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Swirl? What’s a Swirl? A Swirl is a uniquely flattering, one piece, one seam, circular jacket with sculptured shaping and fluid fit. A Swirl is any one of eighteen patterns in four silhouettes, each with flexible sizing and styling options. A Swirl is elegant drape, lively motion and a mix of color, texture, and pattern across a sweeping form.
The designs are unusual but easily done. Most require little more than basic knitting skills. All offer relaxing, rhythmic knitting at its best. A Swirl begins at the outer circular edge more ....
Sandra McIver was born and raised in New Orleans. That alone made her an unlikely candidate for her first career as a leading vintner in the California wine industry. Her interest in wine began while attending college in Northern California. In 1972 she acquired land in Sonoma County and planted her first vineyard. In 1977 she founded Matanzas Creek Winery, which quickly won acclaim for producing some of the finest wines in the industry. As winery president, she directed the winery’s growth from 2,000 to 45,000 cases annually. The Wine Spectator placed Sandra among the California wine industry’s top twenty leaders “Who Made a Difference;” proclaiming her as one who “innovated, perfected, promoted and led the international campaign for higher-quality wine.” After twenty-five years in the industry, she sold the winery, turned her attention to her lifelong love of knitting and embarked on the journey that led to the creation of knit, Swirl! This is her first book.
It is astonishing that only simple knitting skills are needed to knit this most sophisticated of all sweaters….I believe this sweater is destined to become one of the most oft-knit, beloved and reliable knitting designs in history.
Cat Bordhi, author of A Treasury of Magical Knitting and Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters
As clever a book as it is gorgeous, knit, Swirl! presents a masterful use of simple knitting techniques to create a garment that – as I can personally attest – feels magnificent, showcases yarn to its fullest, and flatters all figures. Sandra’s Swirl is, indeed, the new Miracle Sweater.
Clara Parkes, publisher of Knitter’s Review and author of The Knitter’s Book of Wool and The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
Stunning garments, beautiful photography, and endless variations on an innovative theme – this book is flawless. Sandra’s sweaters combine the perfect blend of simplicity and figure flattering shaping to entice knitters of all skill levels and sizes.
Cookie A, author of Sock Innovation and knit. sock. love.
The scope of work included in these pages is absolutely staggering. The presentation of Sandra’s work is at once thoughtful, intuitive and beautiful. An instant classic and a true treasure in our genre.
Jared Flood, designer, author of Made in Brooklyn, and creator of Brooklyn Tweed
Like the origami master who cuts a square of paper and finds a universe within its magical folds, Sandra McIver has created a unique sweater construction that is inspired and inspiring. From a single shape she proposes a wardrobe of possibilities through pattern directions that are as much roadmaps of the designs as they are a foundation for the knitter’s own invention. You won’t be able to resist the urge to pick up needles and yarn.
Catherine Lowe, designer and author of The Ravell’d Sleeve