Knit So Fine: Designs with Skinny Yarn by Lisa R. Myers, Laura Grutzek and Carol Sulcoski aims to convince knitters that working with skinny yarn is worth the effort. They make a convincing argument, and provide 21 patterns that will help knitters explore the wide world of fine knitting.
The book is a lot of fun to look at and to read, and it may just convince even die-hard heavy-weight knitters to try their hand at something a little skinnier.
For the Love of Fine Yarns
The authors provide plenty of reasons you might want to try knitting with finer-gauge yarn (which they define as anything thinner than worsted weight), even if you've been devoted to heavier knits in the past. Here are just a few of their reasons:
- Thinner yarn makes for a fabric with more drape, which means your garments will look nicer on you.
- Having more stitches and more rows to work with makes it easier to customize a garment to your shape.
- Skinny yarns are usually less expensive per yard than the bulkier ones, so even though you need more of them you'll pay less.
- Knits that take longer get you more entertainment out of that less expensive yarn purchase.
- Some techniques are just better knit fine, such as color work, lace, cables and other textures.
- Fine knits seem to wear better than chunky knits.
The book even illustrates some of these points in case you don't believe them. For example, there are pictures of a Barbie doll in a chunky tube dress and a finer-gauge dress. If a plastic doll looks better in a fine-knit dress, imagine how much better you'll look?
It also describes how you can save more than $300 on that cashmere sweater you've always been wanting to knit by choosing a fine yarn instead of a heavier one. And again, you'll get a lot more entertaining knitting time for your buck because it will take a lot longer to knit.
The Patterns
If the book manages to convince you that knitting with fine yarn is worth a try (and I think it really does make a good argument), it also provides 21 patterns that will give you a taste of the skinny life. They are broken down into four categories:
- Simplicity: for people who are new to knitting with fine yarn and tiny needles.
- Speed: to show knitters that a project in skinny yarn doesn't have to take the rest of your natural life.
- Style: showcasing fashionable knits you'll love to wear.
- Shine: these detailed, not-for-beginners projects show you what a talented designer (and knitter!) can do to showcase thin yarn in all its glory.
There are vests and tops (including one cabled vest knit in the round inside out to avoid all those purls), sweaters, a scarf, a beret, a lace wrap and probably the most detailed fingerless gloves and legwarmers you've ever seen.
Some of my favorite patterns include the Mohair T-Neck, a shirt knit with two strands held together for more coverage where you need it and using just one strand where see-through is appropriate; the Cowlneck Pullover, an easy pattern with paired eyelets running down the center of the sweater and the sleeves; and the gorgeous Lattice Lace Pullover, which just looks like one of those sweaters you'll never want to take off.
Other highlights include the cute and classic Bamboo Skirt and the Wrap Dress, which would be a huge time commitment but would provide you with a classy dress you can wear for years.
Bottom Line
Knit So Fine is a beautiful book that is sure to inspire knitters of all skill levels to try something a little skinnier. There are patterns that would be suitable for new knitters who are comfortable with the small yarn and needles required, as well as projects that will be entertaining to experienced knitters.
The newish knitter could use this book now and continue to work with it as she expands her repertoire of techniques. It may even keep some knitters from knitting that first giant bulky sweater.
Publication date: June 2008.
