The book I am reviewing today has been in my library for some time, and it has traveled to many Fair Isle workshops with me around Australia. I know some of you would find this book useful, so even though it’s not new, I’m going to put spotlight on: Mastering Color Knitting (2010)*
Apparently there are 12 lovely colourwork projects in this book using Fair isle, Intarsia and Double Knitting techniques but I haven’t really looked at them til today… I can tell you there’s a jumper, a cardigan, a beanie, some homewares… all very useful for practicing the different colourwork techniques…but that’s not what excites me about this book.
What I really love about Mastering Color Knitting is the “lessons”. At the start of each chapter is a detailed introduction to the colourwork technique in focus with clear explanations, diagrams, illustrations and photos. There are lots of suggestions for customisation including a “Pattern Treasury”: 16 pages of Fair Isle motifs with varying degrees of complexity.
Melissa also provides useful advice about colour choices, how to place different motifs when designing your own colourwork knits, and finishing techniques- including steeking! This is where the “mastery” comes in: most books are aimed at beginners or experts, but this covers a broad base of skills and knowledge, making it a great investment for knitters of all different levels of experience.
The dog-eared page
One page in particular gets referred to a lot in my Fair Isle classes: page 25. Melissa elegantly demonstrates Colour Dominance by depicting two simple swatches side by side. Can you see it?
About the Author
Melissa Leapman is a dynamic knitting and crochet designer and teacher based in NYC. She has authored lots of knitting and crochet books… I can highly recommend 6000+ Pullover Possibilities for designing/ hacking your own jumper/ sweater pattern.
I actually attended one of Melissa’s classes at Vogue Knitting Live in 2023 and I didn’t even realise this was her book at the time, otherwise I would have asked her to sign it! She is a very knowledgeable, approachable teacher who offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including cruises and online retreats. Head to her website to learn more.
Where to get it:
Mastering Color Knitting* is an adolescent (this book turns 15 this year!) who is too cool to be found lurking on bookshelves…you’ll need to go looking online. You can get it on Amazon* and Booktopia, websites like that.
*contains affiliate links