Weardowney Knit Couture
Henry Conway and Gail Downey
In a Nutshell: Interesting patterns but let down by unclear photos and a potted history of knitwear design written in a pretentious style.
I think this book is aimed at knitwear design students. It is written in a rather pretentious faux-academic style, so it is not a fluid easy read.
Half of the book is devoted to the history of knitting and short profiles of prominent knitwear designers. Although interesting, a lack of appropriate illustration is a major flaw. A few pages are devoted to the achievements of Chanel and Schiaparelli, the first two designers to truly incorporate knitwear into fashion design. Several of their groundbreaking designs are described but not illustrated. It would have made far more sense to show a picture, even if this was just a sketch.
The latter part of the book showcases 20 knitting patterns from design team Gail Downey and Amy Wear. Unfortunately the arty photos do not show the designs clearly. There is a project gallery at the back of the book with more straightforward photos, but these are too small. It’s a shame as the designs are appealing and it would have been interesting to see the stitch patterns in more detail. I like their use of lurex and would like to make their vest top and stripe tunic.
The blurb claims the how to knit instructions provide the first time knitter with everything she needs to know. This is in fact a very limited amount of information, and I’m sure a beginner would need far more instruction to successfully knit a garment from the book.
This could have been a lovely book – the concept is good – but it is let down by its execution.
