Stefanie Japel has long had a mission to combine high fashion and knitting. Fitted Knits is an expression of that mission and succeeds in offering an array of patterns ranging from the subdued to the daring, from the fun to the serious. The patterns also break new ground in offering a variety of techniques to closely fit a woman’s body shape. The introduction gives the rationale behind Stefanie’s choice of top down, one piece construction and the also the use of a fitted silhouette. There is an extensive section on altering the garments based on individual measurements. A step-by-step example is included. A “Notes” section is included at the beginning of each pattern defining the terms and abbreviations used in that particular pattern. The photography is well done and there are close-ups that show shaping detail. Most of the patterns are of medium difficulty with a few classified as simple and a few as challenging. A resource list is included with listings for yarn and button suppliers, websites and books.
There are aspects of the book which disappoint. The majority of the patterns are based on raglan sleeve shaping. Many women find raglan shaping unflattering, so for them this book would be more suitable as a reference book on various ways to introduce shaping into a garment. Other women may find that specific instructions do not follow their shape. Instructions are given for altering specific areas, though the process will be time consuming if the proportions vary greatly. With some yarns or colors, the dart shaping will be very noticeable, especially when along the center back. On a minor note, the subtitle is “25 Designs for the Fashionable Knitter”, but there are only 24 patterns included--an oversight most likely.
Fitted Knits
by Stefanie Japel
North Light Books (copyright 2007)
FOCUS: Fitted tops, 1 suit, 1 dress
# OF PROJECTS: 24
SIZES INCLUDED (BUST): 30” to 55” (only a few include the smaller and/or larger sizes.)
FIBER CONTENT: Mostly wool and wool blends, also cotton, silk, mohair, alpaca
YARN WEIGHTS: Not given
SKILL LEVELS INCLUDED: All
SKILL LEVEL MARKED: Yes
Reviewed by Candy Knerr
