Cozy Knits

This is the season for warm knits: hats, mittens, sock and scarves. And Cozy Knits has 30 different patterns by 21 different designers just waiting to be knitted. There are Nordic, Bavarian, Peruvian, Aran, Finnish patterns and more. The instructions are detailed but easy to understand. This is a book for both beginning and more experienced knitters but I would recommend the beginner seek help from a local knitting store or a YouTube tutorial if necessary.

The individual patterns are beautifully displayed and photographed. My first choices to knit are the French “Coco” Woven Scarf, the matching hat and mittens, The Uppsala multi colored Bohus style socks and the more simple Gansey socks. Yarns sources are listed as well as the yarn websites, a source for yarn substitution, a valuable resource for those of us with the ubiquitous stashes. This gorgeous book is full of possibilities. Enjoy! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Sue Flanders and Janine Kosel for this ARC.

This is a fantastic collection of patterns for hand knitted accessories. Most of the designs are inspired by traditional colours and patterns from across Europe and Scandinavia and beyond and come from very experienced expert designers. While this is a new publication I have seen some of these patterns in other out-of-print volumes so am pleased to see them brought together and updated. Bright colour photographs feature for every design and the instructions look clear and are well laid out. Some of the yarns used are quite easily available in the UK and guidance is given to source suitable substitutes along with yardage and gauge measurements.The patterns are very attractive, colourful and appealing.
I do not think this is a book for the absolute beginner, most of the designs use techniques such as cables, colourwork, knitting in the round etc as a minimum so it would suit someone with a bit of experience and an ambition to extend their horizons! Excellent also for stashbusting and they would make marvellous gifts too!
Considering the price of individual patterns these days, this is very good value for money and I would be very happy to add it to my library.

3.5 stars

We’ve got 30 scarf, shawl, hat, mitten, glove, and sock patterns! All very cozy & colorful. This book makes me want to knit! I’d recommend these patterns for someone who already has some knitting experience.

[What I liked:]

•There are several (11!) great sock patterns in here! Like I want to knit all of them. They’re each attractive & distinctive & look very cozy. They’re mostly Northern European inspired patterns, but there is one Turkish style pattern & one Andean style pattern.

•The patterns include standard row-by-row instructions in stitch abbreviations, & stitch charts where necessary. I haven’t tried knitting any of these patterns yet (I will update this review when I do), but I’ve read through most of the patterns line by line & I’m reasonably confident I followed what was happening.

•Most of the patterns include a “pattern notes” section near the beginning with tips, recommended techniques, &/or things to watch out for. Some of the patterns also include detailed instructions on special techniques or methods of cast on/bind off, if needed. Both are helpful additions to the main instructions.

•Are these patterns super unique compared to other books of winter accessory patterns? Not really overall, but there are a couple that struck me as unique such as the sashiko inspired hat & mittens set (it’s super cute, & it really does look like sashiko!), the Pendleton scarf (inspired by south western US Native American woven blankets & Dale Chihuly’s blown glass art), & the Bohus style “winter garden” hat & mittens set (it looks gorgeous & striking in the photos). Overall this is a solid collection of patterns, with a enough variety to keep in interesting.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•For some of the stitch charts, the numbering of the rows was really tiny. I read a PDF of this book on my phone so I could zoom in, but I’m not sure how small it would look in print. (Maybe it won’t be an issue in print though)

•This comes down to personal taste, but I only liked 4 of the 12 scarf patterns enough to want to try them. On the Aran cable scarf, the cabling looks out of proportion to the size imo. The Chanel suit inspired scarf doesn’t look very cozy or wintry compared to the others in this book. The Celtic scarf & the Estonian lace cowl are both pretty but not especially unique looking to me. But this is just me, ymmv!

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

Cozy Knits is a knitting pattern and tutorial book with patterns from various designers and edited and curated by Kari Cornell, with inspiration drawn from diverse world cultures and aesthetics. Due out 15th March 2022 from Quarto on their Voyageur Press imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is such an appealing book full of colorful and attractive accessory projects. The 30 different tutorials are arranged by type: scarves, hats & mittens, and socks. Each tutorial includes tools and materials, measurements in American (inches) and metric (centimeter) units (yay!!) followed by step-by-step directions.There is an introduction highlighted text box with inspiration for the design and a little background which I found fascinating (and educational). The pieces are all photographed in color, and the photos are clear and well positioned so the design elements are easy to visualize and understand. Most of the items are accompanied by more than one photo, and detail close up photos are inset in the text. Directions are clearly written and I found no glaring errors with a careful read-through. The materials will be fairly easily sourced online or at readers' local yarn shops. I like that the book gave a nod to one of my favorite utilitarian yarn geek websites: the YarnSub. The authors have also included an abbreviated resource/links list and index in the back of the book.

The projects are simple to moderately challenging (including an Estonian inspired sock design by knitting maven Nancy Bush which is *gorgeous* and which shot up my to-do list and will go on the needles after the must-do knitting I am doing now). I haven't finished any projects from the book (yet) but I have knitted gauge swatches with recommended or similar gauge yarns to those called for in the patterns and haven't found any difficulties or mistakes yet.

Beautiful patterns. Superlative! I predict this will be a lot of knitters' go-to pattern book for gift giving projects. There are a lot of patterns here which are also scrap friendly and can be knitted partially or wholly from remnants. The sock section alone is worth the price of admission (full disclosure, I'm a sock knitter down to my bones).

Five stars. This is a definite winner.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review

I haven't been knitting much lately, but I found several patterns I'd like to knit in this collection! There is a good selection of scarves, cowls, hats, mittens and socks here including colorwork and cabling with inspiration drawn from multiple cultures.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Voyageur Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is the perfect one to pick up as an intermediate or experienced knitter (possibly even an adventurous beginner!) who wants some new winter gear. It has something for everyone: cables, colorwork, Barvarian travelling twisted stitches, and patterns inspired from around the world! The book is divided into three sections: scarves, hats and mittens, lastly socks, which makes it very easy to find your next project.

The patterns are displayed in a very clear-to-read fashion, with a quick-glance easy-to-read page that gives you the most important information, then many color photos of the accessory. The patterns themselves are written beautifully: all special stitches are noted before the pattern begins, the patterns are given both in charts and written form, as well as diagrams where needed. On top of that, whoever wrote the patterns did it in my preferred method of clarity: very clear! This book doesn't hold your hand, like a book for a beginner would, but it gives you enough information to understand what is needed. (E.g. it'll say "increase 24 sts evenly on round", instead of i.e. k4, inc1, repeat 23 times). Gloves can also be a tricky thing - how will this designer set the gusset? Or place the hand increases? But I love how this book does it. It takes hand anatomy well into account, where you start to work the pinky finger, then a bit more of the hand, before working the other 3 fingers one after another. This makes a very well fitted glove.

One thing that I did not like in this book was that the yarns suggested and the patterns are supposed to go hand in hand. And the yarns suggested are mostly only available on the US market. However, knitters outside of the US should be able to easily substitute a yarn, as metric measurements and information is given whenever needed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants some more challenging projects (as each one of these has at least something really interesting going on), or wants some rather refined knits (as a lot of these patterns look quite elegant and take even minute details into account), or love colorwork and want to try it on some smaller projects. It's also great for people who want more patterns from around the world!

I would not recommend this book to beginner knitters (unless you're very motivated), or to anyone who always buys the yarn suggested in a patten and lives outside of the US.

Gorgeous knitwork patterns to make cozy, cozy stuff? I want to look at all the lovely photos..
Do I actually know how to knit? No.
Am I now going to take my 16 year old up on their offer to teach me to knit? Absolutely.

This is a wonderful pattern book - photos of beautiful, handcrafted love in knit form, easy to read patterns, with special notes sections, abbreviations, and yarn sources.

I really enjoy this collection of fashionable knitting patterns that are focused on projects to keep you warm. Currently color work is very popular among knitters and this collection includes some great smaller color work projects. You can teach yourself color work while warming your hands, neck and feet. My favorite pattern is the Turkish socks. I liked the fact that the socks had two colors, and the bottom of each sock used one of the two colors. This is a great compendium of fun smaller projects to use up scraps as well as teaching you new and popular techniques.

Plenty of colorful projects to interest most knitters. Lots of Fair isle, a few cabled items. Lots of socks. Overall alot to offer the Beginner to experienced knitter. I'm giving it a 4 just because I'm not interested in socks and there are a bunch of them.

A great book full of simple, comfy, and cozy knit hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for anyone from beginner to advanced.

This is a nice collection of knitting patterns for socks, hats, scarves and such from around the world (mostly European regions). Color photos and detailed plans accompany each project. Most of them were not really my aesthetic other than a few socks but they're great pattern. Browse the book and see if they're a good fit for you. Definitely not for beginners.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

This was a beautiful collection of patterns.

On “technical merit,” the patterns are well-written, include charts and written instructions, and result in beautiful knits that look very refined. The book provides in depth discussion of the tools, techniques and yarns used, while also providing resources for yarn substitutions (a big help for knitters everywhere!). The only note I would offer to readers is that this book is not for beginning knitters. The patterns do assume you have a basic knowledge of colorwork, stitches and techniques. While I love that the designers are here to help you jump in the deep end, be prepared to get out your life-vest if you are new to knitting.

On “artistic impression” this book is so well laid out, and beautifully illustrated that it is a delight to read even if you never knit a stitch. The featured items are so gorgeous and well-photographed they definitely count as “knitting p@rn.”

This book would be a great addition to any knitter’s library.

Book: Cozy Knits: 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World


Author: Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel


Pub Info: 15 March 2022, Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Voyageur Press


Genres: Art & Photography, Crafting, Fashion, Hobby / Leisure

I received an electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback. Thank you to the author, photographers, publisher, and NG.

This book is about cozy knits from around the world. There are 30 projects that are inspired by knitting traditions from around the world. Each project has illustrated patterns, photography, schematics and diagrams, and tips for tools. The patterns range in required skill levels. I am approaching this book as someone who doesn’t have any skills in this area, but I am interested in looking at the projects and the cultural traditions.

Right of the bat, I like the contents inside in terms of layout and design. The book is divided into chapters for 1) Scarves, 2) Hats & Mittens, 3) Socks. There is an index / end area that has other resources for yarn and tools. There is a variety of cultural approaches depicted in this book. For example, the Scarves section has projects deriving from Norway, Iceland, France, China.

The knitted results themselves are STUNNING. They are things that are so worth the money of the cost and the skills to put into making them. The layout of the instructions for these projects are clear and easy to read/follow. I can’t comment on the diagrams themselves, as I am not skilled in this area, but I can say there are plenty of instructions laid out for each project.

Overall, I thought this was so cool. I would love to learn how to do something like this, and I imagine that if someone is into this activity, they would get a lot of value out of reading this book.

A wonderfully varied selection of scarves, hats, gloves and socks perfect for those wishing to try a variety of stitch patterns and fair isle knitting. The instructions are clear and well explained and this book would be ideal for those looking for quick, professional looking, personal presents to make for friends and family - as well as yourself. I would definitely recommend for those beginners wishing to take their basic knitting to the next level.

An interesting collection of projects for accessory. They are easy to follow and I liked the photos.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book really goes above and beyond! It has an amazing assortment of spectacular scarves, hats, mittens, and socks.

The photographs are beautiful show the completed items from different angles. I loved each has notes that discuss the origin of each design. Detailed instructions go above and beyond the typical k1, p1 abbreviations. Truky a stellar find for anyone starting out or just wanted very thorough instructions which also contain notes, such as “the stitch will look like this when completed. In addition to the words, there are clear charts to show how to do the intricate designs, techniques and the overall project. The book is designed to help the knitter achieve great results with less stress: the fonts, spacing, illustrations, and use of color make it easy to find the section you need when you need it. There is enough space between instructions so that you don’t go crazy trying to find your place.
 The projects seem best for confident knitters, with some patterns being noted as for “experienced” or “skilled colorwork” knitters. Even so, there are a lot of notes intended to help newer or less confident knitters feel comfortable.

I can definitely say the beauty of the designs is very motivating. Norwegian knitting patterns are gorgeous and allow for a customized fit in many designs. Truly a special find and an amazing gift choice. I already have someone in mind for a copy.

This is a good book for more advanced knitters looking to try different techniques. Beautiful patterns and charts.

This is a wonderful book that features an assortment of spectacular scarves, hats, mittens, and socks. Ample photographs show the completed items from different angles, and headnotes discuss the origin of each design. Detailed instructions go beyond the typical k1, p1 abbreviations, including helpful notes, such as “the stitch will look like . . . .” In addition to the words, there are clear charts to show how to do the intricate designs. Colored boxes for “Pattern notes,” “special abbreviations,” and “special techniques” provide information to help the knitter understand construction and techniques before starting the project. Overall, the book is designed to help the knitter achieve great results with less stress: the fonts, spacing, illustrations, and use of color make it easy to find the section you need when you need it. There is enough space between instructions so that you don’t go crazy trying to find your place.
 The projects seem best for confident knitters, with some patterns being noted as for “experienced” or “skilled colorwork” knitters. Even so, there are a lot of notes intended to help newish (or returning) knitters feel comfortable. I’m one of those “newish” knitters who is not yet ready to create one of these — but all the helpful features of the text make me feel sure that one day I will using these patterns. Especially because the beauty of the designs is very motivating. Norwegian socks are not only gorgeous, but allow for a customized fit over the calves! the Kilt Hose have a ‘reverse cuff’ so that the right side of the design can be seen on both the cuff and the main part of the sock! The hardest part might be choosing which project start with. 
 This review is based on an uncorrected proof NetGalley ARC.

Just occasionally you encounter a book of knitting patterns which seems to meet your every need. Right now, it's bitterly cold and we're in the sandwich filling between two storms: I need socks, scarves, hats and mittens. They have to look stylish, keep me warm and be so cheerful that they make me feel better. If that sounds like a lot to ask, have a look at Cozy Knits: it has thirty designs for those necessary items and I don't think that there was one of them which I couldn't see myself wearing. We start with an introduction by Nancy Bush which gives some of the history of knitting. It's not essential but it's a nice extra.

Then we move onto the scarves. I'm going to tell you a bit about each of them, so that you can see the sort of choice that you get. The Min Ulla is a Norwegian design and the knitting is far simpler than it looks. It is probably more stylish than warm. On the contrary, the Icelandic Yoke scarf looks warm. It's worked in two pieces and grafted together. The Bavarian Twisted Stitches Commuter Scarf is slim but long and an unusual, curving shape. It's a testament to concentration. The European Cowl has exquisite patterning whilst the French 'Coco' woven scarf has a tailored look. You can guess which Coco I was thinking about!

The Celtic Felted Flower Scarf brings the Aran designs which we loved in the seventies and the eighties and gives the look a younger feel. I've always loved the look of Fair Isle but been put off by the prospect of juggling all the different yarns. The design here uses just two colours with a ten-row repeat. It's a relatively simple pattern used to great effect. The Chinese Good Fortune Scarf left me feeling that I'd love to know what all the symbols meant. My favourite scarf is the Pendleton that was inspired by Native American trade blankets and named after one of the major producers of the blankets. The final scarf is the Central Park Möbius-Strip Scarf, which I'm tempted to try because of its special cast on.

As you can see, there's a splendid range both of looks and inspirations - achieved by using a wide-ranging selection of designers. Some patterns will be more suitable for less-experienced knitters but there's something for all ages and abilities. The same points apply to the socks, hats and mittens. Inspirations are as unusual as a vintage barbed wire collection!

With socks, the patterns all use the traditional heel flap method. My favourite design was the Gansey socks, which uses the Channel Islands cast on. I loved the range of skills in the book - and they're all clearly explained. For those who take their pleasures perhaps a little too sadly, there's the Dura-Europas socks. The method is described as phenominally tedious and producing a pair of socks is mind-numbing. I'm almost (but not quite) tempted to try it!

There's all the information you need about standard yarn weight systems. It's a book you'll treasure and return to time and time again. I'd like to thank the publishers for letting Bookbag have a review copy.

This is a lovely collection of fair isle and cabled patterns for hats, mittens, scarves and socks. The patterns are mostly on the more advanced end of the spectrum and give the knitter a chance to practice beautiful patterns and stitches while creating cozy collectible accessories.

Gorgeous range of patterns for cosy and stylish knits. Includes scarves, hats, mittens and socks, inspired by designs from around the world.

This book has really nice hats, scarves, cowls, and socks. They are mostly all colorwork but there are a few solid color options as well. There are these beautiful Celtic socks I really want to make. The patterns are based on patterns from all over the world. Norway, Scotland, Estonia, Peru etc.

The patterns are well written and have full color pictures and both black and white and color charts. The book is not for a novice knitter but they are great for the person who is looking for a little adventure in their knitting.

This book is filled with an excellent range of patterns. It is beautifully illustrated and the instructions appear to be very clear. I have not had time to try to knit anything from this book yet, but have made several plans for future production for gifts for next Christmas.

Cozy Knits
30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World
by Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel

I received a digital arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a knitting book full of gorgeous socks, hats, scarves and mittens and the title is apt as they all look very cozy. Lots of detailed color and pattern work means this is a book that lends itself to the more experienced knitter or a knitter looking to grow. I counted 35 patterns. Lots of full color photography of the finished products as well as detailed instructional illustrations. Excellent knitting book.
5/5

Cozy Knits 30 Hat, Mitten, Scarf and Sock Projects from Around the World by Sue Flanders; Janine Kosel
Book has table of contents where patterns are broken up into Scarves, hats and mittens, and socks.
Intro discusses the yarns used and the locations of where the patterns originated from.
Each section has a summary and notes about the item being discussed.
Each pattern starts with a full page picture prior to the pattern, a title and designers name and summary of the item.
Finished measurements, materials needed, Notes on stitches used and gauge.
Instructions are included according to charts that are included. Other pictures and diagrams are also included along with color charts.
I'm not really a chart person being blind but I did find a Mobius strip scarf item I can knit. Like also that some of the pattern notes with stitches I can incorporate into a baby afghan for charity.
Quite unique patterns with colors selected. Northern country patterns are very precise and awesome looking, you know you are given a precious gift when you receive something of this caliber.
So many projects to choose from. Yarn sources and about the designers is included at the end along with an index.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from the publisher Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Voyageur Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#CozyKnits #NetGalley

I loved the projects in this book! The directions were well written, the photos were beautiful. Made me want to buy more yarn!

This is a book that I enjoyed reading and studying!

I am a beginner knitter, and I have to say that these patterns are definitely more for the "intermediate" to "advanced" category.

I was really excited about the sock patterns, but they are pretty complex and above my skill level as of now. The scarves I think I could manage, and they are GORGEOUS!

The photos were amazing, but the instructions were not detailed enough for a beginner, especially for the socks.

I look forward to coming back to this book one day and actually knitting the projects in here.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to view this book early for an honest review.

The pictures and projects in this book are stunning. In the Introduction, it says these patterns were inspired by traditions, places, and people throughout the world. It’s a varied collection, but does have one common theme: fair isle and cables.

I’d recommend this book to an intermediate to advanced knitter that isn’t afraid to take on charts and graphs. I’m not quite there yet either, but I would keep this book in my shelf pull down, browse, and be inspired to try it one day.