Simple Stitches, Knits with Textured Details is another great knitt ing book from Martingale & Company publishing. The book starts with the appropriate how-to directions for stitches and finishing. I don’t think I have ever had a knitting pattern book in which I like every pattern and want to make each one of them – until this book. The sweaters are simple in styling with beautiful stitch patterns to create an elegant design with the textured details.

The first section is Garter-stitch projects which contains two short sleeve tops, a cardigan, and one long sleeve pullover tunic. The Seed-stitch Projects section has one each of a short-sleeved, sleeveless, tunic, and jacket. The Ribbing and Cable Projects section contains a cardigan, a pullover, and two short-sleeved tops. The last section is Openwork Projects has a cardigan, a vest and one short-sleeved top. The patterns are easy to follow and there are detailed photographs for each design.

Skill levels for these patterns are nine easy and six intermediate, but even the easiest pattern will look like a masterpiece. I love this quote from the book:

“In our increasingly hectic world, knitting should be relaxing. The patterns in this book were designed to do just that – help you relax as you knit.” ( )