First, the facts:
Title: Essentially Feminine Knits: 25 Must-Have Chic Designs
Author: Lene Holme Samsoe
Published by: Interweave Press
Pages: 151
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
Garter Stitch Patterns
Leaf Patterns
Structure Patterns
Cable Patterns
Lace Patterns
The In-Depth Look:
Another lovely book from the author of Feminine Knits.
She writes at the beginning, “If you are crazy about knitting, you already know that creating a knitted garment is the perfect antidote to the busy lives we lead. … In this book you’ll find projects for any occasion. There are a couple small, quick projects that you can almost make while watching the TV news, some garter-stitch sweaters you can work on while having a rewarding conversation, and complicated-patterned tops that stretch your mind just as much as Sudoku.”
There are 25 designs here. Some are small projects like caps or fingerless gloves, but most of them fall into the sweaters-jacket-shrug-cardigan-pullover category. And, refreshingly, I liked almost every one of them. Just like her last book, they all seem eminently wearable and great additions to any wardrobe. There are at least three I’d cast-on for right now if I didn’t already have enough on my knitting to-do list.
Like her last book, though, my biggest concern are the photos. They’re all very pretty to look at, but there are so many shots of models reclining or leaning or crouching in ways that make it hard to see the actual item. I can only believe that this is an artistic decision, but–with a lesser-known designer–it would send up red flags that the photographer was trying to hide flaws.
That said, these are great patterns, and I would love to have any of them in my wardrobe.
But wait! There’s more! Through a lucky coincidence I HAVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY!
To win? Leave a comment on this post answering this question: Name one thing you haven’t knitted that you WANT to knit.
(Contest is open until June 24th, and is only open to U.S. mailing addresses.)
Don’t want to rely on the contest? You can get your own copy at Amazon.com.
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.
This review copy–and the giveaway copy–were kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!
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I have never knit a purse. I have some linen and a plan for a knit purse in my head, but other things keep jumping ahead of it and onto my needles.
I have never knit argyle, and would like to knit an argyle vest.
I’ve never knit a sweater with a hood – I think it’s time for a hood!
Those are lovely patterns. I have never knit an Aran style sweater.
I would like to try Roositud Inlay designs. I love how it looks!
I’ve never knit a proper clothes that fit me well. I’ve tried many times but there’s always a misfit somewhere.
Thanks for the giveaway. Been eyeing this book for a while
I would like to try knitting a fair isle project…starting small, mittens perhaps
A hoodie.
I really want to knit Evelyn Clark’s Flower Basket shawl and other things keep getting precedent. But as for sheer category of knits, I really want to knit a skirt.
I would love to knit a lacy cardigan!
I really want to try Brioche knitting
I have done lots of knitting, but I have never knit anything for myself! I think that I would really like to knit something for myself.
I have never knit socks but I want to learn this year.
I’ve never knit gloves.
SOFT, Beautiful, Luxurious socks are the ultimate gift of love. Anyone can buy a pair. In a big box store, but hand knit socks just scream, love. My family deserves a pair. I would be so thrilled to knit a pair of these beauties. Rhonda
I’ve never knit mittens or gloves! I’ve also never steeked anything.
I have never knit any brioche thing, because when I tried I couldn’t figure out the caston required in the pattern :(
I have never knit a fair isle sweater, or intarsia, for that matter. I really need to step up to color work this year!
I took a fair isle type class years ago but never pursued it. I’m dying to try one of Kate Davies’ designs. But I’m intimidated!
I have never knit a long sleeve sweater, or any socks longer than ankle length. Now that I actually write that out, they seems like such short (haha) little stumbling blocks, but for some reason, they seem so daunting.
I’ve never knit a sweater dress, but want to someday!
A cardigan! I love cardigans and would love to make one for myself, but I’m a small-project girl at heart. I’m working on building my confidence (and attention span…) enough that I can finally get there.
I have never managed to get around to knitting a whole sweater for myself. I have a few planned, but am so afraid that they just won’t work out. I think I just need to take a deep breath and make one!
I want to knit squares for a South African charity that
stitches up the squares into blankets to give to those in need. I happened
upon their web site once and want to use up my stash and help others at
the same time.
For myself I’d like to knit some socks
I really want to knit that sheep-y teapot cozy that isn’t released yet. And steek something. And knit a glove with really good fingers and thumb.
I have always wanted to knit a jacket, specifically Sylvi.
Well, you know that I have never knit socks!!! Though I think I will sooner tackle fair isle first …
(and nice piece, by the way ….)
I want to knit a sweater with long sleeves.
I’ve never knit a cardigan. There are abiut twenty that I want to knit, though.