Sweaters Books

I love the vintage crochet books the best. They help to teach you how to be creative in your own way. Sylvia Cosh is one of the all time greats in helping show all the ways to crochet. You get to see how other techniques effect the look of the end product.

I just bought this book based on the reviews that promise "classic" styles. Not quite. These patterns definately scream "80's". They are oversize and are completed with huge Dynasty style shoulder pads. There are probably only two patterns in the book that, in my opinion, have stood the test of time, one of them being a very feminine looking sweater that is being modeled by a man. For a woman it would be fine. I am a little bummed that I bought this.

Beautiful and unique inspirations for creating crocheted sweaters for the entire family. Timeless designs with wonderful use of color and geometry. A great tool for anyone interested in the field of fashion design.

It is indeed unfortunate that the low reviewer here catagorized these designs as "screaming 80s". As history will bear out and as we've seen previously, all decades have highly sought after Vintage designs and the 80s are no different. Truly the only thing 'dated' about these wonderful, imaginative designs are the shoulder pads used in a couple of the sweaters(easily removed!). Sylvia Cosh is a risk taker and the sweaters themselves, while definitely crochet, has a knit sensibility about them. No doubt about it, these designs will indeed be '80s classics'.

These designs really rawk! Nice photos, lots of interesting designs. Easily altered, she encourages this. She uses lots of mohair. There are a few kid's and men's sweaters included, too. An inspirational book, very nice.

One of her basic designs is being sold on my website, with some pattern and color alterations, it's the "Waterlily Sweater" under Women's Clothing

Kaffe's ideas still look timely despite their age. If you don't believe me that they are old look at the hair styles of the models and you get a good feel for the age of the designs. Kaffe teaches you that anything, and I mean absolutely anything, can serve as the inspiration for a great knit design. The basic techniques that he uses, and has perfected, are flawless for this sort of project. Only warning. Do not try to find the yarns he used. Many of them are out of production. You will have to find your own substitutes for them. Having used part of one of his design to make my own project, I found that it took some doing finding replacement yarns but it was well worth the effort. If you want to change the colors from the ones he uses but you are not sure how to go about it and make it all work, follow his solution. Find a great piece of art with colors that please you and make sure you match your yarn colors to the one's in the painting. Works every time!

This is a must-have for any color/pattern knitters. Beautiful designs, easy to follow charts and instructions. Highly recommended.

For knitters out there, it's a wonderful book - I have knit several of Kaffe Fassett designs from his other books and it's nice to have more patterns available of some of the designs that were only pictures in other books. It's also a lovely coffee table book for would be knitters.

Keefe Fassett is a great designer, but this book seems a little outdated
to me. There are very few of his designs that I would attempt to knit but
it is wonderful to see the colors and patterns.

This is truly an inspirational book for knitters who love working with color. There are some breathtaking items contained in these pages and Kaffe Fassett's approach is at once awe inspiring and accessible. That is something few can achieve but he does it. I highly recommend this book. Janice Rosema

Haven't had a chance to read this but flipping through the patterns they are quite stunning. Lots of excellent photos and color choices. A real asset to my book collection.

I have very little experience with color-patern designs and I belive this book is very well designed - it is easy to follow the instructions and even to try and customise some of the charts for different garments.

This is one of my greatest knitting aquisitions of the past 5 years as a wonderfully inspirational resource for a beautiful array of colorful fair isle style sweaters and more. And just as her mother did before her, Meg has carried on the tradition of providing comprehensive, easy-to-understand patterns that challenge the more advanced knitter, but the clearly written instructions make it a perfect book for the intermediate knitter to take the next step. Additionally, the photography of the Wisconsin landscapes that surround the knitting camp were definitely a treat for the eyes. Thanks again for such a wonderful knitting resource!

As a knitter who loves fair isle and stranded knitting, I am delighted to see 38 intricately patterned garments, but wow oh wow! the techniques section is worth the price of the book all by itself. Years of tips from the Knitting Campers plus Swansen's expertise make the book technique-rich. If I was just starting out as a two-color knitter, I would need this book. As an experienced knitter, I'm delighted to have all things pertaining to fair isle and stranded knitting in one handy book. Some Starmore fans, like the two-star reviewer, who need to have their knitting patterns and color schemes completely dictated to them, may find the designs exhibit less color mastery than Starmore's designs. However, all other knitters may rejoice in a book of techniques and designs by knitters for knitters. If you want to learn two-color knitting, I highly recommend Sweaters from Camp. If you already know how, I bet you'll still find brilliant techniques that are new to you, and that you'll wonder how you ever did without. The techniques section really is that good!

I largely agree with the other reviewers' assessment of the technical info: It really is quite good. However, in this age of the Internet, most (perhaps all) of this instruction is available elsewhere for free, often accompanied with photos that are easier to follow than the black & white illustrations in the book. That these web-based resources often cite the book's material while essentially giving it away is, perhaps, a bit unfair, but such is the electronic world we're in.

As good as the technique description is, I can't say that I enjoyed most of the designs, which make up roughly 85% of the content. While I'd eagerly tackle Amy Swanson's Snow Sky pullover or Joyce Williams' Tradition Fair Isle Jumper, nearly everything else seemed to be stuck in the 80's. To be fair, some of that impression may come from what I found to be unattractive color choices, so more imaginative readers than I may be able to see past the photos and find a few more pleasing designs underneath. It's too bad that the publisher does not offer the Look Inside feature, which would allow you to make up your mind before buying.

If you can find this title used for $25 or so, I'd suggest buying it. Spend the extra money on yarn.

This book is full of beautiful gansey and aran patterns for sweaters. I love this kind of knitting and so I really appreciate one book that has so many lovely ideas.
I do not have the older book(s?) mentioned in the other reviews so I was not influenced by that factor. There are three sweaters that I am knitting as soon as I can. Buy it now.

Another fabulous cable book. A must have for every cable loving knitter. Have knitted 2 items and found easy to follow instructions. Very happy with purchase.

This book is full of beautiful patterns, but they were previously published in Classic British Knits/ The Traditional Sweater Book. Don't buy this book if you already own the others.

If you already own Classic British Knits by Weston, don't buy this book! It re-presents 25 patterns from that older book in new colors and photographed in new settings. (The older book has about 40 patterns.)

If you don't have the older book, this one is great if you love traditional knitting -- Fair Isle, Arans, ganseys, and Shetland lace.

As a previous customer review points out, the designs in this book are not new--they are selected from Madeline Weston's 1986 book, CLASSIC BRITISH KNITS (40 patterns). However, the 25 patterns have been updated to specify currently available yarns, and the designs have been rephotographed so beautifully, in outdoor settings on living persons, that knitting book collectors may want to purchase the book just for the photos. The patterns themselves have withstood the test of time, and at least some of them have been reknit in modern yarns.

I don't know why this book is so expensive on Amazon. You can get it on Elann dot com for $20. I'm looking forward to getting my copy. Rowan has such nice designs.

I love this knitting book. There are some projects other than sweaters. This could be used by anyone from beginning to advanced knitting experience. Yarn selection is difficult in my area as I do not usually knit with wool for children.

Out of the many, many knitting books I have this is my absolute favorite. The patterns are so beautiful and timeless. I have knitted at least 5 items from this book, and have not come across a mistake yet. Rowan is very careful about the accuracy of their patterns, and it definitely shows in Junior Knits. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to knit for children, although I wouldn't recommend it for beginners.

Every pattern is adorable and very up-to-date. The photography is wonderful and the models-wow! They are so cute! Most of the patterns range from 3 years to 10-12 years old. It is well worth your money and a must-have. I would like to make every one of the patterns shown in the book.

I have enjoyed this book immensely and have knitted a couple of items from it. It provides inspiration even if you want to adapt and change patterns. My favourite kids knitting book for kids though is Pipsqueaks by Kim Hargreaves also. It is one you come back to again and again.

I keep looking at this book hoping to find something I want to make. Of course, it's a matter of taste, but I just don't really like anything here except the white halter top with openwork front. But it's in doubled cotton on thick needles - true, I'm lazy, and don't buy yarn if it needs anything below a 6! But a thick halter top is unwearable in the summer heat.

Anyway, I regret buying this book. The other one has a few patterns I like - especially the rib vest and rib sweater and the drop two top. This one has less cool stuff. Cable lovers will like it though, as will lovers of long sweaters. As before, lots of very colourful and some quite flamboyant designs. As to be expected from someone who models her own poncho in an ad for her shop in one of the most famous knitting mags.

One thing I found strange - a few too many ponchos, and not one shrug. Hello! Where's the logic in that?

(I just hope the binding doesn't fall apart like her first book - such a drag!)

This book has the most exquisite photography and a very, very nice assortment of patterns.

Can the basic sweater pattern be changed into gorgeous, quick-knit garments which are fun to wear? Yes: especially if they can be transformed through different yarn types and pattern stitches, as in Perfectly Brilliant Knits. Lovely pullovers, tunics, and even the usually-dull cardigan sweater can be changed radically through pattern and yarn choice: these knits are anything but ordinary.

Melissa and Sheryl have been doing great work but this is their best book of sweater designs yet! I particularly like their jacket patterns and the fuschia pullover pattern.

Styles are easy and relatively fast to knit yet creative. I also think that Melissa's points are a hoot.

This book is has many designs devoted to fine gauge knitting, from fingering to DK. The designs are classic and there are well crafted close-ups of details for each sweater. It's a pleasure to see a book with fine gauge yarns for adult women.

I thought the patterns in this book were TOO SIMPLE looking. There is a difference between a "classic" look and "plain", and I felt this book's patterns were very plain.

Also, I expected more patterns than this book contains, it has about 5 sections with a pattern in each for every member of the family. This would probably be a great book for a beginner that wants to make a simple sweater. But if you already make sweaters, then I think you can find better inspiration in some of Melissa Leapman's other books.

I have many crochet pattern books and "Seasons of Love" is amongst my favorites. This book is beautifully illustrated and contains many wonderful designs. There are sweaters (and more) that will see your entire family through every season of the year. Of course, everything is relative to personal taste, but I found this book to contain a lot of fresh looking designs that I would actually make...even for my husband! What's more is the instructions are very well written. Each pattern comes with diagrams showing the measurements of each piece per size scale and specific instructions are provided on how to make your gauge swatch. If you've seen patterns that tell you how many stitches and rows it takes to make a 4" swatch but fail to take the pattern stitch into consideration (thus leaving the guessing work up to you) then you will appreciate this.

If you are looking for a variety of sweater patterns to make for the different people in you life (or yourself!) then this book is for you.

I have many crochet pattern books and "Seasons of Love" is amongst my favorites. This book is beautifully illustrated and contains many wonderful designs. There are sweaters (and more) that will see your entire family through every season of the year. Of course, everything is relative to personal taste, but I found this book to contain a lot of fresh looking designs that I would actually make...even for my husband! What's more is the instructions are very well written. Each pattern comes with diagrams showing the measurements of each piece per size scale and specific instructions are provided on how to make your gauge swatch. If you've seen patterns that tell you how many stitches and rows it takes to make a 4" swatch but fail to take the pattern stitch into consideration (thus leaving the guessing work up to you) then you will appreciate this.

If you are looking for a variety of sweater patterns to make for the different people in you life (or yourself!) then this book is for you.

I just got this yesterday and am already planning next winter's wardrobe, there are beautiful sweaters in this book; the instructions seem straightforward enough and materials are easily, available nothing too 'exotic'.

It's difficult to find books with "wearable" men's garments in them. The author also uses readily avaiable yarns, so you can get started ASAP.

I was hoping to find more interesting, fun, sophistocated and contemporary styles, including intarsia, and a broader range of gauges and yarn types. I do not believe that the majority of patterns as shown would be purchased finished by a man.

This book is perfect for the upcoming Fall/Winter season when the weather is chilly outside and you can sit in your most comforable chair or on our couch, watch a favorite movie and create a work of art for a Holiday gift or a Fall/Winter birthday. The designs are easy to do and you can always change yarn colours so that the gift will fit your special person to a "T".

Lots of great ideas for men's knit wear. Instructions are easy to follow. Well photographed.

This book has many patterns that as a man I found very nice. The patterns go from easy to not so easy, so you can learn as you go.

Style-conscious women want their men to look as good as possible. This is especially true when it comes to their wardrobe. Drawn from the pages of 'Knitter's Magazine, "The Best Of Knitters: Guy Knits" is the collaborative work of co-editors Rick Mondragon and Elaine Rowley and showcases twenty-eight of Knitter's Magazines best needlecraft projects for men's garments ranging from hats and mittens, to gauntlets, sweaters and vests. Beautifully illustrated in full color by photographer Alexis Xenakis, "The Best Of Knitters: Guy Knits" features new yarn choices, cables, and textured stitches. The patterns include a range of sizes and a 'knot-to-fit' section. From pullovers and cardigans, to vests and waistcoats, these are knitted garments that can be worn by sportsmen, business professionals, college students, and gentlemen of leisure. Of special note are the chapters on Accessories and Choosing Color. Novices will find especially beneficial the illustrated directions, 'Technical Index', abbreviation glossary, and 'Specifications at a Glance' features. "The Best Of Knitters: Guy Knits" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to personal and community library Needlecraft reference collections.

I've been a fan of Tricoter since I devoured Simply Beautiful Sweaters. This collection is very cool, but I do take exception with two things: substituting yarns is a challenge. It would be easiest to mail-order the same brands that were used here, but very expensive. There is a key at the back of the book with some info about the fiber content and weight, but it could be more user-friendly. The other issue I have is the limited sizing.

From the design, format, and photography of the book itself to its fabulous patterns, this is the most sophisticated book of knitting patterns on the market! Each design is fashion forward yet wearable. The designs stand alone and don't depend on designer yarns. Most importantly, the book inspires the reader's imagination and suggest design elements and resources that enhance a project. Buy it now!

Tricoter has produced a book with the classy and sophisticated sweater patterns that normal people can and will wear. The patterns are not difficult and it's nice to see some attractive designs that live and work in the real world. While I'm a fan of knitting magazines, many of the "cutting edge" and "new" fashions shown are things I wouldn't be caught dead in. This book, however, shows very wearable and practical styles that most women would actually wear to work, shopping, social events and everyday.

If you're the type of knitter who freely substitutes yarns, uses different colors than the suggested colors, inserts stitch and color patterns that aren't written into the pattern, and alters patterns and details to suit yourself, then this book is for you. The photography is beautiful and the layout with spiral binding and fold out pages is practical. The sweater designs will send your imagination into overdrive, as it did mine, simply because I can see myself and my friends wearing them.

I'm working on "A Touch of Glass" and have substituted 100% alpaca, hand dyed and worsted weight. I've altered the pattern to work it in the round on circular needles--not a great leap of intellect, I know--and it's turning out to be lovely. I don't have access to the yarns specified in the patterns, so, as all experienced knitters know, I worked a gauge swatch and all is well. A few of the patterns have large areas of plain stockinette stitch or ribbing that can be knit on a knitting machine and then picked up on regular needles to finish the details and some of the shaping.

I did the "Kimono" in a much cheaper yarn (Lion Brand Homespun) along with a strand of alpaca and the results were spectacular. My next project from this book will have to be the "Eyelet interest" sweater in a purple alpaca blend, perhaps with some wool to help it hold the shape of those sleeves....

I actually prefer their first book, which at least had loads of very useful tips. I completely agree with Cultured Purl. There are a couple of cuite things here, but except for a cropped sweater which is called a shrug for some wierd reason, most of them really need the yarn specified. Can't see them coming out quite the same with subs.

Take a look at Teva Durham's new book - loop d loop. I just received it and am crazy about it. Over 40 patterns, and gorgeous to boot. I have a huge collection of knitting books, and this is the only one I wouldn't part with. HIGLY recommended.

Jo Sharp has given us a knitting resource that is useful for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced knitter. The wonderful use of colour and styling make the simplest of patterns a very wearable work of art. Clear and concise directions also make the working of these sweaters gratifying and fun. Some of the charts are somewhat difficult to read because of the small size that was reproduced in the book, but fortunately we live in an age of advanced photocopying.

Jo,s original use of colour, styling, and fashion have made for a delightful book of knitting. she has created terrific designs for all tastes and abilities.

Jo Sharp appeared on the American scene with her incredible collections of new, inventive, beautiful designs and a wonderful line of knitting yarns. In this book, she can take a conservative style and through stitch-work make it quite lively and appealing, as well as an adventure to make. Other sweaters are bold intarsia, quite striking and unusual. Nothing is too difficult, and her wool is perfect for her designs -- a luxurious and durable wool in an ever growing number of colors. Knitted Sweater Style is her first hardbound book, combining many of her sweaters previously available as leaflets. Her newest book, Knitting Bazaar, is even more stunning -- her style, already creative, blossoms in the new book. Both would be an excellent addition to any knitter's library.

Although I hadn't knitted much of anything for many years, I found Jo Sharp's book easy to use. She has rated each pattern as to difficulty so that I wouldn't choose one which would frustrate me due to my lack of experience. Her styles are attractive and do not look dated even in 2001.

I just completed "Jessica" for my daughter-in-law and she absolutely loves her sweater. Now my son wants a sweater as well. The best compliment for me is that people say that the sweater looks professionally made, not like many other homemade items which have the "fireside touch" (you know, nice, but who would really want to be seen wearing them?)!

One drawback is that only Jo Sharp yarns are used. By using the weight and the yardage, any yarn store can help you select comparable yarns. But I would be reluctant to do that. Her soft New Zealand wool is far superior to US wool. Acrylics might be a suitable substitute, but they tend to pill up more readily.

You get what you pay for.

Jo Sharp's Knitted Sweater Style may be just what some knitters want -- three dozen quality patterns. Most are multi-color intarsia efforts (Sharp's signature) for advanced knitters. There are several single color efforts suitable for advanced beginners and up.

My reservations about buying this book are threefold. First, I tend to shy away from expensive books that are just patterns. Unlike Meg Swansen's Knitting, this book doesn't have much in the way of technique tips or other timeless hints that I can use in my general knitting. Secondly, published in 1997, the designs are already looking a little dated. Third, there are better books out there for inspiration on colorwork. Kaffe Fassett's books are much more likely to provoke artistry. Sally Melville's Styles is a much more helpful guide for color combining and stash reduction.

So, a book to enjoy and buy if the designs really catch your fancy.