Returning from Portland
this week, I found the books we had ordered had arrived.  Yea!! There is nothing more exciting than a
box of books – unless, perhaps, it is a box of yarn.  But one cannot really compare books and yarn (thank
goodness).  Apples and oranges.  I will take either one any day of the week!

But this particular box of delights was books.  George’s Patrick O’Brian novels (of Master and Commander fame) and my
Alexander McCall Smith’s Isabel Dalhousie mysteries (of The Sunday Philosophy Club fame – and my current drug of
choice).  A volume of W.H. Auden another
of Robert Burns (both of whom are mentioned a number of times in The Sunday Philosophy Club – so, yes, I
am now taking book recommendations from my books….).

Of interest to knitters, though, would be Fairy Tale Knits by Alison
Stewart-Guinee – a delightful set of patterns for storybook-inspired children’s
garments.  Robin Hood, Hansel and Gretel,
Cinderella – as well as pirates, elves, mermaids, princesses…. I am impressed
by the pieces because, in the author/designer’s words, “They are not costumes,
but rather outfits to wear on a regular basis.” 
They are based upon timeless clothing styles – the kind that are neither
outgrown quickly nor doomed to looking out-dated in a few years.  Classic as the stories that fire imaginations
for generation after generation, these garments are definitely worth knitting!

I might add that the technical aspect of the book looks good
so far.  Having not actually knit anything
from it yet, I have to hold back from full approbation, but it has schematics,
several photos for each design, a comprehensive techniques section.  And the directions seem to be laid out
logically and efficiently. 

If you have needles in your bag and children in your life,
you would probably find Fairy Tale Knits
an exciting addition to your library —
and your project list!