Swing, Swagger, Drape: Knit the Colors of Australia

This is the best knitting pattern book I have seen in a long time. The multiple color choices, the clear directions, the broad range of sizes and the variations on the patterns add up to WOW! I always check out knitting books from my library first, so I can go through and decide if they're really worth buying for me. This one was an absolute, resounding "Yes". I wouldn't even wait to put it on my Christmas list - wanted it now! Thank you, Jane Slicer-Smith!

Several garments from this book were presented at my knitting guild. Random people from the audience (none were huge, but none were mini-model types either) tried them on, and they all fit and looked really great! The presenter explained that increases were placed throughout the body of the garment as part of the design motif, rather than at the seam edge. For a number of the jackets, they would fit nicely over the shoulders, and then have a very nice flare that would begin part way down that that looked flattering on numbers of different ladies that tried them on. And there were several very interesting garment constructions. One very interesting coat with nice looking collar draping turns out to be mostly a large rectangle which was described as having a few increases and decreases in just the right places. From the photos it is clear that the designs are very interesting and the colors are wonderful. But what really impressed me from seeing the actual garments on real people is how well the shape and fit were designed as well, qualities that are not as obvious in the flat model photos in the book.

I bought this book mainly for the gorgeous cardigan on the cover, but that was just the tip of the iceberg! This book is full of stylish, innovative designs that are not too far out for the average person to wear. What impresses me most, however, is the creative, imaginative use of color. Several garments are shown as a basic design in various colorways, all of them stunning. This designer is a true artist. The photography is outstanding as well. You won't be disappointed with this book.

Wow! (all the rest is commentary). Run, don't walk to get this book! This is another wonderful book from Knitter's! Alexis Xenakis's photography is excellent as usual, and the editors from Knitters are meticulous with everything from the graphs to their instructions. They have thought of everything. The colors and patterns are spectacular. All are wearable and there are choices from conservative colors to bolder colors. Clearly, a great deal of time was spent in this book. The designer goes beyond just the design but has something for all levels of knitters. For beginners, the book walks you through the building blocks of each design. For the power no-holds-barred knitters like myself, the patterns and colors are organized so that they can be used as a springboard for going beyond what is presented. Knitters' also has a website for people to play with color choices. Would I make and wear any of these items? Absolutely! I immediately found some items that I do plan to make. As I went through this book, I wanted to run away to a desert island with this book, needles and two crates of yarn and do nothing for a year but play with the designs. What if you are not a knitter? The book is worthwhile just for the photography itself and would be a wonderful coffee table book! Need I say more?