Table of Contents

Introduction Eclectic and Quirky - This chapter uses embellishments, stitch structures, and yarn combinations to show how different styles can be mixed. Cecily Beanie- This basic hat can be knitted very quickly, and then it becomes a blank canvas for unleashing creative ideas. Daphne Purse- This purse was inspired by the wonderful embroidered straw bags popular in the 1950s. Elsie Mittens- These basic mittens are knitted flat and seamed afterwards, making them the ideal canvas for adding embroidered embellishment. Alice Beret- The soft, chalky pastel stripes of this jaunty tam remind me of 1920s bathing suits and swimming caps, while its shape hints at the cheeky fashions of the flapper era. Dottie Wrap- This simple but quirky knitted wrap is embellished with blanket stitch and buttons. Betty Wrap- This delicate and pretty wrap looks far more intricate and complicated to knit than it really is - the colors and lace pattern do all the work, and the yarn is used double for quick knitting. Textured and Modern - Author Louisa Harding wanted to reflect a modern woman in this chapter by using cables and interesting stitch fabrics. Piper Purse- This bag began as a design experiment when I charted out and knitted an Aran pattern. Dixie Pillow- Worked in different weight yarns, the same pattern can produce two totally different pieces. Alicia Tabard- This simple sleeveless tunic is crossed with a bold braided cable that travels from hip to shoulder on front and back. Emilie Hat- This design is inspired by the cute little pixie hats popular in the 1940s and 1950s, though the glint of silver in the yarn is anything but old-fashioned. Belle Scarf & Wrap- This design uses yarns from opposite ends of the spectrum to create distinctly fresh effects. Pretty and Feminine - Using color, texture, and lace stitches, the projects in this chapter have a distinctly girly theme. Catherine Purse- This lacy purse is such a versatile pattern - it can be knitted using a wide variety of yarns, in stripes or in a single color, to make something elegant for evening or flirty and colorful to carry every day. Victoria Fingerless Mittens- These cozy fingerless mittens are so simple to knit, but the luxurious yarns and dainty lace edging make them a simple luxurious accessory. Juliet Scarf- This light and airy scarf is knitted in a soft, luxurious angora blend. A rosette brooch knitted in the same sumptuous yarn and finished with a dainty mother-of-pearl button adds a feminine touch while holding the scarf in place. Charlotte Purse- This adorable evening purse is deceptively simple - The basic shape can be knitted in less than an hour, but the options for adding embellishment are endless. Diane Cardigan- This pretty cardigan is the epitome of femininity. Traditional and Folk - Traditional Fair Isle stitch patterns in the projects in this chapter establish the old-fashioned ambience of warmth and comfort, but with a modern twist. Jane Scarf- This scarf is knitted in a jewel-toned silk-merino blend, creating a colorful interplay of stripes, flowers, and diamonds. Mary Beanie- This hat is an excellent introduction to Fair Isle knitting - The yarn is held double throughout, making it quick to knit up, and the two-color pattern creates a lovely result without juggling several strands of yarn. Emma Hat- This design pairs a very traditional Fair Isle motif with a playful shape - its jester-like corners are finished with charming tassels. Sarah Purse- The simple construction of this little purse lets the color and pattern take center stage.

About the Author

Louisa Harding has been a major Rowan designer for 12 years, creating ready-to-wear collections for Europe, the USA and the Far East. In 1997 she became brand coordinator and designer for Jaeger Handknits, but is best known for her adorable Miss Bea range of books. Louisa also writes and designs for Vintage Style, Vogue Knitting, Knitting Magazine and Modern Classics.

Reviews

Feb 08 Nobody truly knits for necessity these days. For the twenty-first century knitter it actually is a form of pleasure and relaxation, something to be enjoyed and savoured rather than a chore. This new book from Louisa Harding taps into this concept with a book packed with luxurious and indulgent patterns to keep hands, minds and yearnings for fine fibres satisfied! The patterns are presented in four themed sections. The first is for quirky and eclectic accessories that focus on embellishement and decoration with simple knits enhanced by additions. The second section highlights the use of elegant cables to create stylish items full of texture. After this comes a collection of items that scream girliness with ribbons, fluffiness and lace stitches. The final section contrasts beautifully with bold and bright traditional Fair Isle patterns that brings the traditional fishing knitting bang up to date. The items in the book range from delicate scarves to a bold cable tunic so not everything is necessarily 'little' as the title suggests. There are lots of wraps and mittens, purses and hats, with a couple of lovely bags too. All the designs are knitted with one of Louisa Harding's gorgeous yarns so whichever design you choose, you are sure to love the knitting just as much, if not more, than the wearing of it.
*Knit Today*

Jan 08 Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming "I Enjoy Being a Girl" as you flip through Harding's latest collection. A pretty lilt, epitomized by the cover's embroidered herring-bone handbag, animates each of these 21 small-scale indulgences – things don't get any larger than a diagonally cabled tabard and romantic flyaway cardigan. A few of her selections have a vintage feel (a bathing-beauty beret anchored jauntily by a picot-tipped bow band); all have a dainty strength (an angora lace cravat holds firm with a mother-of-pearl buttoned rosette). In a handful of instances, Harding shifts color schemes and fibers, showing off the patterns' (and her yarn line's) virtuosic versatility.
*Yarn Market News*

Feb 08 Through her love of hand knitting, knitwear designer Louisa Harding arrived at this book offering a new collection of knitted gifts, all honouring traditional knitting and all infused with a luxurious, contemporary spirit. Divided into four chapters ranging from quirky, modern, feminine and traditional there will be a style and pattern here for everyone. Most designs are quick and easy to make, using minimal amounts of yarn and cater for all levels. Choose from funky striped cloche hats, fingerless mittens with lace edging, bags, wraps and other delights perfect for people looking for gorgeous gifts to knit. Instructions include ideas on how to personalise and customise your project. How very Louisa.
*Knitting*