Book Review Finishing School

Photo's from Amazon

The word finishing fills many knitters with dread. Some even abandon projects rather than complete the necessary steps to achieve beautiful, wearable garments. Now, notable knitter and designer Deborah Newton shares her expertise and love of finishing techniques in an on-the-page master class. Deborah patiently takes her student-readers step by step through the ins and outs of blocking, seaming, edging and embellishments, giving them the confidence and skills to create professional-looking knitwear. In addition to Deborah's expert instructions, the book includes patterns for 12 sweaters, jackets and scarves, many with variations.

Hardcover: 164 pages

Publisher: Sixth&Spring; 1 edition (20 Oct 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1936096196

ISBN-13: 978-1936096190

About the Author

Deborah Newton has been a knitwear designer for more than 25 years and her designs have appeared in numerous publications including Vogue Knitting, Threads, Knitter's Magazine and McCalls. She also teaches around the country, most recently for Vogue Knitting's annual VK Live Event in New York City.

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Contents
Introduction

Chapter One
Finishing 101
Choosing Projects Well
Using a Schematic Drawing
Swatching for Success
The Finishing Tool Kit
Getting Ready to Finish

Chapter Two
Blocking Basics
To Block or Not to Block?
Surfaces and Tools
Blocking Methods
Workshop
Lace Case Study
Two Scarves, One Pattern
Yarn Smarts
Workshop
A Tale of Two Yarns and Two Tunics
Blocking Stitch Patterns

Chapter Three
Seaming Seminar
Three Simple Rules
Seaming Basics
Joining Shoulders
Vertical Seams
Sleeve Caps
Workshop
Sleeve Cap Seaming
Eyelets and Cables Pullovers
Workshop
Stitches Meet Rows
Cabled Patchwork Scarf
Workshop
Creative Joining Variations
Three Kids' Sweaters

Chapter Four
Edging Intensive
The Basic Approach
Picking Up Stitches
Types of Edging
Trimming the Trims
Binding Off Edgings
Parts of a Sweater
Workshop
Mitered Magic
Striped Tweed Cardigan Vest
Sewn On Edges
Workshop
Sewing a Cabled Band
Cowl Neck Pullover

Chapter Five
Extra Credit: Buttons, Zippers, Pockets and More
Getting Closure
Buttons
Zippers
Workshop
Zip It Up! Fitted Colour block Jacket
Embroidery
Pompoms, Tassels, Fringes and More
Collars, Cuffs and Cowls
Pockets
Workshop
All The Trimmings
Plaid Accents Cardigan

Chapter Six
Continuing Educations: Special Finishing
Alterations: When Good Sweaters Go Bad
Incorporating Other Fabrics
Workshop
Super Simple Linings
Swatch Purse
Felting
Workshop
Felting Fun Asian Inspired Vest
Workshop
Everything Old is New Again
Upcycled Bucket Bag
Workshop
Fearless Steeks Fair Isle Cardigan
Workshop
Custom Couture
Embellished Cardigan
Final Note on Finishing

Patterns
Resources 
Cast On How To
Index

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Finishing School is a must have book for any knitter to have in their knitting library.  This book
is full of tips, tricks advice and techniques on how to of finishing a garment.  Each chapter in the book have sections look at different techniques and give you a how to on correcting the issues.  There are lots of cheats as a quick referent to when doing a finishing technique.  
This book really is helpful when it comes to finishing a knitting project.  The book also shows you how to work with and adapt a schematic.

The book is well written and easy to understand as well as the illustrations and pictures.  I am sure that even the more experienced knitter will find this book invaluable.  this book is like having a knitting expert sitting with you telling you how to finish a garment professionally.  This book is perfect for anyone that want to knit a garment or learn to knit a garment! 

Finishing School is available from Amazon