Refined Knits: Sophisticated Lace, Cable, and Aran Lace Knitwear

by Jennifer Wood

Elegance at the tip of your needles!

Cables and lace are special enough by themselves, but there is something graceful, even magical, about combining the two. Refined Knits concentrates on these two techniques, along with incredibly unique Aran Lace which combines the two, and the results are sure to impress.


Enduring Cables: discover cable-work with interesting structure in its details
Graceful Lace: explore the delicate sophistication of open-work
Elegant Aran Lace: combine lace and cables in unexpected and stunning ways
Knitwear designer Jennifer guides you through knitting these timeless, classic techniques, resulting in finished garments and accessories with a decidedly modern feel you'll treasure for years to come.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2016

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This type of pattern collection will catch my eye every time. Colorwork might be more striking, but I'm a sucker for a good cable or lace (or combined!) pattern. This one is gorgeous.

There's a good selection of both sweaters and accessories, from beginning lace projects to more advanced. As one might expect of a lace-heavy pattern book, these are all women's patterns. Pretty classic designs with some unique, feminine details. Most are in finer gauges too. It's an IK pattern book, and like anything from Interweave, you can count on good technical directions and support. While I haven't made any of these patterns yet, and can't personally testify to clarity or completeness, there are some errata posted online at Woodhouse Knits (and of course, check Ravelry, too, for advice from other knitters - all these patterns seem to be pretty popular).

Patterns I'd personally make:
* Shayla Shrug
* Keavy sweater (I really like the suggested cable patterning)
* Brielle cardigan

[Theresa Malloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t actually read this book

So, I just thumbed through this book at warp speed to get its flavor.
The author’s overall knitting philosophy matches mine pretty well, and about 70-80% of her designs appeal to me on some level.
I am a pretty adept knitter, having created my on designs, adapted other’s designs successfully, and made things people actually wear.
I mostly detest the type of patterns available at my level: artsy and affected, with noxious asymmetry for the sake of statement over grace.
These designs incorporate beauty and intrigue into wearable art-as-functional fashion. People may exclaim at its intricacies, but won’t be struggling with ways to congratulate you on your new opus without referencing brutal architectural design terms.
I borrowed this from my local library on Kindle, but will be buying it to keep as a template and prod for my own designs. I’m already plotting one.
Further note: truly excellent glossary an tutorial sketches in the back of the book for what may be new stitches for some or rusty stitches for others (cough/cough).

[Wendy Alcantara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great designs, terrible kindle edition

I usually only really like 2-3 patterns in any given knitting book, but here I loved at least half and ran to Ravelry to put them in my queue. Definitely refined patterns, interesting design and techniques, and challenging patterns, which I love.
I'm taking off a star, however, because for several designs the photos don't give all the information I would like to have regarding fit and construction - I found the book on Ravelry and there each pattern has a couple more photos that would have been great to include in the book. Even more important, the kindle edition is so low-res that zooming in to see pictures and (most importantly) charts leaves them really blurry.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 18 knitting patterns in this book are thoughtfully designed, with charts, schematics, photographs, and written directions. They are simultaneously classic but with modern touches. There's a nice mix of sweaters (cardigans, pullovers) and accessories (hats, wraps). Most of the sweaters are knit from the top down with a modified raglan for a better fit. A section in the back of the book shows clear illustrations of techniques with lots of tips throughout. Unfortunately, not one project called out to me, but I appreciate the quality of the designs.

[Diana Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty, feminine designs

This book is full of pretty, feminine designs. Not that they are necessarily delicate, just that they have lacy patterns or other sweet details like draped necklines or tailored body shaping. Very interesting, and not for the faint of heart. I look forward to knitting some of these designs!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these patterns - combinations of lace an cables - definitely some projects to make for myself

[Martha]

intrigued by Vivian sleeveless pullover with cowl neckline

[Tilden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely patterns. Beautiful cables and lace, even a combination of the two. However, the sweaters are all tightly fit and I'm not sure how they will look on women who are not petite or tall and willowy (like me). If you have any body fat on you, the sweaters might make you look fat and lumpy, even if they are gorgeous. Maybe if you were to knit the sweaters with more ease, they might look fairly good on one.

There are some shawl patterns, a gorgeous cable cardigan that I'd love to knit, and some pullovers I especially like, so I might buy the book.

Jennifer Wood is a cleaver designer and I love her designs. I will go on Ravelry and see what other designs she has and see what people had knitted and how they look on their bodies.

[Tammy]

Jennifer Wood's book is a sweet combination of cables and lace knitted patterns, every one sweetly desirable.

I posted a video book review (which shows the only bad thing I can find with this book that the pages are so glossy, my laptop camera had a hard time showing how beauitful the pieces are) on my blog: http://knittwhisperer.blogspot.com/20...

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some very nice patterns, but not my style.

[Jennifer Mitchell-Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the clothing created for this book. I am not to this level in ability, yet, but this is inspiring.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently knitting the Murron from this same author (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libra...), and it's a challenging, awesome design with Japanese stitch elements.

[Kristine]

a very pretty book. I like the cables, lace, and combination of both. I added several things to my queue and could see myself enjoying knitting and wearing them.

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to look at. I will not make many of these anytime soon. Maybe one day I will try.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and well-written book with gorgeous patterns that makes one feel elegantly feminine!