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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: The Perfect Finish
Author: Kara Gott Warner, Editor Date Published: 2010 Review Date: November 2, 2010
Who is this book for? Most knitters will tell you they are captivated by their craft because of the endless potential presented by a bit of yarn and a set of needles. While new knitters can quickly learn to make a scarf, circular hat, or even a simple sweater, achieving a perfect finish in more complex garments can be a lifelong quest. Pattern books and stitch dictionaries roll of the presses, but few of them focus on the finishing touches that distinguish fine quality hand knitting. Newly published by the House of White Birches, The Perfect Finish stands out as a comprehensive tutorial on finishing knitwear. The Perfect Finish is geared for beginners, but expert knitters will find this a helpful reference guide, too. This book will show you the blocking, weaving and seaming techniques you need to know in order to artfully seam all those sweater pieces together. It will lead you through the mysteries of I-cord, Kitchener stitch, fully fashioned shaping, and short rows. You will learn how to plan and place collars, buttonholes, zippers and pockets.
What Yarn Does it Feature? All the samples and projects in the book are knit with solid color medium weight yarn, available from the suppliers listed in the reference section. The yarns have a smooth surface that helps illustrate the finishing techniques. Large photographs clearly show each stitch, helping guide you to perfect results. To get the most from this book, knit sample swatches as you learn each of the techniques. If you use the same or similar yarn as used in the samples, you’ll be able to compare your knitting directly to the model.
What's Inside Kara Gott Warner called on a group of talented knitwear designers who shared their expertise and experience. She assembled the information in an easy to follow logically arranged chapters. The writers describe each technique in simple prose that is accompanied by excellent close-up photography. Beginners can take the time needed to study the photographs as they learn to see the details that make for fine knitting.
In a unique twist for a technical guide, The Perfect Finish includes a bonus section with practice projects featuring the skills described. To cement the learning, these bonus projects challenge you to add a pocket, zippers, button bands and surface embellishments. These compelling designs will encourage beginners to stretch their skills and more expert knitters will be charmed by these stylish garments. Take a moment to get to know the experts who contributed to the book. Read the biographical sketches of each designer and you’ll recognize them as contributors to popular knitting media. The directory labeled “special thanks” to lists the contributions from each designer. The designers’’ stories and accomplishments will inspire you to continue developing your skills in knitting and finishing.
Best Pattern (or Best Advice) The Perfect Finish is filled with solid information. The “best” advice might be that which gets you out of your current jam or that which gives you the knowledge you need to finish off a stalled project. Overall, however, two chapters in this rich book stand out: Kate Atherley’s chapter “Preplanning with Finishing in Mind” and Jennifer Hagan’s “Blocking Fundamentals”. The former includes a trove of thoughtful tips that will help you avoid problems and make your knitting more enjoyable. Perhaps more than any other skill, good blocking will enhance your knitting and simplify the finishing. Study Jennifer Hagan’s chapter on blocking tips to learn this valuable skill, and invest in the tools she uses. You can also refer to the introductory chapter and resource guide for more information about essential tools.
Recommendation Even if you don’t plan on adding a zipper or pockets to your next garment, sooner or later you will come across a project calling for these skills. The Perfect Finish is a comprehensive resource that you can use to build basic skills like increasing and decreasing, casting on and binding off. You’ll also find it a valuable reference for customized details like pockets, embellishments and buttonholes. Overall Recommendation This excellent reference guide is a must have for every knitter’s library, especially beginners who need guidance on finishing techniques. It rates #10.
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