On and Off the Bookshelf: Classic Elite, Quick Knits

Pair soft, supple yarns in eye-catching colors with timeless yet contemporary designs and you have answered every knitter’s dream. For more than 20 years, the studios of Classic Elite Yarns have created enduring patterns that beg to be knitted with their sumptuous products. In this pattern collection, a follow-up to best-selling Classic Elite Knits, the focus is on quick-to-make accessories. Knitters of all skill levels will love this value-packed collection of 100 patterns for socks, wraps, hats, gloves, bags, scarves, and more. Knitters can indulge themselves or find something to knit for every member of the family. The 120 color photos showcase the range of high-quality yarns as well, including cotton, wool, bamboo, angora, cashmere, and blended yarns. Classic Elite Quick Knits will keep knitters’ hands busy for a long time to come. ~ Barnes & Nobles Overview

About a month ago at Barnes and Nobles,  I came across Classic Elite: Quick Knits.  After thumbing through the book I decided that this collection of patterns was well worth the price of the book and off to the check out I went.   When I got home and really started to investigate what was inside,  I was excited to find many of the designs I’ve wanted to knit for a very long time, including my recently finished shawl, Schooner.

Classic Elite Quick Knits features 100 patterns for accessories (hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, shawls, wraps and much more) from designers such as  Pam Allen, Cathy Carron,  Jared Flood, Cecily Glowik MacDonald and Kristen TenDyke.  

After further review, I realized that Classic Elite took the best, and even most popular, designs that were once featured in many of their pattern collections , and even their newsletters,  and placed them into one fabulous book.

The layout is wonderful with accessories broken down into sections, provides well written step-by-step instructions, charts where needed and beautiful photographs of the designs. This books also includes a small chapter at the beginning covering yarn weight, substitutions and general pattern instructions.

From front cover to back cover, I really didn’t find too many items I would not knit, or even crochet!

Here’s a few of my favorites that are included in this collection of patterns:

• Molly by Susan Mills – originally published in Classic Elite #9114, Liberty Wool
• Quincy by Jared Flood – originally published in Classic Elite #9108, Made in Brooklyn
• Bridgewater by Jared Flood – originally published in Classic Elite #9108, Made in Brooklyn
• Willoughby by Jared Flood – originally published in CClassic Elite #9108, Made in Brooklyn
• Laurel - by Jared Flood – originally published in Classic Elite #9108, Made in Brooklyn
• Grove – by Jared Flood – originally published in Classic Elite #9108, Made in Brooklyn
• Classic Silk Lace Beret by Kristen TenDyke originally published in Classic Elite #9909, Round the Pond
• Summer Sox Wavy Lace by Andi Clark originally published in Classic Elite #9909, Round the Pond
• Fresco Shrug by Kristen TenDyke originally published in Classic Elite # 9091, Alpaca Stories
• Montera Shawl and Montera Hat by Pam Allen originally published in Classic Elite # 9091, Alpaca Stories

Many of the designs inside Quick Knits are available for individual purchase but when you add up the cost of the patterns versus the cost of this book, you are money ahead in buying the book.  If you love knitting accessories that are quick, fun, portable and very enjoyable, I would suggest that you consider adding Quick Knits to your knitting library.  Inside you will find many great ideas for holiday knitting too!

Until next time, happy knitting, spinning and crafting!