Knit It Now!: Turn Great Yarns into Great Sweaters

Rating:
Summary: This is a truly great book.
Review: I have been knitting and crocheting since I was five. I am now an intermediate - advanced knitter. This book really does combine wonderful yarn with great patterns - most of which could be knitted by a beginner. I found it inspirational. It was hard to decide which pattern to start with-they are so good.

This may be the best of the new books.

Rating:
Summary: A Worthy Addition
Review: I own a staggering number of knitting books, as well as knitting software, so there is no shortage of pattern possibilities in my life. Nevertheless, this book is a worthy addition to even the most overstuffed knitting library. The approach is a series of stitches evolving into multiple incarnations at multiple related gauges. (The gauge variations are kept within a sensible range --this book won't take you from fingering to chunky for every design, nor should any pattern!) This book actually has me enthused about tackling some of the orphan projects in my stash and will be an encouraging resource on those shopping trips that end with "I just have to have this yarn -- I'll figure out what for later."

Rating:
Summary: Unique designs, beautiful projects & yarns
Review: This new knitting book, written book by Julie Montanari, is a real find. The presentation and layout of the book is very clear, easily readable and lots of color pics, which make it a joy to browse through. Julie has selected 6 of her favorite stitch patterns and created several designs that incorporate those stitches, progressing from simple to more complex designs. Julie makes up each project in an interesting yarn fabric, discussing why this particular yarn is appropriate in this case. She then offers at least 2 variations in color and yarn, illustrating the design versatility that can be achieved through yarn experimentation.

Julie in an incredible designer, who gives the reader two dozen projects expressing her considerable ability to create unique stitch patterns, coupled with interesting yarns. Her design theory is discussed, and more importantly, clearly expressed in this collection of classic projects of mostly sweaters and vests, guaranteed to be fashionable for decades. The projects span the seasons, with several delightful summer shells, along with warmer tunics, pullovers and vests.

Julie confesses to having a huge yarn stash and sharing with her readers that passion for collecting interesting yarns. Her projects offer ample opportunity to use that stash in easily creative ways. There is a thorough discussion of yarn types, including a vast array of of novelty yarns. Julie enthusiatically encourages personal experimentation in choosing and combining yarns. Each project is shown made up in a particular yarn fabric, with 2 or 3 alternate yarns and colors shown in knit swatches, offering a variety of looks, from sophisticated to casual.

Julie offers a unique, understandable system for sizing a project, incorporating personal garment ease, and calculating yarn yardage requirements, all dependent on a knitted swatch. Each project includes a complete measurement charts and diagrams, along with very clear, easily understood guidelines for fit and project tips. Everything you need to ensure success is available and beautifully presented.

Because of her guided encouragement to expand you knitting horizons by creating your own yarn fabric, perhaps even creating your own stitch patterns, you definitely will want to add this book to your collection.