Book Review – Customize Your Knitting

Disclaimer: A free review copy of Customize your Knitting was provided by Creative Publishing International. Although I accept free products for review, I do not guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. All images of copyrighted material are used with permission. This post contains affiliate links (click here for more info). If you click these links and make a purchase, I may be compensated. 

I was so excited to get this book, Customize your Knitting, by Margaret Hubert. I’ve had the privelege of meeting Margaret a couple of times now, at the Knit and Crochet Show. She’s a fun, and amazingly talented fiber artist.

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The sweaters

Customize your Knitting is not just a book of patterns, but rather uses the patterns to teach a variety of different techniques. There are 4 different sweaters, each with 4 different variations. Through the variations Margaret shows you how to think about your body shape when looking at a pattern, and how to modify that pattern to better suit you.

Customize the fit

The book starts with an analysis of different body shapes and ideas for what looks good on each. This section includes tips on body measurements and gauge as well. Then each of the patterns shows adjustments for these different body shapes. The detailed schematics and tips on increasing and decreasing in pattern make the adjustments a breeze.

Customize the style

It’s not all about sizing either. As you know, little details and embellishments can make all the difference in a garment.  Want a zipper instead of buttons? Or maybe you want a different neckline, a decorative border, or some embroidery? No problem! Margaret walks you through these design changes, step by step.

Improve your skills

Sometimes you finish a garment only to find that something isn’t quite right. The shoulders droop, or it’s too long, or too baggy in one spot. In many cases, you can actually fix these issues without ripping out the whole sweater.

  

The book also has tips for more professional results, including gauge, blocking, seaming, and more. From the beginning to the end of your projects, these lessons can help improve all your knitting.

Not just knitting

I feel a little like this book was written just for me, as it’s exactly the information I need. At this point in my knitting, I know basic stitches and techniques, and I can follow a pattern. I can adjust a pattern a little bit, with some effort, to make it fit my measurements. Customize your Knitting takes it to the next level, actually changing elements of the design, to make it more flattering and personalized. I can already tell this is going to be a go-to book for me. Margaret has a Customize your Crochet book as well, which I may just need to pick up!

Enter to win

Do you need this in your library too?  You can enter here to win your own copy of Customize Your Knitting! This prize is generously provided by the publisher, Creative Publishing International. To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid, US or Canadian shipping address. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide the shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prize. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected.

The giveaway ends on October 23rd, 2016 (at 11:59pm, central time). Hurry and enter below!