Elemental Knits: A Perennial Knitwear Collection

Knitwear designer Spainhower (Family-Friendly Knits) applies the concept of a timeless wardrobe to this appealing if inconsistent book of seasonally themed knitwear patterns. Displaying expertise in and knowledge about yarn, she provides plenty of helpful advice explaining where and when to use certain types of yarns and how to substitute one for another, when necessary. Praising the material for its versatility, she comments, “I find comfort in knowing I can unravel any garment or accessory... to make something more current and useful” and urges readers to invest in quality garments that can be reused or repurposed over time. Her own choices in earth tones, however, don’t always photograph well (a brown yarn named “ginger root” comes off particularly unfortunately), and the excessive use of variegated yarns can be distracting in patterns where it is important to pick up on details and elements of fit. A tendency to combine textures and techniques in one pattern also make the designs more challenging and potentially less accessible to neophytes. Nevertheless, longtime knitting enthusiasts should appreciate the useful explanations and creative patterns displayed throughout Spainhower’s well-stocked compilation of designs. (Oct.)