Casual Elegant Knits - Classy Designs for Men and Women

Tag : novelty yarn

 I’ll admit it: I wasn’t expecting much from Casual Elegant Knits: Classy Designs for Men and Women by Fania Goberstein and Dawn Leeseman. It’s not one of thosefancy, neo-knitting books that are all the rage right now. Itdoesn’t have a “hook” like lingerie-inspiredknits, or knits by top fashion designers. Honestly, the photography-- while very clear and showing off the knits very well -- is notparticularly special. But these projects are stylish, wearable, andnot terribly difficult.

The designs are divided into three sections: City Life, withslightly edgier, more urban looks; Elegant Afternoon, moredelicate, feminine designs; and Gotta Have It, wardrobe essentials.Let’s start with some of my favorites. The Elongated-NeckTunic, as shown on the cover, is a style that is very en vogue right now. In the book she is wearing it over a bulky turtleneck,but trade that in for a silky camisole and some leggings, and youhave a great outfit. The Little Flirt Skirt is a cute knee-lengthskirt with a hint of flounce. Red Ripple-Effect scarf has a subtlepattern that beats your standard garterstitch scarf (though I amnot a fan of the matching beret). The Black & Grey Melangescarf is similarly unique, getting a tweedy or almosthoundstooth-like pattern effect. Very classy. The Vintage Hat is alight, lacy cloche with a flower tie accent that can be worn avariety of ways. There are also a number of unisex messenger bags.They are quite good looking and versatile.

Not every design is a winner. The Watercolor Shawl looks slovenlyand childish – maybe due to the chaotic novelty yarn used.The matching Scalloped-Edge Purse is no better, but with a morerefined yarn it could work. The Golden Duet Tank is versatile butbland. Simple stitching and construction make this a good starterproject, though. I don’t care for the Funnel-Neck SleevelessTop, but part of that (a large part of that) is that I cannot standsleeveless turtlenecks. It just seems unbalanced. The men’sTweed Polo looks really great, but I’m not sure how most menwould feel wearing a hand-knit polo.

The majority of these patterns are listed in the intermediate rangeof difficulty, but looking at the patterns themselves, they aredefinitely on the easier side of intermediate. So if you are readyto move on to some clothing, but discouraged by the lack of stylishbeginner sweaters and other pieces, Casual Elegant Knits is a good place to start.