Refined Knits

May 15, 2016

In her first book, Wood, who has published numerous designs through her pattern company Wood House Knits, presents 18 new designs incorporating cables and lace. The book is divided into three sections: the first focuses on cable knitting, the second on lace knitting, and the third on cables and lace combined. The aesthetic is classic but not stuffy, and Wood features all-over cables or lace, such as the Willa cardigan, which opens the collection, as well as designs in which the cables and lace serve as an eye-catching detail, as seen in the Corinne pullover, which illustrates an oval lace motif leading into a cable. The patterns are comprehensive, including written and charted instructions, schematics, and notes on construction as needed. Designs are written for bust sizes up to 47" (a U.S. size 20-22), with several sized up to a 54" bust. The only oddity is that Wood's instructions for cabling without a cable needle--a handy skill when knitting sweaters with intricate or all-over cabling--appear before the final pattern in the book rather than at the beginning. VERDICT Combining the intricacy of Alice Starmore's legendary Aran sweaters with Joan McGowan-Michael's feminine, fitted style, Wood's garment designs are best suited to experienced knitters. However, many of the accessories will find an audience with confident beginners.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.