July 12
A good array of little gifts and items to knit and crochet to decorate your home at Christmas. Start now and you will be bale to make them all in time. lacy snowflakes, angels and bells, snowmen and reindeer and everything associated with Christmas including crackers for the table.
* Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts *
Xmas 2012
All 40 patterns in this book previously appeared in the highly successful Mini Christmas Knits and Mini Christmas Crochet, so only buy it if you don't already own these two gems. There are reindeer, snowmen, angels, mini stockings and many more to recreate and each project comes with easy-to-follow instructions and a comprehensive materials list. The ornaments are particularly appealing and would make sweet gifts for friends or much-admired decorations for your tree. This delightful selection of projects is ideal for anyone who wants easy patterns to knit and crochet using oddments of yarn.
* Knit Today *
Oct 12
Here's a really good selection of 40 mini Christmas projects that are easy and fun to make. They're ideal for gifts or decorations and for using up scraps of yarn. With full, clear instructions they're suitable for knitters and crocheters of all abilities. Start now and you'll have all of them made in time for Christmas, including crackers for the table.
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
Oct 12
The first thing that I like about this book is that it is packed with projects. There are 20 knitted designs and 20 crocheted designs, all of which are clearly indexed in the back for quick reference. I also really like the mix of traditional and quirky decorations, these range from a snowflake to a penguin! Its great as well that each and every design has been made up and photographed in two different colourways - one more traditional and one with a modern twist. This means that you can visualise how each decoration will look in your personal style. I decided to knit the sweetie cone - my tree is always laden with chocolate! The pattern was very easy to follow and uses stocking stitch throughout, with some rows requiring you to make stitches and finishing using a picot cast off. I've never tried a picot edging before and I was surprised how easy and effective it was. The pattern specified 4 ply but I had some lovely flecked double knitting that I wanted to use so I just used bigger needles.-georginagiles.wordpress.com
* makeandcraft.com *
Nov 12
This book overflows with cute Christmas ideas, each of which is designed to take just a short time to knit or crochet, and the designs make full use of glittering and textural yarns for maximum impact. The collection divides neatly in two so you can choose which craft method to go for, with a page of tips before each section to give you the option of dipping into whichever projects catch your eye. We adore the Twinkling Star - ideal for propping around the house, and the Fir Tree Egg Cosy would make us want a boiled egg for every breakfast! The crochet Pine Cones make great alternative baubles, the the Baby Penguin is ideal for bringing the aww-factor to your decor. Items such as gift toppers, sweetie cones and napkin rings offer a practical element, and there are options for customising your projects too. It's the perfect collections for getting stuck into on chilly evenings.
* Simply Knitting *
OCT/NOV 12
Novelty knitters and crocheters will adore this collection of mini Christmas projects. The book provides 40 delightful projects (20 knitted and 20 crocheted), with some designs knitted in different colourways to provide ideas and inspiration. There are mini Christmas stockings, holly leaves, reindeer, snowmen, snowflakes, a Christmas fridge magnet, a star, a candy cane, Christmas bells, an angel and much more. Full instructions and materials lists are provided.
* Craft Focus *
Oct 12
A cute book full of stash-busting characters to make for Christmas. There are 40 projects in this packed book - 20 to crochet and 20 to knit. There is everything in here from the traditional stocking and pudding patterns to more innovative patterns for gift toppers and fridge magnets. To aim for the global market, Sue & Val have put their UK crochet directions into brackets after the European stitch so you are reminded to convert for UK crochet. The patterns look easy to follow although I haven't knitted or crocheted anything from this book (yet!). There are two pages of instructions at the front of the book to help you with things like french knots and blanket stitch. There's a quirky feel to the book which is really whimsical and sweet. It captures the childlike excitement you feel when thinking about making for christmas.
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
Dec 12
This is a compendium of simple Christmas decorations, with stockings, snowflakes, angels and more covered. There are 40 patterns, 20 knit and 20 crochet, making it perfect for the 'bicraftual' amongst us. But even if you don't knit you'll still find plenty to choose from. The layout is easy to read with simple photography and both UK and US crochet terms are given.
* Inside Crochet *
Dec 13
The most adorable Christmas knitting and crochet projects. Everything from mini Christmas stockings, holly leaves, reindeer, snowmen, snowflakes, a Christmas fridge magnet, a star, a candy cane, to Christmas bells, an angel and much more.
* Hot Brands, Cool Places *
