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THIS BOOK is aimed at sweater knitting novices, but its appealing collection of 15 patterns will also be enjoyed by more experienced knitters, and it offers plenty of opportunity for customisation.
Emma Wright is a successful young designer known for her fresh, modern styles which are easy to wear. Here, she shows how knitters can master the three core sweater shapes - square, raglan, and set-in sleeves - and make them their own.
The ‘Square’ section contains boxy garments with minimal shaping. ‘Pansy’ is a super-simple garter stitch design, decorated with colourwork patch pockets - Emma provides charts for houndstooth and leopard print patterns, but you could use your favourite colourwork motif.
“Magnolia’ has a deep V-neck and cables along the sleeves, while ‘Violet’ has a chunky honeycomb cable fabric. There’s also a brioche stitch sweater with a buttoned left shoulder opening.
Shaped armholes for a more classic fit appear in the ‘Set-In’ section. Among the projects is ‘Freesia’, an elegant cable and moss stitch jumper with horizontal cables around the cuffs. The feminine ‘Primrose’ has ties at the waist, so it can be tied at the front or back. ‘Isla’ features two different Fair Isle patterns on the front and back for an eclectic look; Emma has included graph paper in the book so you could chart out your own colourwork patterns to use here.
The ‘Raglan’ section includes a design with dramatic chunky bobbles around the yoke, and a jumper with a pretty Fair Isle pattern. ‘Sunflower’ is a chic sweater in fisherman’s rib, which features a zip up the back; ‘Rose’ combines classic houndstooth check with a modern shape. Also taking inspiration from timeless British style is ‘Poppy’, a faux tartan design which mixes horizontal knitted stripes with vertical lines of embroidery.
All the projects are sized to fit busts of 32in-50in, and all the body and sleeve options in the Square and Set-In sections are mix-and-match. There are hints and tips throughout the book, plus a section of blank models so you can have a go at designing your own colour and stitch combinations. This is definitely a book that encourages you to play, and to explore your own creativity!