Musing by Knitwits - Brave New Knits

Published: August 2010

Publisher: Rodale Books

Pages: 256

Copy Provided by: NetGalley

Summary: Amazon.ca

Summary:

Brave New Knits is the first book to celebrate the convergence of traditional hand-knitting and modern technology. The Internet has made it possible for the knitting community to connect through photos, pattern-sharing, and blogs that document the knitting projects and passions of dozens of designers and enthusiasts. With a Foreword written by Jessica Marshall Forbes, co-founder of Ravelry.com, Brave New Knits includes 26 must-have garment and accessory patterns, all gorgeously photographed by knitting celebrity Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed. Contributors range from established designers like Norah Gaughan, Wendy Bernard, Anne Hanson, and knitgrrl Shannon Okey, to rising stars such as Melissa Wehrle, Connie Chang Chinchio, and Hilary Smith Callis. In-depth interviews with the designers reveal their design philosophy and passions. From shapely sweaters and delicate shawls to fingerless gloves and stylish hats, each of the knitted designs features detailed directions and charts to inspire both the beginner and experienced knitter.

Review:
After just a quick review of this e-book (Thank you Rodale Publishers!), I found that the author just jumped right into instructions and I found it hard to follow, wondering where the photos of the finished project were. I prefer to flip through the book and look at the pictures while deciding if the pattern instructions are do-able for me. I eventually found the pictures at the end of the book and I must tell you, they are GORGEOUS!  Why these babies don't have front and center attention at the very beginning of the book is beyond me.  I would like to try something myself (to add to my overflowing unfinished project closet) because these sweaters are absolutely stunning. One of the nice things about this book was that the designers were interviewed and you could learn a little bit about them. What a nice way to combine contemporary methods of sharing in the knitting community (online blogs, websites) with a traditional craft.

My favorites - The Global Cable Coat, Krookus, Silke Jacket, and the Origami Shrug.

Many of the instructions included cables (which I have yet to attempt) and seemed a bit more for an advanced knitter but there were several accessory projects which may be more suited to a beginner level to start with. I may be putting this one on my Christmas wishlist!