The trend in knitting today is towards svelte, stylish, sexy hand-knit pieces. Even bulky winter sweaters are knit with shaping and sexy details. Another book in this arena is Romantic Style by Jennie Atkinson, a collection of over 20 patterns based on 1930s glamour. The majority of these patterns are knitting patterns, though there are a few crochet patterns (mostly for accessories) towards the back.
“Cotton Camisole” is a simple, easy-to-wear camisole with a shaped bust and spaghetti straps. “Beaded Cape” is really a capelet – simple in shape, falling just past the shoulders, and with a spray of beading on the hem. “Butterfly Dress” is the cover garment – a sheer, delicate lace slip dress. “Beaded Jacket” is a sleek, vintage shape speckled with beads. Seed stitch pattern accentuates the hem, collar, and cuffs, and a wide satin ribbon at the waist makes it feminine and flattering.
“Lace Blouse” is a little dowdy in my opinion – it is shapeless, short-sleeved and button-front, with a rather dense zigzag and eyelet pattern. “Beaded Shrug” is a fluffy mohair lace design with ¾ length sleeves that lead up into a delicate hood. The hood is edged with beads for a subtle hint of glamour. “Chevron Lace Top” looks like a 1930s blouse perfect for a day at the country club. Ribbed hem and cuffs give it shape, and a button neck that is not meant to be buttoned give it a playful edge.
“Bed Jacket” is too cozy to be relegated to the bedroom. It features a hugely oversized collar (goes well past the shoulders), a tie closure in front, and triangle edging. If that is not enough for you, try “Dressing Gown” – the floor-length version with a nipped waist. “Diamond Throw” is elegant but a bit dull – seed stitch diamonds outlined by eyelet lace. “Rose Button Cushion” and “Buttoned Flower Bolster” are both decorative pillows that are old-fashioned, but not in a good way. Both look like something that belong in my grandmother’s house.
“Crochet Necklace, Choker, and Belt” are kind of cheap looking. The “Crochet Shawl” takes traditional granny squares but does it in a modern mix of silver-grey, grass green, charcoal, cream, and grape. “Lace Shawl” is a quick knit with medium-sized needles and a wide weave.
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