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Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Knitting Reimagined

August 14, 2014 1 Comment

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

This book isn’t so much on trend as it is beyond trend. Legendary knitwear designer Nicky Epstein’s new book Knitting Reimagined presents 25 innovative patterns that are conceptualized differently than a lot of knitwear you might have encountered on your knitting journeys. Knitting your way through this book would be an amazing way to get inspired to do something new next time you’re feeling bored with knitting yet another cardi or wrap.

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

The book’s skill levels and structure

Every pattern in Knitting Reimagined has two symbols at the beginning: 1, 2 or 3 balls of yarn or clocks. The fewer the balls of yarn, the more beginner-friendly it is. The fewer clocks, the quicker you can finish it. Easy peasy.

The book’s 25 patterns are divided among 4 chapters. The first chapter, Directionals, focuses on using only rectangles, angles and squares to form capes, tunics, shawls and sweaters. I think chapter 2, full of patterns with particularly interesting approaches to shape, is the one I might learn the most from knitting through. It’s got such cool ideas that are straight up made differently than patterns I’m used to making. Chapter 3 incorporates elements of knitting woven together to create neat effects. And even though a couple of these might look like entrelac at first glance, they aren’t. The pieces are physically woven together and sewn or appliquéd to complete the garment. (Epstein is known for designing with this technique.) Finally, chapter 4 includes “interesting and unique stitches, color work, an edgings that all go beyond ‘business as usual’ stitches.”

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

My thoughts

As an aspiring knitting and crochet designer, I have respect for everything Epstein does. She’s very much a legend in this field. In the introduction, she says “there comes a time to break new ground, a time for experimentation and improvisation, and a time to rethink and reimagine typical structures and shapes in hand-knitting. My goal was to fill this book with chic, wearable, but uniquely atypical garments that will appeal to knitters of all skill levels.” If there’s anyone I trust to do this, it’s Nicky Epstein.

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

For me, a number of the patterns in this book were a little too avant garde for everyday wear as-is. Epstein was clever enough to include a “reimagine it” call out at the bottom of each pattern’s intro, offering suggestions like, “Keep the lace pattern and construction, but try using a fabulous subtly colored, hand-dyed yarn. Add a different button and closure choice for a completely new look.” I think less adventurous knitting fashionistas might opt for reimagining a couple of the garments before heading out in their handmade creations.

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

My favorite pattern in the book is the Directional Vest, not only because bright blues always catch my attention (I even had the perfect color yarn in my stash already). The vest is the type of design that hits right at the waist, so it will likely flatter many body types. The cabling along the upper back and edges is really beautiful as well!

Knitting Reimagined Book Review at handsoccupied.com

Last but not least, I love the design of the book. The photography is amazing! The modern meets vintage meets whimsical settings and lovely lighting combine to make a really beautiful book. And the graphic design, from the font choices to curlicue edgings, is really lovely.

You can get Knitting Reimagined by Nicky Epstein for $29.99 at Random House. Blogging for Books provided a copy of this book in exchange for a review. Opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Giveaways, Reviews & Sponsored Tagged With: book, book review, craft books, knit, Knitting, knitting books, knitting reimagined, librarian, nicky epstein

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. Sky Turtle

    September 6, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    That vest looks amazing! Are you thinking about making it? Last year I fell in love with a vest from Wool and the Gang, but didn’t do anything about it :/

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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Please email for pattern support. 🧶

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How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style . How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style 
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In knitting, there are a few common knitting styles. Most often you’re going to encounter continental style and English (throwing) style on your knitting journey. I recently had an old video teaching continental style get a lot of views. Based on the comments, it was clear the people wanted to also see a throwing tutorial, so here you go! 🧶
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Please note that there is a LOT of variation in knitting styles, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. Most often, I’ve found it comes down to two things: how you were taught and whether or not you’re really into colorwork knitting (which can involve a mix of styles). 
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Longer-term knitters who’ve made it this far: do you prefer one over the other? And why? 
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#handsoccupied #englishknitting #learntoknit #knitting #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
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I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
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I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
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The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
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I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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What’s on your needles this week? 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
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#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
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