Splendid Apparel

Book excerpt: GARMENTS OF PRAISE A handbook of embroidered knitting The craft of knitting is devoted to making useful things, especially clothing. The craft of embroidery is devoted to making useful things beautiful. Garments of Praise brings these two crafts together. Anna Zilboorg begins with richly textured knit fabrics then adds embroidery for emphasis, color, detail, and even sheen. A little embroidery can make a big difference in how a knitting pattern reads. Watch the magic appear when knit fabric and embroidery are integrated. A craft is about process. Here, explore the combinations with a baker's dozen of embroidery stitches and a library of over 50 textured knit patterns. Swatches-- photographed both as they come off the knitting needles and after embroidery is added-- clearly show the transformations and provide springboards for further experimentation. Stitch basics and step-by-step illustrations help a novice learn the simple motions, try variations, and add a contrasting color. Since a knit pattern forms the grid, counting for placement of the embroidery stitches is minimal. Besides suggestions for color and type of threads to use, Anna's cogent comments identify where a knit stitch may require special attention and adjustments to make the embroidery steps easier. Since observing what doesn't work is also a crucial part of any design process, Anna discusses stitches considered, sampled, and rejected, and describes the best method of removing embroidery stitches. A craft is also about product. The 18 full patterns in this book are all basic shapes--a few with innovative, join-as-you-go construction. These classic embroidered garments are destined to be modern heirlooms.