The Bottom Line
Simple Stitches: Knits with Textured Details by Eva Wiechmann offers knitters of all skill levels a collection of simple projects using basic knitting stitches, illustrating that you don't have to have a lot of knitting skill to produce nice garments.
All of the projects are for tops, jackets or sweaters, adding textured stitches and techniques to basic Stockinette Stitch designs.
This book would be a good choice for people who have a little knitting experience under their belts and are ready to try their first or second garment. Knitters with more experience might be a little bored by the patterns.
Pros
- Offers new knitters a look at basic stitches and patterns they can perform.
- Combines stitches into patterns with a classic look.
- Many patterns have a good range of sizes.
- Good photos offer closeups on details.
Cons
- Some patterns might seem a little too basic for experienced knitters.
- Boxy shapes and roomy sizing aren't all that flattering.
Description
- 80 pages, softcover
- 15 patterns, range in skill level from two for beginners, seven easy and six intermediate
- Patterns have two to four sizes, ranging from a smallest of 33 to a largest of 55; most sizes are in the 40s
- Patterns are mostly square and designed to be roomy
- Full-color photographs show full project on model as well as close-ups on details
- Publication date: March 2009
- Publisher's website
Guide Review - Simple Stitches
Newer knitters are often intimidated by the idea of incorporating multiple stitch patterns into their work. They might start with a basic Garter Stitch scarf or a Moss Stitch blanket, but they might not be as confident using, say, Seed Stitch and Stockinette in the same project, even if they're following a pattern.
Simple Stitches aims to take the fear and intimidation factor out of working with multiple stitch patterns by incorporating texture into otherwise basic patterns. Projects include Garter Stitch, Moss Stitch, ribbing, cables and openwork, each combined with Stockinette Stitch, so most of the knitting is still pretty easy.
The projects are knit in few pieces so that minimal finishing is required; another bonus for knitters new to garment construction.
Each pattern is for a top, coat or sweater, all for women, and all with pretty basic, square, often bulky shapes.
Some of my favorites include the Drop-Stitch Vest, a linen/rayon vest worked mostly in Stockinette with dropped stitch detailing along the bottom; the Cashmere Swing Coat, which combines ribbing and a bit of smocking for interest; and the Buttoned Cardigan, a simple Stockinette cardi with Garter Stitch button bands and embellishments.
