Book Review: Classic Knits at Home: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

Book Review: Classic Knits at Home: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

[A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review].

Previously, I reviewed Glamour Knits at Home and we learned that I am more flopsy than flossy.

So, I'm not glamorous. Am I classic? And, what's the difference between glamorous and classic? I suspect the answer is sequins.

We have now moved from a cottage with an English garden to somewhere a bit more pastoral. Key words from introduction this time are: practical, rustic, and eco-friendly (i.e. knit from hemp); but also, sumptuous and chic. Classic is hard to pin down.

In some ways, classic is a lot like glamorous, only less sparkly. Some of the patterns in Classic Knits (CK) are similar to the patterns in Glamour Knits (GK). There is a round rug pattern in CK that uses the same short row technique as the round, ruched cushion in GK. There is a pair of yoga slippers in CK that resemble the ornate slippers of GK sans jewels.

However, CK also has a distinct perspective--the feeling is more organic. As in GK, there are cushions and throws; but, there is also a yoga mat, a pear-shaped door stop filled with pebbles (pebbles are actually listed in the materials list), and knit covers for plant pots. [Don't your house plants need sweaters?] Instead of languid lounging, there is sitting with intention. And, for your intentional sitting, there is a very nice square floor cushion like the ones I've contemplated at Crate&Barrel many times. Or, how about a hemp wash mitt like one you might find at The Body Shop?

Sumptuous must come from big throws worked in chunky merino and from a lacy bed throw knit from ten balls of Kidsilk Haze. As there are no charts and no clear picture of the entire lace throw, this piece is also a bit of a mystery.

I think I might be more at ease living in the pages of this book rather than in Glamour Knits. Paradoxically though, I find myself less inspired by this book as a whole. Maybe that's because its projects feel comfortable and familiar…well, except for that freaky, rock-filled door stop.