Eclectic Closet Litblog, Book Reviews & Knitting Designs

A litblog dedicated to book reviews/recommendations, as well as literary and publishing news. Now enhanced with knitting designs.

BOOK REVIEW: Romantic Hand Knits by Annie Modesitt

September24

Harkening back to Hollywood’s golden era, Romantic Hand Knits: 26 flirtatious designs that flatter your figure evokes images of a time when sexy didn’t mean skimpy clothing. Figure-hugging silhouettes and feminine styles are sure to turn heads, while satisfying even the demanding fashionista.

Divided into three categories – Above the Waist; Below the Waist; and Accessories – Annie Modesitt’s designs cover all skill levels and incorporate many different knitting techniques. Beginning knitters are provided several simple patterns that incorporate interesting details; the “West Side Story” skirt with its flirty ruffled layers or the sultry “Some Like It Hot” elbow-length lace gloves. Experienced knitters have the option to explore new construction techniques in the stunning tulip skirt “An Affair to Remember” (featured on the book’s cover) or face the challenge of the complex “Notorious” corset sweater. Truly adventurous knitters may wish to try knitted millinery, a specialty of Modeseitt, either with the cloche hat “High Society” or the wide-brimmed “Gone with the Wind” (for more on knitted hats, check out Modesitt’s earlier book Knitting Millinery).

As well as covering all skill levels, Romantic Hand Knits covers a full spectrum of sizes. Finished chest measurements range from 26.5” (67.5 cm) to 57” (145 cm), with the average falling between 30 and 48” (76 to 122 cm).

While taking their style cues from vintage fashion, and the films after which they are named, what makes these designs resoundingly modern is Modesitt’s understanding of fit. Her designs create fabric which drapes to flatter a woman’s curves and uses details such as an interesting yoke or ruffle to draw the eye away from problem areas. Most importantly, she encourages knitters to pull out their tape measures and knit for the body they have, rather than the one of their dreams. As she states: “When we wear clothes that fit us, we look better…Clothes that skim the body, not hug it, tend to be the most flattering.”

Read the review at Armchair Interviews.

Free Pattern for Notorious can be found here.

ISBN10: 030734696X
ISBN13: 9780307346964

Hardcover
144 Pages
Publisher: Potter Craft
Publication Date: August 7, 2007
Author Website: www.anniemodesitt.com

tags:

posted under knitting books
3 Comments to

“BOOK REVIEW: Romantic Hand Knits by Annie Modesitt”

  1. On September 25th, 2007 at 2:15 pm John M. Says:

    Janelle,

    Sorry to clutter your message board, but I couldn’t find a contact–feel free to delete this & email me if you’d like.

    It hasn’t been formally announced yet, and I wanted to point you towards Chapters/Indigo’s new social network on their website: http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/community/. The network is built around Canadian booklovers and authors, and since you’ve got all these great reviews on your site, I thought I’d tip you off.

    Thanks,
    john.connor.mulligan@gmail.com

  2. On September 27th, 2007 at 8:27 pm karen! Says:

    I’m really pleased to see this review. Russell saw this book in the store today, thought about buying it, but was on a mission (to get a wishlist book for someone’s bday). I hadn’t heard of it before so I thought I’d check your blog.

  3. On October 2nd, 2007 at 2:25 pm Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather) Says:

    Sounds like a great book! I wish I could knit…perhaps its time to learn?

    Heather
    http://www.thelibraryladder.blogspot.com

Email will not be published

Website example

Your Comment:

 

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required
Email Preference *
Email Format

Visit my Ravelry Shop

My Knitting Patterns


Audrey II



Angular Path Scarf



Cartouche Stole



Fossetta Cowl



Fossetta Hat



Sargaço Shawl



Whitman Hat



Every Which Way Cowl



Every Which Way Hat



Every Which Way Fingerless Mitts



Gothic Forest Scarf



Valencia Scarf



Branching Path Cowl



Flower Bell Stole



Whitman Cowl



New Tech Cowl



Vieux Carré Stole



Stacks Socks



Anna Perenna Shawlette



Taming of the Fox


Don't Ask Y

Cantilevering Leaves



Amplification Stole



Combs Cowl



Mindfulness Cowl



Tipsy Scarf



Gridwork Scarf
Ravelry Free Download