Elemental Knits

August 5, 2019
Knitwear designer Spainhower (Family-Friendly Knits) applies the concept of a timeless wardrobe to this appealing if inconsistent book of seasonally themed knitwear patterns. Displaying expertise in and knowledge about yarn, she provides plenty of helpful advice explaining where and when to use certain types of yarns and how to substitute one for another, when necessary. Praising the material for its versatility, she comments, “I find comfort in knowing I can unravel any garment or accessory... to make something more current and useful” and urges readers to invest in quality garments that can be reused or repurposed over time. Her own choices in earth tones, however, don’t always photograph well (a brown yarn named “ginger root” comes off particularly unfortunately), and the excessive use of variegated yarns can be distracting in patterns where it is important to pick up on details and elements of fit. A tendency to combine textures and techniques in one pattern also make the designs more challenging and potentially less accessible to neophytes. Nevertheless, longtime knitting enthusiasts should appreciate the useful explanations and creative patterns displayed throughout Spainhower’s well-stocked compilation of designs.

October 1, 2019
In her second book, knitwear designer Spainhower (Family-Friendly Knits, 2015) puts the emphasis on designs that are simple, useful for layering, and can be part of a core-collection wardrobe that encourages women to focus on garments that are better-made rather than having many clothes made of cheaper material. Spainhower organizes her projects by the seasons, with special focus on the yarn to be used so they will come out properly. Before the section that includes patterns, she provides extensive information about knitting, fitting, and how to read patterns. The 20 projects include sweaters, vests, shawls, and cowls, beautifully photographed in color and highlighted with bits of haiku as the seasons change. The patterns themselves are, for the most part, straightforward and easy to read (as are the good-size charts) with notes at the end giving extra information. Perhaps because of the emphasis on long-wear usage, several of the sweaters seem a bit old-fashioned rather than classic, but still, most knitters will find something appealing here, and if not, this is still lovely to look at.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)