Member Reviews

This book has really nice hats, scarves, cowls, and socks. They are mostly all colorwork but there are a few solid color options as well. There are these beautiful Celtic socks I really want to make. The patterns are based on patterns from all over the world. Norway, Scotland, Estonia, Peru etc.

The patterns are well written and have full color pictures and both black and white and color charts. The book is not for a novice knitter but they are great for the person who is looking for a little adventure in their knitting.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful collection of hand knit projects from around the world, from socks to hats, mittens, gloves. I would say the majority of these patterns are not for the beginner knitter, but would present a challenge to many knitters of any age.

Was this review helpful?

This book is filled with an excellent range of patterns. It is beautifully illustrated and the instructions appear to be very clear. I have not had time to try to knit anything from this book yet, but have made several plans for future production for gifts for next Christmas.

Was this review helpful?

Cozy Knits 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World by Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel
Book has table of contents where patterns are broken up into Scarves, hats and mittens, and socks.
Intro discusses the yarns used and the locations of where the patterns originated from.
Each section has a summary and notes about the item being discussed.
Each pattern starts with a full page picture prior to the pattern, a title and designers name and summary of the item.
Finished measurements, materials needed, Notes on stitches used and gauge.
Instructions are included according to charts that are included. Other pictures and diagrams are also included along with color charts.
I'm not really a chart person being blind but I did find a Mobius strip scarf item I can knit. Like also that some of the pattern notes with stitches I can incorporate into a baby afghan for charity.
Quite unique patterns with colors selected. Northern country patterns are very precise and awesome looking, you know you are given a precious gift when you receive something of this caliber.
So many projects to choose from. Yarn sources and about the designers is included at the end along with an index.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from the publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Voyageur Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#CozyKnits #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Cozy Knits
30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World
by Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel

I received a digital arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a knitting book full of gorgeous socks, hats, scarves and mittens and the title is apt as they all look very cozy. Lots of detailed color and pattern work means this is a book that lends itself to the more experienced knitter or a knitter looking to grow. I counted 35 patterns. Lots of full color photography of the finished products as well as detailed instructional illustrations. Excellent knitting book.
5/5

Was this review helpful?

I loved the projects in this book! The directions were well written, the photos were beautiful. Made me want to buy more yarn!

Was this review helpful?

This is a book that I enjoyed reading and studying!

I am a beginner knitter, and I have to say that these patterns are definitely more for the "intermediate" to "advanced" category.

I was really excited about the sock patterns, but they are pretty complex and above my skill level as of now. The scarves I think I could manage, and they are GORGEOUS!

The photos were amazing, but the instructions were not detailed enough for a beginner, especially for the socks.

I look forward to coming back to this book one day and actually knitting the projects in here.

Was this review helpful?

A great introduction to complex knitting patterns for all forms of clothing! Patterns are clear and easy to follow, with little room for errors as the guide includes tips and tricks to aid you through. The love of knitting shines through in this manual.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to view this book early for an honest review.

The pictures and projects in this book are stunning. In the Introduction, it says these patterns were inspired by traditions, places, and people throughout the world. It’s a varied collection, but does have one common theme: fair isle and cables.

I’d recommend this book to an intermediate to advanced knitter that isn’t afraid to take on charts and graphs. I’m not quite there yet either, but I would keep this book in my shelf pull down, browse, and be inspired to try it one day.

Was this review helpful?

An interesting collection of projects for accessory. They are easy to follow and I liked the photos.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Was this review helpful?

Some fun looking patterns that I hope to try, to challenge my skills. I like that the book showcases styles from places around the world, that it has patterns for a variety of skill levels, and that it has both written and charted patterns - something for everyone.

Was this review helpful?

This book really goes above and beyond! It has an amazing assortment of spectacular scarves, hats, mittens, and socks.

The photographs are beautiful show the completed items from different angles. I loved each has notes that discuss the origin of each design. Detailed instructions go above and beyond the typical k1, p1 abbreviations. Truky a stellar find for anyone starting out or just wanted very thorough instructions which also contain notes, such as “the stitch will look like this when completed. In addition to the words, there are clear charts to show how to do the intricate designs, techniques and the overall project. The book is designed to help the knitter achieve great results with less stress: the fonts, spacing, illustrations, and use of color make it easy to find the section you need when you need it. There is enough space between instructions so that you don’t go crazy trying to find your place.
 The projects seem best for confident knitters, with some patterns being noted as for “experienced” or “skilled colorwork” knitters. Even so, there are a lot of notes intended to help newer or less confident knitters feel comfortable.

I can definitely say the beauty of the designs is very motivating. Norwegian knitting patterns are gorgeous and allow for a customized fit in many designs. Truly a special find and an amazing gift choice. I already have someone in mind for a copy.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful book that features an assortment of spectacular scarves, hats, mittens, and socks. Ample photographs show the completed items from different angles, and headnotes discuss the origin of each design. Detailed instructions go beyond the typical k1, p1 abbreviations, including helpful notes, such as “the stitch will look like . . . .” In addition to the words, there are clear charts to show how to do the intricate designs. Colored boxes for “Pattern notes,” “special abbreviations,” and “special techniques” provide information to help the knitter understand construction and techniques before starting the project. Overall, the book is designed to help the knitter achieve great results with less stress: the fonts, spacing, illustrations, and use of color make it easy to find the section you need when you need it. There is enough space between instructions so that you don’t go crazy trying to find your place.
 The projects seem best for confident knitters, with some patterns being noted as for “experienced” or “skilled colorwork” knitters. Even so, there are a lot of notes intended to help newish (or returning) knitters feel comfortable. I’m one of those “newish” knitters who is not yet ready to create one of these — but all the helpful features of the text make me feel sure that one day I will using these patterns. Especially because the beauty of the designs is very motivating. Norwegian socks are not only gorgeous, but allow for a customized fit over the calves! the Kilt Hose have a ‘reverse cuff’ so that the right side of the design can be seen on both the cuff and the main part of the sock! The hardest part might be choosing which project start with. 
 This review is based on an uncorrected proof NetGalley ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This is a good book for more advanced knitters looking to try different techniques. Beautiful patterns and charts.

Was this review helpful?

Just occasionally you encounter a book of knitting patterns which seems to meet your every need. Right now, it's bitterly cold and we're in the sandwich filling between two storms: I need socks, scarves, hats and mittens. They have to look stylish, keep me warm and be so cheerful that they make me feel better. If that sounds like a lot to ask, have a look at Cozy Knits: it has thirty designs for those necessary items and I don't think that there was one of them which I couldn't see myself wearing. We start with an introduction by Nancy Bush which gives some of the history of knitting. It's not essential but it's a nice extra.

Then we move onto the scarves. I'm going to tell you a bit about each of them, so that you can see the sort of choice that you get. The Min Ulla is a Norwegian design and the knitting is far simpler than it looks. It is probably more stylish than warm. On the contrary, the Icelandic Yoke scarf looks warm. It's worked in two pieces and grafted together. The Bavarian Twisted Stitches Commuter Scarf is slim but long and an unusual, curving shape. It's a testament to concentration. The European Cowl has exquisite patterning whilst the French 'Coco' woven scarf has a tailored look. You can guess which Coco I was thinking about!

The Celtic Felted Flower Scarf brings the Aran designs which we loved in the seventies and the eighties and gives the look a younger feel. I've always loved the look of Fair Isle but been put off by the prospect of juggling all the different yarns. The design here uses just two colours with a ten-row repeat. It's a relatively simple pattern used to great effect. The Chinese Good Fortune Scarf left me feeling that I'd love to know what all the symbols meant. My favourite scarf is the Pendleton that was inspired by Native American trade blankets and named after one of the major producers of the blankets. The final scarf is the Central Park Möbius-Strip Scarf, which I'm tempted to try because of its special cast on.

As you can see, there's a splendid range both of looks and inspirations - achieved by using a wide-ranging selection of designers. Some patterns will be more suitable for less-experienced knitters but there's something for all ages and abilities. The same points apply to the socks, hats and mittens. Inspirations are as unusual as a vintage barbed wire collection!

With socks, the patterns all use the traditional heel flap method. My favourite design was the Gansey socks, which uses the Channel Islands cast on. I loved the range of skills in the book - and they're all clearly explained. For those who take their pleasures perhaps a little too sadly, there's the Dura-Europas socks. The method is described as phenominally tedious and producing a pair of socks is mind-numbing. I'm almost (but not quite) tempted to try it!

There's all the information you need about standard yarn weight systems. It's a book you'll treasure and return to time and time again. I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have a review copy.

Was this review helpful?

Plenty of colorful projects to interest most knitters. Lots of Fair isle, a few cabled items. Lots of socks. Overall alot to offer the Beginner to experienced knitter. I'm giving it a 4 just because I'm not interested in socks and there are a bunch of them.

Was this review helpful?

A great book full of simple, comfy, and cozy knit hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for anyone from beginner to advanced.

Was this review helpful?

This is a nice collection of knitting patterns for socks, hats, scarves and such from around the world (mostly European regions). Color photos and detailed plans accompany each project. Most of them were not really my aesthetic other than a few socks but they're great pattern. Browse the book and see if they're a good fit for you. Definitely not for beginners.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a beautiful collection of patterns.

On “technical merit,” the patterns are well-written, include charts and written instructions, and result in beautiful knits that look very refined. The book provides in depth discussion of the tools, techniques and yarns used, while also providing resources for yarn substitutions (a big help for knitters everywhere!). The only note I would offer to readers is that this book is not for beginning knitters. The patterns do assume you have a basic knowledge of colorwork, stitches and techniques. While I love that the designers are here to help you jump in the deep end, be prepared to get out your life-vest if you are new to knitting.

On “artistic impression” this book is so well laid out, and beautifully illustrated that it is a delight to read even if you never knit a stitch. The featured items are so gorgeous and well-photographed they definitely count as “knitting p@rn.”

This book would be a great addition to any knitter’s library.

Was this review helpful?

Book: Cozy Knits: 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World


Author: Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel


Pub Info: 15 March 2022, Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Voyageur Press


Genres: Art & Photography, Crafting, Fashion, Hobby / Leisure

I received an electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback. Thank you to the author, photographers, publisher, and NG.

This book is about cozy knits from around the world. There are 30 projects that are inspired by knitting traditions from around the world. Each project has illustrated patterns, photography, schematics and diagrams, and tips for tools. The patterns range in required skill levels. I am approaching this book as someone who doesn’t have any skills in this area, but I am interested in looking at the projects and the cultural traditions.

Right of the bat, I like the contents inside in terms of layout and design. The book is divided into chapters for 1) Scarves, 2) Hats & Mittens, 3) Socks. There is an index / end area that has other resources for yarn and tools. There is a variety of cultural approaches depicted in this book. For example, the Scarves section has projects deriving from Norway, Iceland, France, China.

The knitted results themselves are STUNNING. They are things that are so worth the money of the cost and the skills to put into making them. The layout of the instructions for these projects are clear and easy to read/follow. I can’t comment on the diagrams themselves, as I am not skilled in this area, but I can say there are plenty of instructions laid out for each project.

Overall, I thought this was so cool. I would love to learn how to do something like this, and I imagine that if someone is into this activity, they would get a lot of value out of reading this book.

Was this review helpful?