Alison Hansel

The author, an avid knitter and Harry Potter fan, became enthralled with the idea of creating patterns for knitted projects after she saw the first Potter movie and fell in love with the Weasley boys and their sweaters. This book includes everything from a wizard cap and robe, an invisibility shawl, Dobbie's socks, house sweaters and scarves, to Christmas ornaments and a stuffed owl. Most of the patterns seem doable for beginners and intermediate knitters but a few are quite challenging. I show more don't know how practical most of the items are but the author had quite an iventive idea and some of these whimsical projects are just plain fun. Golden snitch ball ornaments, anyone? show less

For a beginning knitter like myself, most of these projects are far too advanced, so this is not that satisfying or helpful as a source from which to learn. Still, if you're a very serious Harry Potter fan, and are therefore willing to bang your head against learning to knit until you can produce the items described, it is an absolute must have. Moreover, there are one or two beginner pieces in here that make it worthwhile, especially the ubiquitous and much-sought house scarves.

I love Harry Potter...and I love knitting...so to me this book promises many hours of creative Harry Potter fun! I like the way the book is organized, with visits with the Weasleys, a knitter's exploration of Diagon Alley and a creative foray into Hogwarts, with all sorts of awesome magical patterns. So glad I was able to get a hold of this one for my collection!

The patterns in this book are pretty simple. If you're an experienced knitter, you'll probably find you could knit most of them without a pattern. However, for newbies to the craft like me, who have children who adore Harry Potter, it's perfect. I can learn basic construction rules while making my kids something they'll really enjoy. And the recommended yarns are, for the most part, very reasonably priced.

There are patterns for sweaters in children's and women's sizes, scarves, socks, hats, show more a cloak, a stuffed owl, a simple lace shawl, and a few other items. The only really complex pattern is a colorwork-intensive blanket. But even it wouldn't be difficult if you are used to intarsia. show less