Name of Book: Knitting for Special Effect
Author: Debby Robinson
Any other info: Little Brown, 1990, 0316751472

Types of patterns: Garments
Number of Patterns: 22; top: 3; cardigan: 6; Jumper: 9; Waistcoat: 2; Coat: 1

Split of patterns: Women

Size Range: most patterns are in one size with a few with a second size; the sizing isn't given except with the schematics, so a little mathematics will be needed to find this out, one of the fitted garments is 36" & 38" (90cm and 94cm); many of the garments are oversized

Colour/Black & White: colour with black and white schematics

Schematics: yes with a fair amount of size detail, useful given the above

Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced. There's some embroidery, entrelac and colourwork

How to knit guide: no. Some special effect tips scattered with the text.

Modern with some classical twists.

Comments: It does have some desperately 80's/early 90's moments but never underestimate the ability of fashion to recur. There are also some quite classical pieces that still have the ability to catch the eye. Also some of the ideas could spark some inspiration with other projects. I've knit one piece from this and am knitting another. I knit a waistcoat in cotton, which turned out very nice and I'm knitting a Biker Jacket at the moment, no I don't intend to actually wear it on the bike (except possibly for a photo-shoot) but it appealed to my sense of humour. Another pattern that catches my eye is one called Cultured pearl which is a top with beading, Lace and Crystal is a pretty twin-set; traindrops is a pretty jumper; black velvet could be modernised with smaller jewels, and the entrelac jumper is one that looks doable. Yes you would probably need to substitute most of the yarns but that's not the worst thing you'd have to do.

Buy/Borrow: Borrow and see what you think, the book is out of print but I found it online a few years ago not too expensively.

Where found: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown has a copy in stock (I know because I recently borrowed it, again, mine being elsewhere); I got it through Amazon for myself.