Timeless Knits To Develop Your Skills
by mansii
If you are a knitter who knows the basics and is ready to up your skills, these books by two top knit-wear designers make color-work and sweater-making approachable--two processes that can intimidate crafters who have knit for years. Hannah Fettig and Hilary Grant have very different styles, but their patterns for hand-knitters produce garments that are timeless, chic, and have challenged me personally to not settle for making anything less than what I would be proud to wear in public.
Hilary Grant grew up and remains in Orkney off the north coast of Scotland. In Knitting from the North, her color work designs not only reflect Fair Isle traditions, but bring together the ancient northern influences of Icelandic, Scandinavian, and Nordic style as well. Her colors choices exhibit bright contrast and subtle nuance. The patterns that emerge out of the varying colors evoke Orkney's wild and wind-swept coast, complimented by gorgeous photographs of this stunning landscape. If you are new to color work, the patterns presented allow you to start small and gradually increase your skills. The first couple designs are worked in a single color, utilizing Scotland's Fisherman's Rib. Next, patterns use only two colors with simple repetition, graduating to several colors. More difficult designs incorporate effects such as twists, gradient coloring, and double-sided knitting. This array of cowls, mittens, and winter hats can be knit as a collection where each piece can mix and match with the others. Two headbands and a unique mock-turtleneck will stretch your creativity.
Hannah Fettig knits simple, elegant sweaters in neutral tones inspired by the gorgeous Maine coast she calls home. In Home & Away Fettig walks us through building simple cardigans and pullovers in flattering cuts. She includes multiple teaching inserts that explain topics such as raglan versus set-in sleeves, seaming versus seamless, creating button-holes, making sizing choices ect. Fettig provides all the tools to teach you what you are doing as you knit her sweater patterns so that you can make educated choices as you branch out in personalization. With careful attention to detail and easy to follow directions, her methodology inspires knitting confidence. I can see each of these pieces becoming signature items of my wardrobe. Keep a look out for other titles by this designer, she's one worth keeping track of.
If you would like a teaching aid before you jump into patterns, The Knitter's Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss is an easy to follow technique book to get you started. This book demonstrates how to knit with two colors, strand, seam, and any other need-to-know facts.
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