Knit Kimono

I rate the book high because of the ideas. Now that I have tried to do a few, I would give it 3 stars, but the system won't let me edit that. I knit by hand and with machines. This book is easily adapted to machine knitting. The author provides a basic platform from which to create. I would say that the projects rank on the level with knitting an afghan, so if a person is not up to that level, best start elsewhere. The knitting itself is quite easy on most all patterns. BUT, I am on my third pattern and had to rip everything out and do my own design. The problem is that if you are not using her yarn, the gauge is a nightmare. If you want the kimono to fit, you have to do some serious gauge knitting. I always knit to gauge, so have to say that has been a problem for me. I ended up just using her ideas and designing my own. It was easier for me (an advanced knitter) than fooling around with her gauge. I'd like to read reviews from people who have actually done some of these patterns rather than ones who are raving about the beautiful ideas and pictures! Might have a different opinion. And, after investing a ton of money to make one.

How can such a boxy shape as the kimono be so universally flattering, whatever one's size or body type? This would seem to be a mystery until one comes upon Vicki Square's book and comes to understand how the sizing of the various panels and the fabric used (in this case which knit fabric used) can make all the difference in fit and drape. The kimono is in so many ways a knitter's dream project with its easy construction and its large panels -- perfect for relaxed straight knitting, for intarsia, for countless stitch variations. I have been knitting kimonos for some time as an alternative to cardigans, both for myself and for children (children love these -- no buttons to snag or mess with!), and with Vicki Square's book I am inspired to take my kimono-knitting a LOT further, and I can't wait to begin. The illustrations are wonderful in this book -- we can see both the knitted garment flat, then seen on the body. Materials and knitting directions are well presented here as well, and diagrams help with planning projects and (for me) with visualizing how the garment comes together. I have not only found several projects here that I want to do just as designed, but I see in my mind's eye several variations I'd like to do that take off from some of the 18 projects here...so this book is a great boost to my knitting creativity. What more could any kimono-lover ask for? A stunning book all-around. Bravo, Vicki, well done!

This is a book of very high standard, print, color and paper quality are excellent and harmonious. The photographs of the 18 Kimono designs are artful, focussed, explicatory and descriptive, showing each model at least once in full size from the back and front, flat and on the body to see the fall of the panels, plus smaller and well detailed views of more intricate points such as the stitch pattern itself, or details on closures, collars, cuffs. The book is well-structured in Introduction, Kimono Basics, Design Your Own Kimono, Glossary, Resources, Bibliography and Index. Advice on adapting the designs and patterns / yarns to your own liking is also provided and is easy to follow. The drawings of the patterns are clear and easy to understand and enlarge, sizes given in inch and cm. Although all designs are based on simple shapes, some require more knitting expertise such as for Intarsia or Fair Isle motifs. For all designs good skills, i.e. uniformity and evenness when knitting stockinette patterns is a definite plus. The simplicity of the Kimono design makes for an eye-catching stunning result that will not be subject to the rapid changes in fashion. The author is Vicki Square. Her books are always of high quality - but the "Knit Kimono" will set the singular standard for books on modular patterns. It is worth buying even just to enjoy reading it and looking at the pictures, a collector's item in the making.

What I like most about this book is its first impression -- The opening pages are about the tradition of the kimono garment: how it's made, some history and a pattern overview so you can design your own kimono using as much or as little tradition as you choose. And the bottom line given in this overview is that basically, all kimonos are the same -- only the details are different. And then the book proceeds to give 18 completely different and lovely patterns. This made me laugh, and made me very happy -- because the design is quite simple. And the possible deviations and derivations are endless. Out of the 18, I have 3 favorites that I intend to try this season -- and at least a dozen ideas for original designs based on the generous and clear descriptions of the basic pattern. This is a book for those of us who love possibilities!