Guest Author - Marjorie Colletta
60 Quick Knits 20 Hats 20 Scarves 20 Mittens in Cascade 220 Sixth and Spring books has published this book to showcase the yarn Cascade 220, which is one of the most popular yarns sold. Worsted weight wool is often the beginning knitter's best friend. It is large enough to require 4.5mm or U.S. size 7 or greater needles. The wool is both grabby and elastic enough that it slips across needles without being too slippery that it falls off the needle before you are ready. Cascade 220 is one of the best of the worsted weight yarns out there and with, you guessed it, 220 colors, there is a lot of choice.
This book hopes you will use the Cascade 220 yarns, but you can substitute any worsted weight yarn to get the same results. The sixty patterns are described by skill level, small enough to make lovely presents, and with the gauge of worsted weight yarns fairly quick to knit up.
This book might not be a "have to" but it is a nice to have especially if you are fond of worsted weight yarn projects. The publisher has offered a Basket Weave Scarf Pattern for you to download.
Knitting Mochimochi-20 Super-cute Strange Designs for Knitted Amigurumi by Anna Hrachovec is, well, it is different. The book contains 20 designs for knitted toys. I am entranced by the designs. In general they are small enough to finish in a very short time. The techniques are fairly simple and give the beginner practice using double pointed needles. In addition, there are many, many pictures of the techniques used to help ease the way.
Frankly, this book is definitely not a must have, but it is a lot of fun and if you are knitter who is looking for something different this might just fit the bill.
Disclosure: Review copies of these books were provided by the publisher. For a full explanation of BellaOnline’s ethics and review policy click here.
