to adapt the patterns for a "country" look.

I received this book as a gift from someone who knew I could crochet, but wasn't sure I could knit (I can't). Despite the fact it says there are knit and crochet patterns, there is only one wearable item for crochet in the whole book, and I'll bet those of you who've gotten burned on this kind of book before can guess what it is too: a granny square vest. That's all crochet is good for, you know...There are some purses in crochet too, but they were very common patterns of types I have already.

If you're looking for patterns that are flashy and that might go out of style and be outdated in the next six months to a year, don't buy this book.

With that being said, if you are looking for timeless styles that are quiet but still beautiful, then by all means DO buy this book; the patterns are all lovely and look to be beginner-friendly.

As for the concern about the patterns calling for the author's brand of yarn, yes, that's true. However, the author does frequently mention the ribbon yarn's width and yardage needed, so if you don't mind doing a little comparison shopping you should be able to find some cheaper yarn that will still work for you. (Isn't that what knitting is all about - being adventurous?)

All in all, this one is a keeper. It will certainly be staying in my knitter's library and is a welcome addition.

I purchased this book for someone else that is thinking outside the box about knitting and crochet textures. Honestly I only glanced through the book but appreciated how it was written. My friend had seen this book before and there was a particular sweater in the book that she wanted to knit for herself. Since I didn't purchase it for myself or research the book completely I can't give a complete review but it looks like a good book for a needle workers book collection.

I give this 5 stars - the patters alone are worth the price of the {kindle} book. With a variety of yarns, embellishments & some imagination every pattern in this book can be used to make lovely, elegant, & funky designs, depending on your mood, age & body style.

I got this edition on my kindle because I knit while traveling & want to take this book wherever I go! Definitely a great addition to my collection!

This book has items in it that most people would probably not wear. I know I wouldn't. I received this as a gift and I while the thought was a good one, it isn't a book I'd have purchased.