Splendid Apparel: A Handbook of Embroidered Knits - Softcover

Once in a while a review book lands on my desk that I cannot put down. Knitting is an art in Anna Zilboorg's hands and we can always rely on XRX books to produce a great book with innovative knitting. It's not that embroidered knitting is new, it's just the way that Anna uses it. She has perfectly fused excellent knitwear design with beautiful embroidery that fits snugly into the pattern. Proof that craft is art. This is one of those knitwear books where you think 'I'll knit that one first', 'Gosh, must have that one', 'I want that one NOW'. Eighteen patterns and I would be happy to knit them all, although that gaping waistcoat arm would have to be amended! Intelligent knitwear, stylish to wear and great to knit. Clear photos, excellent design and very clear charts. The embroidery how-to is fabulous. If this book is not the best selling number one knitting book, I'll eat my ball of wool! It doesn't get any better, so this begs the question - what's up next Anna? You MUST buy this not only for yourself but also for all your knitting friends - start a Zilboorg knitting circle. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *

The craft of knitting is devoted to making useful things, and the craft of embroidery is devoted to making useful things beautiful: Splendid Apparel brings these two crafts together. Anna Zilboorg begins with richly textured knit fabrics then adds embroidery for emphasis, color, detail, and sheen. The book includes a dozen embroidery stitches and a library of more than 50 textured knit patterns, and the swatches - photographed both as they come off the knitting needles and after embroidery is added-clearly show the transformations and provide springboards for further experimentation. Stitch basics and step-by-step illustrations help a novice learn the simple motions, try variations, and add a contrasting color, while Anna's cogent comments identify where a knit stitch may require special attention and adjustments to make the emboroidery steps easier. The 18 full patterns in this book are all basic shapes-a few with innovative, join-as-you-go construction.