Even for experienced knitters, sweater knitting can be riddled with pitfalls. Less forgiving than hats or scarves, and demanding significant amounts of time and yarn, sweaters require a commitment. And the custom-fit aspect of a sweater pattern can be intimidating: so many numbers to crunch, with no guarantee of a perfect fit. In her second book, Knit Wear Love, clothing designer Amy Herzog continues to demystify sweater knitting by offering a range of customizable patterns and practical tips.
Herzog (Knit to Flatter) begins by showcasing eight broad styles: vintage, classic, modern, sporty, bohemian, romantic, casual and avant-garde. She asks readers to think about their "sweater personalities" and which type of sweater suits their taste. Then, she offers eight "meta-patterns" spanning a range of popular sweater silhouettes. Each pattern can be customized to fit several style types or embellished with distinctive details. (All eight patterns are also offered in a range of sizes, reflected in the body types of the models who appear in the book.)
Herzog's patterns include ample diagrams, schematics and fill-in-the-blank worksheets to help readers visualize their perfect sweater--whether it's a classic cardigan, a bold striped pullover or a sporty vest. In the book's introduction, Herzog asserts, "Fashion, in our real lives, is about clothing that drops seamlessly into our daily experiences, that's creative, fits us perfectly, and is intimately personal." With Knit Wear Love, readers can design and knit sweaters that fit them--and Herzog's criteria for everyday fashion--to a T. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams