Knits to Give: 30 Knitted Gift Ideas by Debbie Bliss

Nothing warms the heart more than a handmade gift. The thoughtful consideration and time poured into a hand knit is guaranteed to make the recipient feel cherished. Knits to Give is a collection of 30 gift ideas from top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss. Divided into five sections - For Her, For Him, For Baby, For Kids, For the Home - Knits to Give contains the solution to numerous tricky gift-giving problems. Each project is designed to give maximum joy with the minimum of fuss; some are quick, entry-level projects that suit the beginner knitter, yet still result in an individual and enticing personal gift. Whether it is a heart motif cushion given to celebrate moving into a new home or to demonstrate one's love on Valentine's Day, all the projects in Knits to Give are a joy to make, give and receive.


Another inspirational book by Debbie Bliss. Filled with 30 gift ideas which have been split into five sections: gifts for her; gifts for him; gifts for baby; gifts for kids; and gifts for the home. There are quick, simple ideas as well as some which may take longer to stitch.


This book would make a lovely gift for an accomplished knitter or one to buy to add your own library of patterns. It does not include any basic knitting techniques or guidance and therefore I would not recommend it as a beginners book.


As with all of Debbie's books, the patterns are laid out well, with  clear 'ingredient' lists, suggested tension, special abbreviations noted and explained and the technique clearly laid out in step by step steps. There are added graphs for any patterned designs and making up instructions included. Each gift idea has at least one photograph of the finished item, some have two.


The gift ideas vary from the useful, e.g. fingerless gloves, baby jackets and socks; to the fancy, e.g. baby shawls. lacy shawls and modern teapot covers to the quirky, e.g.pot of pansies, ladybird backpacks, and i pad covers.


The book does include a page on suggested gift wrapping ideas, which I think is very helpful. It suggests the obvious things, such as using bought gift boxes or bags but also things which make that extra bit special - remembers to add extra buttons in case one gets lost or adding laundry instructions, you don't want all your hard work ruined by the recipient adding it to the usual weekly wash!


This is a great book to add to any knitter's library and I am sure the patterns included will be used many times by avid knitters to make the perfect, yet unique gift for family and friends.


Thank you to Quadrille Books for sending me the book to review.