Pattern Fitting With Confidence by Nancy Zieman. Krause Publications (July 21, 2008).
With so many people getting back into sewing their own clothing – there is an increasing need for books like this. Buying a pattern is all very well – but what if your body does not fit the stock standard shape your hips are size 12 but your bust in size 14 – what do you do?
This book, with really good diagrams throughout, takes you through the steps of fitting patterns to suit your body. How to take accurate measurements is a really good start – choosing styles that suit your body type, how to read the pattern correctly, orientate and know where you have ‘ease’ and where you don’t.
Then onto adjusting the pattern – advice is given on making changes to all areas of the pattern – increasing/decreasing the bustline/hipline/waistline, adding in extra darts, changing the sleeve shape or fullness, fixing the shoulder to fit etc… (using a piven and slide technique to adjust patterns).
The book does go into quite a bit of detail – and I am sure will be an excellent resource when trying out new patterns or when making a pattern from existing clothing.
Boutique Knits: 20+ Must-Have Accessories by Laura Irwin. Interweave Press (November 1, 2008).
One of the most visually appealing knitting books I have seen in a while – filled with super stylish designs (and gorgeous models). The stars of this book are definitely the hats – with beautiful 20′s style cloche hats with sweet ruffles, braiding, argyle lace, felted and fair isle with beads.
There is a definite 20′s flapper style / vintage romantic appeal to the designs throughout the book – with gauntlets, mittens, scarves, vests, wraps and bags (a beautiful little denim pleated purse and an unusual half felted bag with drawstring sides!). Not your everyday knits.
Mermaidia ankle socks by designer Christine Jeffery have a pretty lace pattern. Pattern here.
Knitty Gritty: Knitting for the Absolute Beginner by Aneeta Patel. A & C Black Publishers Ltd (August 1, 2008) (Distributed in Australia through Allen and Unwin)
I am an absolute beginner knitter, after being a crocheter for so long – I am excited by all the new possibilities, and am in the perfect place to review this book! Aneeta Patel runs knitting classes for adult beginner knitters, and all through her book is evidence that she really understands how adults learn, and how to teach knitting.
This book is full of very clear photos, diagrams and explanations for all sorts of knitting minutiae, like tension, needle sizes and yarns, casting on and off, increasing and decreasing, and most importantly picking up dropped stitches!
One of the best things about this book is the way the author views the reader as intelligent, but not assuming that a brand new knitter has any prior knowledge at all. My other favourite feature of this book how the projects are designed – using delicious yarns to make useful and gorgeous items, such as fingerless gloves, a lacy shawl, a cable bag and a child’s cardigan. No longer do complete beginners need to start out with ugly acrylic yarn to make endless squares or boring scarves!
Knitty Gritty is a wonderful companion for any beginner knitter.
About the reviewer: Kate is a busy mother of four and has far too many craft projects on the go at any one time. These could include, but are not limited to, crochet, sewing, dyeing, paper making, spinning, felting and bookbinding. Kate has challenges in the areas of finishing things, saying no and craft supplies storage. She makes babyslings in her freetime – find them here.
