If you are, or know, a tween or teen girl knitter, you're going to want to pick up a copy of Phoenix Bess' It Girl Knits: 30 Fresh Styles for the Young and Fabulous. This is not one of those books where someone who hasn't been a teenager for awhile is offering patterns for young folks; Bess is a 16-year-old knitwear designer with her own line of patterns, so she knows what girls like her want to knit.
In the book you'll find a wide range of patterns that are casual, fun, flirty and, best yet, easy to knit.
Quick and Cool Knits
Bess understands that, just like adults, today's teens are busier than ever, but they also long for a unique look. Crafting your own clothes is a great way to come up with an outfit that no one else has, and Bess offers lots of options for personalization, including suggestions for projects that could be lengthened and beaded details and other embellishments that you can change as you choose.
The projects are mostly knit in the round so there's no time wasted with seaming (or purling, for that matter). Most of the projects that are not worked in the round are felted projects that are worked in Garter Stitch or projects that are rectangles, like a beach cover up and a shrug.
The patterns include lots of notes and detailed instructions (though some of the pictures leave some details to the imagination, such as what all the waistbands on the pants, skirts and shorts look like) and all of the patterns include "style secrets" explaining how each garment can be incorporated into different outfits.
The Patterns
It Girl Knits includes 30 patterns ranging from dresses and loungy pants to bikinis, tops, a hat, two halter tops, and even knit and felted "Australian shoes."
Most of the patterns have a casual feel, but there are also some that would be appropriate for more formal occasions.
This book is not meant to speak to my demographic (as evidenced by the tube dress with absolutely no shaping), but some of my favorite patterns include the Cropped Leggings, the Sweet and Flirty Empire Dress (with a cute scalloped edging at the hem) and the Designer Caryall, a felted bucket bag with cute details that make it look anything but handmade.
The patterns are arranged for different activities: sunny days, days off, play days and nights. Sizes are all over the map: one top ranges from 24 to 36 inches under the bust, while another (which, admittedly, is ribbed so you've got some play) calls 23 3/4 at the waist extra-large. Some projects go as high as 42 inches at the bust or 43 inches at the waist.
Even so, any girl who likes to knit -- whether she's new to the craft or has some experience -- is sure to find something in this book that she wants to make her own. It's also sure to inspire the aspiring design mogul.
Publication date: October 2008
