Stitch London: 20 Kooky Ways to Knit the City and More

Stitch London: 20 Kooky Ways to Knit the City and More
by Lauren O'Farrell
Publisher: David & Charles Publishing
http://www.davidandcharles.co.uk/
ISBN: 0715338676

Reviewed By Caitlin Kavanaugh, Editor for AllFreeKnitting.com

Are you a self-confessed anglophile?  Do you find yourself dreaming of one day residing in, or at least visiting, the motherland?  If this describes you, and you also have a fondness for tiny, adorable knitting patterns, then you have to check out Stitch London: 20 Kooky Ways to Knit the City and More.  

With 20 adorable designs, Stitch London isn't about being a master of knitting, but rather it's about exploring the depths of your creativity to its fullest.  Author Lauren O'Farrell, a dedicated knitter in her own right, wanted to share her view of this charming city - in stitches.  If you've never been to London before, it's a bustling city filled with plenty of culture, historical buildings, fish and chip shops, and as you probably guessed, lots of tea.   
 

This book is targeted at everyone who enjoys knitting.  That means you won't need expensive or fancy yarn to complete these patterns - in most cases, colorful yarn scraps will do just fine.  So whether you decide to knit every creature and pattern in this book from start to finish, or if you'd rather take your time (like any good tourist) to look over each pattern and carefully select the ones that pique your interest, you'll get a feel for the magical city of London even if you haven't had the chance to visit.  
 

So before you throw another wobbly about not being able to travel (that's Londoner speak for tantrum), pick up this book that's full of interesting English tidbits, adorable London-themed patterns and even a handy conversion chart so both UK and US knitters alike can partake in this stitchin' adventure.  Included are patterns for Big Ben's Tower, Tiny Tower Bridge, the London Police and more.  There is even a pattern for a picnic blanket made entirely of plarn (plastic yarn) that's perfect for an impromptu meal in London's grassy Hyde Park.  And just to prove how passionate she is about knitting, O'Farrell has also included a free pigeon kit so you can make your very own London Pigeon right after you get this book.  Sounds like this book is a proper blinder to me!  Note: that's London lingo for an excellent achievement; it's a good thing.