Knockdown Knits by Toni Carr is as much a roller derby book as it is a knitting book. Toni Carr is also known as Joan of Dark when she is pummeling skaters in the rink. She and many of her derby leaguemates are avid crafters – knitting and crochet among those crafts. As the subtitle says, this book collects “30 projects from the roller derby track.” All of the patterns in this book were designed by roller derby girls, for roller derby girls.

While many of the projects are awesome and innovative, they are not supremely useful for non-derby knitters. For example, the I [Heart] Derby Sweater is a standard pullover with “I [heart] Derby” in intarsia across the front. The Booty Pillow (self-explanatory) or the Elevate That Ankle Pillow (also self-explanatory) are obviously not derby-specific, but the majority of us don’t injure ourselves enough to necessitate these items.

My other problem is that some of these patterns are so simple or just plain boring that it doesn’t seem to need a pattern in a book – an online tutorial, maybe. The Slinky Leg Socks and Slinky Arm Socks are adorable, but identical – two separate patterns are not necessary. The Who The Heck Is My Jammer, Ref? is a ribbed armband. No more, no less. Something that even the most novice knitter could figure out. The Smile And Wave Mittens are just plain, average mittens. The Knit It Together Blanket is a great idea – every teammate knits a square and they are sewn together to create a blanket. However, most of the squares are one solid color. No pattern necessary. Renee’s NRG UFC Scarf is a very simple garterstitch scarf.

Okay, enough negativity. There are some really fun patterns in here, too. The B&W Striped Tank for the Girlie Refs is an adorable fitted halter with a corset back. The You’re a Star Tool Bag is meant for skate hardware, but could double as an adorable star-shaped purse. On The Move is an awesome unisex messenger bag – very punk rawk in black and red with an intarsia skull. The Baby Got Back Bloomer Panties are adorable briefs with a ruffled bum. The Broken Arm Sweater is a basic pullover but with an intarsia broken bone that can be knit wherever you have a broken arm. The “Hey At Least It Wasn’t Your Leg” Arm Sling is a really great looking sling – and a great way to avoid those tacky hospital-issue slings. The Hangover Kit is brilliant -- a water bottle cozy with an attached pocket to hold aspirin -- and the number of a cab company.

Carr writes the book with non-derby girls in mind. There is an opening chapter that explains what roller derby is, and gives a brief overview of the “rules.” Also included is an appendix of national roller derby leagues – just in case this book inspires you to join up!