Combining knitting with fabric to make gorgeous, rich-looking home decor items might not occur to everyone, but knitwear designer Erika Knight does so to great effect in her book Glamour Knits at Home: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever.
If you're one of those people who loves a feminine, romantic, layered look in your rooms, you'll love these designs for pillows, throws, lampshades, cushions and more.
Unexpected Style
None of the patterns in Glamour Knits at Home let the knitting stand alone; all of them call for or have options that include adding tassels, beads, buttons and ribbons, sometimes virtually all at the same time.
Other projects are designed to include lush fabrics, either as backing for a knit project or in combination with the knits in a patchwork design.
Ornamentation is the name of the game in this book, which might be a little intimidating or over-the-top feeling for people who would like home decor without all the bells and whistles. Of course most of these patterns could be toned down by leaving off the optional decoration, and those who like that layered look will find these patterns charming.
Patterns
The book includes 15 patterns, such as a round pillow, a lacy lampshade, an animal-print cushion for your favorite furry friend, a pair of sleek slippers, beaded sachets, padded hangers and a boudoir cushion.
There are gorgeous pillows with a jacquard pattern that looks like fabric, a chinoiserie throw made of pathwork pieces of silk and knitting, and a whimsical tea cozy knit out of taffeta.
Most of the patterns are relatively easy but require some sewing skill as well as knowledge of knitting. And, as mentioned earlier, many of the patterns are heavy on the embellishment, so finishing can take a lot longer than it might on similar, less ornate projects.
The patterns include basic instructions on any special skills that are needed to complete them, but there is no general knitting instruction for newer knitters.
Color pictures of all projects are included, but it would have been nice to be able to see the backs of some of the projects rather than just leave it to the imagination what the back of a pillow or throw should look like.
The bottom line is, this book will provide inspiration and project ideas for people who love to have a home covered with baubles and frills. For the rest of us, there are still some beautiful projects that could be toned down to simpler tastes.
Publication date: January 2008.
