Knitting Emporium: A Collection of Designs for Hand Knitting

by: Jo Sharp

Topics include: yarn allocated, work second side, shaping rows, cast off centre, alt rows, sleeve version, sts down left front neck, unisex garment, side front neck, armhole edge, circular needles, yarn stores, colour sequence, band measures, sleeve cap

Book Description:

Book Description -- A knitwear designer since 1986, Jo Sharp draws on a myriad of influences - Chinese, French, Latvian, Scottish, Australian - to create colorful, stylish designs that are both trendy and timeless. Knitting Emporium is her fourth collection of sweaters, each of them hand-knitted using her own unique yarns and photographed against a dramatic Australian background. General pattern instructions, easy-to-read charts, and care information are included.

Knitting Emporium -- Jo Sharp -- A collection of designs for hand knitting -- In the tradition of her previous acclaimed books, Rudgyard Story and Knitting Bazaar, this new book presents more of the classic and timeless designs that Jo Sharp has become internationally known for. Knitting Emporium is Sharp's latest collection of colorful sweaters using her wonderful Australian-made yarn. Her colorful designs reflect the variety of influences that inspire her. From the landscape of Australia to the traditional plaids of Scotland, these influences combine to create vibrant and fresh projects for the whole family. All the designs use the unique range of Jo Sharp 8ply DK pure wool handknitting yarn. You'll find a rich array of hand-knitting projects: sweaters, vests, hats -- all in Sharp's trademark style.

A collection of good, basic sweaters -- At first glance, Jo Sharp's "Knitting Emporium" may seem rather unimaginative. The most eye-catching sweater is the colorful "Tashkent" sweater pictured on the front of the book. Some of the sweaters inside the book look somewhat like what one could purchase in a Walmart! That was decidedly NOT what I was hoping for. But then, when I took a second and third look throughout the book, I realized that the details of some of these sweaters are unusual but also very classic. There are some very good, wearable necklines (i.e. the "Antipodean" and the "Heather" patterns), and the shape of most of these sweaters are the kind that most body types could wear comfortably and attractively. There are patterns for both men and women, most of which are extremely classic pullovers, vests, or cardigans. 5 of the 14 patterns are colorful (in the Kaffe Fassett manner), and 7 of the 14 patterns are monochromatic (4 of which have textural interest). I would have been interested to know more about Jo Sharp's background, and a little about her method of design. Alice Starmore books give the reader something to read as well as patterns to knit, and I have always enjoyed that. But, as this is my first Jo Sharp book, she may have given this information in a prior book. The book is worth buying if you are looking for basic sweaters that are beautifully designed in a classic manner.

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