I’ve been totally fascinated by knitting ever since I was a teenager. The thing I love most is when that magic combination of tradition and innovation happens, and the technique, shape, yarn, and stitch pattern lock together to create something unique. As a designer, I’m meticulous about the decisions I need to make to get the shape and style I want, but when I start to knit, the rhythm takes over and time disappears.
This collection of 50 designs shows you how to create stylish, unusual accessories, and stunning garments using the simplest and quickest of stitches and techniques. There are designs for complete beginners, there are designs worked in the round, and there are designs for more adventurous or experienced knitters. The skills needed range from making a garter-stitch square mini-bag or working simple lengths of knitting for sumptuous scarves and wraps through to subtly shaped, fully fashioned jackets. But each design is planned to be as easy as possible for the techniques involved. Edgings are knitted in, row-by-row instructions are given wherever there is shaping, and there are hints and tips to help you get the best out of each design.
One of the joys of knitting is handling the yarn. There’s such a huge choice available on the market now, so for the knits in this book, I’ve experimented with a range of wool and other natural fibers. Enjoy choosing from a variety of weights, or using scraps of left-over yarn mixed and matched for very different effects, or knitting up a soft, super-chunky yarn at speed. The patterns show you how to create simple knits in richly textured fashion yarns, and even how to improvise yarn with designs knitted in string or from ripped fabric strips.
With so many ideas to choose from, I hope that there is something right for you and that you are inspired to take pleasure in knitting for yourself, your family, and your friends. As a guide, each project has the time it took to make. Depending on your experience and enthusiasm, you may take more or less time than given. But however long it takes, remember that knitting isn’t a speed competition—relaxation, enjoyment, and confidence, in your creativity are far more important.