Metropolitan Knits: Chic Designs for Urban Style

by Melissa Wehrle

Big city. Big style. Discover knitting that's fashionable yet timeless. Knit for uptown or downtown with a trend-setting New York City designer. With these 20 polished, sophisticated projects, knitwear designer Melissa Wehrle has created a collection that perfectly reflects the rhythm, flavor, and drama of city life. From a chunky cabled sweater and hat to a beautiful tunic and gossamer cardigan, Melissa's designs are beautifully shaped, expertly finished, and ready to be shown off on the street. They feature a variety of construction and finishing techniques, including knit-in pockets, tabs, button details, slip-stitch edgings, and small slits and pleats. Projects are divided along three Heart of the City - Designed for those who enjoy sleek midtown in mind. Urban Bohemia - The downtown bohemian goddess will love these looks. City Gardens - Made to inspire a sense of tranquility. These three looks balance out a complete picture of the modern woman. What more could a city knitter need?

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2013

Reviews

[Arie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much to my taste, aside from a lovely little pair of mittens. I'd give it an extra star anyway, but it really is just "ok".

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of really cute sweater patterns. Most of them feature some intricate design that isn't *the whole sweater* so you could easily knit the sweater without the lace or cable detail, or try your hand at it if you're looking for something a little tangy (to use Knitty's terminology). There were a handful of patterns for hats, gloves/arm warmers, and scarves as well. I'll be trying a few of them, although I loved about 80% of the patterns in the book.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 5 stars because the patterns are SO beautiful, but I have not tried any of the projects yet. I may update this review if they prove to be way too complex but man, I really want to make everything in this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It is not often I want to knit nearly all the patterns in a knitting book, but I love the designs in this one. Gorgeous designs which make me want to cast on immediately.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a decade old by the time I got to reading it and it, unfortunately, disappointed me. I got off on the wrong foot by reading the text that opens Chapter 1. It sounds much like a curator's blather at a museum exhibit. Then I couldn't help myself, and, like onlookers to a car wreck, I had to read each chapter's opening drivel. Clearly I was annoyed. Additionally, there is not one pattern that I would knit. But there are lots of interesting details (tabs, hoods, inset lace panels) and some details that, to me, are failures. The Open Air Pullover's surplice shape seems very baggy and not flattering at all. The ruching above one's butt in the Carriage House Cardigan is something I would avoid at all costs! Most of the silhouettes are too long for my liking. Photography is good. I can't speak to the correctness of the patterns.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

some beautiful sweater patterns - but too many ideas so little times - one to come back to.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several fairly modern knit patterns with some interesting textural elements. Nice addition to a collection.
All read

[Dana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was lovely. The projects within are a wide array of stylish designs that would be flattering to a number of body sizes and styles. With clean lines and creative patterns, this book has a ton of ideas for finishing and some unique styles that really caught my eye. It is easy to see that this designer really knows her stuff and has crafted each piece with loving care and attention to detail. The patterns are clearly marked, letting you know how many stitches you are shooting for at the end of the row (thank goodness!) and the color pictures are simply lovely. For those who need some knitting reminders, there is an excellent how to section at the back of the book.

The Secret Garden Tank is gorgeous. The light green yarn that was used on the front portion is very mellow and soothing. When you flip it around, the back portion splits toward the bottom, revealing an ecru lacy panel. Simply divine.

The Museum Sweater is done in a lovely olive green with an arched pattern that is truly lovely. The turtleneck cowl look is drape like and adds an elegance to the piece that is inspirational.

For those (like me) who are more comfortable with smaller projects, the Opera Mitts and Uptown Scarf are divine. The scarf is done in a grey yarn that goes with anything and the opera gloves have a finely tuned sense of detail befitting their name.

All in all, this book has some wonderful pieces that are both classic and modern at the same time. The polish and sophistication of these designs are very chic and urban and make me itch to pick up my needles and give them a try. Great pics, good directions (written) and totals at the end of the rows make for a great and informative set of projects.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

4/5

[Kristine]

The photographs in this book were really nice - lots of good angles of each piece, very clear. I like the styling for the pics as well. Patternwise, the cover /
sweater, Meier Cardigan, was by far the one that made me most interested. I found that I already own this pattern in Knit Edge when I went to queue it! Le Cirque Was a nice shape. Brooklyn Bridge would be nice to see on other people (it was pointed out by a friend that the model was having to hold it funny!). Secret Garden is very me. So overall, a nice book worth looking through.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few pretty patterns in here, but I have several problems with this book, the main one being that none of these sweaters seem functional. I like a lightweight cardigan as much as the next person, but when I think of "chic designs for urban style" I think of people also existing in the city during the winter! Additionally, most of these require strict adherence to gauge, and I mean STRICT. I am usually okay adding or subtracting a few stitches here and there to make a piece fit, but I really struggled here.

Recommended to your crafty friend in a warmer climate.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great patterns, but my size isn't included in the range, and the patterns don't appear easily alterable.

8-23-15 Love Carriage House Cardigan. Will check this out again as I get closer to my goal weight.

10-23-17
Still love the Carriage House Cardigan. Might be a good first sweater. Love the style of the rest of the patterns, too.

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked at this book on Amazon about a dozen times before I finally broke down and bought it used in very good condition (looks new to me!) but the best patterns are in the first three patterns which is the cover photo cardigan and a cute open fingered mittens.
I'm not sure that I should have bought this so I would recommend borrowing it from the library.

[Julie Bothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I like so many of the patterns in it. I've made two of the patterns (Opera house mitts and Meier Cardigan) and have the yarn for another already planned. The instructions are nice and clear. The pictures display what the finished project should look like. I look forward to making other projects in this book.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photos are nice, and showcase the garment well, but that is the point ;) The patterns are written in multiple sizing, so there should be little math if you get the gauge.

All in all, a nice book that I would probably try to make some of the garments. I really liked the cardigans.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Most books have several patterns that I would consider knitting and in this book there are only a few that I wouldn't make. She has a good fashion sense.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several are nice. Maybe some day if I try knitting a sweater again I'll do 1 of these 3 sweaters I like.
All patterns for females.

[Marielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty generic patterns

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been through this book a gazillion times! Looking forward to FINALLY making something from it soon!

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of pretty designs but not one that I would make without modifications.

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Wehrle has lovely patterns but most are stripes or patterns that will look horrible on me. Her patterns are for young and skinny women.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Current styles & fairly advanced projects. Definitely worth taking a look at.