It Girl Knits

Book excerpt: Maybe you ve already mastered scarves and are bored with them, or maybe you ve never knitted before but are drawn to the trendy knitted fashions you re seeing on the runways and in your favourite shops. If all the knitting books you ve picked up seem like they re written for the likes of your Great Aunt Mabel rather than for you and your hipper crowd, It Girl Knits is your new best friend - and fashion consultant. Created by 16-year-old "It Girl" Phoenix Bess, the 30 projects presented here were all designed with a youthful philosophy - and are pieces that Bess actually wears. A Baby Doll Top, Shortie Jacket, Fingerless Gloves, Beaded Bandana, Capri Leggings, Gold Halter Top, Tiny Shorts - all are easy to knit but make big statements. Every project adheres to the Bess design principles: the use of fibres that create a great fit and are soft to the touch (like bamboo, silk and cotton yarns) and clean, classic lines with an edgy twist (often via fun embellishments like beads, crystals and felt). Most of the patterns are for beginners and knitted in the round and include instructions for adjusting hemlines, inseams and waistlines to get the perfect fit for any body type. Divided into four chapters: Working, Relaxing, Recreating and Celebrating - It Girl Knits even features a colour chart to help you mix and match yarns and sidebars on how to add optional designer details and put together an outfitto flaunt your new knits.