Romantic Hand Knits: 26 Flirtatious Designs That Flatter Your Figure

The patterns in this book look well made and nice, but unfortunately this book isn’t made for everyone. Lots of knitting books tend to cater to wider, older bodies (because that is who knits for the most part) but it can make the fit of items very wonky on someone slimmer. Many of the clothes in this book have a silhouette aimed to make the body appear slimmer and longer, which may be romantic for someone with a wider figure, but on someone petite it only enhances the little-boy look. This book is not for someone both small and romantic. That being said, there are some very nice patterns and for such a small price.

The patterns in this book are so beautiful and wonderfully girly taht I had to get it the day it came out. I have already made 2 of the skirts,An Affair to Remember & Now,Voyager. I have also made the long gloves and am in the mide of the dress titled "The Bishoops Wife". when I got this book I was wondering if I was ever going to make any of the beautiful things in it because they seemed so hard. But after sitting down and reading the patterns I realized that they were really very easy to make. I am not very girly when it comes to my clothing,but I made a exception in the case of this book and would glady do so again. On of my faves to date!!

Harkening back to Hollywood's golden era, Romantic Hand Knits: 26 flirtatious designs that flatter your figure evokes images of a time when sexy didn't mean skimpy clothing. Figure-hugging silhouettes and feminine styles are sure to turn heads, while satisfying even the most demanding fashionista. Divided into three categories-Above the Waist; Below the Waist; and Accessories-Annie Modesitt's designs cover all skill levels and incorporate many different knitting techniques. Beginning knitters are provided several simple patterns that incorporate interesting details; the "West Side Story" skirt with its flirty ruffled layers or the sultry "Some Like It Hot" elbow-length lace gloves. Experienced knitters have the option to explore new construction techniques in the stunning tulip skirt "An Affair to Remember" (featured on the book's cover) or face the challenge of the complex "Notorious" corset sweater. Truly adventurous knitters may wish to try knitted millinery, a specialty of Modeseitt, either with the cloche hat "High Society" or the wide-brimmed "Gone with the Wind" (for more on knitted hats, check out Modesitt's earlier book Knitting Millinery). As well as covering all skill levels, Romantic Hand Knits covers a full spectrum of sizes. Finished chest measurements range from 26.5" (67.5 cm) to 57" (145 cm), with the average falling between 30 and 48" (76 to 122 cm). While taking their style cues from vintage fashion, and the films after which they are named, what makes these designs resoundingly modern is Modesitt's understanding of fit. Her designs create fabric which drapes to flatter a woman's curves and uses details such as an interesting yoke or ruffle to draw the eye away from problem areas. Most importantly, she encourages knitters to pull out their tape measures and knit for the body they have, rather than the one of their dreams. As she states: "When we wear clothes that fit us, we look better...Clothes that skim the body, not hug it, tend to be the most flattering." Armchair Interview says: Wonderful connection between vintage films and knitting.

This is a lovely lovely book, full of stylish, original and sexy (but not vulgar) knits - most of which I want to make myself. I have bought huge amounts of knitting and crochet books and have recently started editing them - keeping on my shelves only the few really good, worthwhile books - like Lingerie Style, Fitted Knits, Loop d Loop and so on - and now, THIS - wow. Annie Modesitt is a knitting goddess. I cannot stand baggy shapeless knits. They are so ugly and unflattering. None of these fit that category - they are all beautifully shaped and styled, and there's stuff to suit all tastes. Annie M includes places in each pattern to lengthen too, so you can go from short to long sleeves, and short to long or vice versa skirts. The photography is beautiful with more than one photo of each item. There are schematics, graphs, charts, everything one needs to make life easier - including mini tutorials on lace knitting, crochet stitches, and even the finer points of millinery - because there are even a couple of adorable knitted hats. Highly recommended......

This is an absolutely beautiful book! As the title says, the designs are really figure flattering and so very feminine. The garments are beautifully photographed, highlighting the incredible detailing Annie Modesitt is known for. I love the focus on romance. It's something most of us don't think about much, but can all use some of in our lives. As Annie says, it's not just in terms of falling in love with someone, it's about falling in love with life. You'll never want to hide yourself in a boxy sweater again, when you see patterns like "Adam's Rib", a lovely tailored jacket or "Charade", a light and airy lacy wrap top. "Romantic Hand Knits" is divided into the sections, "Above the Waist" (tanks,jackets, cardigans, corsets and pullovers), "Below the Waist" (featuring skirts and dresses) and "Accessories" (hats, scarves and more). There's also a "Resources" section to help with the details needed to make all of the garments. This book is inspiring and I look forward to making some wonderful things for myself and gifts for friends and family.