Eclectic Closet Litblog, Book Reviews & Knitting Designs

BOOK REVIEW: Lacy Little Knits by Iris Schreier

June11

In the introduction to Lacy Little Knits: Clingy, Soft & a Little Risqué, Iris Schreier begins with two questions: “How can something as beautiful as knitted lace be so frustrating? And knowing this, why on earth do we feel so strongly compelled to create it?” In an effort to avoid the frustration and make lace more accessible, Schreier has tossed out the rules and developed a system to teach knitters how to “read their lace.” The result is designs knitters can start and stop at any point – and even knit while watching T.V.

The twenty-five patterns in Lacy Little Knits build in difficulty, beginning with fairly standard patterns and moving to those featuring multidirectional knitting. The first chapter covers the basics of the stitch patterns and techniques featured in Schreier’s designs. Her goal is that knitters will “be able to understand the construction of the garment…to the point of being able to knit it without having to follow line-by-line instructions.” To that end she includes a section of tips to help knitters ensure success by reading their work.

The majority of the patterns in Lacy Little Knits are for sweaters; however, Schreier also includes two skirt patterns, a sheath, several shrugs and wraps, and one hat. Sizing for the sweater designs range from finished chest measurements of 30” to 51” with the majority falling in the 36” to 44” range. Patterns are shown knit in Art Yarns but all the instructions are given in generic yarns with approximate yardage requirements (e.x. merino wool medium-weight yarn or 3mm-wide silk ribbon). Designs with negative ease include the worn measurement, as well as unstretched measurement. Knitters wishing to undertake additional projects using Schreier’s techniques will find them at www.artyarns.com.