Alyce Benevides

I've been a knitter for 'round about twenty years now, and I have a terrible time finding patterns I'd actually like to wear. Thank goodness for books like this! Benevides and Milles are quite firmly rooted in the alternative knitting scene, and they've created some great patterns. The hats alone are worth the price of admission. I mean, they have Mohawks!!!! You can whip yourself up a plain Mohawk hat in whatever colours you choose! Or, if you're up for a challenge, the authors provide the pattern for a truly stunning Union Jack Mohawk hat. I don't know about you, but I want one so bad it hurts.

They've also designed some fantastic armwarmers, (including one with a Mohawk!!!), some great sweaters and tank tops, and a few good bags, (one of which has a Mohawk!!!). The scarves, being fairly standard patterns, are less impressive, and I found the bum flaps a little odd. (The intarsia on the Union Jack one looks like fun, though!)

But all in all, there are enough good patterns here to satisfy the alternative knitter. And, best of all, the instructions are given in plain English. There's no knitting shorthand here; Benevides and Milles just flat-out tell you what to do. It's refreshing, and makes the patterns seem much more personal. They're wicked easy to work with, too. I've only made the Mohawk hat thus far, but I'm confident that the rest will be similarly fun to work on.

The photography is also worth mentioning. There are some great setups that really show off the pieces and emphasize the sense of fun that went into them.

If you're looking for some funkier knitting patterns, you should check this out.

(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina).… (altro)

Pretty in Punk: 25 Punk, Rock, and Goth Knitting Projects is THE knitting book for anyone who came of age in the 80s, idolized everything British and is more Vivienne Westwood than Laura Ashley in their fashion sense. Alyce Benevides and Jacqueline Milles, owners of the counter-culture knitwear company knit-head, have gathered together 25 of their signature designs and invite knitters to “unleash their inner rockstar.”

Beginning with their signature Mohawk hat (currently being sported by Depeche Mode’s Martin Gore on tour) in the chapter “For the Head”, the designs in Pretty in Punk are divided into six sections depending on where on the body the garment is to be worn. While the patterns themselves are simple (suitable for beginners although there are no learn to knit instructions), these designs have serious attitudes. Benevides and Milles’ sense of style carries throughout production of this book. Everything here reflects punk, rock and goth sensibilities; from the high-fashion style photographs to pattern names – although in this case, punk gets a nudge of luxury for these ladies aren’t above using cashmere.

Even if your style no longer runs to mod micro-minis or sporting the union jack, Pretty in Punk is the perfect inspiration for your inner rebel. Instead of plain gauntlets, why not indulge your quirky side by using the “Love Bites” arm warmer pattern? My inner goth is mentally digging through the stash to find the perfect mohair for the “Goth Girl” jumper and “Vamp” scarf. Benevides and Milles suggest that anti-authority knitting means injecting yourself into what you make, whether your style is goth, mod, punk, ska or rockabilly, it’s all about individuality. “All you need is two sticks and a ball of yarn.”… (altro)