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Book Review: Gorgeous Knitted Afghans

Recently I got the book, Gorgeous Knitted Afghans: 33 Great Designs for Creative Knitters. And I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. This book, written by Fatema, Khadija, and Hajera Habibur-Rahman, is not your ordinary afghan collection. There’s a lot to choose from in here, from simple stitch patterns knit with lovely, unexpected yarns, to complex patterns that offer a bit of a challenge and yield lovely results.
There aren’t many projects in here that I wouldn’t knit, given the luxury of limitless knitting time. I am especially enamored of the mitered afghan on the cover, which is called “Fascinating Rhythm”. (I checked; it’s not listed in Ravelry yet. Perhaps I should start one of these so I can get the pattern listing going, eh?) But, even if you don’t care for that gorgeous afghan, there’s something for just about every taste in this book. Whether you like simple, mindless knitting, or want to try something new, there’s probably a project in here for just about everyone. Whether it’s colorwork, motifs, lace, cables, or simple stitches in gorgeous colors, I’m sure just about any knitter of any skill level could find an entertaining project in this book.

I grew up in a home where scrap afghans crocheted in ripple patterns or the traditional granny square afghan could be found. These creations were never anything more than functional, as the typical 1970s earthy color schemes with an occasional fire engine red could just about make your eyes bleed to look at them, in their dizzying mishmash of color insensitivity. The afghans in this book more than make up for the sins of our grandmothers, though, because they are all simply stunning.

The book includes an introductory section that goes over some of the special techniques covered in the book, including the embroidery stitches that are required to complete some of the projects. And, the instructions in the book seem clear. However, a quick internet search leads me to believe that there may be some errors in this book, for which I can’t yet find the errata information. When I do, if it exists, I will post it here. However,
I am not deterred from trying the patterns in this book.

My only regret is that I don’t have 50 sofas in my house to drape them all upon. A home can only have so many afghans. How am I ever going to choose? But, I am certain that more than one of these will be in my future.

Update on my Christmas Elf Hat: Yes, I’m still knitting away at this project. Just like the last time I did this pattern, it’s looking like I’ll be done by the end of this month or maybe early February. I should know not to start my Christmas knitting in November because no matter how hard I try, it will never be done in time. But, I hope to be posting a finished photo soon! Wish me luck. Maybe a good stint of knitting this weekend will be all that’s needed; I’ve been decreasing away and the rounds are going much more quickly now.

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