cover image Essentially Feminine Knits: 25 Must-Have Chic Designs

Essentially Feminine Knits: 25 Must-Have Chic Designs

Lene Holme Sams%C3%B8e. Interweave, $24.95 trade paper (152p) ISBN 978-1-59668-784-4

This lovely collection of knits brings classic patterns into focus with its contemporary take on stitch patterns, stylish sense of shape, and sweet use of detail. Sams%C3%B8e (Feminine Knits) has expanded her original project with this deft follow-up volume. Grouped according to pattern type (Garter Stitch Patterns, Leaf Patterns, Structure Patterns, Cable Patterns, and Lace Patterns), each design is playfully named after a woman, beginning with "Rita" and ending with "Holly." Patterns include "Fiona," a structured garter-stitch sweater-coat, "Palma," a beautifully-constructed V-neck sweater with a back leaf panel, "Gerda," a feminine take on the classic Guernsey, "Lana," a cozy button-up lace-patterned sweater that has a cabled look, and "Cecilia," a delicate, delicious lace-patterned top. Most of the pieces in this collection are sweaters or tops, but Sams%C3%B8e also provides half a dozen patterns for accessories, including a lace-edged scarf, two hat variations, a reversible poncho, wrist warmers, a mini-vest, and a cowl. From whimsical to cozy, delicate to structured, these extremely wearable patterns are both classic and contemporary, and should suit any knitter looking to produce pieces that will stand the test of time. (June)