Lifestyle Book Reviews
Book Review: Hip Knit Hats: 40 Fabulous Designs by Cathy Carron
By Sandy Amazeen Jul 17, 2006, 1:51 GMT
Every knitter will adore these timeless, fashionable, and extremely wearable hats, all photographed on models in a chic urban setting. Most of the projects involve knitting in the round, so a thorough overview explains the technique, as well as basic hat forms, choosing a yarn, and accessible techniques such as felting. Try a shaped ribbon yarn hat with equally decorative and functional earflaps. A simple brimmed felted wool hat becomes ...more
Fun, funky and fast to make thanks to the use of bulky weight yarns, this collection of hats has something for everyone. Most knitters are familiar with knitting in the round using circular and double-pointed needles but don’t despair if this technique is new to you as close-up photos clearly illustrate how to cast on, join and knit like a pro.
The chart showing possible combinations that result from blending different weight yarn strands is worth photocopying and keeping tucked in your knitting tote for future reference. A useful facial shape to style chart allows the knitter to pick out just the right pattern with practical advice on selecting the correct size and colors to flatter. Each pattern comes in two sizes, which should accommodate most adults. Tips on felting, adding beads and other embellishments allow each creation to be truly special.
A very easy, mostly knit stitch hat starts the pattern collection and provides a good start for those unfamiliar with working circular before moving on to a simple ribbed design. The Hogan pattern shown with several different yarn variations is a quick project that should please just about anyone on your gift list while the felted Emma design provides a wonderful backdrop for playful embellishments. Whatever your style, berets to earflaps, subdued or something more adventurous, there is something for all tastes and best of all, they are so easy to do it’s the next best thing to instant gratification.
