Rent: Custom Knits: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques

I admit it, I am a reformed knitting book addict.
But after reading all of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, and B Walkers " Knitting From the Top Down" I changed my entire perspective on knitting.

I didn't think that there would be one person (in this generation of knitters) that could even come close to the wit and wisdom those two woman had. I teach basic knitting to home schooler's and other young people so I am very careful what I teach, and what methods I use.
I do not want my student's to become knitters SO glued to a pattern that they wont take chances and personalize their knitting.
I found that the very reason they want to learn to knit in the first place is that they love fiber and color,,, and want to add touches that only a handknit item can offer.
They surprise me all the time with their eagerness to learn,,, and most importantly, their desire to break the " rules" of knitting.

I began to use the top down process vs. the bottom up process of knitting sweaters more often than not (with the exception of color work ski sweaters ) knitting top down is the ONLY way to guarantee 100% that your garment will fit you in all areas, not just sleeve or hem length. I taught myself to do this (by reading and experimenting) and am now teaching young students to do so also.

The knitting book market is literally flooded with and overabundance of books,, but always PATTERN books~ and no one near the caliber of the" great ladies" of knitting. Books are published by the dozens each month, none have much substance to them. I scour through them at local shops in an effort to see what will help me teach more effectively and have not seen much that is worth spending money on.

I did not think there was a single talented knitter that even came close to the late great EZ and B Walker.

I couldn't have been more wrong in my thinking !

This book is as close as it gets to truly understanding the top down method of B Walker's book,,,,, and,,, teaches EZ's EPS system ( an amazing method of knitting ) PLUS,,it offers loads of design advice you wish you would have many sweaters ago.

If you honestly have the desire to have finished projects that fit and flatter you or anyone you knit for, this book will teach you how to do so.

If that isn't enough, there are so many things offered such as how to make your own dress form for only a few dollars ( so you can see how the knitted garment will hang on you from all angles) and how to do set in sleeves on a top down garment. I think making the dress form will be a great class to teach(!!) using this book as my guide.

Set in sleeves,,, it can be done and look very professional WITHOUT sewing!
I have not attempted to do this myself because even though
B Walker does mention this in her book , it just wasn't clear in my mind, no matter how much I tried to wrap my brain around those concepts.

I am thrilled to now have the clarity I was searching for, and wish I had this book many disappointments( and wasted $$ ago.)

Just like EZ,the author encourages you to be the "boss of your knitting" and I am thankful that this author was able to pick up where 2 incredibly talented knitters left off.

EZ's books and B Walker's books are the backbone of my library,, they are the books that I refer to over and over again.
This book has earned a spot on my bookshelf right next to those books and I will use this book in much the same way.

It adds a freshness and a whole new perspective to my designs and I feel that I can spread my wings further and further , as well as my students.

I can't praise this book any more than others already have, but I would give this book a 15 star rating if it were allowed.

EZ and B Walker were THE groundbreakers, THE rule busters,, and maverick knitters of their time,,,,, but this author did far more than write one book.
I think that she actually picked up their needles, and started to knit where they left off~ and that is one huge compliment to Wendy Bernard. I cant help but believe that they must be smiling down at her and cheering her on.

I suspect that this book is the just the beginning of this author's knitting career,I think we will be reading about her a whole lot more in the future.

This is the latest knitting book I have purchased!! I love this book! The patterns are all lovely! They are mostly worked from the top down, (my favorite way) and and are presented with very clear instructions. They are beautiful the way they are, and the author gives suggestions and instructions on how to personalize EACH pattern and make it your own! A lot of the patterns in the book are made with "negative ease" which is what the author prefers for her own garments, (something I new nothing about before this book).(MY figure won't allow for it!) Still, as I said, the author teaches you how to make each design your own, just as you desire. I will deffinitely use this new information, as well as all the other information in this book for myself and the people for whom I knit garments!
THIS IT "THE" BOOK THAT HAS FINALLY BROKEN THROUGH TO MY CREATIVE GENIOUS AND TAUGHT ME THAT I CAND TAKE ANY DESIGN AND REALLY MAKE IT MY OWN! I love this book and not only highly recommend, but encourage any knitter, new or expert, to make it an addition to their knitting library!

I need plus sized patterns and this is the best recent knitting book for me. The patterns are great and it gives you options for fit etc. Love this book and so do all my friends.

I saw the book and could not wait to get my own copy. I am current working on 2 projects out of the book and have the yarn for a 3rd. I love all the project and see myself doing and completing 90% of them. Great book! And the author has given you alternatives to the patterns which is refreshing. A book worth the price. Enjoy.

I love this book! The patterns are well written and there is something for everyone in here.