I really cannot resist sharing with you a recent discovery of mine. If anything is going to persuade people to hunt out their knitting needles again and "get clacking" (sorry - the puns seem to be coming thick and fast this time) it must surely the new additions to the "Twenty to Make" series published by Search Press. Already available are "Knitted Aliens" and "Knitted Mug Hugs" (cosies for keeping your cuppa warm) but what I really cannot wait for are "Knitted Vegetables" and "Knitted Fruit," both available soon. The designs in themselves are absolutely delightful - from knitted leaks, cauliflower and mushrooms so realistic they cannot help but make you smile, to strawberries and a pineapple which would not look out of place in anyone's fruit bowl! What is really clever, however, from a retailing point of view is that all the designs are appealing enough for experienced knitters whilst at the same time simple enough for a determined beginner to achieve quickly and easily. As the series title suggests, each book contains twenty designs. Each pattern is in itself a complete project but they can all be mixed and matched. The simpler "long" designs are knitted on two needles in the normal way. The "round" ones use a set of four double pointed needles but, as the introduction helpfully suggests, this need not be too daunting if the simpler ones are produced first. Each project occupies a double page spread with a large, close up photograph of the knitted article. Patterns are set out clearly with materials, needles and making up instructions in an at-a-glance format and the retail price of GBP4.99 per book of twenty designs is bound to make these super books very popular indeed.-Needle & Handicrafts It's easy to think of these little books as novelties, but they have much more to offer. Susie Johns' detailed patterns are a fun introduction to toy knitting. The instructions are clear and concise, and the smaller fruits and veggies knit up so quickly that your confidence grows with every stitch. These books offer good value, with 20 patterns apiece. The yarn quantities are small - great if you're trying to use up old stash. There's no reason to not mix things up too - a fuzzy blue banana would certainly be a conversation starter! If you've young children to knit for, a basket of knitted fruit and veg would make a lovely gift, with a very worthy healthy eating message to boot.-Simply Knitting The idea of a knitted turnip is strangely appealing. We'd never need one, but reading Susie Johns' latest book we simply have to make one. And knitted asparagus, sweetcorn, cauliflower... her designs are just charming! Also new from Susie is Knitted Fruit - the woolliest way to get your five-a-day!-The Knitter
