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3.79 of 5 stars
Superbly fitted and fashioned in luxurious yarns, these imaginative patterns follow four thematic vignettes inspired by French daily life, film, an... read full description

reviews

Feb 13, 2009
N. rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book looks like an excellent primer into seamless sweater construction. Griffen-Grimes covers several knit garment constructions with good detail and illustrations. She's chosen a French theme (quel shock!), and the sweater designs employ intermediate and advanced colorwork and lace in addition to interesting and sometimes complex constructions. The charts are clear and the patterns appear well-written at a glance, with all the important details easily found and some of them pointed out wit More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Sep 07, 2009
Kendal rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I'm swatching up some recycled monster fluff for the Wrenna sweater, and now I want to reread Jitterbug Perfume.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 09, 2009
Polly rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book. Not that I've knit anything from it (yet), but I love the patterns, the techniques are exactly my style (lots of circular and seamless knitting), and although I don't always agree that the look is right for the inspiration, I like the looks and the inspirations. On the down side, I don't see why the blessed author has to use Rowan yarns for everything, since they're a) extremely pricey, and b) not obtainable except by mail around here. I could live with b, but a and b together More...
Jul 31, 2009
Reilly! rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Seamless sweater construction! While I've yet to knit anything from this book yet, but the instructions are written clearly and succinctly. The illustrations and figures are excellent. Normally, there are only one or two patterns that I like in most pattern books, but I've earmarked several in this one! Lace and unique constructions are highlighted in these Francophone projects. The author's anecdotes make for pleasant reading and complement the projects well!

Skill level: Interm More...
Mar 11, 2009
Kristine added it
A beautiful book, with so many things to love. I actually like Wrenna, despite the chunky yarn that might not compliment my shape. If I loose more weight, there are several tunics (nadine, louisa) I'd love to make. Cybele is unusual but oh so fun and in the era of clothes I'd love to wear. Looking at the louisa tunic again and the lace is very similar to my wrap. I love the sleeves too.
Jun 10, 2009
Marelis rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Gorgeous patterns and pretty yarns pair in this book to make it one of my favorites. Most of the patterns are too advanced for me right now but it did not stop me from buying it with my 50% off coupon. I fell in love with the Wrenna pattern, it makes me think of a gypsy princess. I bought beautiful pink yarn to make it out of. Great book!
Jan 31, 2010
Diane rated it: 2 of 5 stars
While the patterns are lovely I found that in general the gauge of yarn was much too large for the type of knitwear designed, e.g., a camisole of chunky yarn.

When I think of French knits and delicates the image of very fine linens, lace and needle work comes to mind.

I didn't get much out of this book.
May 28, 2010
Y.L. rated it: 5 of 5 stars
If you love all things French as much as I do, and are a knitter, then you must have this book. It is so beautiful - I could look at the pictures for hours. I gave this book 5 stars just for style. I haven't even tried any of the patterns yet, but will soon. I like almost all of them, which is saying a lot!
Jun 18, 2011
Beth rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderfully done! I can't wait to get started. The designs are definitely wearable casually or in the office. I also loved Kristeen's narrative about herself and her knitting and her inspiration.
Jan 03, 2012
Tasneem rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Fabulous designs and interesting presentation. I wish I had type to pull out my knitting needles and get started. Instead, I must await the completion of my thesis [not long now] before I begin.
Aug 24, 2011
Katie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The basic instructions for seamless knitting are clearly written and very helpful. I've used them for projects outside this book and found them easy to understand and helpful.
Oct 23, 2011
Kit rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Love it. Love the styles. Am currently making multiple patterns from this book, and there are more on my list.....
Nov 13, 2009
Miss Mouse rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Some really pretty patterns. Most that I'd never knit myself, but there are some very beautiful, stunning designs.
May 16, 2009
Anna rated it: 5 of 5 stars
These patterns are beautiful, even if I'm not sure that they are all truly wearable. Certainly many of them as as useful as they are lovely, like Viola and Veronique, which I must make soon. Pieces like Satine and Anjou are so feminine and lacy, although I am not sure a Midwestern mother of 2 could get away with wearing them. The short stories of the inspiration for the pieces are charming. Griffin-Grimes also does a nice job of explaining the basics of the different construction methods. These More...
Jul 20, 2011
Bandknito rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Many nice designs, and with constructions that minimize seaming they are enjoyable to knit.
Sep 20, 2011
stephanie clarisse rated it: 3 of 5 stars
3.5

there are some neat cardigans whose patterns I'd love to tackle.
Mar 05, 2010
yoli rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Need to get this book! It's full of those feminine lacy things I love.
Oct 14, 2009
notgettingenough rated it: 4 of 5 stars
What divinely exquisite patterns in the main. None tried, but soon...soon.
May 06, 2009
Virginia rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Love the patterns in this book. Can't wait to make some of them.
Feb 09, 2012
Kim rated it: 2 of 5 stars
Some odd pairings of knits and clothes.
Aug 09, 2010
Elizabeth marked it as to-read
Captivated by the Paloma sweater. I can't wait to start it, but am also a little concerned that I'm way out of my league. Either way, exciting!
Apr 02, 2009
Deodand rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I bought this book initially to view and eventually attempt the cover pattern. I love patterns with deep relief so this was right up my alley. I was surprised to discover that this is also a book about one-piece garment construction - another idea I love. The photos are beautiful, there are several patterns I'll try and the instructions are very thorough, with drawn diagrams explaining the kookier elements. You'd better be an intermediate-to-advanced knitter before taking this book on.
Jun 21, 2011
Mollie *scoutrmom* rated it: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful collection of sylish designs for women of all ages, more interesting than 99% of the competing books. The author is careful to create works that are seamless wherever possible. The sidebars throw light on the design process. The instructions seem clear and are printed in easy-to-read type. I wish I owned a copy, I found it on my public library's "new nonfiction" shelf under Dewey Decimal # 746.432 G851.

(A year later...I found it at Half Price Books...YAY!)
Aug 09, 2010
Heywu rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. The work is interesting and unique. The patterns seem "doable". I would buy this book. In fact, I think I will add to my amazon wish list. The mohair lace coat, shrug and Tunic with the tie were my favorites. Something old is new again.
Jun 07, 2010
Megan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I have yet to knit anything from this book, but I'm mighty chuffed about several of the patterns. One just might make an appearance at Bridget and Martin's reception if I can get it done in time ...
Jul 11, 2010
Kerry rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The patterns in this book are awsome. I love just about every one of them. Now I just have to find the time to try and make something from the book. Then we'll see if it will hold it's 5 stars :)
Dec 27, 2011
Cori rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The designer explains unusual construction techniques very clearly and with excellent schematics. The designs are cute and different from what I've seen before.
Feb 10, 2012
Amanda marked it as to-read
Feb 08, 2012
Elewood rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Jan 31, 2012
Ali rated it: 5 of 5 stars