Knitwear from Finland

This eye-catching debut from Metsänen shows how to adapt for clothing and accessories patterns that fellow knitwear designer Laitinen (Knitted Socks) originally created for socks. For instance, Metsänen turns Laitinen's "wave-like" cable design into a chunky cable sweater with raglan sleeves, and the wool Mainua short-sleeved top recreates one of Laitinen's geometric Fair Isle patterns. Many of the designs draw inspiration from nature, including a tam cap with a snowflake motif, a "coatigan" adorned with butterflies, Lake Tiilikka fingerless mittens featuring snow falling on pine trees, and a Fair Isle sweater depicting two sparrows positioned face-to-face. Stunning lacework elevates the wool triangular shawl, Christmas mornings sleeveless top, and butterfly wings rectangular shawl. This no-frills guide includes little more than written project instructions accompanied by color charts and photos of the finished garments, meaning that readers should already have a grasp of knitting basics. Laitinen's sock designs transfer well onto larger articles of clothing and make for elegant winterwear. Experienced knitters will be enchanted by the intricate patterns. (Oct.)