First, the facts:

Title: Romantic Hand Knits: 26 Flirtatious Designs that Flatter Your Figure

Author: Annie Modesitt

Published by: Potter Craft, 2007

Pages: 143

Type: Women’s Patterns.

Chapters:

1. Above the Waist
2. Below the Waist
3. Accessories
4. Resources

Pattern Size Range: 28″ to 56″ (though it varies widely from pattern to pattern)

First Reaction: Beautiful to look at

The In-Depth Look:

I wanted to love this book. I admire Annie Modesitt, and love her Knitting Heretic book. Her patterns are creative and clever, and … this book just didn’t do it for me.

It’s lush. It’s beautiful. The photographs are rich and evocative while still giving a good look at the actual knits (a huge, huge point in its favor). And, with a title like “Romantic Knits,” it’s not like I was expecting a book full of practical sweaters, or cute little cardigans to throw on for a chilly day.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what I had been expecting when I ordered this book two years ago, but this wasn’t it.

It’s absolutely true that the patterns are clever. They are so beautifully constructed they could almost be said to have been engineered rather than merely designed. There’s a true master at work, here. The shaping in the cover skirt, for example, is absolutely perfect for accentuating a woman’s curves. There’s no denying that it’s a beautiful skirt, either–so long as you have the figure to be able to wear it. How can you not admire a knitted, spaghetti-strap tank top that has a built-in bra for support? It’s a knitterly masterpiece.

I like the lacy, wrapped surplice “Charade” sweater, and the details that go into “Notorious” with its fitted structure and flyaway sleeves is impressive, and the “Dark Victory” pullover sweater is gorgeous. How can you not appreciate the knitted picture hat? Or those amazing, sexy Silk Stockings? And the Cleopatra dress is very, very sleek

There are some amazing, awe-inspiring patterns in here. But then, there are also patterns which I think are, well, less than amazing.

“The Heiress” coat-length sweater with lace edging and embroidery, for example… it should be a pattern I love, but instead it makes me cringe. (Too long? Too much of a difference in colors? Too much lace? I’m not really sure.) The “Room with a View” sweater–well, same thing. I don’t like the color of the sample, but even if it were in a different yarn, I think the length is awkward, and think the faux-wrap makes this very petite model look overweight. Ditto for “Two for the road” which makes the model look plump, and whose double-ruffle neckline just looks odd. And the sleeves seem too short.

The calypso-inspired “West Side Story” skirt might work for a night club, I suppose, but I don’t like the ribbon-yarn “All About Eve” wrap skirt at all. (Or on “Jezebel,” which is way too well-named.)

See? This is my main problem with this book. Too many of the patterns seem to require a perfect-figure to be able to wear. The slinky Cleopatra dress is divine, but if you’ve got any bulges in the wrong place, it’s going to look dreadful. Some of the patterns seem to get so caught up in their clever construction, they’ve forgotten that looking good is important, too. (Jezebel seems a prime candidate here.)

I’m well aware that a lot of this is a matter of taste, but while there were obviously patterns in here that I liked a lot, and some which I admired while not being smitten by, there was simply too big a proportion of patterns that I didn’t like at all.

That said, Annie Modesitt is an amazing designer, and these patterns are technical marvels. Frankly, it’s worth looking through the book just for that reason alone, even if I don’t plan on doing anything more than just look.

This unique book is available at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. DSC_0027_0018, 2. DSC_0026_0017, 3. DSC_0025_0016, 4. DSC_0024_0015, 5. DSC_0023_0014, 6. DSC_0022_0013, 7. DSC_0021_0012, 8. DSC_0020_0011, 9. DSC_0019_0010, 10. DSC_0018_0009, 11. DSC_0017_0008, 12. DSC_0016_0007, 13. DSC_0015_0006, 14. DSC_0014_0005, 15. DSC_0012_0003, 16. DSC_0011_0002

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First, the facts:

Title: Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska’s Native Knitters

Author: Donna Druchunas

Published by: Nomad Press, 2006

Pages: 192

Type: History, Patterns.

Chapters:

1. Oomingmak Musk Ox Producer’s Co-operative
2. The Yup’ik and Inupiat people
3. Villages and knitters
4. Musk oxen in Alaska
5. A new venture: The beginning of the co-op
6. Qiviut
7. Lace-knitting workshop
8. Projects
9. Designing your own projects

Pattern Size Range: Text

First Reaction: Text.

The In-Depth Look:

This is one of those educational kinds of books that is absolutely fascinating. It’s almost more a history book than an actual knitting book.

Much of this book–a full third of it–talks about the impact of the musk ox on Alaska’s natives. As beautiful as some of the patterns are, this book is just as much ABOUT the knitting as it is a book on HOW to do the knitting. The amount of research is staggering, especially considering how so many regional knitting trends and customs are being diluted in this global world of ours.

It’s also very thorough. The history is well told and it’s interesting to see what a difference this one fiber made, and the section explaining the knitting techniques, is thorough. I really liked how each pattern was introduced with photos and names to really tie it to the region, instead of just being generic kinds of hat and glove patterns.

Now, this is not a glossy, glamorous, slick book. The photos are black-and-white, and it’s got a very basic kind of feel. It’s not trying to woo you with atmospheric photos and lush backgrounds. Instead, it’s showing you what really counts–the knitting, and the people who make it (and the musk ox who grow the fiber).

This book is available at Amazon.com for $17.79.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. arctic_0008, 2. arctic_0007, 3. arctic_0006, 4. arctic_0005, 5. arctic_0004, 6. arctic_0003, 7. arctic_0002

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First, the facts:

Title: Classic Knits

Author: Marianne Isager

Published by: Interweave Knits, 2009

Pages: 183

Type: Patterns.

Chapters:

1. One “chapter” per pattern

Pattern Size Range: Varies widely–men, women, children

First Reaction: Nice!

The In-Depth Look:

Ooh, I liked this book. Marianne Isager has a reputation for doing ethnic-inspired knitwear (like her recent Japanese book, or her Africa book of a few years ago), but they don’t always appeal to me personally.

This one, though? Classy and classic. The sweaters in this book look like they’re easily wearable, without being too “ethnic,” or too “creative” and yet they are creative.

Creative shapes. Creative stitches. Creative color combinations. The patterns in this book are fun. Cossack is a nice cardigan with a peplum–and an optional “fur” collar. Fisherman takes a standard gansey shape but uses a clever, slip-stitch instead of ribbing at the edges. Monk is as cozy a hooded pullover as you could want, but has a tassel on the hood and some intarsia triangles at the vented bottom. I love the way the honeycomb pattern on Honey works its way down the sleeves. None of these patterns are boring, and yet I’d give almost every one of them space in my closet.

A couple details I particularly like: The specifications for each sweater don’t name a specific yarn–instead, it gives estimated weights (i.e., 200 grams of laceweight yarn). No worries about discontinued yarn. Granted, all the yarns used are from Marianne Isager’s personal collection of yarn (and those specifications are given also), but I like that she’s not trying to tell you that you should use HER yarn. She’s telling you what you need (general) and then what she herself used (specific), and leaving the rest up to you.

I like that not only are there detailed schematics for each pattern (which is more or less a must these days), but in addition to the modelled shots, every sweater is photographed lying flat, so that you can get a good look at its shape. AND, not only that, there are detailed swatches photographed for each pattern, so you can see the stitch patterns clearly. When have you ever seen a book give that much detail?

It’s particularly appreciated here because, stylish as the modelled photos are, they don’t exactly do much for showing you the finished product. It’s a rare photo that doesn’t have the model leaning, or folding his or her arms. These things worry me a bit, but all that other detail in the swatches and schematics are very reassuring.

In other words, finally, a Marianne Isager book that I can not only admire for its creative vision, but that I an actually like.

This book is available at amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. classicknits_020, 2. classicknits_019, 3. classicknits_018, 4. classicknits_017, 5. classicknits_015, 6. classicknits_013, 7. classicknits_011, 8. classicknits_009, 9. classicknits_006, 10. classicknits_007, 11. classicknits_005, 12. classicknits_004, 13. classicknits_016, 14. classicknits_014, 15. classicknits_012, 16. classicknits_010, 17. classicknits_008, 18. classicknits_003

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This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

Other reviews for this authors:

• Japanese Knits

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First, the facts:

Title: The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns

Author: Ann Feitelson

Published by: Interweave Press, 1996

Pages: 183

Type: History, Design, Patterns.

Chapters:

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Techniques
4. Color
5. Math
6. Original Patterns
7. Glossary of Shetland Terms / Sources / Bibliography / Index

Pattern Size Range: Text

First Reaction: Thorough–history, design, and patterns. The perfect triumvirate.

The In-Depth Look:

This is yet another book in the “Tell the History, Explain the Design Elements, Share some Patterns” vein, and that alone makes it a winner … and what a winner. Because, really, it’s also so much more. It’s inspiration.

The history section is thorough and highlighted by lots of pictures–well worth reading. I, for one, never knew that there was a story that Fair Isle knitting stemmed from a Spanish Armada shipwrecked off the coast. It’s debatable whether it’s true, but I’d never even heard the rumor, so … interesting!

This is followed, though, by the Techniques section, with tips on handling two-color knitting, how to hold the yarn, how to cut the knitting, the best way to cast on, ribbing, picking up stitches … all that useful stuff. And it IS useful. There were definitely tips that were new to me, and it certainly never hurts to be told “For this specific kind of knitting, this is the best way to do such-and-such because ___.” I’ll try almost anything if you give me a good enough reason.

But then, oh then, the best part of the book. The chapter on Color. This alone is worth the price of the book.

Have you ever tried to put together your own colors for a fair isle design? Oohed and aahed over the color talent of some of the really good designers, who manage to hit it on the nail every time, but you can’t quite figure out why?

This chapter begins: “There’s something so richly luminous about Fair Isle knitting. Why does it glow the way it does? Aside from the choice of colors, its radiant effect comes from the qualities of its surface and from the way one color meets another.”

Luminous. Now there’s a word for you. And she goes on to explain exactly why some color combinations work better than others–with lots of photographic examples so you can see it for yourself. She discusses basic color principles, but also the matter of sequence–why some color combinations will be most effective with one in the foreground and one in the background.

Trust me. This is a chapter you’ll want to read and reread–especially if you like to play with colors the way I do. The chapter on Fair isle math is handy, too.

The second half of the book is all patterns. A couple gloves, a hat, but mostly all sweaters. The designs are mostly the classic, drop-shoulder gansey shape–which is just about the only real flaw. That’s not the most flattering shape for a sweater, and most sweaters these days are fitted a little more closely. BUT this is a classic shape and it’s been around for donkeys’ years, so no complaint. Besides, the best part about these patterns are the Fair Isle designs and the color combinations.

This book is available at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. Fair-Isle_0016, 2. Fair-Isle_0015, 3. Fair-Isle_0014, 4. Fair-Isle_0013, 5. Fair-Isle_0012, 6. Fair-Isle_0011, 7. Fair-Isle_0010, 8. Fair-Isle_0005, 9. Fair-Isle_0004, 10. Fair-Isle_0003, 11. Fair-Isle_000212. Not available

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First, the facts:

Title: New Knits on the Block

Author: Vickie Howell

Published by: Sterling Publishing Company, 2005

Pages: 120

Type: Patterns for kids.

Chapters:

(No actual chapters, just the patterns.)

Pattern Size Range: Kid-sized

First Reaction: Playful! Fun! Cute!

The In-Depth Look:

If only I had children!

This book is filled with delightful, fun, playful, whimsical patterns that just about any child would love to have someone knit for them.

A bath set made out of a pirate’s bandanna, eyepatch, flag, and parrot. A mermaid’s costume. A Superhero cape. Crowns. Magic hats. A toolbelt for an aspiring handyman.

So. Many. Fun. Things.

The very best part about this book is that it fuels the imagination–of the child, and of the knitter. Tired of boring sweaters? Stuck in sock doldrum? Eyes crossed at complicated lace patterns?

What could be more entertaining than knitting something quick, colorful, and playful for a child? Talk about refreshing. Primary colors. Creative shapes. Nothing boring here. The patterns are exactly what a knitter inflicted with ennui needs to light that spark of creativity. Because, those costumes and playful bits and pieces may be too small for us to wear, but that doesn’t make them any less FUN.

(And, so what if they’re sized for little people. Are you really going to let that stop you? Who says these can’t be resized so Mom can play, too?)

Really, I can’t think of a bad thing to say about this book. The photos are cheery and descriptive. The patterns are truly creative.

My only regret is that I don’t have any kids to play Pretend with.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. DSC_0045_0018, 2. DSC_0044_0017, 3. DSC_0043_0016, 4. DSC_0042_0015, 5. DSC_0041_0014, 6. DSC_0040_0013, 7. DSC_0039_0012, 8. DSC_0038_0011, 9. DSC_0037_0010, 10. DSC_0036_0009, 11. DSC_0034_0007, 12. DSC_0033_0006, 13. DSC_0032_0005, 14. DSC_0031_0004, 15. DSC_0030_0003

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First, the facts:

Title: Spin Control: Techniques for Spinning the Yarn You Want

Author: Amy King

Published by: Interweave Press, 2009

Pages: 119

Type: Spinning.

Chapters:

Spinning Techniques
Know Your Fiber
Work with Your Wheel
Measuring Success
Let’s Make Some Yarns!
Spectacular Singles
Two-ply: Spinner’s Yarn
Three (or More) Plies
Core spinning and More
Novelty Yarns

Pattern Size Range: N/A

First Reaction: Great Spinning resource.

The In-Depth Look:

This book has been sitting next to the computer for days now, waiting for me to review it, and I have no idea what’s been holding me back, because it’s a great book.

I’m so thrilled to see some intermediate-level spinning books coming out, and just like The Intentional Spinner, this one does a great job of explaining how to refine your spinning technique.

The book is broken into two, basic parts.

The first is “Spinning Techniques,” which starts with a description of different types of fiber, their properties, the ways they can be prepared to spin, and the ever-popular woolen-vs-worsted explanation. (Seriously, I’ve read this in just about every spinning book I have, and every author has a slightly different take on the subject, which I find fascinating.)

She also discusses the parts and engineering of a spinning wheel, and what the ratios are, how they work, and why you should care. The explanation of long-draw drafting, short-draw drafting and everything-in-between drafting is fabulous. I appreciated the section on how to fix mistakes while plying, too–that’s something I don’t think I’ve seen covered before but, well, sometimes singles DO break when plying!

The section on how to measure, analyze, and record data on your spinning is particularly interesting. It’s true–and she says it herself–that nothing will improve your spinning as much as hours spent spinning, but it’s also true that if you want to truly control your spinning, you need to be able to think about it. The angle of your twist, wraps-per-inch, the difference between “finished” and “unfinished” yarn. How else can you duplicate, exactly, a skein you’ve just made–whether it’s ten minutes from now or ten months from now? The explanation on how to analyze a yarn (handspun or commercial) with an eye to recreating it is wonderful.

The second half of the book is devoted to spinning specific kinds of yarns, starting with singles–because there is a definite trick to spinning singles that are strong enough to stand on their own as yarn. Basic, two-ply yarn is analyzed, too, with as clear a description of Andean plying as I’ve seen, and from there, she looks at other plied yarns (including cabled yarn). The last section explores how to make the novelty yarns. Boucle, for example, or yarn spun with add-ins like beads or feathers.

Overall, this book has a huge amount of useful, accessible information. The photos are beautiful to look at, and the instructional ones (as opposed to the purely decorative ones) are clear and easy to decipher–which is a must for a book describing a craft that is all about motion. The writing is clear and straight-forward, and it’s got lots of really good information.

This excellent book is available at Amazon.com.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. Spin Control_0017, 2. Spin Control_0016, 3. Spin Control_0015, 4. Spin Control_0014, 5. Spin Control_0013, 6. Spin Control_0012, 7. Spin Control_0011, 8. Spin Control_0010, 9. Spin Control_0009, 10. Spin Control_0008, 11. Spin Control_0007, 12. Spin Control_0006, 13. Spin Control_0005, 14. Spin Control_0004, 15. Spin Control_0003, 16. Spin Control_0002

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This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

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First, the facts:

Title: Knit It Together: Patterns and Inspiration for Knitting Circles

Author: Suzyn Jackson, Editor

Published by: Voyageur Press, 2009

Pages: 144

Type: Essays and patterns

Chapters:

1. Beginnings
2. Connections Forged
3. Needles, Yarn, and Politics
4. Knit Your Heart Out
5. Around the Corner, Around the World
6. Wrapping Up

Pattern Size Range: N/A

First Reaction: Charming

The In-Depth Look:

There are two main purposes to this book, so far as I can tell.

One is to highlight and celebrate all the reasons knitters get together and knit.

The other is to provide patterns for those groups to knit.

So far as the first purpose, this book is a winner. I can’t really think of a reason to knit with friends that’s not covered. Socializing, charity, politics, art … they’re all there, and they’re all interesting.

The book is filled with stories and articles about specific knitters’ experiences with knitting groups. Groups to provide succor for people (or pets) in need. Groups to raise awareness of political issues. Groups that banded together just for fun, or to help. The stories are warm and touching, and help underscore exactly why knitting in groups has been so popular for, well, centuries, going back to the renaissance guilds, and gathering through wars to make socks and hats for cold soldiers. We knitters have long since made this solitary activity a social and active endeavor. (And, how can you help but be impressed by a knitted Ferrari?)

The second purpose, though, the patterns? To be honest, I didn’t think much of the patterns. I loved the idea of some of them. Like the sweater made out of individual stripes, so that a circle of friends could make a single garment for a sick or needy member is a charming idea, but I don’t find it an overly attractive garment. The “New Skills Blanket” is a great sampler for trying out new techniques, but I can’t imagine giving it to someone to use as a blanket. (It’s the kind of thing I’d keep for myself as a learning aid, but not something I’d show in public.)

I didn’t dislike all the patterns, mind you. The baby layette at the end is adorable and practical (and made up of enough different pieces to give a knitter or the new mom plenty of options). You can’t really dislike the little catnip pillows, either, or the Tic Tac Tote bag, or the soft baby blocks. I mean, I didn’t say that the patterns were terrible … but, frankly, I thought that the stories that tied the patterns together were much better than the patterns themselves.

And that’s okay. If the point of the book is to talk about all the reasons we gather together to knit, it’s the stories that matter the most. It’s not what’s on the needles that’s important so much as the act of knitting in the first place.

Like the author says,

“Welcome to my knitting circle: a collection of writers and designers who have thought deeply about how a community of knitters with a shared passion for yarn and needles can bridge divides, spread goodwill, and strengthen us all.”

Amen to that!

This book is available from Amazon.com for $16.48.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. knit-it-together_0011, 2. knit-it-together_0010, 3. knit-it-together_0009, 4. knit-it-together_0008, 5. knit-it-together_0007, 6. knit-it-together_0006, 7. knit-it-together_0005, 8. knit-it-together_0004, 9. knit-it-together_0003

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This review copy was kindly donated by Voyageur Press. Thank you!

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First, the facts:

Title: Feminine Knits: 22 Timeless Designs

Author: Lene Holme Samsoe

Published by: Interweave Press, 2009

Pages: 127

Type: Adult, woman patterns.

Chapters:

1. One ‘chapter’ per pattern

Pattern Size Range: Varies widely, 30″ – 43″

First Reaction: Well, they’re pretty.

The In-Depth Look:

Right up front, my very first reaction? My biggest worry about this book is about the photographs. They’re beautiful. They’re atmospheric. They’re lovely to look at … and almost without exception, they have the models leaning with their arms folded, carrying big bags, bent over, sprawled sideways. You get the idea. There are only a couple full-sized photos that show the sweater, rather than a “pose.”

Why am I mentioning that FIRST? What does that have to do with the book as a whole? It’s distracting.

The patterns in the book are prettily feminine. Nice shapes. Delicate details. Attractive shapes. Pretty. Like the title of the book promises. The V-neck, faux-wrap “Surplice Sweater” is lovely and looks flattering. The “Shawl with Leaf Lace” is a refreshing shawl, if only because it’s primarily knitted in stockinette stitch, with just a little lace trim along the edge. I like the non-boxiness of the “Aran Turtleneck” which transforms a classic into something a little more feminine. The cables in the “Jacket for Everyone” really do look like they’d look good on anyone, just like the description says. And, except for the fact that I personally don’t like to knit bobbles, the “Shawl Collar Jacket” is very lovely indeed.

All the designs (and they’re mostly all sweaters) are what they claim to be–feminine knits. A little daintier, a little more fitted than some other pattern books. They lean more toward “pretty” than “cool” or “cutting edge,” and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. There’s a lot to be said for a lacy jacket you can pair with a flirty skirt on a summer’s day. Or a hoodie that’s got delicate stitch work along the edges to make it special.

There are pretty designs in here. Or at least, designs that look pretty, if pretty is something you’re looking for. (And yes, I am aware that I’ve used the word “pretty” about twenty-seven times. It’s hard not to.)

My problem is that it’s a little hard to tell on some of these patterns whether it’s the knitted object that’s pretty, or if it’s just the photograph. These kind of details worry me. I am highly suspicious of knitting patterns with stylized photos that could be deliberately hiding something–and no amount of detailed schematics can really convince me not to worry.

Do I have any reason to suspect that these patterns in this book are anything less than what they are advertised to be? Emphatically No. They do, in fact, come with detailed schematics, and Lene Holme Samsoe is a designer that I’ve heard of for years (even if I haven’t had great exposure to her work). I trust that with her reputation, the designs here are what they should be.

But the photos keep distracting me. And the fact that they chose to use photographs that are actually distracting makes me wonder if it was purely a book-design decision, or if there is a darker purpose. I’m sure it really is just a design decision, but um, aren’t sweaters equally photogenic when the model is standing straight and facing the camera?

The layout of the book is as lovely as you’d expect. The page layout and color scheme are perfect for the feminine feel. There’s a full pattern list in the table of contents, to make it easy to find a specific pattern later, and there’s an index for techniques at the back. I don’t see any sidebars in the main part of the book, except for the occasional “stitch guide” for specifics on a given stitch.

There are some basic techniques explained in the Glossary at the back, but for the most part, this book is pure patterns–no extraneous exposition by the author about inspirations or explanations about where a given technique comes from, or why she’s using it on any particular pattern. Nothing to actually read except for the patterns. That’s fine with me–not every book needs to teach you new things. Sometimes you really just want good patterns.

This book is available at amazon.com for $15.

Want to see bigger pictures? Here are the links:
1. fem-knits_0014, 2. fem-knits_0013, 3. fem-knits_0012, 4. fem-knits_0011, 5. fem-knits_0010, 6. fem-knits_0009, 7. fem-knits_0008, 8. fem-knits_0007, 9. fem-knits_0006, 10. fem-knits_0005, 11. fem-knits_0004, 12. fem-knits_0003, 13. fem-knits_0002

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This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!

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