Fashion Books

Custom Knits: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques

Wendy Bernard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Along with being pleasurable and satisfying, knitting can sometimes be frustrating: the turtleneck that looked so fabulous on the model is too bulky for your body, or the cardigan you spent countless hours on just doesn’t fit right. Herein lies the beauty of Custom Knits, which teaches knitters how to use improvisational techniques to achieve spectacular results—and to unleash their inner designers.

Wendy Bernard, creator of the popular blog Knit and Tonic, provides 25 original designs for sweaters of nearly every type, plus variations, most knitted in one piece starting at the top, a method that allows you to try on as you go, alter as desired, and essentially design on the fly. “Make It Your Own” prompts in each pattern suggest easy alterations to suit your style and body type. And an in-depth reference section teaches how to alter key sweater elements, for example, change a crewneck to a V-neck, add sleeves to a vest, and much more. For the truly adventurous, the book concludes with guidelines for knitting sweaters with no pattern at all.

Bernard’s friendly writing style and photographer Kimball Hall’s lively images create an inviting book of beautiful designs and key techniques that a knitter can use to customize nearly every garment she knits from now on.

Knitted Jackets: 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary

Cheryl Oberle

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Knit jackets from subdued to dramatic--a fascinating collection 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

Cheryl Oberle is a knit designer who often takes her inspiration from various cultures and traditional garments. Then she fuses the ideas with other cultures or techniques to come up with something unique. The jackets here are quite varied, from traditional structured cabled fabric to more free-form kimono style jackets. When traditional shapes (kimono for example) or Salish jackets are used, there is always a twist or a fusion with an unrelated technique of lace, texture or colorwork to surprise you. Wow! Lace and kimono shaping? Celtic knotwork and Native American knitting? Andean design on modern unconstructed shaping? Wow, that's really interesting--and beautiful.

The book is divided in to three sections:
1. Simplicity (simple shapes)
2. Contrast (color work)
3. Texture (lace and cabling)

As I mentioned above, there are some very interesting fusions--a Celtic-Salish jacket for one example. The jacket is knit in the style of Northwestern Native American knitting in natural wool colors, but the light pattern on the dark wool is a Celtic knot, not a traditional Salish motif! This is sure to please anyone who likes the comfy jacket-style Salish sweater but wants it to look rather different. I also loved the "Wabi Sabi" kimono jacket, which is knit using panels of shaded yarn--a great use for hand-dyed yarns if you can find one in a similar gauge and certainly adaptable if you are handy at modifying patterns (and with simple shapes, this can be done with a bit of thought.) The Cusco jacket has beautiful textures and uses two rectangles to create a short swing jacket with lapels in a modern unconstructed shape that is pleasing and flattering to many figure shapes. The shapes in this book will inspire you to create ideas of your own--especially those based on flat rectangles. These are very adaptable to other knitting techniques and ideas, even to machine-knit fabrics in some cases.

What I didn't like as much were some of the cabled patterns; I thought they were mundane and even some of the designs seemed too similar to one another. However, you might want more structured garments or more traditional (ie Irish or Aran) knitting, so you'd love these. Plus, the book has designs that would work, in some cases, equally well for men or women. I didn't find any of the cabled designs I wanted to make, but that also may reflect my personal tastes in knitting these days. I'll bet there are plenty of knitters who will totally disagree with me about the cables and find they are just what they've been looking for in designs.

As for me, I want to knit the long Edo coat, a mix of Japanese shapes from a hanten coat with lace panels (wow!), the Wabi Sabi (that's the shaded yarn jacket closed with an ornamental buckle) and the Cusco wrap. I have a feeling that there is a jacket in here for every knitter, and that the jackets may inspire your own variation. Just like Cheryl's book of shawls, I think this book is destined to be a staple on many knitters' bookshelves. Recommended --a really wonderful new knitting book.

Editorial Review:

These 20 patterns, ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, take knitters on a world tour of coats, jackets, and wraps. Inspired by open-front garments and textiles from around the globe—including Austria, England, Japan, Peru, and Norway—these figure-flattering designs bring a contemporary edge to a variety of knitting traditions. Step-by-step instructions and copious photographs illustrate how to use standard stockinette, garter, and cable stitches. More advanced techniques for fanciful lace and colorwork and the history behind beach pattern is also included.

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt

Megan Nicolay

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Workman Publishing Company Amazon Marketplace: 64 new & used starting at $7.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 139 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Fun, Hip, Cool Book....but not for younger teens & pre-teens 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I got this book this summer for my daughter, age 12, and her friend. Both girls are crafty, creative (they take art classes together), and have used a sewing machine independently. My daughter's friend even makes tailored clothes for herself! I thought the book would give them some fun & funky ideas. They did enjoy paging through it and both did manage to find a pattern to make. But I'm not sure they'll come back to this much because they felt the styles were too skimpy for them. Neither one is more modest than an average 12 year old, but they still didn't feel comfortable wearing most of the shirts out of the house. They were really amazed by the whole chapter of tube tops. (They asked me "Who would wear these things?")

Too bad...These girls are a perfect market for something like this. I guess I'll have to keep looking.

Editorial Review:

Make it yours. This inspirational guide with DIY attitude has everything you need to know about the world’s great T-shirt: how to cut it, sew it, deconstruct it, reconstruct it, and best of all, transform it. • Features more than 100 projects (plus 200 variations) for customized tees, tank tops, tube tops, T-skirts—even handbags, a patchwork blanket, iPod cozies, leg warmers, and more. • Not a DIY expert? Not to worry. More than one third of the projects are no sew, meaning anyone who can wield a pair of scissors can put a personal stamp on her wardrobe. But the sewing basics are here too: backstitch and whipstitch, gather and ruche, appliqué and drawstrings. • And the mission statement for Generation T: Ask not what your T-shirt can do for you; ask what you can do for your T-shirt. And then Do-It-Yourself!

Vogue Knitting on the Go: Shawls Two (Vogue Knitting on the Go!)

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

wonderful wonderful shawls 5 out of 5 stars.
39 of 39 people found this review helpful.

Most of the 22 shawls use yarn in the #4 category and only two of the shawls are for experienced. Most of them fall into the easy and/or intermediate skill level. The designers are familiar to everyone. Only one shawl is super bulky. All the shawls are knit. There are many beautiful unusual projects. My favorites are:beaded leaf lace shawl, wave pattern shawl, zigzag lace shawl, cabled wrap (cover), textured zigzag shawl, wave and leaf shawl and flowers and snowflakes shawl (back cover). This is one of the better books in this series and highly recommended.

Editorial Review:

There were too many gorgeous designs to fit into one selection of knitted shawls, so we had to create a second! This inspirational volume is chock full of fabulous new projects to keep your hands busy and your shoulders warm all winter long. Choose from 22 patterns, including a charming ruffled capelet, an elegant lacy stole, a cozy cabled shawl, a multi-colored mohair wrap, and many more. All knitters, from beginners to more advanced stitchers, will delight in these irresistible patterns created by some of today’s top knitwear designers. The durable hardcover format and small size make this gem of a resource perfect to tuck into a knitting bag or backpack and take it On the Go!

The Art of Manipulating Fabric

Colette Wolff

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Just plain amazing !! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

First let me say that I am a simple quiltmaker. But I am a fantastic dreamer! This author has taken all of my dreams and made them come true. I cannot believe the things she does with the most common of fabrics. She sews designs and stuffs them with batting, then creates a wonderful picture with them. She pleats and ruches, too. Welting, cording, smocking, and tucking, are only a few of the lessons in her repertoire. The best way I know to describe her work is to say it's extremely varied in all areas of manipulation and is unlimited in its use. Clothing and quilts become things of great beauty when created using her methods. I recommend this book for all those who are the least bit interested in working with fabric. There are no brightly colored pictures, however. They are just not necessary here.

Editorial Review:

Those who knit, crochet, or embroider have long had sources to which to turn for in-depth instructions on specific stitches and stitch combinations. Now there is such a reference for the sewer--an encyclopedic approach to gathering, shirring, ruffling, tucking, pleating, and quilting and their myriad variations. Filled with hundreds of diagrams and crisp black-and-white photos, this volume explains in detail how to achieve a tremendous range of three-dimensional fabric effects. This is not a book of particular projects; this is a book of instruction and inspiration for anyone who has ever wielded needle and thread. --Amy Handy

Getting Started Knitting Socks (Getting Started series)

Ann Budd

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Nice book for DPN users 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book is meant for DPNs and not for circular needles. So if you want to learn to use DPNs to knit a sock this is a really nice book! I actually really like the photos and instructions and tips given in the book. They are detailed and for a self-taught beginner knitter like me learning to use DPNs, very nice.

The only issue which I felt was important, which was not really addressed in the book was using the circular needle method to knit socks. With the growing use of circular needs to knit fast and quick in tubes (as well as to get the weight off the knitter's wrists!) I think it's important to show knitters the basics of how to knit at least 1 sock (if not 2 socks) with at least 1 circular needle.
There is only a tiny section (a third of a page) that tells you about the basic idea of using 1 circular needle to knit socks. The rest of the book focuses only on using DPNs. Patterns are also all for DPNS.
That's ok, if a knitter just wants to learn to knit with DPNs. Also, for beginner knitters like me who want to also have a look at how to knit with 1 circular needle, it's almost impossible to "convert" the knitting patterns by myself to work on circulars, without a lot of trials.

I know that DPNs are sometimes so called the "original method." However, i think in this time and age, when one can knit using 1 needle and can knit not just 1 but 2 socks at one time, why only learn to use 4 needles to knit 1 sock?

I understand that there are some knitters who prefer using DPNs and that's ok, but it would also be good to include proper instructions and patterns for the use of circular needles to knit socks. After all, DPNs and Circular needles are the 2 main methods used to knit socks.

Editorial Review:

From cast-on stitches to binding off, this handbook details the simple steps needed to turn seemingly complicated sock knitting projects into easy and enjoyable activities. Helpful photographs and instructional drawings ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks and handle more complicated techniques, such as the Kitchener stitch at the toe. Using instructions for five different sizes—from child through adult large—at five different gauges, knitters can produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. More adventurous knitters can add variety and flair by following one of 16 unique designs or trying one of the dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided. With plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary, this guide unleashes the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

2-at-a-Time Socks: Revealed Inside. . . The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle Works for any Sock Pattern!

Melissa Morgan-Oakes

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Sock knitters everywhere know the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. It goes something like this: A cute new sock pattern and soft, foot-warming yarn lead to many happy knitting hours, resulting in . . . ONE sock. The first sock is done (and it's adorable!) but pattern distraction sets in. Who wants to knit the same project all over again? There are so many new projects waiting to be discovered.

Melissa Morgan-Oakes ends the drudgery of the second sock by showing knitters how to cast on and knit two socks at one time on one long circular needle! Her method is captured in step-by-step photographs, clearly showing knitters how to turn out two socks at the same time. Goodbye to lonely, abandoned single socks. Hello to unlimited pretty pairs, knit on one needle (often finished on the same day), and worn with pride and that gratifying sense of accomplishment.

Oakes is a dedicated knitter, knitwear designer, and knitting instructor who has known the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. Her easy-to-learn technique enables sock stitchers to adapt any pattern to her two-at-a-time method. But before experimenting with other patterns, readers will want to try Morgan-Oakes's 15 original designs. Fun and creative, they include simple to complex choices, a variety of yarn weights, and designs for women, men, and children.

Socks are small, relatively inexpensive, and interesting to knit — a favorite portable choice of busy knitters. Keep the fun in sock-stitching with the innovative new technique that produces two socks — yes, that's one sock for each foot — at the very same time!

Consumer testimonial —

"I am a new knitter and purchased 2-at-a-time Socks. Perfect! This is a book is the best investment I've ever made! I have a lovely pair of socks ... for the first time! Very comprehensive instructions, as well as a very easy-to-understand glossary in the back. I recommend this book to anyone interested in knitting socks. So much easier than the double pointed needles! — Deborah, Colorado Springs, CO

Country Weekend Knits: 25 Classic Patterns for Timeless Knitwear

Madeline Weston

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Lovely Book 5 out of 5 stars.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful.

I have just received this book, and have only looked through it at this point. I preordered this, and had no idea what patterns it may contain.
I am happily anxious to start some of the items I see here.
There are many patterns, 25 in all, consisting of ganseys, arans,fairisle and Shetland Lace, and includes men's and women's garments: pullovers, cardigans, vests, and many short sleeved summery items, which are particularly nice and wearable. The first item I will make is a beautiful gansey called Eriskay, just gorgeous. A large variety of yarns are used, and I think there is something special in here for anyone interested in hand knits.
I classify most of the patterns as classic, functional, and as pretty/handsome garments. The book is a softcover with photography that shows each item well, and everything is modelled by people who look like real people.
Very highly recommended.
One note, though, most of the patterns, except for the Fairisles and a couple of rudimentary stitch charts, have written rather than graphed directions, which suits me well, but will not please some. There are also no illustrations of pattern pieces with dimensions given, so these look more like patterns of years ago. There are some basic techniques given in the back of the book, but these are minimal.

Editorial Review:

Fashions come and go, but some designs are truly timeless. Country Weekend Knits features a collection of twenty-five classic patterns that showcase the rich heritage of traditional British knitwear. Many of these beautiful patterns are based on original designs dating as far back as the eighteenth century, which have been passed down through generations of knitters, and reinterpreted here in contemporary colors and yarns. The rich textures, the soft natural colors, and intricate patterns of these appealing knits instantly conjure up a host of comforting images while evoking the serene charm of the English countryside.

Beautifully photographed, the designs and patterns are interspersed with evocative, scene-setting photographs of the coastline and the countryside. With complete step-by-step instructions for every sweater.

Wrapped in Crochet: Scarves, Wraps, & Shawls

Kristin Omdahl

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

My love and Excitement for the art of Crotchet has deepened!! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

"Wrapped In Crotchet" was one of the best books I could have gifted to myself !!!The creativity of the patterns simply seek to motivate beginners like myself now embarking into the Art of Crotchet .I bought this book right in the middle of Crotcheting my very first fun and fresh blanket for my daughter and this book has totally motivated me learn more and most importantly ..Be adventurous!!! The combinations of stitches are fresh and modern and who knew that Crotchet could be so incredibly stylish?? Kristin Omdahl has opened opened a whole new sense of style to me personally as a young mother and I am looking forward having some of these pieces hanging in my closet made by yours Truly thanks to this book!!!

Editorial Review:

Learn to create stylish scarves, wraps, and shawls with this fresh approach to technique and construction that includes a variety of projects for a range of skill levels and varying time commitments. Featuring new and fashionable designs, this book of innovative projects is perfect for new and intermediate crocheters who want to take crochet to next level with clever stitch motifs, new techniques to shaping, and creative embellishment ideas, such as unusual edgings, color work, and lace, ruffles, and tiers. Charts are included for every stitch pattern and motif and each pattern includes diagrams for all constructions, making this a complete resource for the hip crocheter.

Couture Sewing Techniques

Claire B. Shaeffer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not much of illustration 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful.

actually this book is a complete...
the flaw is the illustration is not much...and the words are like written all in sub-chapter...it's not like a handbook...

i think for sewing books, illustration is important...

Great couture sewing instruction 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book. Recommended by my couture sewing instructor at the London School of Fashion. It provides an excellent overview of couture sewing technique.

Like a text book of information 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The introduction is interesting and basically explains why Shaffer is qualified to give you this information. The rest reads like a text book, which, for me, is much easier. When I reach a road block with sewing, I simply refer to the applicable section and determine what stitch, seam, technique would best solve the issue. There are decent diagrams/pictures to walk you through each step. It discusses each type of seam, tools and their purpose, threads, needles, etc. It's a sewing dictionary.

Chapters include:
PART I
1. Inside the world of haute couture
2. The art of hand sewing
3. Shaping the garment: seams, darts, and pressing techniques
4. Edge finishes: hems, facings, and bindings
5. Closures
PART II
6. Skirts and pants
7. Blouses and dresses
8. Sleeves
9. Pockes
10. Jackets and coats
11. Evening wear

Draping was mentioned briefly, and in the little that was there, I was able to apply the information and successfully created/altered patterns.

Hope that helps, and good luck on your future projects!

Editorial Review:

Starting with hand sewing - the basis for every haute couture garment - expert Claire Shaeffer guides the reader through the steps to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. She presents the sewing techniques practiced in the studios of such legendary designers as Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, and Balenciaga. Detailed instructions and illustrations make high style a snap.