Knitting The New Classics

Yarn firm's patterns.

Yarn firm's patterns.

Created by the author and 10 other top American knitwear designers from Classic Elite Yarns, these 60 fabulous sweaters are classics that will remain in style for years because they feature colors and textures that are fashionable but not faddish. There are projects for both experienced and novice knitters. 80 color and 189 bandw illustrations.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, chances are you’re holding this book because you want to find the right knitting project for a man in your life—be it your husband, your dad, or your best friend. But men are difficult to buy clothes for, not to mention knit for. They don’t want anything fussy, or too trendy. The color palette needs to be classic and the yarn should be soft but§ durable. They want something comfortable they can wear for years. So join knitter extraordinaire Erika Knight as she takes on the knitwear that men love. Knight started her career designing menswear and over the decades she’s completely figured out their clothes-buying mentality. In Men’s Knits, she applies that expertise to come up with 20 projects that guys are sure to wear. Using classic shapes, a mostly neutral palette (but with some teals and chocolates thrown in for the slightly flashier guy), and natural yarns like wool, bamboo, and hemp, every piece is distinctive and stylish. For men young and old, these designs will become the sweaters, vests, scarves, and hats they reach for again and again. The zipper cardigan is perfect for both reading the paper on Sunday morning and a casual dinner with friends on Sunday night. The herringbone sweater will impress his future boss at his next interview, or his future in-laws at their next family gathering. The argyle vest works on every man, whether he’s buttoned-up or laid back. Together, they’ll be the new classics you’ll want to knit, give, and maybe even borrow for years to come. Whether it’s a textured vest or a hand-dyed sweater, you’re sure to find something that’ll look good on the man in your life–and not end up forever buried in his bureau.

A top knitwear designer offers thirty-five retro-inspired patterns that put a new spin on fashion’s timeless trends. In fashion, one day you’re in, the next day you’re out . . . and the day after that, you’re back in again. Designers are always referring to fashion’s rich history as they imagine its present and future, and retro looks remain ever-fresh as they are renewed—and restyled—for the next generation of wearers. That’s precisely what top knitwear designer Véronik Avery is up to in Knitting Classic Style. Mining fashion’s endless archive, Avery has created 35 smashingly contemporary garments that take their cues from decades and designers past. The collection of clothing and accessories Avery presents is organized into four thematic chapters that highlight women’s wear, men’s wear (and its influence on women’s and children’s clothing), traditional ethnic garb, and sportswear. Aimed at both beginning and more advanced knitters, the book’s projects range in difficulty from a simple drawstring purse, French beret, and Afghan-inspired slipper-socks to a shawl-collared cardigan, a geometric ski sweater based on a popular 1950s Native American design, and Avery’s own reinterpretation of the trimly elegant Chanel jacket. The author introduces each project by explaining its historical/cultural roots; Sara Cameron’s moody photos evoke the settings that have inspired Avery’s reworkings of the classics.

A follow-up to KNITTING THE NEW CLASSICS features a collection of 65 classic sweater patterns from the renowned design studios of Classic Elite Yarns, created by 12 of America's top knitwear designers. Each design is shown in large, full-color photos and is accompanied by schematic drawings with necessary dimensions, and charts for pattern work. Beginners will find a helpful how-to chapter. 50 color photos. 175 illustrations.