Book Review: 100 Knits: Interweave's Ultimate Pattern Collection
I was so excited when I got the email from Jodi at Interweave asking if we wanted to review their new 100 Knits book. As I read the message I realized this book was going to be huge; both in popularity and in size! So, I opted for a digital version, because I live in a tiny apartment and have way too many things. I’ve since seen a physical copy and I might be a little jealous, and seriously considering buying one, because it’s just that pretty.
If you’re interested in winning a print copy of this book, read on! Interweave has generously offered a copy as a giveaway to one of our lucky readers.
This book is filled with a huge variety of patterns: hats, cowls, socks, scarves, sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, shawl, wraps, tees, I could go on. There are patterns for all kinds of knitters, texture fabrics, colorwork, elegantly simple, and stunningly complex.
Here are a few of my favorite patterns from the book and which yarns I would use:
Lucy Hat by Carina Spencer
I’ve actually had this hat on my to-do list for a long time. I’ve just been waiting for my niece to get big enough to actually wear it. I plan to use For Better or Worsted in Black and Peacock because I think that combo will look amazing with her red hair.
Cuff-to-Cuff Socks by Courtney Spainhower
There are several beautiful and clever sock patterns in this book, however these are the ones that are probably perfect for me. I’m a not much of a sock knitter, and when I do knit socks, 2-at-a-time is the only way to ensure I actually finish a pair. So, while this isn’t quite 2-at-a-time, it’s an ingenious way to get 2 socks instead of one. Bonus, you get to skip a bunch of the fiddly-ness that comes with knitting 2-at-a-time and can use DPNs if that’s your thing. My favorite sock yarn lately is Gerty, so I will probably use that for this pattern. You could also use Squishy, Haiku, Nebula, or Lunaris, all are great for socks.
Atol Cowl by Jenn Emerson
This is just so simple, and so lovely at the same time. I think it’s one of those knits I would wear all the time. I actually have some of Jade Sapphire’s Khata in my stash, but it’s earmarked for a shawl. Being in the Central Valley of California, I think I would opt for a cool blend like Breeze. The silk and linen will be comfortable and soft, and much cooler than the yak/silk blend of Khata.
Confession time! I love knitting cowls and would literally knit every cowl in this book if I had the time. They are all so different, and so wearable.
Potter’s Shawl by Jen Lucas
It’s simple, and elegant, with that garter squish to make it cozy too. What more do you need in a shawl? (Lot’s of lace? Beads? Keep scrolling, they’ve got you covered). Both Dreamy and Squishy would work perfectly for this pattern. If you wanted a little sparkle you could also try Nebula or Lunaris.
Waxwing Shawl by Susanna IC
For those of you more interested in delicate lace and shimmering beads, this is definitely for you. I see this with wedding dresses, evening gowns, romantic walks, date night, dressing up because you feel like it… Seriously, it’s gorgeous and you can wear it anywhere. Wash My Lace or Meridian would be perfect for this.
Dahlia Cardigan by Heather Zoppetti
This cardigan has been on my favorites list for. ev. er. I really should just cast on and get it done. It’s so pretty and would definitely stay with me through quite a few size changes (I tend to fluctuate in weight). Vera is one of my favorites for cardigans and I think that’s what I’ll use to make this.
Chamei Pullover by Bristol Ivy
This sweater is both fashionable and flattering for a lot of shapes. I love the diagonal texture and cowl neck. I would probably do For Better or Worsted for this. Depending on gauge swatches, I might also give Katara a try, because I think it would be seriously amazing in that yarn. I think it’s always worth a swatch or two if you’re really in love with an idea. Plus, if it doesn’t work, I’ll still know my gauge for Katara.
Mount Robson Pullover by Jessie McKitrick
This sweater is so classic. I think to get a nice fit you will want something bouncy and woolly so I would use Gerty or Squishy for this. Dreamy would have the bounce too, however it has a little silky shine, so that would work too depending on how you like the look of the fabric.
Biscotti Sweater by Kiyomi Burgin
This looks so cozy and cute! I think Burly would work for this, however a swatch is definitely in order to make sure. It’s a casual enough fit that a little difference would be okay, so long as it’s only a little.
Venice Top by Amy Gunderson
This tank is gorgeous! I love tanks and love this flow-y a-line shaping. I really like the close fit for the arm holes. I’m a little self conscious of that area and the way this fits the model is really nice, in my opinion. This is another one I will make in Vera. It would be the perfect summer top.
Whew, that’s a lot to love and I barely scratched the surface. I’m pretty sure I didn’t show you any of the gorgeous colorwork items, oops!
What this book doesn’t have is a section on technique. I think that’s totally reasonable. First, it’s already 512 pages. Second, you either already know how to do things, have a yarn shop or friend who will help you, or you know how to use YouTube. I think it was a great cost savings to the purchaser not to use materials to make this book any larger. There would have been so many techniques to cover it would have been three times the size! I appreciate that they take a couple pages at the end of the book to introduce the designers who’s works are included, and to give a brief, and effective, stitch abbreviation key.
Literally every page is filled with gorgeous photos, patterns, and charts. Interweave really has put together a truly lovely collection for knitters.
So, you’re probably wondering where you can get it! Pre-orders are open now at the Interweave online store.
And what I know you’re really wondering, is how to enter in our giveaway! Leave a comment below and tell us the pattern you want to make from the book and which yarn you would use.
We’ll choose a random commenter on October 5, 2018 and Interweave will send you a copy of the book.
Update - Congratulations to Cristina Pederson!
