I've recommended Lucinda Guy's books:
to a few people now... To my sister, who has been knitting mostly for our young cousins and other babies, lately. To Erica, who wants to knit a doll for a family friend. To my coworker who asked for knitting-related gift ideas for a friend... His order just arrived and he dropped by my desk to show me the book And So to Bed... (which is why I have these books on my mind, really).
I bought the first book after briefly flipping through the pages. I immediately fell in love with the book's design--yes, I basically bought the book based on its cover. But, I also loved the artwork inside the book...I mean, each of the patterns are accompanied by colorful and fun illustrations (by Francois Hall) that give the book a storybook feel. (I *heart* storybooks!) I was really glad to see that the second book has the same aesthetic.
Of course, these are not just pretty books! Both have a great variety of colorful (not just pastels--but a vibrant palette of colors) and fun-textured patterns: bed coats, night caps, dresses, sweaters, jackets, mittens, hats, blankets... and LOTS of toys. I want to make all the toys and dolls---if not, everything!
