Book Review: Glamour Knits at Home: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever

Glamour Knits at Home: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever by Erika Knight

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

G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS (flossy flossy)*

What makes something a 'glamour' knit? The Introduction of this book uses words like sumptuous, ornate, and delicate to describe the projects. Gee, that doesn't sound very much like me at all. Is there anything here for me?

I don't buy many knitting books anymore. I already have an entire bookshelf full knitting books and magazines so any new book has to have a 'value added' aspect for me to consider it. It has to describe a new technique, have a unique viewpoint, or be very, very pretty. Patterns that I want to knit are definitely compelling motivation to pick up a new book, but it doesn't hurt if the book looks good too.

This is indeed an attractive book. The front section contains lovely photos of each project that make you dream of life in a romantic, shabby chic cottage where every morning you bring in freshly-cut flowers from your English garden. The air is fragrant, the bed is made. Ah, so pretty!

So, pretty, but how are the patterns? As the title states, there are 15 designs presented (more than that if you count variations on a theme separately). Most are typical items for the home like cushions and throws; but there are a few novel items like padded dress hangers, a beaded lamp shade, and a tasseled key fob. One unexpected and imaginative design is a tea-cozy knit from a continuous strip of tulle fabric that is reminiscent of a pair of frilly panties. Although throughout there is too much added frippery for my taste (for example, a pair of bejeweled house slippers), even without the extra sparkle, these projects would remain pretty and sensuous because of the yarns and fabric used.

Yes, fabric. A number of the projects call for basic sewing skills. I counted six patterns that would require machine sewing to duplicate as shown. I don't sew, so I can't assess how helpful the sewing directions are, but they seem to assume you already know what you are doing. Still, I think in most cases the sewing could be overcome or eliminated. I could probably sew a square pillow if pressed. One of the more striking projects, however, is probably beyond my paltry skills. The chinoiserie throw is a lavish combination of silk, velvet, and lace appliqué. I think I'll leave that one for the cottage in my dreams.

The patterns that I find most accessible for my skills and adaptable to my design aesthetic are the cushions and pillow covers. The very details that make these projects glamorous--the sequins, beads, and ribbons--are probably the first things I would eliminate, but I am still inspired to fill the bed in the guest room with a pile of soft, handknit pillows. Maybe I'll even plant some flowers.

Next time, I'll review the companion book Classic Knits at Home.

*Every time I hear this song, I hear 'flopsy flopsy' instead of 'flossy flossy'. That always makes me think of 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' and Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail. Somehow, I do not think that this is anything like what F*rgie had in mind.