Book Review: Graphic Knits

Even though I’ve written a book about colorwork knitting, I have to admit a lot of the projects I knit are worked with a solid color or a self-striping yarn rather than working in stripes or a colorwork pattern on my own.

Colorwork is a lot of fun, though, and it makes projects look a lot more interesting than if they were worked in a solid color or allover stitch pattern.

Alexis Winslow defines graphic in the title of her book Graphic Knits: 20 Designs in Bold, Beautiful Color to mean both colorful elements and variations of stitch pattern in an otherwise solid garment.

Her tops, hats, mitts and other accessories look like a lot of fun to knit and something a little beyond the ordinary in terms of construction techniques and the skills involved.

Some of my favorite projects include the Minnow Top, worked with stripes of chevron lace and eyelets; the Rockling Cardigan, which gives the grandpa sweater a colorwork update; Woodstar beret and mitts, lovely pieces worked in three colors with star and diamond motifs; the Tanager Shrug, an origami-like design worked in three colors of stripes broken up by eyelets; the Liwi Top, a simple Stockinette shell with mesh lace at the bodice; the Sweetness Pullover, a top-down, circular yoke sweater with dots of different colors; and the Burren Pullover, which uses short rows to make skewed stripes.

Check out all the designs on Ravelry.

I think this book is a great one for people who might not knit with a lot of color or who tend to stick to Stockinette. It will broaden your horizons and increase your skill levels while providing you with really lovely projects to wear and use.

About the Book: 136 pages, paperback, 20 patterns (no skill levels given). Published October 2014 by Interweave/F+W, retail price $24.99.

Next Pattern:

There are some vintage knitting patterns that feel like they belong in a hat box with tissue paper, silk gloves, and a very dramatic lipstick. This Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has exactly that sort of old-school glamour.

It is a restored vintage knitting pattern for a delicate triangular lace stole with long fringe, designed to drape softly over the shoulders. The look is very 1950s evening wrap, but it also works beautifully for modern bridal styling, boho wedding outfits, vintage-inspired photo shoots, costume wardrobes, or anyone who likes a little romantic drama in their handmade accessories.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

What I like about this pattern is that it has that lovely “special occasion” feeling without being locked into one use. Yes, it would make a beautiful handmade bridal shawl, especially in cream, ivory, soft white, champagne, or pale blush. But it could also be stunning worn over a simple black dress, used as a vintage-style evening wrap, or made as an heirloom gift for someone who loves classic lace knitting.

The finished stole measures approximately 60 inches across the top and 43 inches along each side, so it has enough width to sit nicely around the shoulders while still keeping that airy lace look. The triangular shape gives it a graceful drape, and the fringe adds movement without making the design feel too heavy.

This is a digital PDF pattern, so no finished stole will be posted out. After purchase, the file is available as an instant download through Etsy, which is always handy if you are in that dangerous “I need a new project immediately” mood. We have all been there. Usually surrounded by yarn we already own, naturally.

The pattern is best suited to confident beginners through intermediate knitters who are comfortable following row-by-row instructions and working basic lace techniques such as increasing, decreasing, slipping stitches, and keeping track of rows. Like many vintage knitting patterns, the instructions may be more concise than modern patterns, so a little patience and a good row counter will be your friend here.

The original pattern calls for fine crochet cotton or thread and No. 11 knitting needles, but as with any vintage pattern, modern substitutions may require some swatching. I know swatching is not the most thrilling part of knitting, but with lace it really does help. A small test piece will show you the fabric, drape, and openness of the stitch pattern before you commit to the full stole.

If you are knitting this for a wedding, photo shoot, formal event, or gift, I would choose the yarn carefully. A smooth cotton thread will give it that crisp vintage lace look, while a softer fine yarn could make it feel more modern and romantic. A light wool blend, silk blend, bamboo blend, or fine cotton could all give different results, so think about whether you want structure, softness, sheen, or drape.

For supplies, you’ll want suitable fine yarn or thread, knitting needles, a tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, and something to help track your rows. Mary Maxim is a good place to browse classic yarns and knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for stitch counters, blocking mats, lace blocking wires, and pattern folders if you like to keep your printable PDFs organised.

One thing I would not skip with this project is blocking. Lace rarely looks its best straight off the needles. Blocking opens up the stitch pattern, evens out the fabric, and helps the stole sit beautifully across the shoulders. If you are making this as a bridal wrap, blocking is what takes it from “I knitted a lace triangle” to “oh, this looks properly elegant.”

This pattern would be a lovely choice for knitters who enjoy vintage accessories, wedding knitting, heirloom-style projects, and lightweight wraps. It has enough detail to feel special, but the finished piece is still wearable and versatile. That is the sweet spot with vintage patterns — beautiful, but not so precious that it never leaves the wardrobe.

If you have a soft spot for romantic lace, fringe, vintage fashion, or handmade bridal accessories, this is a gorgeous little pattern to tuck into your knitting queue.

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