Knitting Little Luxuries: Beautiful Accessories to Knit (Interweave Press, 2007) by designer Louisa Harding is "traditional knitting infused with a contemporary spirit." Harding was inspired by the way women who knit form communities, and the way a craft is passed from generation to generation.The collection was also inspired by knitwear and clothing designs from the 1940s and 1950s, and is a charming and eclectic mix.
Vintage Knits
Many of the 21 patterns have a vintage flair. They are organized into four chapters, each with a different aesthetic: eclectic and quirky; textured and modern; pretty and feminine; traditional and folk. These styles are meant to "reflect the different sides of women," and "appeal to [women's] different personalities."
All the patterns will appeal to women who appreciate eclectic details and vintage style. The book's beautiful photographs evoke these feelings of femininity and nostalgia, Since the book is meant to honor women's differences, however, it would have been nice to see more diversity among the body types of the women modeling these knits.
Simple Knitwear Designs
But the beauty of this knitwear collection is in the pattern design.. Many of the patterns look more complicated than they are. Intentionally easy to knit,, the finished clothing and accessories can be customized with simple embellishments like vintage buttons, silk ribbon embroidery, and knitted flowers, to make each knitted accessory, as Harding writes, "as individual as the women knitting them."
Other thoughtful details make these patterns easy to knit. The embellished mitten patterns and fingerless glove patterns, for example are knitted on two needles rather than knitted in the round. Most of the hat patterns are also knitted on two needles. And though all of the patterns are shown knitted in Louisa Harding Yarns, the author also gives the yarn weights (all worsted, DK, or chunky weight) for every pattern. Not only are these yarn weights quick to knit with, they are also easier for beginning and intermediate knitters to work with.
The patterns in the book include:
- a knitted beret, beanie and a toboggan
- knitted wraps
- textured, knitted purses
- mittens and fingerless mittens
- lace shawl and scarf patterns
- a knitted pillow
- a knitted tunic with diagonal cable design
- a knit cardigan
Knitting Stitches to Add Lovely Details
A little complex for beginning knitters, most of the patterns are great for intermediate knitters who want to create beautiful accessories with whimsical details. With these patterns, knitters can learn new techniques and build up their skills without taking on an overly complicated pattern or large project.
A few of the techniques are more advanced. But the book includes simple knitting instructions and an illustrated glossary of the knitting stitches and embellishing techniques needed to knit the patterns. Some of the knitting techniques in the book are:
- textured knitting stitches
- cables and bobbles
- fair isle designs for a purse, scarf and hats
- lace edging on knitted fabric
- making tassels, fringe and pom-poms
- embroidering knits
Knitting Gifts
Some patterns in this book may not be the most practical for everyday wear, but will make lovely gifts for sisters, mothers, grandmothers and friends. These accessory patterns – small purses, scarves, hats, mittens and wraps – make good gifts because they are simple and quick to knit. And most of the patterns do not require knowledge of the recipient's measurements.
With simple patterns, pretty embellishments and funky details, these patterns are as pretty to look at as they are fun to knit. Truly luxurious, these designs will make knitters long for chilly winter days – perfect for such cozy, romantic women's knits.
Knitting Books by Louisa Harding
Harding is a U.K..-based knitwear designer and author of several other knitting books:Natural Knits for Babies and Moms: Beautiful Designs Using Organic Yarns (Interweave Press, 2006); Hats Gloves Scarves: Easy Designer Knits for Family and Friends (Hamlyn, 2003);the Miss Bea Collections from Rowan Yarns Ltd.; and Cardigans:(Sixth&Spring, 2010)
Harding also produces a line of yarns: Louisa Harding Yarns, and has been a frequent contributor to knitting magazines, including: Rowan and Vogue Knitting.
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Publication Information
Knitting Little Luxuries: Beautiful Accessories to Knit by Louisa Harding. Interweave Press, 2007. Price: $21.95 US/$27.95 CANADA. ISBN 978-1-59668-054-8
Alison Fletcher - Alison Fletcher is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. She has nearly a decade of experience in the craft and picture framing ...
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