Knit in New Directions by Myra Wood

 

This is a new book – I had not had a chance to look at it before I ordered it - but I could tell from the cover that it was my sort of book.

I haven’t read it all yet – but I have looked at the pictures!  That is the most important part of a book for me.  I had never heard of Myra Wood but then she has probably never heard of me! 

The book contains about 21 designs including variations of tops, cardigans, jumpers and bags using various modular knitting techniques.  Some involve mitred shapes but others are more abstract and are like knitted crazy patchwork.

A lot of modular knitting is really strip knitting – where strips of shapes are joined together but this book places a lot of emphasis on filling a garment template with shapes – I found the work with triangles particularly interesting.

Myra Wood recommends making templates as a basis for designs (as Horst Schulz does in his books) – I think I am too lazy for that – I tend to use an existing garment that fits me as a template.  However I did once use a template for a circular cushion.

I showed the book to my mother who is not a fan of modular knitting.  She thought most of the designs were too garish and not something she would wear.  This reaction made me question whether I have become used to modular knitting being very brightly coloured but also I looked at the designs as a way of knitting a garment and would be unlikely to use the same colours.  Although I occasionally do it – it is rare that I use the colours or even the yarn used by a designer.  I usually can’t leave the design alone either!

So in conclusion – I am sure that other modular knitting fans will enjoy this book – especially those who like detailed instructions on how to complete a design.