Kristen TenDyke

I have an admission. I only bought this book for one of the patterns, the “Divine Vest”. The rest of the patterns really don’t interest me. In my admittedly more artistic tastes the patterns range from frumpy (the Beauty Cardi) to outdated, 60’s reruns (Joy Lace Tunic). The Serenity Shrug does have possibilities, and I am considering spinning up some bulky for the short-sleeved Warmth.

The good things. Clear, beautifully written instructions, charts and schematics are clear and easily followed. I did have a problem figuring out the pocket layout on the Divine. Drove me nuts until I took it down to my local shop, The Recycled Lamb, and had her show me how silly I was being. I only had one pair of size seven tips, and I had pulled them and capped the cord, then forgot that I had done that! Silly me.

More good things. Some nice lace patterns. The fact that the items in the book are “finish free” which means very little sewing. The built-in pockets (that I finally figured out how to make!) and the beautiful back of the Serenity Shrug.

Overall, I would Google the different designs in the book, or look at it in your Local before making a decision. When I have made the Divine Vest, I will probably put it back on the market. Someone else is bound to think I am crazy and like all the patterns in the book – Tendyke is a wonderful designer. Four stars because it is so beautifully done and shouldn’t be punished because it doesn’t fit my particular tastes.
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