Book Review: The Fine Line by Grace Anna Farrow

Long time knitter, Grace Anna Farrow, is a devoted lover of fiber arts. In her fascinating book, The Fine Line: Bold Stripes in Lace Weight Yarn she explores the construction of rectangular, or near-rectangular, knits, shaped by combining unexpected angles together. The structure of Farrow's knits is highlighted by her artful use of color and texture.

The beauty of Farrow's patterns is in their simplicity. It's hard to believe, I know. Look at these creations! But Farrow manages to design innovative shapes and intricate pieces without fussy knitting. There is no complicated colorwork; you are always only knitting with one color at a time. And the shapes are easily created by grouping and stacking increases and decreases, giving life to the classic rectangle.

Below are images of three of the six patterns in The Fine Line... Volt, Dawn and Horizon. Not pictured are Shale, Dusk and Smolder. The names of Farrow's patterns come from nature, as does her inspiration. Her translations of natural things into knits kept me flipping through this one-of-a-kind book!

Pictured above, this aptly named shawl, Volt, uses an ombre chevron and acidic colored, zig-zagging stripe to interpret the pulse and vibrations of electricity.

Again with Dawn (shown above), Farrow uses subtle color changes contrasted with a distinctive, quietly textured stripe. The piece above is formed with three triangles of two different sizes, connected by a pair of strips. Can you find the shapes in the image above? 

The strong diagonal stripes above is another example of Farrow's bias knitting. This pattern, Horizon, combines four triangles and a chevron pattern. Farrow claims, it "...may change the way any knitter looks at the rectangle". I have to agree!

If you are at all interested in structure or color, The Fine Line is a must-have - you can pick up a copy right here. I cannot wait to get started on my very own shawl. The sumptuous hand-dyed 2-ply cashmere and 2-ply cashmere-silk from Jade Sapphire are calling out to me! Check out all of Purl's lace weight yarns here. Start now for the perfect autumn wrap!
--Laura

Comments

[Kristina]

I love this book, the designs are so shocking and beautiful. Very unique!

[Kay]

I've knit 2 shawls from this book (Volt and Dawn)with Jade Sapphire from Purl, and now have a bag of delicious leftovers. I've been preaching to y'all about this book since 2010, and I'm thrilled for Grace Ann Farrow that she's getting the Purl Soho seal of approval.

I now have a delectable bag of cashmere leftovers waiting for a project, and another self-published book recommendation for you: Ann Weaver's "Craft. Work. Knit." Have also devoted some Jade Sapphire to her beautiful designs.

You're welcome, LOL.

Kay

[Trish]

I'm a little confused - this book isn't exactly new. But it is, indeed, awesome. I completed a version of Dawn, with which I learned how to do an I-cord edge. I really loved the pattern and have plans to knit at least a few more patterns from the book.

[Caitlin Kavanaugh]

This book is truly a gem - love all of the designs. Thank you, Purl Bee, for continuously providing knitters with inspiration.

I would love to help promote you and your free patterns more. Please feel free to contact me if you are at all interested. I truly love everything that you feature.

Caitlin, Editor of AllFreeKnitting

[Clare]

I have been drooling over these shawls for a while, now. I love wraps, but am not much of a lace person. These are airy and delicate, and yet contemporary. Glad to see them featured here.