New Pattern Book “Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy” Spins a Fine Yarn

In this self-isolating, COVID-19 era, many of us have turned to indoor pastimes like jigsaw puzzles and board games. Others have taken up new hobbies, or rediscovered long-forgotten ones. The nearly lost art of knitting, for example, has seen a recent resurgence, and now its practitioners have a new book to turn to for inspiration: “Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy – The Official Star Wars Knitting Pattern Book” by Tanis Gray.

This beautifully photographed new publication features 28 projects inspired by the Skywalker film saga, sure to delight both knitting enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike.

The full-color photos feature patterns for a number of toys, like a pocket-sized Yoda doll and a cuddly Porg, as well as a not-so-fearsome Chewbacca.

There are also easy-to-understand designs for warm winter-weather gear, such as Star Wars-themed sweaters, vests, socks, scarves, hats, and other accessories. My favorites are the three-fingered Yoda Mitts, sure to protect young Padawans’ hands from the elements, and the adorable Ewok Hood, which has sizes from toddler to adult.

There are even a few costume pieces, including Luke’s flight vest and Princess Leia’s Hoth snow vest, some home decor items like blankets and pillow covers, and adorable knit ornaments designed to look like Star Wars villains character sweaters.

Author Tanis Gray, who has written nine other knitting books and published more than 500 knitting designs, has generously sprinkled this volume with numerous actual photos from the Star Wars films. It also features many familiar Star Wars quotations and some cool behind-the-scenes movie factoids. Did you know, for example, that “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams named BB-8 based on the tiny droid’s figure-eight shape?

Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced Jedi knitter, you are sure to find a pattern that engages both your skill level and your imagination somewhere in these 208 pages. There are many projects that I felt I, with my limited knitting experience could easily finish. But if you are up for a challenge, there are some more complicated projects that include techniques like stranded colorwork, double-knitting, and intricate lace knitting. The Rebel Alliance Shawl, which relies on some of these advanced techniques, looks amazing! I’m not quite ready to tackle that project yet, but maybe one day I will be able to work up to it… if the Force is with me!

Seriously, whether you are a huge Star Wars fan who happens to knit, or a passionate knitter who knows someone who’d appreciate their own BB-8 blanket and R2-D2 mittens, you’ll find “Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy” a delightful book to own or even give as a gift.

“Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy“, published by Insight Editions, will be available on January 26, 2021, and will retail for $26.99.

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