About.com Rating

When I first read the title of Yumiko Alexander's book Rustic Modern Knits: 23 Sophisticated Designs, I wasn't sure what it mean. Rustic, modern and sophisticated aren't words we're used to seeing together.

Rustic implies something old, classic, simple. How can it also be new, modern, sophisticated?

I'm still not sure I know the answer, but I do know that this book is full of projects inspired by nature, using lots of lace, cables, bobbles and texture to lovely result.


 

About the Book

• Pages: 128
• Format: paperback
• Number of patterns: 23
• Skill level: none given but most are suited to intermediate and advanced knitters
• Sizing: all of the projects are for accessories except for one oversized vest that comes in three sizes
• Illustrations: full-color photographs
• Publication date: November 2014
• Publisher: Interweave

The Patterns

This book is full of projects for scarves, shawls, mitts, wraps and hats, all of which are inspired by nature and have been given natural names. Some of the projects are adjustable in how you wear them so a project can be a shawl or a poncho, for example, adding to their versatility.

Details are the focus in these projects, which may not be that difficult but often look quite fancy. Many of the projects include multiple stitch patterns, which adds complexity to the look without increasing the skill involved that much.

The yarn selection is top-notch, too, which makes you want to knit the projects even more.

Some of the standouts to me include Wisteria, a rectangular vest worked with much bigger needles than the yarn would typically call for and using three different stitch patterns for added interest; Lace Lichen, a pair of over-the-elbow lace mitts great for wearing with spring dresses; Garden Path, an easy, bulky, pretty crescent-shaped scarf; Lattice, pretty little mitts with a mosaic-tile inspired slip stitch pattern; the lovely Lotus shawl on the cover, worked with different sizes of leaf motifs; and the sweet, lacy headband Bachelor Button, which features long lacy ties for extra casual flair.

Bottom Line

These accessories are lovely, unusual and full of intriguing details. They offer lots of options for making different sizes or using more or less embellishment to suit your style.

The projects in Rustic Modern Knits are unique and beautiful, and the knitter who approaches them will sometimes be challenged to try something new but will always be rewarded with pieces they love to wear and are always complimented on.

Publisher's website

Projects on Ravelry

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.