If you like knitting in the round or making small portable projects, this is an excellent book. I'm a beginning knitter - I had only been knitting 6 months and am completely self-taught - when I made several hats from this book, adapting head bands from one, body patterns from another, and shapes from a third, in my own colors. While there may be only nine basic shapes, the permutations are much greater than the 45 in the title.

I found the charts clear and helpful. I have heard that there were minor problems with some, but I haven't had any trouble deciphering them. Zilboorg gives clear directions for various types of beginnings and finishings. As a neophyte, I found them easy to follow.

Each hat took a couple evenings and was quite enjoyable to make. The shapes and colors are uplifting and fun to knit and to wear. I recommend this book to people who have admired my knit hats. And wearing one of them is a great way to brighten your day and keep you head warm at the same time. ( )

I love Anna Zilboorg! If you are a fan of fair isle, or hats, you must have her book ( )