Book Magic

Oh look!  A dog house!

And a couple of really cute dogs who are sort-of friends.

The dog on the left lives in the little house, which, like a snail, he carries with him always.

This lovely book by Susan B. Anderson features the dog in the doghouse design on pages 95-103.  Another nice quality--it's spiral bound.

And while I'm on the subject of lovely books, a review copy of 60 Quick Knit Baby Essentials came my way recently.  

While the book's patterns showcase a newish acrylic-nylon yarn from Cascade called Cherub, I think you could substitute another Cascade or comparable of the same weight, approximately DK or light worsted. Like many of the Cascade-related books published by Sixth & Spring, there's a lot of bang for the buck, plus the designs are a good mix of practical and super-cute. What I particularly like about them is the practice they offer for color-work, cables, lace trim, and intarsia. 

If you're interested in learning a new technique or refining one you've already tried, think of these designs, whether for clothing, toys, blankets, or pillows, as miniature study opportunities. Knitting a classic aran sweater or onesie for a baby enriches your cable and bobble skills but doesn't commit you to the heavy challenge of an adult-sized fisherman sweater. (Yet it might inspire you to make something for yourself that uses the same stitch repertoire.) And if you know a special baby who deserves something hand-knitted and adorable--the designs are sized from about six months through eighteen months--you'll find many enticing projects.

The publisher has offered a copy as a giveaway to my readers, so post a comment before midnight on June 7th, and I'll select a winner (with a US mailing address).