Knitwear by Sasha Kagan

Tag : intarsia sweater


Knitwear by Sasha Kagan is definitely not for beginners. British designerKagan focuses on intricate cabling, complex patterns, and lots ofcolor work. The designs in this book are far more traditional thanother recent knitting offerings, so if you are a fan of slinkylingerie-style knits and figure-skimming shapes, this book is notfor you. But don’t be scared away – I would bestdescribe these designs as contemporary traditional.

The designs in Knitwear are stunning, no doubt. However, they are all very similar: mostlytraditional pullovers and cardigans. There are a few updated shapeswith classic patterns. The Hebron Stripe sweater is fitted andscoop-necked, with an underbust ribbon to complement the stripes ofFar East floral intarsia. Cutesy hearts grow up with a croppedcardigan called Valentine. Nautical is a tomboy sailboat design,femmed-up with cables. Tiny Flower is a unique jacket with cables,flowers, and lattice edging.

Some of the designs are just kind of bland. Heath is a very basicshort sleeved blouse with a traditional Fair Isle pattern. Aster issimilar, but with intarsia flowers and lace. Diagonal Flowers is anoversized pullover with floral embroidery. Flower Power – adifferent floral pattern on an oversized turtleneck. Snowberry is avintage-inspired long-sleeved floral cardigan.

These patterns seem like they will appeal most to girly-girls,women who love florals and a touch of vintage. The beautifulhardbound volume with all full-color pages make it a wonderful giftbook, but this is definitely for advanced knitters. WithMother’s Day coming up, this would make a great gift for aknitting momma. But be forewarned: there are not many sizingoptions in this book. Very basic small, medium, and large areprovided. Anything outside those sizes will take some figuring.