Molly's Sketchbook: Book Review, Reversible Knitting by Lynne Barr
Reversible Knitting is the new book by knitter and author Lynnne Barr and it's truly amazing! Many of you may recognize Lynne Barr's name because of her previous book, the lovely Knitting New Scarves, which has been a favorite of ours at Purl since it was released. This new book is also destined to become a favorite because of it's well explained and truly innovative approach to knitting. It's not very often that anything really new is brought to knitting. It is, after all, a craft with a very long tradition, but this book is filled with tons of absolutely original stitch patterns.
All of the stitch and garment patterns in this book are totally reversible in the most interesting ways. The word reversible in this context doesn't mean that the patterns are the same on both sides. Rather, most of the work has two distinct and equally intriguing sides and that makes this book extra fun. Below is a beautiful example:
Here is side A of Barr's lovely I-Cord Cable stitch pattern...
And here is side B. I'm not sure which one I like better. I am fantasizing about an unexpected and lovely scarf made from this pattern!
After detailing the 50 new stitch patterns, the book goes on to share some truly fascinating garment patterns. One of our favorite of these patterns is the cozy and pretty Winding Path sweater, designed by Wenlan Chia.
Here is the first view...
..and here is the second. Notice that this sweater isn't turned around or inside out but actually tuned upside down in the two different views so that the neck becomes the waist. This is just so brilliant!
I would recommend this book to any avid knitters out there who think they've seen everything because it will really get you thinking in new directions! As a very special holiday treat we are also doing a giveaway for this book (as well as Kata Golda's Handstitched Felt for the sewers out there) on our featured sponsor page. Please click here to enter! The book's publishers, STC Craft/ Melanie Falick Books, are also running their own Reversible Knitting contest. You can enter it, and check out Lynne Barr's book tour schedule here.
Happy (reversible) knitting!-- Molly
December 9, 2009 | Print | Email | Share | in Knitting, Lynne Barr, Patterns, Books + Magazines | 8 Comments
Reader Comments (8)
..and here is the second."
Were these supposed to be links? For me, they are just words...
This post is making me want to stretch out of my comfort zone. Kudos, Lynne Barr for being so innovative, and kudos Molly for posting.
skye