Knitch Magazine

Title: New England Knits: Timeless Knitwear with a Modern Twist

Author: Cecily Glowik MacDonald & Melissa LaBarre

Date Published: July 2010

Review Date: August 2, 2010

Who is this book for?

New Englander knitters (and most “northerners”) look forward to the approach of Sweater Weather, when the hot dog days are gradually replaced by cool evenings giving way to arid autumn days and chilly nights. Starting in early autumn and lasting well into early summer, Sweater Weather is the time for woolies: warm cozy garments that wrap you in a hug. New England Knits is a new collection of toasty garments that will chase the chill from any season. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of New England knitters, the authors present sensational cardigans, pullovers, hats, mittens, scarves and jackets that reflect this charming region. As the title suggests, designs in this collection are vintage metamorphosed to contemporary in style, color and fit. Regardless of your skill level, you will find a project that’s perfect for you.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

Traditionally, New Englanders knit with wool for its warmth, wicking ability, and durability. It is also one of the most luxurious fibers on the planet, one that has yet to be duplicated by any chemist. Wool, in all its amazing variations is used in all the projects in this collection. Garments of yak, camel, cashmere, alpaca, merino, kid, Icelandic roving, tweed, heather, organic wool, and rustic Candide fill the pages. Some of the wools are blended with silk or bamboo, but it is the wonder of wool that brings the fit, shape and texture to these garments. Gauges range anywhere on the spectrum from classic worsted to bulky, sport and ultrafine.

What's Inside

New Englanders warm themselves from the morning chill with hot tea and a wooly cardigan. Terry robes don’t warm you all the way down to your core the way a deep collared well-worn cardigan can bring total comfort. New England Knits is filled with 25 casually comfortable designs from the authors and a team of guest designers representing New England yarn companies. They are all contemporary, stylish and fun to knit. There’s not a plain turtleneck in the lot. Simple shapes are modernized with waist shaping, bandeau necklines, clever embellishments, and tailored stitch details. If you are going to spend the time and money to knit a jacket or cardigan, you’ll first want it to be good looking, but you also want knitting that keeps you interested right up until you cast off the second sleeve! These designs will do all that and you’ll have a garment that you’ll be able to use much longer than your next mobile phone.

Using It

The garments are loosely arranged into three chapters representing the geography of the region: charming New England villages, mystic farms and the dramatic seacoast. Photographed in strong clear light under pale blue New England skies, the garments stand out crisply against the scenery. Each full color shot is accompanied by a brief description. The projects are not rated as to level of difficulty, so check over the schematics, the pattern stitch information, and finishing information, and you’ll know whether or not you'll need help with the project. For example, the Greenfield cardigan is quite simple to knit from the top down. Another cardigan, the Melrose pea coat, is a simple box shape with seed stitch cuffs, hem front panel and neckband, and it features a pretty Guernsey-style flower panel on the back. While not difficult, you’ll need to know how to knit from a chart. Many of the patterns include helpful tips from the designers. Read these even if you don’t choose to make the garment as it will expand your skill set. The Montague bulky lace vest is knit in pieces and seamed together and the authors provide helpful hints about seaming with roving-style yarns.

We have come to rely on Interweave Press to produce well diagrammed and thoroughly documented instructions. These instructions are supplemented by a 12-page glossary that illustrates every technique you’ll need to know to complete the projects. Nearly everything is covered here. You might expect to find several methods for casting on and off in the glossary, but even Dear Emily Ocker’s Cast-on is thoroughly explained. If you don’t know how to cast on using this technique, make a point to learn this masterful method. Learn the secrets of picking up stitches, grafting and making seams. These lessons will transform your finishing and give you pride in your work.

Best Pattern (or Best Advice)

Nearly every garment in this book uses waist shaping for a perfect fit. In some, like the Old Port pullover, the shaping becomes a design element. In others, it’s so cleverly disguised that you might not know it’s there. The Greylock tunic has a figure-flattering fit due to waist shaping. Without the waist shaping, this tank-dress might look like a vintage potato sack gown from your Brownie days. Get into your curves and add some waist shaping to enhance the drape and fit of your next cardigan.

Recommendation

In the patois of New England, “Ayup, this book is a good choice.” New Englander s, who tend to slow down life in order to savor the many seasons, are likewise in no hurry to finish what they say. Maybe that’s why they add the "a" prefix to the present participle “yup”. Regardless, it’s an endearing regionalism that I’ll use it to endorse this book. The stylish, classically contemporary, and All-American garments will perk up your wardrobe and bring you cozy comfort when the cold winds blow.

Overall Recommendation