French Girl Knits Accessories

Starred review from September 1, 2012

The sequel to 2009's popular French Girl Knits helps stylish knitters create accessories that will add charm and flair to any outfit. The collection is organized by type of project (hats, mittens and socks, and shawls and wraps), and each project is lovingly styled and photographed. Skills required to make the projects include intermediate-level lace and colorwork, though there are some simpler projects suitable for adventurous beginners. VERDICT The popularity of Griffin-Grimes's patterns, combined with the variety of small projects (always popular with knitters) make this an excellent addition to knitting collections.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2013
An admitted Francophile, which shows both in her adoring narrative and her 2009 book French Girl Knits, Griffin-Grimes fills her follow-up title with paeans to the art of French life and its bon goutnot just in dressing but also in the way of living. Per Coco Chanel's dictum, Fashion fades; style is eternal, the author-designer piles our plates high with 16 designs for hats (toques and berets, too), shawls, and wraps, all lovingly named after one Gallic inspiration or another. At the beginning, we're treated to word pictures of morning, noon, and night in France, and the various habits and desires of its populace, both native and expat. Her devotion to le franais extends to an insistence on details, as shown in her instructions, sidebars, color photographs, and illustrations. Choose from Jasmin (head scarf) or Tartine (striped hat), from Tutu (slippers) or Tattoo (shawl). Every item includes words of wisdome.g., working a gauge for circular knittingand meticulous directions. One caveat before a rush to fashion any of her latest: most projects have been designated for the more experienced knitter.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)