** THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. SEE YOU NEXT TIME! **
Today’s book review includes an interview with the author
and a giveaway.
By Yumiko Alexander
Interweave/F+W; $24.99
Just want to enter the giveaway? Post your comment here on the
blog to enter, and please include contact information – an email or a Ravelry
ID. Tell us why you want to win the book. That’s
it.
Drawing will take place on May 7th.
I had previously seen Yumiko’s designs at Stitches West, and
was impressed with the originality of her work. In the book, the Japanese
influence made the designs just a bit different from the everyday. They are functional
and fashionable, yet not the pieces you’ll find everywhere in clothing stores.
A few of my faves:
 |
| with permission Interweave/F+W |
Wisteria – loose unstructured vest, in sport weight yarn.
English Garden – large scale entrelac pattern.
Lotus Lace – in worsted weight (cover picture)
To be honest, there were a few pieces I didn’t care for, but this just
shows that the designer isn’t playing safe – she takes risks.
Here is an interview with the author, Yumiko Alexander.
1. What led you to publish this book?
I published the Rustic Modern Knits book with Interweave for
several reasons. I love sharing my designs with people and books are a
great way to reach a large audience. Interweave is a great company and
produces quality work and has a large customer base. I also published
Rustic Modern Crochet with Interweave the year before.
2. How would you describe your style?
Many people have said my style is a combination of Japanese and
American. I don’t really think about the culture when designing. I know my designs
contain simple shapes with fan knitted/crocheted fabric that combined some
stitch patterns.
3. What makes a design work?
I think it needs to be unique. A useful, functional and
stylist design that can’t be found in everyday clothing stores.
The combinations of stitch patterns make attractive garments and
keeps knitter’s interests and enjoyment while creating their unique piece.
4. What is your process like; i.e. what
steps do you follow to create a design?
My
design ideas come from what I want in my closet.
I
keep notes on what I would like to wear and ideas of interesting shapes.
I usually think what style/shape of garment I want to make, then I start
swatching. This part of the process takes most of the time. The swatching
process helps me identify what stitch pattern I want to use. Usually the
yarn tells me how it wants to be worked. While I am knitting, I get more
ideas of what I want to add/change to the design.
5. How do you know when a design will be
successful, or do you ever know?
I wish I could predict what will be successful. After
designs are published, I am often surprised with which designs are most
popular.
6. Which are some of your favorite
designs - ones you’re just in love with?
“Japanese Lantern” (in Rustic Modern Knits)
“Sands and Shells” (In Rustic Modern Crochet)
“Mesa” (in individual pattern)
7. Finally, what are you working on right
now that has you excited?
Most of my designs are worked in heavier weight than Sport
weight/DK weight yarn. This year, I have been trying to make designs with
lighter weight yarn. I am also making a few designs with Tencel fiber
which I have not used in the past.
Thanks, Yumiko!
To recap, if you’d like to win a copy of Rustic Modern Knits, please comment here on the blog. Don’t forget your contact information!
Thanks to Interweave/F+W for the review copy of the book.
