Vicki Square

A nice new approach to knitted shapes. I think you have to like kimonos to appreciate some of the designs but there's something in this book for everyone. I surprised myself at how much I liked this book. There are several designs I want to knit for myself so much that I bought it just for those. I like the history of the kimono in the front of the book & recommend this one to anyone who likes simple elegant shapes with texture.

Knit Kimono is another little gem from Interweave Press. The book provides an explanation of how the traditional kimono is cut from a single long rectangle of cloth into 7 pieces. Immediately it is evident why this might be an appealing knitting project for people who mainly knit scarves. One can knit a kimono without havign to keep track of stitch increases and decreases. The brief history of kimonos covers the variations in the garment over time.

A simple worksheet is provided for the show more knitter who would like to "Design Your Own Kimono", along with a few suggestions for possible variations. The 18 patterns include long and short vests, as well as kimonos of varying length. There is a kimono pattern that is knit from cuff to cuff, and another that is knit from front to back in a single piece.

For every kimono pattern there are several color photograhs, including closeups of stitch patterns. I haven't actually knit any of these yet, but my confidence in the patterns is boosted by the multiple photos. I have knit sweaters that left me feeling that the photographer had arranged things so that an ill fitting sweater looked great in the picture.

All the patterns in the book are for a medium weight worsted yarn, with various fibers used for different sweaters.

My next project is coming out of this book. show less

This book has inspired me to think about making projects that assemble once again. The projects are worked in weights and needle sizes that I use, and some of the designs are deceptively simple but create beautiful projects.

This is an excellent, portable reference book for both beginning and experienced knitters. I use it all the time ans find it incredibly handy.