New American Knits

New American Knits: Classic Sportswear Patterns

Written by Amy Christoffers

www.interweave.com

Reviewed by Audrey Huggett

Sometimes it is easy to get carried away by a pattern. A particular color work sweater might not fit into your current wardrobe, but goodness it looks good on the model. Before you know it you’ve got a sweater on your hands that you’re not quite sure how to wear. My personal experiences with knitting sweaters have lead me to the conclusion that sometimes simple is better (even if you really want to show off your awesome knitting skills). One glance through Amy Christoffers’ New American Knits: Classic Sportswear Patterns shows that she has a deep appreciation for patterns that are designed with the everyday in mind. All of the patterns in the book are simple and incredibly wearable.

The simplicity of the pattern design makes every pattern in this book incredibly versatile. I love that each pattern is carefully crafted, but can also be used in a wide array of different styles of outfits. As a practical knitter, I really appreciate the deliberate approach Christoffers takes to each pattern. By focusing in on the basics, Christoffers has created a book full of patterns that will complement most wardrobes. Knitters of all ages and abilities will be able to appreciate the patterns in New American Knits.

I was incredibly charmed by the gorgeous patterns in New American Knits. I could easily envision myself wearing almost all of the patterns, which is not something I generally experience when flipping through a knitting book. All of the patterns in this book are winners, which in turn makes this one book you will absolutely want to keep on your shelf.