Not To Be Added To My Library, II

Today I'm reviewing Yarnplay at Home: Handknits for Colorful Knitting.

Let's start with the positives: nice photography, nice yarns, the test knitters did a good job with the items.

OK, then.

I guess I was hoping for a book that had more unusual patterns for domestic life items. The book did not endear itself to me by beginning with the section entitled "Cloths + Cozies" The first pattern is for a CD Cozy. While the author came up with this as a way to personalize a gift of a CD, I can't see that, as a recipient of one, I'd have much use for it. I have a storage place for CDs and it doesn't anticipate each CD being wrapped in it's own yarn cozy. The author also suggests it can be used for carrying a favorite CD around in your tote bag. Who carries CDs? I have them in my car and at home. I have yet to begin carrying my favorite with me.

A few patterns later...two dishcloth patterns. Now I've got nothing against dishcloths - I use them myself. There is nothing ground-breaking about these two patterns. Pull out any stitch dictionary and make up your own.

Many of the throws and blankets caught my eye because of the color combinations of the yarn used. But the patterns are too simple to be much of a challenge to anyone other than a very beginning knitter.

Another problem for me is that the yarn choices for some of the items are not practical. It is one thing to use fine wool and put time and effort into an heirloom item, like a christening shawl. But to use Noro for a baby blanket (that one assumes should be used on an everyday basis) is just too impractical. What sleep-deprived, exhausted new parent wouldn't just love to have to handwash (and air dry) this item each time the baby spits up (or worse) on it. And unless you're getting Noro at a very deep discount, the materials are not just impractical, but so is the cost.

So, my verdict - if you're anything other than a beginning knitter, skip this one.