Sweaters Books

This book had some good patterns in it, but then most of us who knit already have a lot and this just adds to it

I love wearing mens sweaters...they just fit better. Every one of the sweaters in this book is a possible unisex sweater. I've been looking for a good Aran cardigan for a while and there are several basic ones in this book. I'm very happy with this purchase.

I am a guy who knits as well as crochets. For the past several years my focus has been on crocheting, yet greatly admiring Aran style patterns and being inspired by a friend who is an excellent knitter, I decided to get out my knitting needles, and also to order this book. You know those books you order that may have one or maybe two patterns that you might use? Well, be prepared for a book full of really great looking pullovers, cardigans, vests ... many in sizes for boys as well as men. Just for the record, my favorite, if I had to choose .. is the one on the cover .. Jack's Aran Pullover. It's hard to choose because they all look so good, but as soon as I am finished with my present project, that is the one I will be doing. One more thing ... her patterns are very clearly written and her charts are very user friendly. I don't believe you will be disappointed if you purchase this book.

Beautiful sweaters for all guys. Different skill levels of patterns and patterns for the little guy as well. Patterns are cross referenced with body types so taller guys don't need to adjust patterns for height.

I bought this book looking for an aran pattern that my husband would like. Most patterns are made for thin guys and my husband has an athletic frame. With the instructions in this book I was able to adjust the fit to his frame type. I knit him a sweater and it is now his favorite and he wears it all the time. He even asked if I could knit him another sweater from the book.

EXCELLENT projects for the crocheter....

These are modern patterns and fit in well with most fashion styles out there right now. I am so pleased to see that crochet has come a long way to being something other than what you do if you can't or don't like knitting!

I've only made one pattern in the book, but I've used her suggestions for starting rows, and have made a couple of patterns on my own using her method. Great help!

Lily Chin is a genius. This was a real breakthrough book for me. Her instructions on patterns and blocking especially. She describes different methods with simple yet detailed enough instructions. The alternate methods presented helped me to find my own way. I completed my first garment (string shell shirt - not one from her book!) and it is the best fitting thing I have ever made, and I have not crocheted clothing for years (always was disappointed). This one I wore without hesitation.

I love this book and think it is a must have for anyone who is interested in crocheted garments, especially ones they actually plan on wearing. The patterns are useful as learning tools but I believe the most valuable portion of the book is the first section regarding the design and fitting of the crochet clothing.

The only reason I deduct one star is because the first edition of the book contains many written mistakes. I will be returning this edition.

There are a variety of shapes and garments here that you can try. Very nice! If you are an experienced yarn worker you can easily adjust the garments to fit your size and length preferences (i.e. make a short skirt longer or vice versa)

I just wish there was a full range of sizes on all the patterns, and that the sizes represented the 'tweens' as well as the older children. A ten year old grandson is just on the upper border of the spectrum and some the patterns only go to 6-8 age group. Still, wonderful assortment of patterns and styles.

It is harder to find junior size patterns... and this book is full of
fashion forward.... patterns kids will enjoy wearing....
The sizes are generous.... so they have life... or could be knit for
a larger junior size that wants a closer fit.

I'm a fan of Debbie Bliss, but most of her books are for infants. So I am happy to see this one for older kids; between 3yr-10yr. There are plenty of "cool" patterns for both boys & girls.. yet they remain nice & practical at the same time. The fact that it is spiral bound is a plus. I have many D.B. books and this is one of my favorites.

I've never been disappointed with any of Debbie Bliss' patterns and these were no exception. I've made 5 from this book and they all are beautiful and fit great. I love how she sizes them just the way kids like them. They're comfortable and have plenty of grow room. My daughter looks so cute in her pea coat!

I was very pleased to obtain this. I could not find it elsewhere.

None of the knitting projects, besides the one on the cover, are very cute. Don't buy the book. You can buy the individual patterns through Elann, and pick the patterns you like, rather than have a book full of projects you'll never want to make.

I started knitting when I had my daughter, and I was so excited when I found this book. Everything in it is just adorable. I get so many compliments when I'm strollering her about. The Tweedy Pie coat is a timeless classic, and the little puppy outfit is a riot. I have knit about 10 of the outfits--she's so well dressed!--and have found the knitting "recipes" so easy to follow. I'm about intermediate at this point, but I was a beginner when I got the book. It is still an inspiration.

The title and descripstion are misleading, this book is for infants and toddlers, with maybe one or two patterns suitable for 4 and over.

I love this book and have made several outfits from it. I have substituted each yarn making my projects less expensive then the suggested yarns and they came out perfect. I can not wait to make more from this book! They are fun and keep you thinking so they never get boring!

I just got this book after using the Ms. Turner's other book for my knitting classes, and I was so surprised to see so many creative and beautiful knits AND such well-written instructions. I am an experienced knitter, and even though a lot of the patterns in this book are easy, the use of color and stitch pattern and decoration are so beautiful that I would want to knit almost everything in it. There are even some patterns that can be knit for adults, which was a real bonus!

Wow! I didn't think it could happen, but there it is. Laurelle, you look beautiful!

Another of many insipid self-promos, "The Sweater Book" includes hundreds of photographs of B-level celebs mugging for the camera. "The Sweater Book" is little more than coffee-table pap, brimming with self-indulgent rhetoric and imagery, while lacking in material substance. The recurring theme (a single sweater draped over the subject being photographed) makes a trite and heartbreaking display of the lengths washed-up stars will go to in order to get their face back into the public domain. The quality of poses range from a droll tolerance to a sad, (almostSunset Boulevard-esque) rapaciousness for attention on behalf of antediluvian former-entities.

"The Sweater Book" is a mawkish monument best left to be forgotten. Instead of misguidedly purchasing this book (of which a portion of the proceeds go to AIDS organizations), donate the monies directly to a charity. It will ultimately be more satisfying.

I saw a feature on The Sweater Book in People Magazine. The photos there intrigued me and so I went in search of it. It was hard to find at first but once I did, I could not put it down and I bought it outright. In this book the artist (Stephen Mosher) has captured so many of my personal favourite actors and personalities in a light in which we, their audience, seldom see them. That is the state of being honest and themselves. More often than not, show folk are always performing or clowning for photo shoots and we rarely see any glimpse of the real person. Not so with The Sweater Book. By disarming his subjects with his common thread (a simple sweater) Mosher has given us a journey of artistry and a look into the hearts of his subjects. Bravo Stephen Mosher. You are the Herb Ritz of the 21st Century!

I love this book. Stephen Mosher is a truly gifted artist and this book is just beautiful. Having each celebrity wear the same sweater for the photographs is so clever and it's fun seeing how everyone chose to present themselves and the sweater. The fact that it benefits AIDS research is an added bonus. I'd highly recommend this beautiful book.

I truly enjoyed both reading and viewing this book. Due to the commentary, I found I learned things about Mr. Mosher's subjects that made me feel a part of the photos. I felt like I was there during their shoots experiencing the whole thing. What an interesting take on a photography book! If you are a true fan of any of these celebritys you absolutely must purchase this book!

This is an excellent book, not so much for a beginning knitter learning how to knit (it does not include anything about how to cast on or do the basic stitches) but for the knitter that wants to learn how to create a sweater from scratch instead of using a pattern. The examples pictured and described in the book use wonderful yarns; some of them use a combination of leftover yarns; the patterns in the book really are simple at the mechanical knitting level, but encourage creativity and thus give the knitter more ownership of the final product.

I bought this book based on the previous reviews. I was dissapointed in the fashion styles. I was not inspired with any of the patterns offered. I haven't tried any of the patterns, so in fairness of it all, I gave it two stars.

I've been knitting for 50 years, and even teach knitting. When I saw this book at the library I had to have it! Wonderful designs, not trendy, but classic with enough interest to appeal to everyone.

I have not used the book yet for a pattern, but it is there for when I finish my four projects in progress. I can't wait to try a vest!

A great collection of patterns that are easy to follow and offer several interesting variations for each project, plus ideas for adding your own personal embellishments, buttons, beads, etc. I also enjoyed the authors narratives on the "art of knitting" as well as the helpful hints and techniques. A must have for any knitter, beginner or experienced!

I had read that in order to effectively design knitwear, you need this book. That article was 100% correct. This is a fantastic reference for the knitwear designer because Deborah Newton has been in the field for decades, and has a solid grasp on how to design regular garments. This translates for very informed discussions on why you'd choose to construct the garment of choice and the designer touches you would add for polish. If you are a serious knitter who has always wanted to create your own designs, then this book is for you!!

I wanted to learn how to design, and I tend to need plenty of visuals when I'm learning something, so this book is wonderful to have. Tons of pictures and the text is clear and informative of course.

I am only a beginning knitter but I've checked this book out of the library several times in the past couple of years. The photos are gorgeous; even the pictures of swatches are eye-candy. This is not a book of patterns, rather, it is a sort of 'how-to' book for design inspiration using various sources; old photographs, coutour fashion, sewing patterns, and of course beautiful yarns and fibers. Don't pass this up if you are not ready to design your own knits. It will inspire you to keep knitting and treat yourself to some gorgeous yarns even if it is only one skein to make swatches from. This book is as much about the process, or journey as it is about the finished product. I was tickled the first time I checked out the book and discovered the author was from Rhode Island. Since then, I've wondered if she still lives here and holds workshops.

If you are feeling a little 'tied in knots', or limited, after following everyone else's patterns, and want to branch out a bit, this is the book for you. It is an embarassment of riches in inspiration and options. Designing Knitwear will give you much information, and the boost you need, to get those creative juices flowing. It's got a lot of suggestions for looking in some unlikely places for knitting design inspiration. It also has patterns for some high fashion sweaters, suits, and jackets. As such, this book will never go out of style, as you simply select the elements you want, and plug them into your project design.

The sections on garment construction, and the effect of patterned stitches are detailed, clearly written, and easy to understand.

The basics are all there for planning the construction of a project. The patterns included also provide ample opportunity to take the suggested pattern, and modify it to make it truly your own. The information is solid, sensible, and you can find lots of ways to integrate the suggestions into adjustments, or a whole new design. New yarns seem to arrive in shops every season, and this book gives you clear directions for evaluating any yarn for any project.

Deborah Newton also includes much explanation and detail regarding various types of construction, from smocks to sweaters, to dressmakers designs. Some of the patterns given might not appeal to everyone, but everyone can use the information to make a smashing design of their very own. There is lots of information on stitch selection, and the effects that can be obtained with varying stitches.

The details given are really helpful, particularly for elements of garment design that you see in fashion magazines, but rarely in knitting books. This is one of the very best collections of information about a wide variety of design options, and done in detail I've never encountered before. I've knitted for decades, and if I'd only had this book when I was wanting to 'improve' on some sweater patterns, I'd have avoided hours of ripping and starting over.

Ms. Newton has me thinking of projects for next winter's knitted presents. And, I may just find a use for those oddments of yarn that could be combined into a wild and wonderful jacket, incorporating stitch designs that I'd have never considered prior to reading this book.

Knitting allows you to control every aspect of garment construction, from texture, to size, to sleeve design, to collar...the options are endless. This is a book that will give any knitter inspiration and confidence to really be creative.

I'd recommend this book for every knitter who is seeking perfect fit, perfect design, and ways to select new yarns for any project. The only limitation is your imagination. Designing Knitwear is encyclopedic in its scope and very well done indeed. The only problem you might have is figuring out which, of the endless options, will be right for your next project.

First, the good: there is a lot of information here about different fibers, explanations of silhouettes, ease, and different styles that is very helpful. There are tips on sketching and charting your own designs, as well as structural details of different styles, e.g. set-in sleeves, saddle shoulders. Much of the information is opinionated, but the author usually explains her reasoning.

The bad: I found many of her technical explanations incomplete and/or difficult to follow (and I've been knitting for about 10 years). I also found the many (many, many) self-gratulating personal references a bit tiresome. 'This is how I do this,' 'I like to do that,' 'Let me tell you all about a perfectly brilliant design idea I had one day while waiting for the bus,' etc. Somehow I got the impression the author has an air of superiority, as if to say her way is NATURALLY the best way, if not the only way. Maybe this irritated me more because I disliked most of her designs and thought them all but unwearable. If you're into 'haute couture' or 'wearable art,' you might enjoy them more; I prefer to design garments which are more subtle.... or, as she might say, 'bland and pedestrian.' (If that means saying "No" to big bulky coats knitted of fuzzy chartreuse mohair, complete with giant buttons, then color me bland and pedestrian.)

Bottom line: For the technical and structural elements of design, this book is worth looking into, but I'm still looking for a better knitting design book.

énorme livre, tous les modèles me font envie! c'est rare..et c'est l''occasion d'apprendre de nouvelles techniques: tout en rond sans couture! whaou. pour moi c'est une bible

Gorgeous book, gorgeous patterns. Since the book was first published in 1993, some of the styling looks a little dated to me, but will take very little effort to modernize. Beautiful intricate patterns, including several in finer wool and suitable for indoor wear, and including men's (unisex) and children's patterns.
Highly recommended.

I am very satisfied of this book. This book is beautiful and the service is exceptionnal.

If it's written by a Starmore, you can't go wrong. This book is full of absolutely gorgeous sweaters that will inspire even the novice knitter. I bought this book 10 years ago and it motivated me to learn to knit to a much more advanced level. It's a shame that Alice Starmore's books are out of print for the most part, as it deprives those new to knitting of some of the most beautiful books and patterns ever created (unless you can afford the ridiculous price for used).

After I read the reviews (all of them five stars) and after I saw that another book of Alice Starmore is out of print and you can get it for $200 I was really looking forward to getting this book! Well... I appreciate all the work the author put into producing those 20 sweaters. Yes, the instructions are very detailed. And the charts are very clear. But out of 20 models featured in the book only one caught my eye as being truly original and worth making.
Photographs of the models are very pretty - beautiful landscapes, lovely sailboats... But if you take a picture of a knitted dark blue sweater, don't put it in front of a dark boat - or fix the lighting, so the reader will be able to appreciate the knitted pattern.
The book did not live up to my expectations - so three stars it is.

My aunt had given me this book a long time ago and it was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina. I bought it to replace it and now remember what a great book it is! This was the first time Aran sweater patterns were recorded in writing. I find this fascinating.

I knew of this book before purchasing and when it arrived I was not disappointed. Gladys Thompson does a wonderful job of guiding a competant knitter through the tricky parts of making Cornish fishermen's sweaters (Ganseys,Geurnseas and Jerseys). Her knitting instructions are mixed with interesting history of the craft and I think the book is quite delightful.

This collection is like having a treasure trove of stitch patterns at your fingertips. The stitch patterns are well diagrammed, and clearly presented.

Ms. Thompson also includes a wonderful discussion of the people she met while researching this guide. It is also a sort of 'knitters travelogue' through the British Isles.

There are complex and simple stitch patterns included. You can think of this as a guide to so many basic stitches used in Gansey sweaters. The Aran patterns include the ground stitches and the very detailed and complex patterns.

This book was like sitting down with my Scottish Great Aunt, having her pass the stitches to me as one would pass a valued inheritance from one generation to the next. It should be on every knitters bookshelf.

I was surprised at the detailing in this book. It has a wonderful history of the patterns and the areas to which each is specific. The patterns are divided into those places they originated and then what styles as well as specific stitches. Found it very intersting and the book was in excellent shape. I'm very pleased with it.

This book is an interesting book about the history of Guernsey, Jerseys, and Arans that also includes patterns and designs of classic sweaters. Many of the patterns can be updated for todays sweaters.

I must confess that I enjoy knitting cables and twist stitch patterns. The Aran section in the back of the book appeals to me more than the first 2/3rds of the book. This may not be true for another person.

This book is worth having in your knitting library...especially if you enjoy reading about the history of knitting in the different regions.

From the time I saw my first Aran design (which happened to be an afghan), I knew that I had found my home in the crocheting and knitting community. I am one of the growing number of men who greatly enjoys both knitting and crocheting, though developing skills in knitted Aran work is something relatively new to me. Janet's book on Cables and this one are two of the finest I have ever seen when it comes to detailed instruction. I am very pleased to have purchased both books, and even more pleased to know that their content is going to teach me pretty much everything I want to know when it comes to this style of knitting.

I love this book because it's one of the relatively few on the market that help me make my OWN sweater - instead of forcing me to follow somebody else's pattern. It contains a wealth of technical information, starting with yarn construction and other materials needed, continuing with a classification of the stitches used for Arans (without describing them in detail - this book is NOT a stitch dictionary.) The next chapter is about "Creating a Design" - how to use the cables - which ones work well together and why and how to put them together. Then there's some useful tips (for better bobbles, for example). This general technical part (most of which is useful for any Aran design, not just sweaters) takes 65 pages.

The second part is about sweater construction methods - bottom-up (in the round and flat), top-down (body first, neckband first) - general and for each of the following sleeve types: dropped-shoulder, peasant sleeves, set-in sleeves, raglan sleeves, vests, t-sleeves, and finally wide-saddle Arans. This part takes 58 pages.

Finally, there's four written-out patterns (vest, peasant-sleeve pullover, set-in sleeve pullover and raglan cardigan) on 20 pages (cable patterns are charted and written out). A list of recommended books and software, a measurement sheet, a key of symbols to the charts and an index complete the book.

If you are looking for sweater patterns to follow, this is not the book for you. But if you have some experience (if you've never knitted a sweater before, get Jacqueline Fee's "Sweater Workshop" first), want to do your own Aran but don't quite know how, then this book is perfect.

I bought this book - which has very pretty pictures and lots of information about putting different patterns together - BUT the key missing ingredient is that no where in the book is there any information on how to create all the various types of cables and stitches she pictures. You CANNOT create your own sweater based solely on this book. You'd have to buy books on how to make cables, etc and how to construct a sweater pattern. . .

This is my go to book for any questions I have while designing an aran style sweater. I'm so glad Janet had to forsight to publish this updated version of her original book. There are several patterns at the back of the book if you aren't up to designing your own, but if you follow the steps in the book, you will be more than well on your way.

I asked myself how many knitting books a person needs. As it turns out, probably not all that many. But if you have even the most cursory interest in sweater design, you do need this book. I've been knitting for 25 years, and I'm astonished at how much this book has taught me. Helpful close-up photos and the author's light, conversational tone will make you feel like you have her sitting right next to you. As the author is the one selling the book on Amazon, it arrived autographed, which I thought was a nice touch, and would make it a particularly nice gift for any knitters you know.