By Sandy Amazeen Jul 23, 2007, 2:53 GMT
Leave it to Vicki Square, knitting instructor and author to reinvent what has come to be recognized as the icon of Japanese dress, the kimono. A deceptively simple garment composed of drapey rectangles, the kimono offers a perfect canvas for a variety of knit textures and colorplay as illustrated by the eighteen patterns presented in this stunning collection. The natural fibers and stitches were carefully selected to reflect the movement and drape of the traditional garments while a wealth of simple finishing details lend an understated elegance. Most designs are beginner friendly while offering enough room for advanced knitters to add their personalizing touch.
Begin by learning a bit about the general construction, meaning and history behind this ancient garment along with tips on designing your own kimono before diving into the pattern section. Knit side-to-side using space dyed yarn and a couple of simple stitches, the “Dogi” is lovely, unusual interpretation that invites experimentation. “Waves” is a playful take on the uchikake and an easy introduction to intarsia color knitting. “Reeds & Grasses” and Water & Sky” use bamboo, soy silk, silk and cotton fibers along with mottled colors to create garments with natural appeal while “Komon” and “Fan Kimono” make use of textured knit stitches. With its seed stitched collar, crochet edging and knit borders, the “Samurai Junbaori” shows how well thought out finishing details can turn the most basic design into something sublime. Each design comes with some background information about the pattern’s origin and inspiration along with a complete materials list and especially nice for the adventurous knitter, a complete schematic layout. The book concludes with a glossary, techniques and resources section which addresses most questions that might arise. Square has done an admirable job of presenting some of the many possibilities of the kimono that will have knitters reaching for their needles.
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