Neall Susan - Knits for Real People : Fitting and Sewing Fashion Knit Fabrics

I was delighted to attend the first Knits workshop in Portland and even more delighted and honoured to review this book. Despite sewing for years, I have learnt so much just on the first read-through and need to find more time to experiment with some of the great ideas included in the book. Whether you want basic, functional T-shirts or elegant evening wear, Pati and Sue have made all the techniques understandable and doable, with the huge number of clear photos and diagrams that we have come to expect from Palmer/Pletsch. An excellent resource book to add to your library whether a novice or advanced sewer.

Celia Banks, UK-based Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructor and lead tutor, Europe; owner of Sew Fundamental Ltd.

Knits for Real People is a welcome addition to any sewists library. Who doesnt want to be able to make and wear comfortable, easy-to-sew knit garments that fit? With this book, you will be able to access all the information you need to do just that: from choosing the right fabric and pattern, to basic sewing techniques and creative touches, this book will continue to inform and inspire you as you expand your knit wardrobe. Best of all, it includes the rarely discussed topic of fitting knit patterns, using Palmer and Nealls unique and simple methods of tissue-fitting patterns.

As a college instructor who has been teaching classes in knit construction for many years, I can attest that this edition fills a long vacant space in the library of how-to sewing books: a dedicated book that focuses on the special construction techniques that knit fabrics demand, with updated resources, techniques and designs. I look forward to sharing it with my students for years to come, and know that it will benefit anyone who wants to create a closet full of fabulous knit garments.

Judy Jackson, instructor in Fashion Design, Caada College and City College of San Francisco, and at Craftsy.com

As a knit pattern designer and instructor, I am thrilled with this new book, Knits for Real People. It is truly the most comprehensive and thorough book on knits ever published. From an in-depth look at the textile end of knit fabrics, to cutting and sewing, design and finishing andMOST important of allfitting, nothing is left out of this amazing book. As an instructor, I know that my recommending this book to my students will enable them to fill in any gaps left out from a short teaching time. This is must-have book for all sewists, no matter what their skill level!

Pamela Leggett, owner of Pamelas Patterns and coordinator and instructor, Palmer/Pletsch East Workshops

As a certified sewing instructor, I know my students are going to have questions when they get home. I am always looking for books to recommend, to keep them excited about sewing and expanding their knowledge beyond what they have learned in class. Knits for Real People easily fits those criteria. It has clear and detailed information and explanations in an easy-to-read format that will not intimidate the beginning sewer, while also providing the experienced sewer with new ideas to try. The wonderful Palmer/Pletsch fit method is included and mostly definitely applies to fitting and sewing with knits. It is a perfect addition to any sewers library!

Carol Stalvey, Certified Palmer/Pletsch Instructor

Knits for Real People is the book youve been waiting for! Clear instructions with lots of photos and great tips give real-time sewers everything they want to know about working with knits. Everything sewers want to know, plus more that every stitcher will love knowing. Pati and Sue remove the mystery and trepidation that knits have been known to cause with solid knowledge of fabric, fit, technique, and creativity. Easy to read, easy to reference, and easy on the eyes, Knits for Real People keeps working with knits easy.

Katherine Tilton, freelance designer for Butterick and Vogue Pattern Company, sewist, writer, co-leader of ParisTilton Tours, fabric buyer for MarcyTilton.com, educator and artist.

Knits for Real People is sure to become a classic in every sewists library. The sewing community has been waiting for this definitive practical information and will embrace itfor even experienced sewists can be timid about working with knits. It is visually appealing, I love the contrast of professional models in studio shots interspersed with photos of real people, including the authors themselves. The content is superb and clearly presented. I practically devoured the entire book in one sitting and learned a few new things in the process. My response is a big, huge, unequivocal YES.

Marcy Tilton, owner/buyer at MarcyTilton.com online fabric store, Vogue Pattern designer, co-leader ParisTilton tours, educator, writer, passionate sewist.

This book would never exist without the collaboration of many talented individuals. Thank you to:

The creatively talented Australians Valerie Gibson, Suzanne Gray and Pam Kerr (Palmer/Pletsch Certified Sewing Instructors) who came to America to be photographed for the fitting knits chapter and to model their creative garments for the book.

Our students in Australia and those who attend our workshops in Portland, Oregon, for letting us experiment and learn to fit knits during workshops.

David Tinworth (Managing Director) - Martin & Savage Fabrics Australia for supplying industry and manufacturing information for Knit Fabrics. David gave us a lot of insider information on new textiles and fibers, pilling and abrasion.

George Messina (Managing Director) and Kate Marra (Promotions and Education) Baby Lock Australia.

All Palmer/Pletsch instructors, who always are willing to share information and experiences. Especially, Marta Alto for her unrelenting quest to make tissue fitting easier.

McCall, Vogue, and Butterick pattern companies for the beautiful photography used in this book to give todays knit sewing the truly fashion look it has become.

Linda Wisner, our talented and patient design director, who puts in unbelievable hours and dedication to every Palmer/ Pletsch book.

Kate Pryka, an amazing artist who also sews, and Ann Gosch, who has been involved in this project from the beginning doing many edits and giving lots of suggestions since she also is a sewer who has been in the industry for years.

Publishers Cataloging-In-Publication Data
(Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.)

Neall, Susan.

Knits for real people : fitting and sewing fashion knit fabrics / Susan Neall & Pati Palmer ; designed by Linda Wisner ; copy and technical editing by Ann Gosch ; photography by Pati Palmer and Rebecca Neall ; illustrations by Kate Pryka ; styling and sample sewing by Susan Neall and Pati Palmer ; technical assistance by Helen Bartley.

pages : illustrations, charts ; cm

A Palmer Pletsch publication.

Includes index.

Issued also in various ebook formats.

ISBN: 978-1-61847-044-7

1. KnitwearHandbooks, manuals, etc. 2. SewingHandbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Fashion designHandbooks, manuals, etc. 4. DressmakingHandbooks, manuals, etc. I. Palmer, Pati. II. Wisner, Linda. III. Gosch, Ann. IV. Neall, Rebecca. V. Pryka, Kate. VI. Bartley, Helen, 1961- VII. Title.

TT705 .N43 2015
646.4

NOTE: Whenever specific brands are mentioned, it is to save readers time by sharing products we have personally used and liked. Other items in the marketplace may be equally good.