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Knitting by Design: Gather Inspiration, Design Looks, and Knit 15 Fashionable Projects
Fashion-forward knitters who crave more than a project book will delight in this visually rich collection. Emma Robertson presents a unique and creative approach to knitting as she walks readers through her process from the kernel of inspiration to its rewarding execution. For each of the 15 stylish projects, Robertson presents hand-drawn sketches, eye candy–laden mood boards, and Polaroids of the objects that inspired her—and encourages knitters to think outside of the yarn box by incorporating other materials into their wares, from a knitted vest with a leather pocket to a breezy tank with a dip-dyed finish. With page after page of stunning photography, this book will motivate knitters to look around them, cull inspiration, and design their own fabulous looks.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 8, 2020
Underwhelming.
The patterns themselves are all pretty basic. There are a few stitch patterns employed in the different projects, but nothing really intermediate and certainly not advanced. No cabling, no lace, no entrelac, no interesting construction techniques... It's a collection of predominantly chunky or bulky knits that might be an interesting book for a newer knitter.
However, there are beginner books I'd recommend sooner. This one had all sorts of extra 'artistic' pictures and design ideas, lots of notes on the design process - significantly fewer useful pictures of the patterns or knitting techniques, or useful notes on instruction or advice for the knitting process. For a beginner knitter, the latter would be more helpful.
The only two things that I took of note from this were the ombre dying technique and the felted ball trim to the scarf. Everything else was pretty unremarkable.
The patterns themselves are all pretty basic. There are a few stitch patterns employed in the different projects, but nothing really intermediate and certainly not advanced. No cabling, no lace, no entrelac, no interesting construction techniques... It's a collection of predominantly chunky or bulky knits that might be an interesting book for a newer knitter.
However, there are beginner books I'd recommend sooner. This one had all sorts of extra 'artistic' pictures and design ideas, lots of notes on the design process - significantly fewer useful pictures of the patterns or knitting techniques, or useful notes on instruction or advice for the knitting process. For a beginner knitter, the latter would be more helpful.
The only two things that I took of note from this were the ombre dying technique and the felted ball trim to the scarf. Everything else was pretty unremarkable.
March 11, 2017
Quite a few great projects with good starter design information.
February 1, 2019
A great book with modern designs and projects for every level of knitter. I really enjoyed reading about the design process.
January 27, 2022
I was a little disappointed here. The patterns are really basic and not much is interesting.
December 24, 2014
I had thumbed through this book awhile ago at the bookstore and didn't think it was for me. However I spotted it at the library recently and took it home for a closer look. The book consists mainly of simple accessories and several garments. As the title suggests the book is not just a pattern book but also provides a small glimpse into the author's design process.
While I think the premise of the book is interesting, I found most of the patterns to be very simple and are not very original. I was also really frustrated by the photography in the book. While most of the images would like right at home on a hip blog or Instagram account with the bright colors, blurry was and white backgrounds, they don't know off the knits very well. A lot of the images are blown out and there is more than one instance of a white or light yarn on a white background, making it difficult to see anything. There is a cute pair of shorts but the pics don't show them well and you get a picture of the bottom of the shorts, a picture of them folded and then a few faraway pics of the model dancing in them.
This book might appeal to newer knitters or those who favor simple but eye catching accessories. Personally, while I found some of the designs pretty, I didn't think they were extraordinary and there are other patterns like them out there. The photos also didn't showcase the knits, which really bothered me. The peek into the design process was kind of interesting but if wasn't very detailed or in depth. There are better design books out there. Overall I was pretty underwhelmed and I'm glad I checked it out from the library before purchasing. If this book interests you I'd recommend getting it from the library or flipping through it before you buy to see if it's for you.
While I think the premise of the book is interesting, I found most of the patterns to be very simple and are not very original. I was also really frustrated by the photography in the book. While most of the images would like right at home on a hip blog or Instagram account with the bright colors, blurry was and white backgrounds, they don't know off the knits very well. A lot of the images are blown out and there is more than one instance of a white or light yarn on a white background, making it difficult to see anything. There is a cute pair of shorts but the pics don't show them well and you get a picture of the bottom of the shorts, a picture of them folded and then a few faraway pics of the model dancing in them.
This book might appeal to newer knitters or those who favor simple but eye catching accessories. Personally, while I found some of the designs pretty, I didn't think they were extraordinary and there are other patterns like them out there. The photos also didn't showcase the knits, which really bothered me. The peek into the design process was kind of interesting but if wasn't very detailed or in depth. There are better design books out there. Overall I was pretty underwhelmed and I'm glad I checked it out from the library before purchasing. If this book interests you I'd recommend getting it from the library or flipping through it before you buy to see if it's for you.
July 15, 2016
This is a cute little book. The pallete and swatch pages were gorgeous. The photography is vibrant and sunny. The zig zag scarf sparked my imagination. It's knit in a rick rack rib stitch. I really want to try it in a multicoloured variegated yarn for a missoni-esque scarf.
November 25, 2013
These patterns are not unique at all, nor are they aesthetically pleasing. I was very unimpressed, both by the quality of patterns and the depth of discussion around pattern design.
March 22, 2014
Blech. This is the sort of book that gives knitting a bad name. Every project was hideous.
October 15, 2014
An interesting foray into knitting and design. This would be a book I would consider giving as a gift to a young person interested in both knitting and design, as it does provide for both.
August 11, 2014
Want to make the Balloon Sweater :)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews