First, the facts:
Title: New American Knits: Classic Sportswear Patterns
Author: Amy Christoffers
Published by: Interweave Press, 2014
Pages: 127
Type: Patterns
Chapters:
No chapters, just a list of patterns.
The In-Depth Look:
I think it’s pretty clear that my favorite kinds of knitting patterns are the ones that are unique but are eminently wearable on a regular day. Crazy shapes and weird ruffles or whatever are interesting but we don’t live in Edwardian England anymore. Most of us need to be able to actually do things and dangling sleeves and such only end up getting in the way (even when they look marvelous).
So, books like “New American Knits” are my favorites. Pretty, classic shapes but with interesting details to make them look special but not get in the way.
The author says in the introduction:
“The ‘American Look’ is simple and practical. The term comes from the style of the 1930s and 1940s–the moment in fashion when American designers stopped looking to Europe for inspiration and created a style that was uniquely their own. The American Look is fresh and modern, even by today’s standards; tailored and unfussy but with whimsical details. Think Katharine Hepburn or Lauren Bacall looking relaxed and casual, crisp and tailored, all at the same time. New American Knits is about applying traditional knitting skills and textile motifs to contemporary wearable knitting. It is nostalgic but not vintage, with textures and colorwork motifs adapted and applied with an eye toward creating a modern wardrobe.”
Accordingly, Amy Christoffers has filled this book with patterns–sweaters, wraps, hats, and the usual assortment of accessories–that look fun to knit but will be easy to throw on and wear for years to come.
I liked the touch that each pattern is named after an American artist–not all of whom I’d heard of. But as the author says in the introduction, she hopes we’ll be inspired to check them out.
All in all, this is a great book–full of practical and beautiful patterns.
You can find your copy 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!
