| Easy Turtleback Jackets |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Title: Easy Turtleback Jackets
Designers Sue Childress and Frances Hughes are sisters who’ve operated a yarn shop together since 1984. Their designs have been widely published in books and magazines. They developed their unique and fashionable design, Turtelback Jackets, from a ready-made garment they spotted in a catalog. Not exactly a shawl, not a shrug, and certainly not a Snuggie™ (the blanket with sleeves), the Turtleback is a comfortable, easy-to-wear wrap. Remember making clothes for your Barbie® Doll out of folded rectangles of fabric with sleeves cut in the sides? Then you already know how to make a Turtleback Jacket. Knit a simple rectangle, fold it in half, sew a partial seam leaving room for armholes, and you have a completed Turtleback Jacket. Knit very loosely, the Turtleback jackets have a graceful drape that looks much more tailored than the simple construction method requires. What Yarns does it Feature? To achieve the loose drape needed for a good fit, the Turtlebacks are knit of soft, pliable yarns. The designs are a perfect match for the many bulky and super bulky yarns on the market now. Most of the jackets are made with bulky weight yarn and at a gauge of 16 to 12 stitches/4 inches on big needles. All are knitted in variations of rib stitch in a simple rectangle with no shaping. You’ll finish quickly with very little finishing work to be done. These easy-to-knit jackets use basic stitches, with simple repeats. Despite this simplicity, just a few changes in stitch pattern or yarn choices will produce one-of-a-kind garments appropriate for any occasion. What’s Inside? The Turtleback is highly versatile: it can be worn as a chill chaser in your office, a light jacket, an evening wrap, a bed jacket, or in place of a lap robe to keep you warm as you knit or watch your favorite TV program. The book includes patterns for 8 designs, suitable for all ages, including a child’s version. The comprehensive technical section includes well illustrated and clearly written instructions. You’ll find guidance for all the basic knitting techniques from casting on to casting off. There are instructions for two cast on methods, knit, purl, increase, decrease, SSK, SSP, and invisible increases, too. The dictionary of standard abbreviations is quite useful. The authors also include charts to help you interpret yarn weight symbols and skill level symbols. Using It
All instructions are written in the same clear direct style and illustrated with photographs that show the stitch patterns in detail. Instructions for the pattern stitches are written out and schematic drawings show how to construct the garment. The patterns repeat over 4 rows in all but two of the garments: the exceptions are a two row repeat and a 6 row repeat. Any knitter, from beginner to advanced, will be able to quickly learn the patterns. The excellent technical section supports the patterns and should resolve any questions the knitter may have. Best Pattern (or Best Advice) This book presents variations on a single theme: the Turtleback Jacket. The 8 different designs demonstrate how simple changes in color, yarn, and stitch create distinct garments. As such, the best pattern in this book is the template for the Turtleback Jacket itself. Let your imagination loose and knit up your version of this remarkable garment. Recommendation The Turtleback Jacket has just enough challenge to keep advanced knitters interested and for beginners to develop useful skills. Beginners and more advanced knitters will be captivated by these unique jackets. The Turtleback Jacket is a good project for beginners who want to knit something beyond a scarf or hat, but don’t want to take on a big afghan project. Teachers will find this book to be an excellent resource for beginners, with just enough challenge to go beyond the basics. Whether knit as a gift, a substitute for the “prayer shawl” or a warm wrap, these garments will please nearly everyone.
It is immensely gratifying to knit a useful, stylish project. This book rates a “7”.
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