Knitting Pattern Essentials

As everyone knows we have different body shape and that a size or a shape of a garment would fit all is impossible.

When I knit from published patterns there is always something that I need to change. To change the lenght of the back and front pieces is rather easy and often also the length of the sleeves. To change the shape of a garment by the placing of increases and decreases of stitches and rows, usually works well, as well. But, what I find rather difficult is to change the shape of the armhole and the sleeve cap.

  

Now it's here, the book that explains how to do it!

 

The book is about adapting and drafting knitting patterns.
It's dedicated only to garments that hang from the shoulders.

One reason to that is that a garment with seams holds its shape better.

In this book you find all the tools, the techniques and the math you need to create or modify a pattern so the finished garment gets the fit that you want.

 

When I look through the book I realise that a
 knitting designer has a great advantage in having
knowledge about pattern construction and sewing.

 

 

Knitting Pattern Essentials by Sally Melville

 

 

This books is the perfect guide to sweater construction whether you want to adjust a pattern or create your own design.

A poem from the book.

'You did the best you could until you knew better, and when you knew better you did better.' (Maya Angelou)

Now there is hope for better fitting garments!

 



Design Your Own Knitwear

One would think that I barely have been knitting at all lately.

But a couple of friends have had their wishes fulfilled.

The absence of new and inspiring projects depends on that I've knitted things that I've shared with you before.

 

Now I dream about creating something own.

Here is book that brings you all you need to know to get started.

 

 

Knit Notes, Nadine Curtis

 

This book will encourage you and enhance the creative process. Everything, from inspiration to the realisation of the garment and the pattern, is a challenge in organization.

Whether your are a beginner or a more experienced designer, it facilitates your work to keep track of all the details.

In this book you gather all information about your project.

 

 

This page shows four pages from the book.

I like the layout. The only thing that I do differently is
that I keep the swatches in a box.

 

 

You find all the essential that you need to know
to design your own knitwear.
Information on garment shapes, measuring, sizing, yarn
and a pattern for a sample sweater is at the end of the book.

This workbook is for both knitwear designers as for those who wants to change an already existing pattern to give it your own unique touch. 

 

This empty template is waiting...

To knit something for the summer feels good.

I have suitable yarns, now I'm waiting for inspiration and

 ideas and thoughts to take shape.

Meanwhile I'll continue to work on some WIP's.

They were supposed to be ready to wear this winter. 

I'll lock forward to next!

 

 



Boyfriend Sweaters

A knitting book with very versatile garments designed to be tailored and fitted on him or slouchy and chic on her.

With a lot of techniques and tips the designer shows how you can make each look more feminine or masculine.

Simple and nice styling!

Everyone wants the perfect cozy large sweater 

that is easy to dress up or down.

Flattering chic or casually relaxed.

A comfy oversized turtleneck.

Sophisticated timeless.

A simply elegant sweater.

The special texture makes 

the choice of colour particulary interesting.

Extra long to suit her.

Very stylish!

Scarves in linen stitch. The texture looks like woven fabric.

His scarf is knitted from end to end and her scarf is knitted from side to side. This little difference gives a big difference in overall impression.

Boyfriend Sweaters by Bruce Weinstein

Photography by Jared Flood

A Nice Knitting Book

A nice and a bit different knitting book has recently been published in Sweden. The danish knitting designer Helga Isager presents a selection of her designs with garments for the whole year knitted in natural yarns.

The book's layout is aesthetically very appealing.

Beautiful nature pictures.

The design is both timeless and modern.

Beautiful down to earth perfection!

The book Finstickat by Helga Isager is lovely.

I hope it will soon be translated into English and German for you all to enjoy!

Her label is Amimono.

Shades of Winter

I'm almost longing for winter when looking in this beautiful knitting book. Cozy designs in lovely winter shades!

 

 

In this book you find designs for both beginners as for more experienced knitters.

 

 

Warm and beautiful garments in a wonderful winter landscape.

 

Winter white is so beautiful!

 

 

This book is soon going to be released in english,

'Shades of Winter'.

 

 



Inspiring Lace Cards

To knit lace is kind of exciting. For a beginner it may seem to be complicated when it in fact only is made up of repetitions of increases (yarnovers) and different kinds of decreases.

Depending on the yarn quality and the pattern the result can differ in a range of ways from casual, simple and elegant to sweet, romantic and sensual.

This box contains a deck of 25 pattern cards.

It's a source of inspiration with lace patterns that suit both beginners and more experienced lace knitters.

Each stitch pattern offers suggestions for use and has both graph and written directions. The swatches are generous in size so it's quite easy to get a sense for the pattern. I really like the pictures and the layout which gives you more creative ideas.

A nice little collection of lace stitches.

Lace Knitting To Go, Andrea Tung

Wonderful Cardigans

A new and very nice little knitting book arrived with the post the other day. It's a book by the young knitting designer Hannah Fettig.

In this book you find serveral designs of cardigans in a pure, classic and very versatile design.

I love 'Breezy'.

You find all designs here where you also can order the book.

The Art of Finishing in Style

The pieces are made and it's time to do what needs to be done to make the garment ready to wear. Often it's easier said than done.
It's an art to finish in style. Patience and accuracy are characteristics highly appreciated to make of these pieces that awesome garment you want it to be. Luckily there are books to help.

This book captures to its essence everything that has to do with finishing. It covers all the bases from blocking, seaming, edgings and closures to pockets and pompoms.
The book is abundantly illustrated with sketches, swatches and garments. There are also 14 patterns, each as a lesson to learn particular finishing techniques.
If you want to finish in style, get the book!

Finishing School by Deborah Newton

The Bolero looks fine

By copying a machine knitted garment I've learned several new techniques. Fun and interesting!
The main pieces are sewn together and now remains the finishing work.

I knit the ribbings separately and then I sew them on using back stitch. Casting on in Kitchener Rib makes the ribbing look as it is knitted on a machine. Moreover it gives the edge extra stretchability and strenght. It looks very good too!

The techniques I'm using I've found in Big Book of Knitting by Katharina Buss. This book is so useful. It maybe looks a little outdated but the techniqual and functional descriptions are timeless.
Learning more wants me to make more. That's happiness!