Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard
Here is a new book destined for the "Reference Section" of my personal knitting book collection.
Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic fame has the sub-title "Unleash Your Inner Designer with To-Down and Improvisational Techniques". That alone would have prompted my purchase. And I was not to be disappointed.
As is the case with so many of Melanie Falick Books, this is an example of quality knitting publishing: high-grade production values, comprehensive pattern information, clear photography, good schematics, and most important of all, lots of advice on how to adapt patterns to your own measurements and taste. It is this last feature that makes this a most valuable book.
Wendy is an advocate of top-down construction for all the obvious reasons. It is easy to try on your garment as you go, seaming is usually avoided altogether (or is minimal) and adaptation of the pattern can be easily implemented. With top-down construction, much of the keeping-your-fingers-crossed-until-you-finish-and-try-it-on syndrome can be averted.
I'm convinced.
A few of my designs, Balsam, Manon, and On the Town use this approach. But they are basic silhouettes. I think I am ready now to venture into deeper waters and work a full sweater in this intriguing method.
Wendy includes other conventional bottom-up sweaters as well as a scarf and a wrap with reversible patterns. Neckline and sleeve treatments are covered in detail, as well as shaping considerations. So this book serves as an all-in-one approach to developing your own designs under her expert guidance. A kind of "all you ever wanted to know" book.
Wendy's designs are feminine, contemporary, stylish, and very wearable. You can take them, knit them as written or adapt them to make them your own.
