BOOK REVIEWS
Fill your wardrobe with sophisticated, contemporary knitwear pieces, courtesy of this stylish pattern collection
Our favourite knitting books
WOOL STUDIO by Meghan Babin (£19.99)
IF YOU’RE a fan of contemporary knitting designs - or are keen to add some modern style to your wardrobe - this collection of patterns from the knit.wear magazine team is well worth a look. Curated by Meghan Babin, it contains 21 projects for women, designed to provide a capsule collection of essential pieces.
The focus is on simple silhouettes worked in luxurious yarns, with subtle yet intriguing details to keep knitters entertained. As Meghan says, the designs “let the fibres shine on a stripped-down canvas”. An exciting line-up of designers has contributed to the collection, including Norah Gaughan, Bristol Ivy, Véronik Avery, Kate Gagnon Osborn, and lace expert Susanna IC. The projects are typically sized to fit busts of 32in-52in, with a small selection fitting up to 58in.
Flicking through the pages, we are struck by the choice of elegant, flattering knits with contemporary touches. The short-sleeved jumper by Norah Gaughan, for example, blends a traditional circular yoke construction with a modern cropped shape and twisted sleeve cuffs. Likewise, her boxy, oversized pullover features a handsome interrupted brioche stitch pattern and a striking neckline detail that lifts the design above the ordinary.
Texture plays a starring role in this collection, whether it’s used all over the garment or as a sophisticated highlight. The ‘Eastham Poncho’, a versatile layering piece, has a pretty lace stitch on the centre front and yoke; the flowing ‘Avila Tee’, meanwhile, has waterfall side panels with a drop stitch fabric that looks dramatic yet is straightforward to achieve.
Richly decorative cables appear on the ‘Brewster Cardigan’, which also has a long, looped cowl collar. The neat ‘Truro Pullover’, with its little pockets, is worked in a garter rib fabric that’s paired with a smart cable rib on the yoke. Airy lace appears on the attractive ‘Monterey Tee’ shell top, and the draping, linen-blend ‘Pismo Beach’ pullover.
For colder days, there’s a smart jumper by Bristol Ivy, whose intriguing geometric construction is highlighted by sophisticated stripe details. ‘Topanga Canyon’ is a chunky, enveloping waterfall cardigan with textured panels.
The projects are all suited to luxurious or artisan yarns; the long ‘Malibu Cowl’, for example, looks stunning worked in a silk-merino, while the dolman-sleeved ‘Falmouth Cardigan’ shows off a tweedy blend of cashmere, silk and wool.