Boutique Knits: 20+ Must Have Accessories

With Boutique Knits, you can make your very own knockout accessories. If you love showing your personal style with the "it" handbag, funky scarf, or the hat that makes heads turn, then this book is for you.

Author Laura Irwin designs knitted accessories for the trendsetting indie designer fashion boutique Seaplane in Portland, Oregon, and is particularly known for her felted hats and stylish bags. In Boutique Knits, Laura presents designs for knitted accessories that stand out from the crowd.

• Patterns that cover a variety of knitting techniques in varying degrees, including felting, intarsia, Fair Isle, lacework, and cables
• Advice on incorporating non-knitting tools and techniques to transform your knitting to achieve that one-of-a-kind boutique feel: pliers, hammers, a sewing machine, use of millinery techniques, and handsewing techniques.
• Unique adornment inspiration, such as buckles and bolts borrowed from leatherwork close an intricately cabled belt, a chain handle finishes a felted bag with circle pockets, leather lacing dresses up a knitted bag, and grommets finish a half-felted handbag.
• Inspiration from vintage lace, beads, ribbon, and fabric-covered buttons!
• Knitting and felting techniques to create effects like ruffles, shibori-style pleats, and clever shaping.
• And more!

This collection of modern, stylish patterns will inspire beginning and intermediate knitters with its uncommon techniques and materials. Transform your knitting with Boutique Knits!

Reviews: "The patterns in this book are really cute and have a classic feel with a modern look. A project from this book (or the book itself) would be great for any woman who likes to keep up with fashion."-About.com Guide to Knitting

"Unique, pretty, clever. There’s a reason that–even though I rarely make accessories–I felt compelled to buy this book out of all the many new knitting books."-KnittingScholar.com

"A very pretty book. Laura has created a collection of accessories and sweater accents that use classic influences long past and mix them with a modern functionality and appeal."-Knitty.com

"Some creative and truly innovative techniques... the photography perfectly captures the dreamy, romantic yet urban feel of Irwin's designs."-knotions online magazine

"The clever, pretty patterns in Laura's book are full of interesting twists."-The Oregonian KT2OG blog

Introduction

• Pseudo Shibori Scarf- The technique of Shibori in knitting is often associated with felting, but can easily be accomplished by using an improvised gathering and sewing technique for delicate but organic- looking results.
• Fawn Earflap Hat- This hat comes from Laura's ready- to- wear line and immediately knitters were after the pattern. It can be finished in one day and yet it still makes one darling impact.
• Best Felted Collar- This scarf presents the best of everything, half felted and half unfelted, half angora and half wool; this is an easy project for beginners to practice shaping. It provides either a sophisticated look worn ascot- style, or comfort nested against your throat.
• Softly Pleated Sleeves- Here is a pair of gorgeous sleeves with Victorian- style lace trim appliqued after the sleeves are completed that will dress up any outfit for cold months.
• Silky Wool Vest- This fun vest is the perfect starter sweater project. It was purposely designed to look shapely without any knitted shaping, and the buttons add an easy stylish detail with bridal button loops- no more planning ahead for buttonholes.
• Sunshine Intarsia Bag- Sometimes unique hardware and zippers can spark an idea for the trendiest accessories. Beginning with a deep orange shade, this bag gradually changes with intarsia for a subtle transition to gold. Chicago screws, a zipper, and a large D- ring make up the hardware to complete this fantastic bag.
• Side Slip Cloche- The sleek ruffles add the perfect feminine touch to this adorable hat made from one of Laura's favorite novelty yarns, which has just the right amount of sparkle.
• Alpaca Silk Bow Scarf- You will love the way this beautiful scarf was made specifically to be tied in a bow. The detailed but unfussy intarsia pattern is displayed at the ends and bows are designed to give the illusion of shaping without all the hard work.
• Half- Felted Bag- This bag is loaded with adornments: chain handle, Chicago screws, soft leather lacing, sew- on magnets and so on. Each of these embellishments gives this half- felted bag such a unique look and still fun to work on!
• Sideways Grande Hat- This chic hat will make you look forward to even the bitterest of winters. The cloche- shaped cap, worked in warm alpaca and finished with a twisted faux cable can be worn with the cable off center or at the side of the head.
• Raglan Wrap- Layering is back and this wrap will become your new favorite piece. The large raglan sleeves are cut a bit short and a high neck and asymmetrical faux button band hide large hidden snaps for closure and provide fabulous lines for any outfit.
• Argyle Lace Hat- Custom buttons are a fun way to give any piece a polished finish. This tam begins with a fancy rib stitch and continues with just a little bit of lace, and then it is up to you to choose a feminine or cheeky fabric to cover the buttons for the finishing touch.
• Teak Bittersweet Gauntlets- These distinct and modern fingerless mitts have a panel of continuous color changes, completed by a seed- stitched wristband fastened with a contemporary leather button. For those cold days, this cute accessory will brighten up any jacket or sweater.
• Hoodie Devoted- A hoodie is born to be comfy and warm, but this beautiful hoodie was also created to give you a tasteful accessory for your outfit- and not dominate it. It's perfect to fit under a coat or over a dress providing practicality and style.
• Heather Headband- Laura was inspired to create a knitted piece around a preexisting shape that would last. This timeless classic headband of asymmetrical cables and bobbles that meet and redirect on the sides is just right for the needs of a smart dresser.
• Big Brown Bag- The secret of felting is that in order to get the desired shape, you have to create it after you've finished knitting and felting. This bag inspired by leather handbags, is big enough to carry anything and with all the hardware and adornments that polish off the look, you will want to create more in different colors!
• Braided Cable Belt- This sleek belt that sits high on the waist will add the needed touch to that longer top or thin sweater in your closet. The pull-through straps are double-sided to keep them tidy and curl-free.
• Plain Talk Ruffled Mittens- In spite of the cute ruffles and buttons in this pattern meant to style up those ordinary winter mittens, these mittens remain understated and clean. The suede palms and thumbs add durability as well.
• Whiskey Felted Cap- Felted hats can be elaborate in their shapes and many require hat blocks, but this design is a funky hat meant to be shaped without one. Making custom professional- looking labels for your handmade accessories is also a fun way to finish your projects.
• Ruffled Neck Kerchief- Treat yourself to this kerchief made with soft alpaca and a simple mix of colors that makes this a lovely first lace pattern. Ruffles are added to the ends for a feminine finish.
• Bamboo Diamond Shell- Over the last few years the fashion industry has embraced the art of handwork that has resulted in some beautiful designs. The diamond pattern of this luscious shell was inspired by quilts and quilting.
• Pleated Denim Purse- For those times when you need to keep only a few essentials, this pleated denim purse is perfect and the possibilities to customize it are endless. The bag can be lined for extra security and adorned with a delicate chain handle that charms can be added to.
• Soft Kid Bubble- The bubble shape of this sweater is a favorite of Laura's- it's just the right thing to layer over leggings or denim. The open lace panel across the chest gives it a Scandinavian- inspired look and the soft mohair yarn keeps this piece light to the touch.
• Beaded Fair Isle Hat- Dazzling beads in the middle of the Fair Isle section of this hat are an elegant accent that contrasts nicely with the softness of the combination of silk and alpaca.