French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs

At one time I was ready to sell my copy. I had expected something completely different, and hastily rattled off a review that astounded me when I saw it again after several years. I rarely review something hastily, so that alone was a big blunder. This is the first time ever that I have deleted an earlier review so I could start from scratch. The reason is that I feel completely opposite and don't feel it's fair to leave an unfair review hanging around. As one little voice I realize I'm not significant, but here goes.After mercilessly culling the herd of knitting and crochet books in my massive collection, this book has a secure place in what will remain. After studying old school methods of garment construction (especially top-down, mostly one-piece methods) I see the simplicity and elegance of the "recipes" in French Girl Knits. You'll find methods here that can be combined to create original garments. Shaping is elegant, with the gauge being adjusted rather than adding and subtracting large numbers of stitches. For example, with a top-down fitted tunic, the area just under the bust and at the waist is adjusted by changing the needle size rather than employing dressmaker techniques like darts or tucks. Thinking in three stretchy dimensions and using the distinct advantage of knit fabric (and at times springy yarn like good merino wool) the author makes a convincing case for the old world methods presented.Arranged in logical order, with a variety of fibers and gauges, a great example of updating old ideas into timeless fashion. I also recommend "Knitting in the Old Way" by Priscilla Gibson Roberts, and everything Elizabeth Zimmermann ever published.

I was so happy to finally buy this book. The layout of the chapters and techniques are perfect and easy to follow. The patterns are unique and many seem at a level that I may be able to complete ( I am an average knitter). I love the fact that many of the garments look fitted without being too young. I happened to be in a LYS on vacation and the owner had knitted up a lacy pullover vest from the book so I was able to see it right up close. Absolutely beautiful! I can hardly wait to start on that pattern. I definitely recommend this book.

I just received this book and all I have to say is that it is very well done, it combines interesting personal stories from the author with beautiful, romantic, flattering, modern pieces suit for women in their 30s to 50s or more. These styles would wear well from Spring to early Fall depending on the yarn you choose, perfect for warm weather knitters like me. I am an intermediate knitter I will try to knit 2 cardigans that i love from this book. This book, I believe, is for intermediate to expert knitters. The book has detailed pictures of every project(front, back and sleeves) which helps a lot. Some styles look complicated but i am not afraid! LOL. If you are inspired by modern elegant and romantic styles this book must be on your craft books shelf. I cannot review the patterns yet because i haven't started (Still waiting for my yarn to arrived!) but I will update this review as soon as I begin knitting. Happy knitting everybody!

Most buyers of this book have commented how many patterns this book has that they would knit - I definitely am the same. I am really loving the variety of designs. The photos are wonderful - I've been enjoying the close-ups of the stitches and the views of each garment. One of the best features of this book that makes it really worthwhile are the explanatory (shaded) sections that explain construction details, the background of the designer's garments, etc. Most definitely a fantastic, worthwhile book!!

There are a lot of knitting books out there, but these knits have a sophisticated elegance that you don't see very often.My neice loved this book, which we gave her as a Christmas gift. She's a college girl who has less money than taste and this book will help her look the way she wants to look. The pieces are simple, elegant and reward the time expended. Both of her sisters knit as well, and they immediately began clamouring to borrow it.

This is a must have book for anyone who wants a stylish, yetunique individual wardrobe. The directions are clear and theteaching boxes are very informative and quite helpful. Itake away much more then just a great outfit. A really greatlearning experience. I made several for gifts, which were greatlyreceived. These are patterns that I will make over and over again.

For openers, there's another "French Girl Knit" (accessories?) that I like better, because there are more patterns that I might actually use, either for myself or as gifts for family and friends. This volume has some interesting patterns,and very attractive designs, though I only saw one that I think I'll try. Other than that, I found the "charming chit chat" about favorite places in France, and magical walks, etc., etc. more annoying than interesting. I'm sure there are those who would disagree with me, but when I'm looking for information, I'd like to be able to locate what I need as quickly as possible. Save the prose for another venue.

This is full of beautiful projects that I want to make for myself and for others! The pieces are inspired, and the patterns well-written. The variety of styles and yarn selection keep the projects from all looking the same. Some very practical pieces, some very sexy pieces!

Je ne sais pas si les French Girls knit réellement plus que d'autres... j'en doute même. Le titre est amusant... Pour s'amuser à redécouvrir un tricot très 50's pas plus frenchie que ça mais qui sont parfois inspirants.

Un libro bellissimo, scritto quasi come una narrativa con le storie della creazione dei modelli. I modelli sono belli, me ne piace circa la metà, ma credo che vada a gusti. Le spiegazioni sono molto dettagliate e chiare. L'autrice esplora il lavoro senza cuciture, quindi quasi tutto si lavora in tondo e ci sono diversi tipi spiegati nei "box" a parte: lavoro a partire dal basso, dall'alto, dalla manica. Molto interessante per chi non è espertissimo. Ah, belle foto e design pagine!

I am enthusiastic about this knitting book in a way I haven't been about a knitting book in a long time. It will grace even the best knitting bookshelves.Themes usually annoy me and the French theme in this book is pretty useless but that's personnal. Even so I forgive it for being such a nice collection of patterns.The designs are original and feminine and the techniques used are well suited to the shapes. I even find the designs I don't like to be respectable in how they were made up and the results. The designs I do like I find are completely spectacular, beautiful and make me want to knit them on the spot despite having a closetful of unfinished projects.Because the constructions are sometimes rather unusual, you would think these patterns to be complicated and hard to understand, but such is not the case. The author/editor have included very helpful notes that address most questions before they arise. Some projects also contai schematic illustrations on the overall progress of the project that really help visualise how it is made.The projects finished bust sizes usually range from 32" to 48" so that is a nice range of sizes, even if it doesn't particularly cater to plus sizes. Another impression is that what I found to be the nicest patterns were written for mohair yarns (hard to substitute) and some knitters just won't knit with it.One criticism is that at times the book is a little too author centric. I'm not sure I wanted to know as many personal details and anecdotes. To me, that's wasted space that could have made the book lighter so more portable, and cost less shipping, and also more environmental friendly. I'm sure there are knitters who will enjoy the little vignettes, but I don't care if the author plays the violin, I buy a knitting book for the knitting.My favourite design is Véronique - airy shrug. I thought we'd seen it all in the last couple years for shrugs, but no. That design is light, cute, simple, and to die for. Although I have to say Céleste (mohair "lingerie" wrap) gives it a run for its money. It's gorgeous. Least favourite designs are Ondine (a felted appliqué skirt, boring, ill-fitting and lazy, the exception in the book) and Bijou (a cropped cardigan in which the motif and the finishing kind of clash together, and the project just seems at odds with the rest of the book. There were no fuglies in this book.A really good effort. I would buy another by the same author.

表紙の作品に惹かれてかいましたが、他のものから編もうと思います。何を編むか決まっていなかったモヘアを使えそうでよかったです。全体的にエレガントすぎたかなーと思いましたが編み方の勉強になりそうだし、英文パターンにもっと慣れたいので買ってよかったです。

This is a fabulous book, written by a knitter for knitters. It's beautifully put together and is really good quality, quite aside from the gorgeous patterns. The photos are brill, you can see all the designs nice & clearly and there are lots of close-ups of the little details. The patterns are clear & well-written with good explanations that show how the designs are made up, making it easy to follow for the beginner and which allows the more experienced knitter to adapt patterns to suit. There is a good range of designs from the classic to a more contemporary look and there's a bit of crochet thrown in for good measure. The addition of some charming anecdotes from the author mean this is a lovely book to browse through for inspiration, or just to flick through with a cup of tea for a quick knitting 'fix'.