With fall upon us, it is time for a full range of new knitting books. After much delay, Chic Knits: Stylish Designs from Knitport by Phuong My Ly finally makes its debut. Chic Knits offers 16 patterns that, according to Ly, are “simple, wearable and chic.” This is the same philosophy that has made her Southern California knit shop so popular.
True to her philosophy, the patterns in this book are definitely wearable, if not particularly groundbreaking. But sometimes wearable is far more important than interesting. The “Summer Allure Shell” is a simple, fitted, sleeveless top with an open weave mesh at the neck. All knitting books have at least one beautiful scarf or wrap pattern, and the “Teaser Wrap,” with it’s elongated drop-stitch pattern, is the one in this book. The “Tiffany Cardigan” is an attractive, simple cardigan, but with nothing special about it.
The “Julia Bag” is a cute, oversized felt tote with felted roses stitched on. It’s fun, multi-purpose, but the fun fur edging is a little too much. The “Charm Shrug” is a little too long to be called a shrug but too short to be a sweater – a swug perhaps? It ties at the waist but just looks sort of bland. The “Honey Shrug” is far more shrug-like, and it’s dolman sleeves keep it cozy, comfy, and cute. The “Itsy-Bitsy Bikini” is a string bikini accented with shells or charms on the strings. It’s adorable on the model, and if you have the body for it, you could really rock this design, but I still have yet to understand the feasibility of a knit bikini.
The “Passion Sweater” is one of my favorites from this book, a simple fitted boatneck piece with a folded collar that gathers into an off-center, abstract rose. The “Mystique Cape” takes the cape back from the vampires, with a hood and cabled edging. The “Boyfriend Scarf” is a simple unisex scarf with widely-spaced, asymmetrical braided cables. “Boyfriend Sweater” is another entry into the oversized, shapeless sweater category. But with its lightweight yarn with a nice drape, narrow body and extra-long sleeves, this sweater is adorable, not frumpy.
Don’t forget baby: the “Baby Cape” is a unique piece that looks better for a night home snuggling than actually going out. Hooded, with a hint of teddy bear ears, and a large strap to keep it on. The cape portion billows and hits to the feet.
Chic Knits is a solid collection of wearable knits.
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