First, the facts:
Title: Knitting Outside the Swatch: 40 Modern Motifs
Author: Kristin Omdahl
Published by: Interweave Press, 2013
Pages: 143
Type: Patterns and motifs
Chapters:
1. The Motifs
2. The Patterns
The In-Depth Look:
In her introduction, the author talks about how much she likes knitting motif swatches. “They’re small and quick to make, allowing you to experiment with new stitch patterns and techniques, without a big commitment in time and yarn. Best of all, they’re so versatile. Create a beautiful embellishment to a sweater with a single flower motif; seam together an assortment of squares to create an afghan; transform a circular motif into the crown of a hat; trim a shawl with a lacy motif for a striking edging. The possibilities are endless.”
And so we come to a book that is part stitch directory–with 40 different motif swatches to try–and part pattern book, because she not only gives you ideas one how to join or what to do with your motifs, but she gives ten patterns to make for shawls, wraps, sweaters, and hats. And did I mention the tips for inspiration?
To me, the author’s background in crochet is very distinct here, as many of these designs almost look as if they could have been crocheted–something about the shapes and the joining methods reminds me so strongly of the things my grandmother used to make, except, well, these are new. There are techniques and ideas here my grandmother would never have thought of–but I’m sure she would have loved them.
This book can be found at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com.
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.
This review copy was kindly donated by Interweave Press. Thank you!
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