Knitting

Patterns, projects and techniques

A Couple of Books for Your Feminine Side

by

feminine knitting books

These books are going to Iryna.

This week I’m giving away two books that are perfect for you ladies who love feminine details and cozy knits.

Essentially Feminine Knits by Lene Home Samsøe has 25 patterns that are both rustic and feminine. There are Garter Stitch patterns, projects with leaf motifs, others that focus on the structure of the garment, cable patterns and lace. From the publisher:

Focusing on Samsøe’s signature botanical lace motifs, this collection offers designs with a variety of beautiful effects. Inside you’ll find original sweaters, tops, jackets, hats, scarves, and mittens. Each pattern reveals elegant detailing, a flattering silhouette, and classic style, all of which are combined with a playful and modern sensibility.

The projects featured in this book range from simple and quick to more in-depth–with the use of unique pattern instructions. Samsøe’s unique style guarantees boldness and authenticity, and the patterns from Essentially Feminine Knits will keep you refined, chic, and simply feminine.

A Handknit Romance by Jennie Atkinson is full of 22 vintage-inspired patterns for garments and accessories that are high on details like beads, lace, ruffles and tons of shaping.

Inspired by women’s clothing, lingerie, and accessories of the past, A Handknit Romance offers intricate and exquisite designs. Step back in time with techniques including pin-tucks, picot trims, crochet edges, lace beading, and embroidery that convey modest and flirty classic fitted patterns using a range of lace, superfine, fine, and light yarn weights.

Designer Jennie Atkinson’s attention to detail in each piece makes for a gorgeous collection of unique, precious garments that reflect today’s vogue for vintage-inspired fashion. A Handknit Romance offers beautiful projects that range from small accessories to full-size garments and suit beginner and seasoned knitters alike. Plus, this knitting resource has great advice on yarn substitutions as well as tips on how the patterns can be customized to fit all sizes.

If you’d like to win these books, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, July 16. I’d love to know who you would knit these pretty designs for.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Save

Next Pattern:

Comments

  5. I would knit for myself and my daughter – as long as I let her choose the pattern and yarn!

  8. I have a dear friend who has been so kind and generous with her time. I’d like to find that special sweater or gift for her.

  13. I’d definitely knit something for myself first. I’ve seen this Essentially Feminine Knits book, and it’s beautiful. Thanks for another great giveaway!!

Have you read?

Knit a Garter Stitch Blanket with a Twist

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]