The Noro brand of yarn works remarkably well for any stitcher with a magpie-like attraction to color, with yarns in rich solids or tonals, others self-striped or variegated. Lately, the brand's growing cache of exclusively hued patterns has been captured in magazines and books devoted to fairly simple knitting and crochet designs that exploit the wheel of hues. This latest oeuvre is no exception. Each of the 25 patterns features runway-like photographs, along with one-to-two page instructions, which are helpful and informative and include graphs, diagrams, and a label of difficultly (from one dot for beginners to four for experienced knitters). Though most patterns are either in the easy or intermediate range, the cost of the yarn and the occasionally intricate direction might force some knitters to eschew this collection: entrelac (quilted look) knitting can be tricky, and lace-look designs require lots of attention when setting up stitches. Still, it would be hard to resist the striking appeal of a garter rib, mitered square, or Escher-look-a-like blanket tossed casually on a bed or sofa.--Barbara Jacobs Copyright 2010 Booklist

This exceptional collection from Seifert outlines patterns which knitters of all skill levels can use to make projects from the yarn produced by the company Noro. This Japanese brand has won a following among crafters for producing yarns in a variety of textures and variegated color combinations in self-striping patterns. The vibrant colors associated with Noro make this an eye-popping book to leaf through, but, even better, there are patterns here for all skill levels, indicated by tiny dots at the top of each pattern. Beginners can confidently make their first Noro purchase and start right in on the Sequence Stripes Blanket, before moving up to the Slip Stitch Rib Blanket. Experienced knitters looking for a challenge can make the Leaf Afghan, or attempt short row wrap and turn techniques with the Half and Half, or piece together the wavy Color in Motion pattern. Don't expect much hand-holding or instruction; this is for fans of Noro who already have basic knitting skills. Seifert's pattern compilation is almost as lovely to look at as the yarns themselves. (Sept.)