Hats On!: 31 Warm and Winsome Caps for Knitters

As Charlene Schurch mentions in her introduction, hat projects are extrememly portable and they make great gifts. With so many hat patterns to choose from, it's easy to find a hat for anybody in your family or gift list. I've already made 3 hats from this book - all three recieve copious compliments often accompanied by requests for either the pattern [from knitters] or a hat [from non-knitters]. Probably the best feature of this book is that most of the patterns include directions for many sizes, from toddler to x-large adult. There's also a full range of difficulty from multiple color and intricate colorwork to 2 color stockinette or simple cables. Although all of the patterns involve either colorwork or cables, the projects are small and the charts are easy to read, making this a good book for the knitter ready to move beyond scarves and other simple knits. I found my knitting gauge to be up to 2 needle sizes off from the directions so I would strongly suggest not skipping your swatch!

If you are looking for a learn-to-knit-hats book, this isn't going to be the one. However, for the advanced knitter, this book is a gem. Its patterns are clearly laid out - most are given in 3 or 4 sizes - and come from a variety of regions. They include adaptations of Norwegian, Turkish, Swedish, Russian, and Aran patterns (and many others). The projects are beautifully photographed at the beginning of the book. Just looking at them was an inspiration to pick up my knitting needles.I like how the author doesn't specify the brand of wool she used, and instead gives only weights and measurements (ie worsted weight and 210 yards per 3.5 g). This allows for you the knitter to substitute your own wools without the fear that your project won't turn out exactly the way Charlene's has. Her directions are straight-forward and include various ways to cast on. She writes in a chatty style but free of bells and whistles. However, if you do not know how to read lace, Aran, or colour charts then you are at a supreme disadvantage. Most of her directions are sparse, and you must rely on the chart for the pattern details. Again, if you are a real beginner, this may not be a book that you want right away. One of my favourite things about this book is that it includes all sorts of different styles. So there are tocques, earflap hats, tams, and watch caps - something for everyone and never a moment's boredom as a knitter.

From a simple watchcap, to a jester hat, to a hat with flaps, you'll find them in this wonderful book.The BEST feature of this book is that the patterns are sized, and you don't often find this in hat patterns. So you can make headwear for the entire family.This should be a reference book for any knitter, especially if you are going to knit for charity (as in Caps for Kids or CIC--Children in Common.) Warm hats are needed by anyone in a cold climate. This book is just great!

This is absolutely the best hat book I have seen, and I have checked out quite a few of them before purchasing this one. I have made hats using nearly half of the patterns from the book, using worsted-weight as well as sport-weight yarn. Quick, cute, and my kids love them.

The best hat book that I've owned. All the patterns are delightful with easy to read directions and excellent illustrations. Wonderful gift ideas. This book is a must for all knitters and spinners.