Start to Knit

Alison Dupernex has been a textile designer for 20 years, selling to galleries and shops in the UK and abroad. Her designs are mainly for jackets and sweaters in natural fibres, and her cushions and throws have been featured in interior design magazines. She also writes patterns for magazines and teaches short courses on machine and hand knitting. Her hobbies include gardening and listening to music and she enjoys the theatre.

• IntroductionMaterialsUseful termsTechniquesRhubarb and Custard ScarfMermaid’s PurseRosy BagJazzy JewelleryCool BeanieFlower BeltBig BagMore books to readGlossaryIndex

No. 116, June 2007In the 148 pages of this hardback book which is just under A4 sized are step-by-step photos of basic knitting techniques together with patterns for a scarf, purse, two bags, jewellery, a beanie hat and a belt. The book is aimed at young teenagers based on the ages of the all-female models. I was delighted to see basic but vital information such as 'When the smooth side is facing, you knit the stitches...' for stockinette stitch, but disappointed that there is no suggestion that alternatives could be substituted for the Rowan yarns that are used throughout. It would be a shame if lack of access to the 'right' yarn in the new knitter's local shop or lack of sufficient pocket money meant the projects were not attempted.The technique of knitting flowers, resulting in an almost crocheted look, was new to me. At first sight I had wondered what a crochet embellishment was doing in this book. It goes to prove that you may only start to knit once, but are never too old to learn something new.Lesley Fidler