Simple Stitches: Knits with Textured Details
Simple Stitches: Knits with Textured Detailsby Eva Wiechmann offers knitters of all skill levels a collection of simple projects using basic knitting stitches, illustrating that you don't have to have a lot of knitting skill to produce nice garments. All of the projects are for tops, jackets or sweaters, adding textured stitches and techniques to basic Stockinette Stitch designs.Newer knitters are often intimidated by the idea of incorporating multiple stitch patterns into their work. They might start with a basic Garter Stitch scarf or a Moss Stitch blanket, but they might not be as confident using, say, Seed Stitch and Stockinette in the same project, even if they're following a pattern. Simple Stitches aims to take the fear and intimidation factor out of working with multiple stitch patterns by incorporating texture into otherwise basic patterns. Projects include Garter Stitch, Moss Stitch, ribbing, cables and openwork, each combined with Stockinette Stitch, so most of the knitting is still pretty easy.The projects are knit in few pieces so that minimal finishing is required; another bonus for knitters new to garment construction. Each pattern is for a top, coat or sweater, all for women, and all with pretty basic, square, often bulky shapes. Some of my favorites include the Drop-Stitch Vest, a linen/rayon vest worked mostly in Stockinette with dropped stitch detailing along the bottom; the Cashmere Swing Coat, which combines ribbing and a bit of smocking for interest; and the Buttoned Cardigan, a simple Stockinette cardi with Garter Stitch button bands and embellishments. --Sarah E. White, knitting.about.com