Needles & Artifice,  by the Ladies of Mischief, Cooperative Press, 2012,  a whopping 236pp.

Pick up this book & you’re in for an absolute treat.

It’s not just the 23 patterns that are so appealing — which range from whimsical & quirky to downright gorgeous — but the story, told in chapters between subsets of corresponding patterns, as well.

Miniature sheep!  Airships!  Automatons! What more could a steampunk-loving Adventuress desire?

Well, if you’re asking….

Evocative pics? Check!

Inventive styling? Check!

A variety of garments and accessories? Check!

The book is divided into five chapters:  Mechanical, Boudoir, Airship, Countryside, High Society and Mad Science, with corresponding patterns.

My favorite patterns are a varied as the Ladies themselves.

The Null Hypothesis scarf — doubleknit in fingering weight yarn — is a scientist’s dreamscape and is the first of the Mad Science patterns. (Note the corvid!) The non-repeating design is depicted over 7 easily read charts.

The Trials and Tribulations Chemise & Bloomers set, from the Boudoir chapter, is adorable.  I’m not usually big on knitted shorts, but these look cute and comfy for around the house.  The top I’d wear in public.  Sizing is generous (from a bust of 32 to 54″ for the chemise, and hips on the bloomers from 38 to 54″ (meant to be worn with positive ease)).

I also like the Master and Commander Hat & Cowl set (Airship chaper, of course) — especially the hat!  My mom loves to wear hats, and I think she’d really like this one (proving that Ladies of Mischief come in all ages).

One last fave from me — the Resilience top. It’s a lovely combination of Brioche rib and beading, to fit bust 28 through 48″, worked in gorgeous Cephalopod Nautilace yarn.

Would you like a chance to win your very own PDF copy?  Leave a message on this post with your favorite patterns from the book by midnight PST Nov 5th 2012.  I’ll pick a winner using Random.org.

 

Note: My review copy was given to me by the author.  All opinions are my own.