Designer Knit Home

October 1, 2018
This disappointing pattern collection from debut author Black, who runs an online shop selling her knitting and crocheting patterns, has an intriguing premise, but fails to deliver. As her introduction states, the book is intended as a take on recent home decor trends, particularly the use of thick, chunky yarns in items such as pillows and blankets. However, both the patterns and finished products appear uninspired and slapdash rather than stylish and up-to-date. The Simple Stockinette Cocoon Blanket looks like an appealing and easy project to take on, but on closer inspection, the combination of awkward pattern writing, bland color choices, and confusing finishing instructions make it a no-go for even the quickest knitter looking for an easy project. Moreover, this collection employs a muted palette with pastel accents that make projects like the Simple Stockinette Basket bag look like items crafted from leftover yarn. Also disappointing are the curious pattern instructions that eschew commonly used abbreviations and seem included almost as an afterthought. While many knitters of all skill levels might want to try knitting some home decor items, this isn’t the best place to start.