Book excerpt: There are lots of stylish knitting patterns out there, but sometimes you want to do your own thing. Maybe you've found a yarn that would make a beautiful hat, and all you need are basic directions for shaping. Or maybe you've had your eye on a cute sweater in a store window and know that you can make a better version yourself—if you could only figure out the measurements. This handy guide demystifies all that knitting math and shows you how to knit custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind fashions that express your style. Master patterns for hats, sweaters, scarves, shawls, bags, mittens, vests, and socks lay out the basic construction for each item in a range of sizes; you choose the yarn and decide which modifications and customizations you want to make. Precise master patterns show you all the steps involved in constructing handknits Master patterns give instructions for multiple sizes and gauges A number of shaping, edgings, and stitch patterns accompany each master pattern Helpful tips provide additional guidance Tables take the work out of knitting math Step-by-step instructions accompany each photo Color photos, illustrations, and diagrams demonstrate important concepts