Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker - Hardcover

McGowan, Kristy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1584798610 ISBN 13: 9781584798613

Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2010

Synopsis

For decades, knitters have been constructing garments using the wonderfully efficient top-down technique made famous by Barbara G. Walker in her renowned tome Knitting from the Top. But never have the results looked as glamorous and city-chic as they do in Modern Top-Down Knitting. In this sophisticated wom­enswear collection, designer Kristina McGowan presents streamlined, feminine dresses, tunics, and skirts; elegant cardigans and pullovers; and stylish go-to accessories such as hats and mitts. Also included are step-by-step photo tutorials that make top-down techniques easy to understand and sizing and style adjustments a cinch to achieve. Detailed instructions are also included for finishing garments with couture-quality trims and linings, so they look just as elegant on the inside as they do on the outside. 

"Kristina McGowan presents a charming collection of original designs in knitwear, to inspire knitters of all levels of skill. Her work incorporates the two essential qualities of good knitting direction: (1) her ideas are fresh, fashionable, and interesting; and (2) her instructions are clear and easily followed. Hers is an excellent book." 

Barbara G. Walker 

About this title

About the Author

Kristina McGowan is a New York City–based knitwear designer.

From Booklist

Knitters know that when they finish a sweater, they’re going to wind up with a bunch of pieces that will have to be put together. That’s where top-down knitting comes in: a method of garment construction that doesn’t require much finishing and can be slipped over one’s head during the knitting process to allow for adjustment. Still, it’s a different way to think about knitting, and for many years author McGowan didn’t want to think about it. Then she got a job at a knit shop and began to study the works of Barbara Walker, who was one of top-down knitting’s gurus. After initiating a Julie & Julia relationship (though they met and liked each other), McGowan decided to dedicate herself to the top-down method, and here she provides some marvelous patterns for both the newcomer and the more experienced, including hats, skirts and dresses, and one very impressive jacket. Although the instructions seem clear, they assume knowledge of such techniques as short rows and picking up stitches. Crisp photos make the projects enticing. --Ilene Cooper

Edition details

• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1584798610
• ISBN 13: 9781584798613
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160