Rowan Weardowney Knit Couture

 This book is by Henry Conway and Gail Downey. It is a history of knitwear in the fashion industry and also has 20 projects for you to knit.
The frst few chapters explore the history of knitting and how it became fashionable when introduced to the catwalk by Coco Chanel. There are profile of designers such as John Galliano, Vivian Westwood, Kenzo and others who have influenced the growth of knitwear as a fashion item.
The projects include a spider web bolero, a tweed jacket, waistcoats, vests, sweaters, skirts and cardigans. All the designs are based around 7 basic shapes that, with varying yarn and stitch choices, take on a completely different appearance. Yarns used include Rowan Cotton Jeans, Felted Tweed, Cotton Glace, 4 Ply Soft and Bamboo Soft.
This is a hardback book with dust jacket and it is beautifully present. Some of the design photos have an overlay of tracing paper with the designer's notes written on it so that you can see how the shape and stitches evolved.

Please click on the thumbnails to enlarge the views.