Twinkle Sews is a gem

Wenlan Chia’s newest book is chock-full of everything I love about Twinkle’s whimsical style

By Lilly Lampe
Published: September 30th, 2009 | 1:15pm

With breath abated, I cautiously pulled apart the cardboard containing my copy of Twinkle Sews: 25 Handmade Fashions from the Runway to Your Wardrobe, hoping furtively it would be as inspiring and thoughtful as designer Wenlan Chia’s three previous knitting books. I was rewarded to find Twinkle Sews equally chock-full of interesting combinations, styling tips, and everything else I love about Twinkle’s trademark whimsical style.

Twinkle by Wenlan was launched in 2000 with considerable success due to the tactile appeal of her oversized knits and alluring movement of her printed silk dresses. This sexy yet relaxed aesthetic is reflected in her earlier books, and this one’s no exception. Edgy, urban pieces like a balloon-skirted dress with a cut-out neckline and slouchy-chic tunics are juxtaposed with flouncy blouses and camisoles similar to those sold in the night markets of Taiwan, where Chia grew up. The tutorial for every piece is well-explained and easily accessible; from her introduction to techniques to crafting her form-fitted “Annie Hall” skirt or her riff on the tuxedo shirt, this book is thorough to the last detail without cumbersome jargon.

The styling of each project is straight from the Twinkle runway. Fans of the line will recognize bestsellers like the “Chameleon” dress, a flowing silk number in an Escher-like print, or the striped cocoon dress “Love in the Afternoon”, layered with pieces from the jewelry line and her signature chunky knits. Included are basics that defy plainness, like an a-line skirt set apart by well-placed pleats and a gray blouse with origami detailing. If an item isn’t quite your personal style, there’s plenty of room for interpretation. Chia offers tips for tweaking each piece that perk the imagination, like lengthening shirts into tunic-dresses or experimenting with different rivets and buttons.

Unfortunately, one major adjustment to contend with is finding substitute fabrics. The beauty of her most enticing pieces – like those luscious silk dresses – is in her use of fabulous textiles. Chia has it easy with leftover fabric from her runway; the average reader is left with the doldrums of national chains and hobby-shops. But even if the cocoon dress I make isn’t the same punchy striped green, the origami-pleat details and other Twinkle techniques means it’ll still be a standout piece.

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ABOUT THE BOOK
Twinkle Sews: 25 Handmade Fashions from the Runway to Your Wardrobe (Potter Craft)
By Wenlan Chia
160 pages
$24.99