Knits to Give: 30 Knitted Gifts Made with Love

Knitting designer Bliss continues her line of two-dozen-plus knitting pattern books with one focusing on smallish projects that can be given as gifts. And while many of these projects (hot water bottle cover, baby overalls, baby sun hat) have had previous iterations in earlier books, they are just different enough to appeal to her fans, who are legion. Bliss, a brand name unto herself with a line of eponymous yarns and a magazine, does what she does best—employ simple stitch patterns to fashion simple items that speak to the knitter’s nesting instinct. The book is divided into sections—gifts for her, him, baby, and home—with most geared for the novice or intermediate knitter. A few of the projects are real winners (the bunny baby booties are cute enough to hop off the page on their own) while a couple are real lemons (knitted pencil cup cozies, anyone?). But all are presented in the visually straightforward style Bliss is known for, with inviting pictures and no-nonsense instructions. The 30-plus color photos are appealing and illustrate the construction of the projects well; the layout feels light and uncrowded. The book itself would make a great gift. (Nov.)