by Alicia Plummer, Melissa Schaschwary

As the cover and description would indicate, this is a book of knitting patterns. What's unique about it is an emphasis on stitch patterns that create romantic designs that are very fluid, like nature.

My one complaint about it is that a lot of the patterns are for 'accessories'. I counted 2 patterns for leg warmers, one flared, 1 pair of warm looking socks, 4 shawls, one with a massive cable design, 2 patterns for fingerless gloves with interesting textures plus a pattern for enclosed mittens, an interesting headband that I'll certainly make, 2 scarves, a sort of cabled hat with a big fluffy ball at the top plus 2 more hats, one that the texture pattern made me think of dragon scales, and a cabled blanket.

This wouldn't be bad if there were more patterns for pullovers and cardigans. Apart from the above there was a patter with delicate stitch patterns in a cardigan and shrug, a striped pullover vest, a turtleneck pullover, an interesting patterned cape that I would make longer, and one other pullover with a lovely pattern going down the sleeves which I am very likely to make. No jackets or dresses, which might have benefited from the sort of design that has gone into the projects offered.

There's an extensive stitch glossary, including some unusual ones like the long-tail cast on that I haven't seen elsewhere. I'd say this book is for the more experienced knitter. There are plenty of pictures in color and the stitches are illustrated with clear drawings.

Overall a good knitting book, but I'd like to see more patterns for everyday clothes. You can only make so many hats and scarves before you have too many, no matter how cool the designs.

Yes. I admit it. I am addicted to color. Color everywhere – in my home, in my arts, in my knitting. I am a total and complete addict. And you know what? I have NO intention to 12-step it away!

And then, of course, there is design. Fibers, textures, unusual lines. All these things are important to me. And there a boat-ton of patterns I have in my stash that make full use of all of these lovelies. But you know what? I would have to live to be 500 to make all these things – and sometimes I can’t even get the time to make one. Sigh.

With that as the case, I am thrilled to have More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Sometimes you need small items for friends, birthday gifts, that sort of thing. And sometimes, when you are really feeling hammered by life, when nothing ever seems to be done and complete, well, being able to finish just one thing can sooth and calm the mind and make life better. This is the perfect book to reach that goal. From the ultra-simple, like the Reusable Hot Coffee-Cup Sleeve – it only takes about an hour to finish – to the Bright Stripes Blanket – 1800 yards of beautiful bright yarn and a longer finish time, but easy-peasy garter stitch – well, I love this little book!

The instructions are clear and Joelle gives ideas for different fibers and colours to make the same item for different people fit each person’s personal style. For me, the Toe-Up Socks pattern is going to be my go-to pattern for socks (I run around with just socks on all the time, holes are a given… ). The book also includes excellent instructions for “how-tos,” everything from binding on to binding off with Kitchner Stitch.

Highly recommended for everyone from the beginner to the advanced knitter who is looking for simple projects that bring smiles!

I received this book from the publisher in return for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.