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Book Review: Harry Potter Knitting Magic

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This book has been in my house for a while and I’ve been super excited to share it with you but wanted to wait until it was officially out, which it is now.

Years ago there was an unofficial Harry Potter inspired knitting pattern book, which was great fun (in fact, I’m knitting a wizard robe for my daughter right now that’s a pattern from that book), but Harry Potter Knitting Magic by Tanis Gray is even better because it’s officially licensed so it includes pattern replicas of pieces used in the films as well as inspired by characters and objects in the movies.

The book is also scattered with pictures from the movies, concept drawings and behind-the-scenes facts that make it even more fun.

But of course we’re all about the knitting patterns here, and there are 27 in all in the following categories:

  • crafty creatures
  • wizarding wardrobe
  • inspired apparel
  • delightful decor

Patterns are ranked from one to five lightning bolts in skill level: four are one bolt, four are two, nine are three, six are four and four are five. They range from the classic Weasley sweaters and house scarves and cardigans to a Beauxbatons-inspired cape, a Cornish Pixie, fingerless mitts fit for dueling club, an Order of the Phoenix lace knit throw and more. Check out all the patterns on Ravelry.

I think my favorite is the Owl Post Pullover, designed by Joan Forgione, which starts with a fun cable panel worked flat and seamed, then stitches are picked up on both edges to form the rest of the sweater. It’s even got a little secret message stitched into the hem.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter you’re definitely going to want to check this one out for knitting for all your favorite muggles.

About the book: 208 pages, hardcover, published 2020 by Insight Editions, retail price $39.99

Looking for more Harry Potter party ideas check these DIY ideas out.  Check out the Harry Potter Cookbook too for fun party food. We also have Harry Potter crafts over on our sister too, including owls, potions and even a mandrake.

 

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Comments

  1. I pre-ordered and pick the book up today from my local independent book store. I paid $29.99; Amazon sells for $23.99. I plan on knitting several of the items: Mrs. Weasley’s Home-Knit Christmas Sweater, Hogwarts House Scarves, Hogwarts House Cardigans, Wizarding World Sweater, Owl Post Pullover, Order of the Phoenix Throw Blanket, and, my favorite, Wizarding Transportation Scarf.

Have you read?

Stitch Your Favorite Fruit on a Sweater

The other day I saw a post from Pinterest about trends for summer and it said one of them was “cultivating whimsy.” 

Well, I don’t know where Pinterest has been all this time, but we’ve been cultivating whimsy here at Craft Gossip for a long time. I love sharing projects that are a little different, things that make you smile when you see them, and will make you smile when you knit them and wear them or use them. 

Such it is with the Tutti Frutti tee knitting pattern from Bea Creative Knits. 

This cute little baby tee is worked top down in the round with contiguous shoulder construction to shape the sleeve caps. There are short rows for the neckline and folded hems with picot edging at the hemline, neckline and edges of the sleeves. 

All of this would be great on its own, but then there’s the addition of a super cute fruit icon, which is added with duplicate stitch. There are a lot of options, including strawberry, banana, orange, cherries, watermelon, lemon, blueberries, kiwi, peach, dragon fruit, apple and pear, so it’s likely you can add on your favorite fruit. 

It is offered in eight sizes, to fit a bust measurement ranging from 28-30 inches (71-76 cm) to 56-58 inches (142-147 cm). The design is meant to be worn with around 6.3 inches/16 cm of negative ease, but you can choose the fit you prefer. There’s also optional bust and waist shaping included in the pattern if you want to make it even curvier.

This is considered an advanced beginner or intermediate project because of all the skills involved, but it’s sure to be a lot of fun even if some of these techniques are new to you.

Grab a copy of the pattern for yourself form Bea Creative Knits on Etsy. 

[Photo: Bea Creative Knits]