Knitting in the Details: Charming Designs to Knit and Embellish

Louisa Harding has always been one of my favorite Rowan designers, and Interweave Press is my favorite knitting book publisher, so I didn't hesitate to order this book sight unseen. However, the book is mildly disappointing, because the "details" are (1) beading; (2) embroidery (surface embroidery, duplicate stitch); and (3) "added elements" (pompoms, fringe, rosettes, applique, feathers, ribbons, sequins, buttons). Obviously, except for the beading, most of the details are not "knitted in" at all.Basically this is just another book of knitting patterns, rather than the technical book (perhaps with interesting edgings) that I had hoped for. There are patterns for hats, drawstring bags, a purse, sweaters, mitts, shawls, and scarves. My personal favorites are "Bettine", a cute little beaded shrug that would make a fashionable, timeless, coverup for an evening dress; and "Amelia", the skimpy cover-design cardigan that has a buttonhole edge resembling a decorative crocheted edge.Another interesting pattern is "Coral", a cropped jacket knit in stripes with duplicate stitch added later to give the impression of Fair Isle knitting. However, although the design is attractive, one wonders whether it might be easier to knit it as Fair Isle--given that one is already using multiple colors for stripes--rather than to go to the extra labor-intensive work of adding duplicate stitch to the finished fabric. Perhaps the same might be said of "Flora", which has an alphabet border added with duplicate stitch.Additional, and possibly better, choices for Louisa Harding patterns include  Modern Classics: Knit Over Twenty Timeless Designs , my personal favorite; or  Vintage Knits: 30 Knitting Designs from Rowan for Women and Men , an excellent collection of patterns by famous Rowan designers, including Louisa Harding.

When I first started knitting, I just wanted to get it done as quickly as possible. This book gives you a different perspective, in adding decorative elements to enhance your knit wear. There are sections on embroidering your finished knit, including cross stitch, different ways to add beading to your knit wear, as well as the attachment of other types of decorative elements. Each section has instructions, and beautiful photographs illustrate each technique. There is a glossary of terms and techniques. Each technique includes at least one complete pattern utilizing that technique. Patterns range from sweaters and boleros to handbags, hats and fingerless gloves. Sweater and bolero patterns include sizes from 34 to 46 inch finished size. You can modify these techniques to use them on other patterns, and there is a wide variety of "looks" you can achieve.

Anyone who loves to knit should own this book. I love every pattern and plan to make each one. The little details in each pattern separate this book from all the other ordinary hats and sweaters book. Such precious details; I love it!!

I normally don't buy knitting books from the internet because of wanting to see all the projects. I thought this would be ok, however, as other's do, they only show the popular 1-3 in the sneak preview and that's all that I like in this book.

I love the patterns in this book. Easy instructions and good diagrams. An index in back has instructions for skills like mattress and Kitchener stitch, and knitting skills if you haven't tried some different bind off/cast on/embellishments, etc.

Lovely book, arrived very promptly.

Book was in good condition and is a handy tool for anyone who enjoys knitting

Interesting ideas to embellish projects and make them your own. Nice addition to a knitter's collection. Book used but in very good condition.

A fantastic book. So different from usual knitting pattern books. I have already started knitting Esme and am finding it an absolute pleasure to knit. The hem is a lot easier than it looks, and it looks spectacular. Would definitely recommend.

I am so pleased with this book. It has lovely pictures and patterns. I have knit the cardigan similar to the one on the cover but it has curved fronts. It has turned out beautifully!!Te knitting in itself is very plain and easy to do but the embellishments turn the garments into something special. The patterns are very well written and offer lots of advice and diagrams.The book is well worth the money and lovely to look at.

This book is great to look at and the designs are simple to complete (with straight needles - a big bonus for me) but the embellishments make these garments look really special. I have knitted the wristwarmers so far which are lovely and intend to do one of the hats next. I would highly recommend this book. My best purchase this year so far.

Lovely knitting patterns that can be followed easily. They also pay attention to the detail and this helps to make the garments feel more personalised.

If you only buy one knitting book make it this one - full of beautiful designs from the lovely Lousia Harding. Ideal for both beginners and more advanced knitters.Great value for money.