First, the facts:
Title: Textured Stitches: Knitted Sweaters & Accessories with Smart Details
Author: Connie Chang Chinchio
Published by: Interweave Press, 2011
Pages: 143
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
(No Contents so much as a list of patterns)
The In-Depth Look:
Honestly?
I can’t remember the last time I saw so many things I wanted to knit all in one book.
The author says in her introduction, “My first love was, and still is, stockinette stitch, that perfect companion to the classic, unfussy sweaters that I adore; sweaters that are equally at home in the office or on an evening out. But it wasn’t long before I discovered that the judicious addition of texture patterns–achieved by the simple combination of knit-and-purl-stitch building blocks, sometimes incorporating a few artfully placed yarnover increases and directional decreases–could make a garment truly special.”
Obviously a woman after my own heart, because I agree with every word.
The designs here ARE classic and can be dressed up or down as needed. The author says right up front how much she loves fine-gauge yarns because they’re durable, versatile, and easy to wear, and I agree with her on that as well. In this centrally-heated world of ours, I usually find myself reaching for light- to mid-weight sweaters in the winter, and there are many in here I’d love to wear.
Not all the patterns are sweaters, of course. There are also accessories like gloves, hats, shawls. They’re not all knit in fine yarns, either (if that’s something you were worried about). But they’re all lovely. I can’t think of a single pattern I wouldn’t be happy to have.
As usual with Interweave books, I like the layout and feel of this one. The photos are clear and helpful, there’s a complete index and some pages of basic instruction. The author throws in some sidebars of useful tips as well, to share some guidance on making gloves or how to read a chart.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I feel an extraordinary need to go browsing through my stash….
Convinced you want to see it for yourself? Check it out at Amazon!
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!
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So many sweater books have only one or two sweaters I’d want to make. This looks wonderful.
Oooo, I took a look through this book as felt the same way you did. I would love to make all the sweater, scarves . . . it is so yummy!