Ravelry Link
This is a lovely showcase for Jamieson & Smith yarn, and ironically I just finished watching Shetland the TV series yesterday (which I enjoyed). After an introduction by the inestimable Kate Davies it launches into the patterns and sadly it features one of my pet hates, garments that aren't modeled by people. Sigh.
Hopefully some day Ravelry will provide pictures. I live in hope, at the time of writing at least two of the garment projects doesn't feature photographs. Unusually there's no preamble for the patterns talking about inspiration etc and I found that I kinda missed that.
15 patterns from clothing to tea cozy, this is an interesting inspiration and variety.
The first project is the Wave Cardigan, by Toshiyuki Shimada and Grace Williamson steeked, this features 3 basic colours and then 24 other colours, perfect for if you can't decide which of the 2 ply jumper weight you want. Round necked cardigan.
Next up are the aran-weight Feathercrest mittens by Jared flood, with a reverse stocking stitch palm. Done in the round.
Next up is probably the pattern that most tempts me, the Peat Hill Waistcoat by Hazel Tindall, steeked again, with rounded edges so I really want to see this on someone, I have never done steeking before and want to know how it will turn out first. Muted colours it really appeals to me.
Cross Tam by Daniel Goldmanto me this looks like sunset, bright orange main colour and blues, the crosses fall down the hat.
Viking Tunic by Sandra Manson, a jumper that echoes Viking dress
Osaka Tea Cosy by Msami Yokoyama features teapots as part of the design and a star tops it, this is charming.
Kergord Scarf by Mary Kay is a delicate lace scarf, worked from both ends and then Kitchenered in the middle.
Melby Jumper Dress by Gudrun Johnston would be a dress for my niece but more tunic for most adults. Features pockets and stripes.
Wool Brokers Socks by Lesley Smith white and berry tones with striped cuffs and sole. Lush and beautiful
Muckleberry Gloves and hat by Mary Jane Mucklestone complex colourwork in rich reds and blues creating wearable works of art.
Caavie Gansey by Candace Eisner Strick a complex steeked jumper that's full of colour without being overwhelming.
Madeira Lace Shawl by Joyce Ward a triangular lace with a scallop pattern and v-shaped edging.
Buttoned Hat Aka Lexie by Woolly Wormhead made in an Aran weight yarn this is a cloche with buttons that channels a Downton Abbey type of aesthetic and features interesting texture.
Olly's Allover by Jean Moss; cables in the middle with colourwork at the edges this is knit in Aran-weight.
Overall it's an interesting mixture of patterns and full of inspiration. For a knitter with some experience, worth a look at least. I borrowed it via Dublin City Public Libraries from South Dublin Libraries. I would add that some pages fell out although it didn't really have a huge circulation from what I could tell.
Showing posts with label inter-library loan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inter-library loan. Show all posts
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Dominitrix Review
Domiknitrix - Jennifer Stafford
I've got to the stage in my knitting career where I
assess books I'm going to buy more on the patterns than the information
on how to knit in them. I have a chunk of books on that topic and I
know most of the basics. Yeah, yeah, I know
pride goes before a fall and all that, but such is life. I had
dismissed this one before as her aesthetic isn't mine but it turns up on
a lot of recommended beginner books so I decided to try it out and I
have to apologise to Jennifer Stafford, her book did
have a few tips that I hadn't come across before and her well-organised
photographs, however goth, are very instructive. Her reasons to knit a
gauge swatch are excellent and made me think a bit more about them.
I'm not sure that clothes should be fitted
as well as wearable, my rule would be Clothes should be wearable and
make the owner comfortable.
She doesn't do the knitted cast-on, or the cable
cast-on, but does offer a lot of other options, I'm not sure that it's
one I'd recommend to a rank beginner for these instructions but it's a
good set of reminders for people who know some
basics and it would make a valuable reference book for a lot of people.
The how-to section is helpfully coloured to the
edge in black so it stands out in the book, the white coloured pages are
the patterns and as I said before I'm not a great fan of them. Some of
them appeal in a "I'd bet a friend or family
member would get a kick out of" way but none appeal to me personally to
knit for myself.
One of the best things I have seen is an actual
bust-waist-hip measuring for what the author means for XS, S, M, L &
XL, a quite helpful hint
Thin mint is a scarf that's a tubular knit from the
middle and grafted together at the end, knit with 4mm needles in a
light dk weight yarn with stripes.
Valentine Candy Pillows, offers heart-shaped
cushions in bulky yarn on 6 mm needles with embroidered lettering that
doesn't offer a template but gives somewhat vague instructions on
spacing and placement.
Flower Pins are lillies, camellia and rose flowers
knit in an aran weight yarn (noro kureyon that the author snipped out
the sections of 6 balls that she wanted... ) they're felted
Snood Spiral Mesh cap is both a Cap and a Snood,
though it doesn't show it being worn as a snood. A open lace cap knit in
an acrylic/nylon yarn in an aran-weight yarn with 5.5mm needles.
Mohawk Hat is basically a close-fitting hat with a
mohawk for those people who want one without the career-limiting
head-shaving. Knit in Bulky wool on 5.5mm needles.
Strings of Purls is a set of stuffed spheres along an icord, there are some suggestions for variants.
Homegrown is a hemp yarn handbag using a bamboo
placemat and pair of chopsticks for structure. The yarn is DK using 4mm
needles and with an icord decoration and closure
Devil & Snow devil hats knit in a bulky-weight yarn with 5.5mm needles.
Star Pillow - a cushion with a pentacle knit on the front in intarsia in a super bulky yarn with 9mm needles
The next chapter are more challenging knits
beginning with L'il red riding hoodie, a cardigan with pockets and a zip
knit in a bulky yarn and 6.5mm needles.
Big Bad Wolf pullover has an intarsia wolf on it
and some suggestions for other pattern ideas. Knit in a bulky yarn with
6mm needles.
Bob Dobbs & skull vests are a tank top with some intarsia patterns on them knit in a bulky yarn in 5.5mm needles.
The Winged heart bralet is for a or b cup sized women with some colourwork.
Sweetheart is a jumper with a intarsia bow, worked in black for the body and the bow in pink, knit in a dk yarn with 4mm needles
Diva Halter is a halter-neck waistcoat with a
zipped front. Knit in two colours in a bulky yarn with 5.5mm needles.
It also has suggestions for a mock-laced-up back.
Swizzle vest is another zipped waistcoat knit in a super bulky yarn with 9 & 10mm needles in two colours.
Next chapter is side to side and on the bias, more difficult projects.
Jughead hat is knit using short-rows in a dk yarn on 5mm needles
The Slink is a top knit on the side with some
stitch shaping incorporated, a v-neck and cap sleeves. Using Crystal
Palace shimmer with 5mm and 8mm needles.
The final pattern printed in the book is City Coat
which is knit sidewards with a double ended zip or buttons, there's some
suggestion for variations under the Mod Coat title, this is a bulky
weight yarn knit at a tighter gauge on 5mm needles
to try to give it weight and body.
The final project in the book is a teaser for the Elfin Bride & Gothlet pattern which is available on the web site. Free if you have the book.
I got this one from another Irish library via Borrowbooks
I got this one from another Irish library via Borrowbooks
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Knit to Flatter review
Knit to Flatter by Amy Herzog
1617690171 / 9781617690174
Now I have read the introduction to this before, on Amy Herzog's blog, and yes, it's packed full of useful and interesting information about fit and how to find patterns that will flatter you. And by flatter she has a set of criteria and I did like how many of the models looked in their sweaters. Your mileage may vary.
She also has an interesting piece on changing an existing pattern to make it work more for your size and what parts are easiest to change (set-in-sleeves are unsurprisingly hard to change)
She divides shapes into three basics, Top-heavy, bottom heavy and proportional with another chapter about other issues, like larger busts, smaller busts and on the straight. Curvy waists get a mentionand longer or shorter torsos get a look in. It's the kind of book you need to sit down with and work with and maybe you don't like the patterns, but the information is sound and merits application.
Starting with the Top-Heavy patterns, and all patterns have some suggestions for modifications, the First pattern is the Draper vest/cardigan is an almost waterfall style cardigan that's more fitted.
The Cypress Cardigan has a scooped neck and lace to break up the monotony
The Eloria Turtleneck has cables and bell sleeves with some of the cabling incorporated. If I was knitting it myself I would lose the cowl neckline.
The Oceanic Skirt seems almost out of place in a book that's talking about sweaters...
Next up Bottom Heavy patterns. The Striper wrap has some colourwork detail on the sleeve and shoulders, which makes this wrap into an interesting pattern.
The Flutter pullover has short wide sleeves with some cable detail on them, and cables down the sides.
Andies cardigan is a round necked cardigan with short sleeves.
Stoker Cowl has 3/4 length sleeves and a large cowl.
Next we have proportional shapes, the Classic Pullover is cropped with cables and has a crew neck.
The Holloway Pullover has some lace to the side and a wide collar
The Squared Cardigan features an unusual squared necklone and some textured stitches at the hem and sleeve to give it some interest. Loved the yarn too.
Coin Cable Cardigan, single button at the bust trimmed with a cabled pattern
The other issues start with the Dorica Hoodie, some minor patterning again breaks up the plainness and makes it an interesting design
The Delish cardigan has an interesting textured pattern a pattern I liked
The Dansez pullover has a lacy hem and a deep scoopneck, the lace is repeated on the 3/4 length sleeves.
The Minx Tank has a high neckline and cables along the length.
The Chimera cardigan is a roundnecked cardigan with some cables down the sides, pattern is for both the long-sleeved and a short-sleeved version.
The Enrobed wrap would be a great pattern to use a tweedy yarn, as shown. Miles of stocking stitch tho.
Overall the book is interesting and useful and I am tempted to pick it up.
I got the copy from Wexford County Libraries via the Borrowbooks scheme, thanks to Dublin City Public Libraries where I work, but have no influence on my opinion on this book.
1617690171 / 9781617690174
Now I have read the introduction to this before, on Amy Herzog's blog, and yes, it's packed full of useful and interesting information about fit and how to find patterns that will flatter you. And by flatter she has a set of criteria and I did like how many of the models looked in their sweaters. Your mileage may vary.
She also has an interesting piece on changing an existing pattern to make it work more for your size and what parts are easiest to change (set-in-sleeves are unsurprisingly hard to change)
She divides shapes into three basics, Top-heavy, bottom heavy and proportional with another chapter about other issues, like larger busts, smaller busts and on the straight. Curvy waists get a mentionand longer or shorter torsos get a look in. It's the kind of book you need to sit down with and work with and maybe you don't like the patterns, but the information is sound and merits application.
Starting with the Top-Heavy patterns, and all patterns have some suggestions for modifications, the First pattern is the Draper vest/cardigan is an almost waterfall style cardigan that's more fitted.
The Cypress Cardigan has a scooped neck and lace to break up the monotony
The Eloria Turtleneck has cables and bell sleeves with some of the cabling incorporated. If I was knitting it myself I would lose the cowl neckline.
The Oceanic Skirt seems almost out of place in a book that's talking about sweaters...
Next up Bottom Heavy patterns. The Striper wrap has some colourwork detail on the sleeve and shoulders, which makes this wrap into an interesting pattern.
The Flutter pullover has short wide sleeves with some cable detail on them, and cables down the sides.
Andies cardigan is a round necked cardigan with short sleeves.
Stoker Cowl has 3/4 length sleeves and a large cowl.
Next we have proportional shapes, the Classic Pullover is cropped with cables and has a crew neck.
The Holloway Pullover has some lace to the side and a wide collar
The Squared Cardigan features an unusual squared necklone and some textured stitches at the hem and sleeve to give it some interest. Loved the yarn too.
Coin Cable Cardigan, single button at the bust trimmed with a cabled pattern
The other issues start with the Dorica Hoodie, some minor patterning again breaks up the plainness and makes it an interesting design
The Delish cardigan has an interesting textured pattern a pattern I liked
The Dansez pullover has a lacy hem and a deep scoopneck, the lace is repeated on the 3/4 length sleeves.
The Minx Tank has a high neckline and cables along the length.
The Chimera cardigan is a roundnecked cardigan with some cables down the sides, pattern is for both the long-sleeved and a short-sleeved version.
The Enrobed wrap would be a great pattern to use a tweedy yarn, as shown. Miles of stocking stitch tho.
Overall the book is interesting and useful and I am tempted to pick it up.
I got the copy from Wexford County Libraries via the Borrowbooks scheme, thanks to Dublin City Public Libraries where I work, but have no influence on my opinion on this book.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Knits that Fit - Review
Ravelry Link
Impressions: I saw this book and the cover garment looked familiar, and then I looked at the back of the book. "Portions of this work were originally published in the following" Big Girl Knits (the advice on big girl sizing); Knits Three Ways; More Big Girl Knits; Mother-Daughter Knits; Romantic Hand Knits and Runway Knits. Yes, indeed, the garments are mostly recycled. Now if you don't have the books, that's grand but if you already have some you might want to check it out. (all links to the books are to Ravelry)
Types of patterns: Jumper (8); Cardigan (4); shrug (3); shirt (1); top (7)
Number of Patterns: 23
Split of patterns: Women's patterns only
Size Range: 32-52 (not across all patterns, several only go to 38")
Colour/Black & White: Colour photographs, black and white charts
Schematics: yes
Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced
How to knit guide: no, there is a glossary that explains some of the more non-standard techniques but this isn't really one for beginners.
Experimental/Classical/Modern: A lot of the patterns are pretty classical.
Comments on patterns:
Marbled Top by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits). Not filling me with glee, horizontal stripes formed by the pleats above your bust would probably be unflattering to some along with the high neck. Not for folks with big boobs really, like me. Knit in a medium/worsted weight yarn.
Roman Candle Pullover by Berta Karapetan (originally from Runway Knits) again high-necked but the basket weave cabling would be figure-hugging. Knit in a light/DK weight yarn.
Dark Victory Sweater by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) - this has ribbing to the side and an interesting neckline with a small amount of colourwork, this would be a project for a very luxe yarn. It's designed to be skin tight. Knit in a medium/worsted weight yarn
Cecilia's Sweater by Melissa Matthay (from Knits Three Ways) - this has ribs that run vertically and then taper to the neck, you'd have to be careful about placement because if you weren't careful they could form boob frames. knit in a medium/worsted weight
Hourglass Pullover by Lily Chin - it looks like a buttoned cardigan but it's a jumper. Has some reverse stocking stitch to create an hourglass illusion, and also uses the same trick (not quite to the same effect) on the sleeves. Also has shaping. Knit in Light/DK weight yarn.
Flirty Top by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - I am not a fan of ruffles... this has ruffles on the bottom and sleeves. Knit in Medium/Worsted weight this is definitely one I won't be knitting for me.
Corded Sweater by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits). - flares at the waist ans has vertical lines running down the front of the sweater. The sleeves look a little long on the model so you might want to take some care here, also the high neck isn't exciting me. Knit in a bulky weight yarn.
Vintage "Sweater Girl" Cropped Sweater by Lily Chin (also available from the Lily Chin Signature Collection)- it's a fairly plain v-necked jumper where the v is quite wide and it stops on the hips. Not particularly cropped to me, it could be lengthened to taste. Knit in a bulky/chunky weight.
Seashell Cardi by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - this is an unusual shape, interesting construction but the sleeves look a little off. Knit in Medium/worsted weight
Mrs Darcy Cardigan by Mary Weaver (previously a free pattern but resized and some corrections for this book) - this has a deep v or scoop neck with ribs along the waist and raglan shoulders. Knit in a medium/worsted weight wool in one piece to the armholes.
Cosy Moss Shrug by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - this is knit in super bulky yarn so a quick knit; ribbed. The photos don't really show the front of the garment well. For me this would be too much weight.
Two-way shrug by Caddy Melville Ledbetter (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - not exactly sure how this is a two-way shrug, I'm sure it's because it can be worn either way up, this is a very short, short-sleeved shrug knit in medium/worsted weight and might be ideal if you have a dress with a special top that you don't want to obscure.
Classic Shirt by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - the photographs have it pretty much as a see-through shirt. It's a button down shirt knit with fine/sport weight yarn with 3.5mm (US 4) needles One of the variations is more dense. You'd need to play with fabric and gauge to get this one right for you.
Springtime in Paris Shrug by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - knit in Light-dk weight with two strands of yarn held together in a brioche stitch this looks dense and bulky on the model. The sleeves are done using a single strand and the upper back likewise. Interesting construction.
Sophisticated Hoodie by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - knit in a light/dk weight yarn this is a light shaped hoodie. Not my thing but not a bad design.
Ruffled Cardigan by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits), some minor shaping on the body with a ruffled curved edge and ruffled (optional) edge on the sleeves, This looks like it would be complicated to finish off and I have to say I'm not terribly impressed with the finish on the photographed piece.
Sea Foam Top by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) A summery top that needs lining and has a ruffle along the necline and a partial cap sleeve
Ninotchka Spaghetti-strap Tank by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) Spaghetti-strap top with a shelf-bra inside. I have Romantic Hand Knits and I do plan to knit this at some stage myself as I spend warmer summer days in tops like this. Lace on the bottom and solid topped.
Sheila's Tank Top by Melissa Mattay (from Knits Three Ways) I'm not really sure where this fails to please me, perhaps it's the way your eye is drawn to the bottom of the bust and you start to see sag lines where there are none due to the chevron patterning. Cleverly there are quite wide straps but this one is a pass.
Notorious low-cut top by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) Fitted top, which needs a strapless bra for a good fit. I'd invest in one first and organise some of the details of this top around the bra.
Rebecca's Top by Melissa Matthay (from Knits Three Ways) Somehow this lacks balance, I think the model for this has a deeper armscrye than the pattern allows for so a bit of bunching going on at the shoulder and underarm. If I knit this I would leave out the ribbon and perhaps the eyelets for the ribbon. I would also examine the armholes and make sure it fit right. A piece designed to be worn over something or possibly on it's own it deserves a little more tweaking.
Mini Dress by Caddy Melville Ledbetter (from Mother-Daughter Knits). Honestly I wouldn't regard this as a dress, a tunic top maybe. This is one for people whose waist lacks definition, as the horizontal stripe adds this definition. However the placement of this would be all, it needs to be at the waistline. This is knit from the bottom up.
Audrey Pullover by Mary Weaver is a shoulder-fastening piece with a round yoke neckline. A lot of shaping in this one.
Buy/Borrow: If you've fancied the patterns and don't own the books (or fancy the few that aren't in books) this is a useful book. The advice about fitting is comprehensive and overall it's not a bad one.
Where found: Cork County Libraries have copies in stock, I got mine via Borrowbooks.
Types of patterns: Jumper (8); Cardigan (4); shrug (3); shirt (1); top (7)
Number of Patterns: 23
Split of patterns: Women's patterns only
Size Range: 32-52 (not across all patterns, several only go to 38")
Colour/Black & White: Colour photographs, black and white charts
Schematics: yes
Target Audience: Intermediate to advanced
How to knit guide: no, there is a glossary that explains some of the more non-standard techniques but this isn't really one for beginners.
Experimental/Classical/Modern: A lot of the patterns are pretty classical.
Comments on patterns:
Marbled Top by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits). Not filling me with glee, horizontal stripes formed by the pleats above your bust would probably be unflattering to some along with the high neck. Not for folks with big boobs really, like me. Knit in a medium/worsted weight yarn.
Roman Candle Pullover by Berta Karapetan (originally from Runway Knits) again high-necked but the basket weave cabling would be figure-hugging. Knit in a light/DK weight yarn.
Dark Victory Sweater by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) - this has ribbing to the side and an interesting neckline with a small amount of colourwork, this would be a project for a very luxe yarn. It's designed to be skin tight. Knit in a medium/worsted weight yarn
Cecilia's Sweater by Melissa Matthay (from Knits Three Ways) - this has ribs that run vertically and then taper to the neck, you'd have to be careful about placement because if you weren't careful they could form boob frames. knit in a medium/worsted weight
Hourglass Pullover by Lily Chin - it looks like a buttoned cardigan but it's a jumper. Has some reverse stocking stitch to create an hourglass illusion, and also uses the same trick (not quite to the same effect) on the sleeves. Also has shaping. Knit in Light/DK weight yarn.
Flirty Top by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - I am not a fan of ruffles... this has ruffles on the bottom and sleeves. Knit in Medium/Worsted weight this is definitely one I won't be knitting for me.
Corded Sweater by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits). - flares at the waist ans has vertical lines running down the front of the sweater. The sleeves look a little long on the model so you might want to take some care here, also the high neck isn't exciting me. Knit in a bulky weight yarn.
Vintage "Sweater Girl" Cropped Sweater by Lily Chin (also available from the Lily Chin Signature Collection)- it's a fairly plain v-necked jumper where the v is quite wide and it stops on the hips. Not particularly cropped to me, it could be lengthened to taste. Knit in a bulky/chunky weight.
Seashell Cardi by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - this is an unusual shape, interesting construction but the sleeves look a little off. Knit in Medium/worsted weight
Mrs Darcy Cardigan by Mary Weaver (previously a free pattern but resized and some corrections for this book) - this has a deep v or scoop neck with ribs along the waist and raglan shoulders. Knit in a medium/worsted weight wool in one piece to the armholes.
Cosy Moss Shrug by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - this is knit in super bulky yarn so a quick knit; ribbed. The photos don't really show the front of the garment well. For me this would be too much weight.
Two-way shrug by Caddy Melville Ledbetter (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - not exactly sure how this is a two-way shrug, I'm sure it's because it can be worn either way up, this is a very short, short-sleeved shrug knit in medium/worsted weight and might be ideal if you have a dress with a special top that you don't want to obscure.
Classic Shirt by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - the photographs have it pretty much as a see-through shirt. It's a button down shirt knit with fine/sport weight yarn with 3.5mm (US 4) needles One of the variations is more dense. You'd need to play with fabric and gauge to get this one right for you.
Springtime in Paris Shrug by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) - knit in Light-dk weight with two strands of yarn held together in a brioche stitch this looks dense and bulky on the model. The sleeves are done using a single strand and the upper back likewise. Interesting construction.
Sophisticated Hoodie by Sally Melville (from Mother-Daughter Knits) - knit in a light/dk weight yarn this is a light shaped hoodie. Not my thing but not a bad design.
Ruffled Cardigan by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits), some minor shaping on the body with a ruffled curved edge and ruffled (optional) edge on the sleeves, This looks like it would be complicated to finish off and I have to say I'm not terribly impressed with the finish on the photographed piece.
Sea Foam Top by Berta Karapetyan (originally from Runway Knits) A summery top that needs lining and has a ruffle along the necline and a partial cap sleeve
Ninotchka Spaghetti-strap Tank by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) Spaghetti-strap top with a shelf-bra inside. I have Romantic Hand Knits and I do plan to knit this at some stage myself as I spend warmer summer days in tops like this. Lace on the bottom and solid topped.
Sheila's Tank Top by Melissa Mattay (from Knits Three Ways) I'm not really sure where this fails to please me, perhaps it's the way your eye is drawn to the bottom of the bust and you start to see sag lines where there are none due to the chevron patterning. Cleverly there are quite wide straps but this one is a pass.
Notorious low-cut top by Annie Modesitt (from Romantic Hand Knits) Fitted top, which needs a strapless bra for a good fit. I'd invest in one first and organise some of the details of this top around the bra.
Rebecca's Top by Melissa Matthay (from Knits Three Ways) Somehow this lacks balance, I think the model for this has a deeper armscrye than the pattern allows for so a bit of bunching going on at the shoulder and underarm. If I knit this I would leave out the ribbon and perhaps the eyelets for the ribbon. I would also examine the armholes and make sure it fit right. A piece designed to be worn over something or possibly on it's own it deserves a little more tweaking.
Mini Dress by Caddy Melville Ledbetter (from Mother-Daughter Knits). Honestly I wouldn't regard this as a dress, a tunic top maybe. This is one for people whose waist lacks definition, as the horizontal stripe adds this definition. However the placement of this would be all, it needs to be at the waistline. This is knit from the bottom up.
Audrey Pullover by Mary Weaver is a shoulder-fastening piece with a round yoke neckline. A lot of shaping in this one.
Buy/Borrow: If you've fancied the patterns and don't own the books (or fancy the few that aren't in books) this is a useful book. The advice about fitting is comprehensive and overall it's not a bad one.
Where found: Cork County Libraries have copies in stock, I got mine via Borrowbooks.
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Knitting Sweaters from the Top Down - review
The first cover is for the hardback and has the Hyacinth Jumper on the cover
BookDepository Link; Ravelry Link
Author: Cathy Carron
other info: 1600595545
Impressions: Ill-fitting and ugly. I'm sorry, I wanted to like this book, I actually did. I like the concept of knitting from the top down and in the round, where I can concentrate on getting the fiddly bit done first and then moving on to the fairly straightforward bits, where I can work something in the round so there's minimal seaming, but this isn't the book I'd recommend to get into this technique. This book draws my eye for all the wrong reasons, novelty yarn, very bulky yarn, awkward angles and poses and what looks like kill-me-now expressions on the models faces. Add to that design elements that appear to hit on the wrong place and overlarge arm holes and you get a pattern book that has me looking at one garment and saying "well with some changes I'd knit that" (Coast for the record). The necklines are quite limited and don't The book also uses variegated yarn and ther's a lot of interesting pooling and flashing going on, if you don't like that effect, you might try alternating two balls.
This book fails for me on a few levels, it's completely not my style, it's going to date badly and I see nothing that I can't get better online. Now the initial advice isn't bad, the patterns just made me squirm, though the touch of having the yarn weight along the edge of the first page of the pattern is a nice touch.
Types of patterns: women's garments, though the general instructions could be used for any age or gender
Number of Patterns:
Split of patterns: Jumper (1)
Size Range: 36-48" (91-122cm)
Colour/Black & White: colour
Schematics: yes
Target Audience: Intermediate knitters.
How to knit guide: Basic knitting knowledge is assumed, this expands it to add a fair bit of information about this technique.
Experimental/Classical/Modern: the stuff is going to date, but under some of the dated yarns there is a potential for classic styles.
Comments on patterns:
The book opens with Cocoon, a fun-fur bulky bracelet length sleeved jumper. Shudder. (Pictured in Karbella's Barbados)
Aspen is a Belted cardigan, where the belt hits below the waist and with trim on the collar. In a bulky yarn. (Pictured in Karabella's Puffy)
Sparks is knit in bulky weight yarn again, with novely yarn on the cuffs and collars. Original knitted in Classic Elite's Rave and Bernat's Boa... a very plain jumper
Verandah is a boxy cardigan/jacket with some contrast yarn on the cuffs, which is stitched in. Knit in Bulky weight yarn the original was in Blue Sky Alpacas' Bulky.
Nest is a bulky weight v-notch jumper with wide sleeves. The author made me laugh with her advice to be careful about eliminating excess bulk and streamiline the shape, this thing is a bulky jumper that larger people should be careful about wearing, it will add a lot of bulk, the model is enlarged in it. Original knit in Rowan's Big Wool.
Birch knit in a bulky weight yarn with a turtleneck, relies on the yarn to make it different, the original is knit in Classic Elite's Tigress which is a thick and thin yarn.
New Leaf has a long rib that starts under the bust, again knit in chunky weight yarn, the original was knit in Classic Elite's Paintbox
Indian Summer has an extended cowl collar, knit in Chunky weight yarn, the original was in Muench's Vamos, apart from the extended cowl it's pretty plain
Evergreen just made me twitch, very wide collar that sits quite far back in a contrast yarn, matching the cuffs, the ties have pompoms, it's in chunky weight yarn. The original was knit in Lion Brand's Moonlight Mohair and Reynolds Lopi. The model is depicted with her arms folded in front, careful reading suggests taht the only fastening involves the pompom decorated neckties.
Hyacinth is the depicted jumper on the front of the hardback copy, yes the one with bobbles... knit in chunky weight yarn with stripes and bobbles in different colours it's knit in Reynold's Lopi
Flora this is a chunky weight yarn, polo collar, the sleeves in this just looked a bit too wide at the armhole. 3/4 length sleeves, original knit in Muench's Ocean.
Dewdrop is a v-necked cardigan with fun-fur edging and rounded ends. The original was knit in Artful Yarn's Legend and Reynold's Scandal, the sleeves are just below the elbow, the yarn is chunky.
Peony tied at the neck, knit in heavy worsted yarn, cardigan. Originally knit in Classic Elite's Minnie. The 3/4 length sleeves are also fastened by ties.
Cherry Blossom is the top featured on the cover of the book, it's knit in Heavy Worsted Weight Yarn, to me the armholes are too wide. Overall not too bad. Originally knit in Karabella's Empire Silk
Flame is originally knit in Classic Elite's Montera this is a hooded sloppy heavy worsted weight yarn with a textured stitch pattern
Ember round-necked with horizontal knitted tubing on the neck, waist and sleeve ends. This requires a particular body shape, one I don't have, oroginally knit in Artful Yarns/JCA's Cinema which is a heavy worsted weight yarn.
Snowberry has an off-to-one-side collar in a contrast yarn and uses the yarn to create interest, the yarn is Berocco's Softy, a heavy worsted weight yarn.
Wild Plum I think it's trying to be kinda kimono-ish but it just doesn't seem to work. A contrast belt with a ribbon tie which hits mid-waist might work bettwe if it was on the waist. The ruffled sleeve edge also just didn't really work for me. It's in Heavy Worsted Weight yarn. Original knit in Muench's Touch Me.
Coast is a polo-necked top, split in front, knit in DK weight yarn, some shaping could help here, and I'm not sure how it sits because the model is standing a bit strangely. Original knit in Reynold's Saucy. My favourite of all patterns.
Breeze is a widenecked top with beads, with reverse stitch horizontal stripes. In Dk weight. Classic Elite's Bamboo
Bloom is a boxy cardigan with a contrast collar and a flower on the shoulder, originally knit in Rowan Classic Yarns' Soft Lux and Lurex Shimmer. the cuffs are wide with contrast stitching.
Stardust is a sleeveless top using a sequin strung yarn knit in with the basic yarn. It's knit in Blue Sky Alpacas' Sport Weight and Berocco's Lazer FX a dk and polyester sequin thread. polo neck.
Verbena has a ruffle neck, with beads and textured stitches, a dk weight short-sleeved top. I would kinda like to see this without the ruffle, it might be okay. Original in Karabella's Zodiac
Violet horizontal wide stripes in DK weight yarns, original in Berroco's Glace, a wide-ish neck, ribbed along the sides to help with shaping.
The end of the book has a number of basic patterns in different guages, cardigans and pullovers Basic DK Pullover is one. Ignore the 10 st guage and 8 stitch guage in the titles and check out the yarn weights and actual guage in the text.
Buy/Borrow: I would be more inclined to get Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top
or Custom Knits
by Wendy Bernard, Wendy Bernard more for the patterns and Barbara Walker for the how-to.
Where found: South Dublin County Libraries, borrowed through Borrowbooks.ie
BookDepository Link; Ravelry Link
Author: Cathy Carron
other info: 1600595545
Impressions: Ill-fitting and ugly. I'm sorry, I wanted to like this book, I actually did. I like the concept of knitting from the top down and in the round, where I can concentrate on getting the fiddly bit done first and then moving on to the fairly straightforward bits, where I can work something in the round so there's minimal seaming, but this isn't the book I'd recommend to get into this technique. This book draws my eye for all the wrong reasons, novelty yarn, very bulky yarn, awkward angles and poses and what looks like kill-me-now expressions on the models faces. Add to that design elements that appear to hit on the wrong place and overlarge arm holes and you get a pattern book that has me looking at one garment and saying "well with some changes I'd knit that" (Coast for the record). The necklines are quite limited and don't The book also uses variegated yarn and ther's a lot of interesting pooling and flashing going on, if you don't like that effect, you might try alternating two balls.
This book fails for me on a few levels, it's completely not my style, it's going to date badly and I see nothing that I can't get better online. Now the initial advice isn't bad, the patterns just made me squirm, though the touch of having the yarn weight along the edge of the first page of the pattern is a nice touch.
Types of patterns: women's garments, though the general instructions could be used for any age or gender
Number of Patterns:
Split of patterns: Jumper (1)
Size Range: 36-48" (91-122cm)
Colour/Black & White: colour
Schematics: yes
Target Audience: Intermediate knitters.
How to knit guide: Basic knitting knowledge is assumed, this expands it to add a fair bit of information about this technique.
Experimental/Classical/Modern: the stuff is going to date, but under some of the dated yarns there is a potential for classic styles.
Comments on patterns:
The book opens with Cocoon, a fun-fur bulky bracelet length sleeved jumper. Shudder. (Pictured in Karbella's Barbados)
Aspen is a Belted cardigan, where the belt hits below the waist and with trim on the collar. In a bulky yarn. (Pictured in Karabella's Puffy)
Sparks is knit in bulky weight yarn again, with novely yarn on the cuffs and collars. Original knitted in Classic Elite's Rave and Bernat's Boa... a very plain jumper
Verandah is a boxy cardigan/jacket with some contrast yarn on the cuffs, which is stitched in. Knit in Bulky weight yarn the original was in Blue Sky Alpacas' Bulky.
Nest is a bulky weight v-notch jumper with wide sleeves. The author made me laugh with her advice to be careful about eliminating excess bulk and streamiline the shape, this thing is a bulky jumper that larger people should be careful about wearing, it will add a lot of bulk, the model is enlarged in it. Original knit in Rowan's Big Wool.
Birch knit in a bulky weight yarn with a turtleneck, relies on the yarn to make it different, the original is knit in Classic Elite's Tigress which is a thick and thin yarn.
New Leaf has a long rib that starts under the bust, again knit in chunky weight yarn, the original was knit in Classic Elite's Paintbox
Indian Summer has an extended cowl collar, knit in Chunky weight yarn, the original was in Muench's Vamos, apart from the extended cowl it's pretty plain
Evergreen just made me twitch, very wide collar that sits quite far back in a contrast yarn, matching the cuffs, the ties have pompoms, it's in chunky weight yarn. The original was knit in Lion Brand's Moonlight Mohair and Reynolds Lopi. The model is depicted with her arms folded in front, careful reading suggests taht the only fastening involves the pompom decorated neckties.
Hyacinth is the depicted jumper on the front of the hardback copy, yes the one with bobbles... knit in chunky weight yarn with stripes and bobbles in different colours it's knit in Reynold's Lopi
Flora this is a chunky weight yarn, polo collar, the sleeves in this just looked a bit too wide at the armhole. 3/4 length sleeves, original knit in Muench's Ocean.
Dewdrop is a v-necked cardigan with fun-fur edging and rounded ends. The original was knit in Artful Yarn's Legend and Reynold's Scandal, the sleeves are just below the elbow, the yarn is chunky.
Peony tied at the neck, knit in heavy worsted yarn, cardigan. Originally knit in Classic Elite's Minnie. The 3/4 length sleeves are also fastened by ties.
Cherry Blossom is the top featured on the cover of the book, it's knit in Heavy Worsted Weight Yarn, to me the armholes are too wide. Overall not too bad. Originally knit in Karabella's Empire Silk
Flame is originally knit in Classic Elite's Montera this is a hooded sloppy heavy worsted weight yarn with a textured stitch pattern
Ember round-necked with horizontal knitted tubing on the neck, waist and sleeve ends. This requires a particular body shape, one I don't have, oroginally knit in Artful Yarns/JCA's Cinema which is a heavy worsted weight yarn.
Snowberry has an off-to-one-side collar in a contrast yarn and uses the yarn to create interest, the yarn is Berocco's Softy, a heavy worsted weight yarn.
Wild Plum I think it's trying to be kinda kimono-ish but it just doesn't seem to work. A contrast belt with a ribbon tie which hits mid-waist might work bettwe if it was on the waist. The ruffled sleeve edge also just didn't really work for me. It's in Heavy Worsted Weight yarn. Original knit in Muench's Touch Me.
Coast is a polo-necked top, split in front, knit in DK weight yarn, some shaping could help here, and I'm not sure how it sits because the model is standing a bit strangely. Original knit in Reynold's Saucy. My favourite of all patterns.
Breeze is a widenecked top with beads, with reverse stitch horizontal stripes. In Dk weight. Classic Elite's Bamboo
Bloom is a boxy cardigan with a contrast collar and a flower on the shoulder, originally knit in Rowan Classic Yarns' Soft Lux and Lurex Shimmer. the cuffs are wide with contrast stitching.
Stardust is a sleeveless top using a sequin strung yarn knit in with the basic yarn. It's knit in Blue Sky Alpacas' Sport Weight and Berocco's Lazer FX a dk and polyester sequin thread. polo neck.
Verbena has a ruffle neck, with beads and textured stitches, a dk weight short-sleeved top. I would kinda like to see this without the ruffle, it might be okay. Original in Karabella's Zodiac
Violet horizontal wide stripes in DK weight yarns, original in Berroco's Glace, a wide-ish neck, ribbed along the sides to help with shaping.
The end of the book has a number of basic patterns in different guages, cardigans and pullovers Basic DK Pullover is one. Ignore the 10 st guage and 8 stitch guage in the titles and check out the yarn weights and actual guage in the text.
Buy/Borrow: I would be more inclined to get Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top
or Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard, Wendy Bernard more for the patterns and Barbara Walker for the how-to.Where found: South Dublin County Libraries, borrowed through Borrowbooks.ie
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