Just Hats: Favorite Patterns to Knit and Crochet

Love this one! AMAZING for making gifts! I really like that there are patterns that you can make on straight needles and sew up the side like the Diamonds & Lace Hat & the Manly Slip Stitch Hat (uploaded photos). Sometimes I just don't feel like knitting in the round. But - there are some great patterns in here for circular needles as well. I've made a lot of gifts out of this one and haven't had a complaint yet!

I have recently started knitting and this was my 2nd knitting book purchase. Lion Brand yarn has won me over and I did not even notice this was a book by them... The nice thing about this book is that it provides patterns for the very beginner to the very advanced; I like this because it is a book I will be able to refer back to when I become 'advanced'! The pictures are great and they give you a good idea on how the pattern will turn out. The patterns included in the book do not seem too hard to follow either. I have already finished one out of the book and I am eager to start more. Another great thing about this book, is how they will provide the same pattern for individuals who knit and crochet. This is great because many knitters like to learn how to crochet, and visa versa, so it is a book that will be on someone's shelf for awhile-- and mine will be one of them!

If you are a beginning knitter and want to advance your knowledge, "Just Scarves" is a great book for you. There are eight chapters: 1. Easy Does it 2. Simple Scarves with a twist (fringe, pockets, embellishments) 3. Cables 4. Granny Squares 5. Shaped Scarves (narrow-wide-narrow shaping, for example) 6. Lace basics 7. Fabulous Scarves (bobbles, crochet applique) There are hints on finishing, using eyelash novelty yarns. The photos are pretty, the drawn illustrations lavish. If you are an experienced knitter, you may be somewhat beyond what's here, so I recommend this for beginner-intermediate skill knitters. "Just Hats", the companion volume has simple hats to more complex. 1. Easiest Hats ever(crochet, knit) 2. Seamless hats (like watchcap and very pretty but simple berets) 3. Simple hats with a twist (Jester Hat and a VERY fun raccoon hat from fun fur) 4. Granny square hats (for the crocheters) 5. Children's hats 6. Hats that incorporate color (including a NON-granny square crochet hat in two colors, and a snowflake hat.) 7. Felted hats 8. Great Patterns, including a Paul Bunyan crocheted hunters hat with flaps and a two-eared snowboarder's style tassled hat. Of the two books, I preferred the hat book, BUT if you long to knit those furry long boas or make mini shawls and neckwear, the scarf book is good. Both books recommended for the newer knitter. Lion Brand Yarns sponsored these books, so the yarns are widely available at craft and discount department stores.

Just Hats is perfect for the yarn lover who wants to experiment with different yarns for a small project. Lion Brand yarns are easily available and priced reasonably, so anyone can achieve good results by following the variety of patterns offered. Each pattern is rated beginner, easy or intermediate and their rating seems to be accurate. There are trendy hats and basic hats in both knit and crochet. It's a bargain at $12.00. I highly recommend this colorful book.