Sweaters Books

I am a new knitter and have had difficulty getting completed with sweaters. This looks interesting and I can't wait to try one this way

All stitch patterns are in new-type charts. I'm one of those old school knitters who can't make head-nor-tail of these charts, so use is limited to shaping and providing my own written-out stitch patterns from the photos. If you grew up with charts, then it's a really nice book for you.

I love this book! I just bought the yarn to make a sweater for myself and another one for my son. Very easy to follow and the saddle style particularly fits those people with wide shoulders without the feeling of being bound tightly.

I am an intermediate knitter in my skill set, but only a beginner when it comes to knitting garments. My first garment was the Einstein Coat by Sally Melville in The Knitting ExperienceThe Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience). So I was really thrilled to find another book that offers a similar type of pattern like a saddle knit.
Knitting Saddle Style had excellent clear directions and photos. Really a nice knitting book for garments.
The reason I am giving it a 4 star rating is that I am not overly crazy about the styles--they are a little plain. This was disappointing because from the cover pictures I expected the patterns would be more exciting and hip. But for basic sweaters they are ok. I imagine that once I learn the concept, I can create my own patterns with more texture and style.

Well, I didn't think it could get any better, but this book does just that. More beautiful sweaters and again, the best instructions and schematics. If you love the first book, you will love this one also. Just not enough time for me to make all the beautiful sweaters.

This is the second volume of crocheted Aran sweaters. The first offered a variety of patterns and styles that tempt crocheters of most skill levels to try an Aran sweater. This volume has more of a "traditional Aran" feel to it and seems to be for the more skilled crocheter, with the emphasis on cables and twists. The instructions are clear. Experienced crocheters looking for a traditional Aran look will find much to make in this book. Less experienced crocheters will be happier with the first volume.

Jane Snedden Peever's More Crocheted Aran Sweaters provides a sequel to her popular Crocheted Aran Sweaters, providing a wealth of more Aran-style designs with new stitch patterns. Thirteen sweaters and vests are created with the look of knitting cables and moss stitches, plus some crochet patterns. The stitches guide helps make professional, polished results from even the most basic beginner efforts, while the styles are contemporary and appealing.

When I picked up this book I was surprised at the designs. They look great and straddle that fine line between conservative and boring. The yarns used are easy to find and make substitutions, and the directions are clear and easy to follow. Most of all I would wear any of the sweaters in the book. Can't wait to start crocheting more aran sweaters.

My 20 month old daughter loves these books. They are simple, funny and an easy read when you have a toddler requesting the same book read 80 times in a row. Now when we are out she points out big dogs and little dogs. I bought the whole series

I'm glad I've resumed looking at some board books lately, otherwise I would not have known that Dav PIlkey has a whole series of "BIg DOg and Little Dog" books. FOr the slightly older reader (and their parents, teachers, or guardians), Pilkey is the very, very funny, but scatologically inclined author of the "Captain Underpants" series. These ppurposefully amateur forays into elementary- and middle school-age comedic sensibilities (underwear, toilets, etc.) are more clever than they sound, but probably not what I'd want to read to someone around 2 years old. They have enough toilet concerns without worrying about them exploding.

Big DOg and Little Dog is a mere 14 pages long, but it conveys a nice message about helping others, feeling their feelings, and how one might enjoy what one has when your buddy can enjoy it too. It's especially effective because the dogs's sizes are quite different, but they obviously are great friends anyway. Little Dog has a sweater, but Big Dog doesn't, and this makes him sad. He begins runnaging through a drawer, and Little Dog helps him. (ABove the dresser, there's a cute framed photo pof the two dogs with the woman they live with). After messing up the dresser (a good laugh here), Big DOg finda nice green argyle sweater, Little Dog inexplicably comes away with a sock in his mouth! Big DOg struggles to put on the Big Sweater, and Little Dog "is helping some more." The last pictures are great examples of what the lawyers often call "res ipsa loquitur"--"the thing speaks for itself." Now that each dog has a sweater to call his (or her) own, they cuddle together in front of the fireplace, each "warm and happy." Big, clear, and uncluttered illustrations make this an easy and appealing read. However, it's a pretty simple story, so I recommend it for a very young audience.

This is a very cute book about one dog helping another dog. My one year old really enjoyed the simple pictures of the dogs. The book teaches the concept of big and small and is a great example of friendship.

Delivered before expected, great condition, Just what has been advertized and reviewed. Excellent addition to my hoard of books.

I did buy this book based on the previous review and I have to agree with most of the points - the black and white samples are a great help and there are TON of stitch patterns in here..which I've used for several different garments with ease.

My only complaint may come from the age of the book. I knitted the Child's Zip-Neck Sweater and in the pattern it asks you to divide for front and back and work back and forth. Traditional fair isle is done completely in the round..I believe this back and forth where you purl continental is called 'stranded colorwork' and is not traditional fair isle. I ended up adding a few stitches and steeking for the sleeves - much more than I expected when I flipped through and started this pattern.

Otherwise, a great resource and I've found much more use out of taking the samples and incorporating them into other garments than I have using the patterns included.

Hopefully some company like Dover will reprint this book!

With 25 pages full of pattern charts in the "Samples" chapter and approximately 120 more charted patterns scattered throughout the instructions for garments, this book is a must-have reference for anyone who is working with colors.

Among the patterns, you'll find everything from little "peeries" to big patterns and patterns that incorporate a decrease (the kind used on yokes and tams).

The charts are all in black-and-white, with symbols representing the various colors. This is HUGELY important for two reasons: the biggest is that you can sub in your own color scheme with no confusion (this is so critical when you are reversing lights and darks!), and the other is that they photocopy beautifully, so you can tuck a copy of the one you are working right in with your wool and needles for quick reference on the road.

The "samples" chapter patterns each have a grayscale photo of a swatch. This is very helpful. In the garments section, you get the following for each and every garment:

* grayscale photo of the garment
* color photo of the garment
* black-and-white chart for each pattern used
* grayscale photo of a swatch for each charted pattern
* color photo of a swatch for each charted pattern
* instructions for making the garment

The grayscale photos are very helpful when you are trying to identify contrast and intensity levels to decide which colors to substitute if you are using different yarn or a different color scheme.

This book is an absolute necessity. If you can't find a used one, sign one out of your library. It is deceivingly thin (124 pages), but designed like the engine compartment of a jaguar: no "useless clutter" here... just jam-packed with highest-quality parts!

This volume features a great variety, from simple lines and shapes to more designer styles. There is even a Color-Work Skirt pattern in a simple below-the-knee fluted shape that would be flattering on everyone. I counted six jacket patterns (including an adorable Chanel-inspired pattern), four cardigans, four pullovers, a cute square-necked shell and the skirt mentioned above. I've loved the Tricoter designs since Simply Beautiful Sweaters, and highly recommend the finishing techniques used here. The Crab Stitch crocheted edging and chain stitch to stabilize the shoulders make a very professional finish.
I couldn't give this five stars for two reasons:
1)the sizes are too limited
2)the yarn substitution is a little tricky

Tricoter has done it again! I loved their first HandKnit Style book for the wearability and fashionable designs and this one is just as good, in my opinion. The color block jacket is a beautiful and casual piece, just right for teens to seniors. This book also has another Chanel-Style jacket, in white this time, and a cardigan done in green that's so adaptable for nearly any size and weight of yarn and so lends itself to embellishment that the possibilities are endless. The lace cardigan is another eye catcher and, again, the yarn could be easily changed to suit. The styles are also adaptable to larger sized women. Some of the patterns have an extra large size option, but most would look good on a large woman with some simple adjustments. The only piece that I think would be difficult, though not impossible, to adapt would be the pink cabled cardigan because of the body hugging fit and the pattern repeats.

The only piece I don't foresee knitting is the Color-Work Skirt, but that's because I surely don't have the figure to pull off a knitted skirt of any kind. It's a lovely piece, though, and a teenager or young woman would look very chic in it.

I've always been inspired by pictures, so this is ultimate eye candy for me. I've noticed that the authors have used a lot of lime green in their finished garments. Whether this is to provide contrast in the photography or because lime is an "in" color doesn't matter. If you're not bothered by using colors other than those listed, you'll substitute a different color, or do the whole thing in lime green, and away you go!

There are some styles that I would change slightly, but overall, the sweaters are gorgeous and are all things that I would wear myself or could picture my daughters or my friends wearing. Nothing outrageous here, and nothing that will be fun for a few weeks and end up at the back of the closet later--such a waste of time and yarn! Get this book, and then get the first one. They're expensive books, but for an avid and imaginative knitter, the cost is justified by the endless possibilities represented.

After looking all over for this pattern book I finally found it at the right price and in perfect condition! Thanks.

As in her previous book on Scarves and Shawls, she has delivered a beautifully photographed and produced book, with many attractive designs and interesting techniques. I bought this book for its section on what she calls diagonal knitting,which differs from what is sually called diagnoal knitting by being divided into stocking stitch and garter squares. It is very attractive. However,as was also a flaw in her previous book,some of the garments would cost well into the hundreds of dollars to make as they are knit in Prism yarns. I don't feel it is necessary to spend more for yarn for one garment than for a month's health insurance.

Nancie Wiseman's Knitted Sweaters For Every Season uses four techniques to build sixteen very different sweaters, from light knits to warm sweaters for chilly evenings. Experienced knitters will find these patterns provide a satisfyingly diverse range of projects.

As in her previous book on Scarves and Shawls, she has delivered a beautifully photographed and produced book, with stylish designs and interesting techniques. I bought this book for its section on what she calls diagonal knitting, which differs from what is usually called diagonal knitting by being divided into stocking stitch and garter stitch squares. It is very attractive. However, as was also a flaw in her previous book, some of the garments would cost well into the hundreds of dollars to make as they are knit in Prism yarns. I don't feel it is necessary to spend more for yarn for one garment than for a month's health insurance.

I just taught myself to knit about a month ago, so I am a very beginning knitter. This book is great for someone at my skill level -- the patterns are simple without looking it, and they use Lion Brand yarn, which in my experience is easy to find, reasonably priced, and of high quality. Even if you don't know how to knit yet, there is reasonably detailed information in the front of the book with illustrations that teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, decrease, and bind off. They only include one method for casting on (which is not the one I use) and one for binding off, but you can always supplement this with information from another book or from the net.

The projects in this book are attractive and wearable, and the patterns are easy to understand. There are 6 (not 9) projects in this book -- the three additional projects really only consist of assembling a sweater on the purl side. The projects are as follows:

1. "World's Easiest Cardigan" -- A belted, unshaped cardigan done in garter stitch using Homespun yarn (I am working on this one now)
2. "Hug Me Sweater" -- A loose-fitting, roll-neck sweater in double knit stockinette using Imagine yarn (assembled either on the knit side or the purl side)
3. "Quick Cardigan" -- A three-quarter sleeve ribbed cardigan using Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (assembled on either the ribbed side or the pebbled side). This is going to be my next project.
4. "Stripe it Rich Sweater" -- A striped sweater in three colors done in stockinette using Wool-Ease
5. "Perfect Pullover" -- A V-neck ribbed pullover using Wool-Ease Thick and Quick (assembled either on the ribbed side or the pebbled side)
6. "Challenge Sweater" -- a striped, roll-neck sweater using Imagine, Chenille Sensations, Jiffy, and Homespun. In my opinion, this is the only ugly pattern in the book.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but the sizing seems too large to me. The title says "Sizes Small to 3X," but since all the sweaters are sized to fit loose, they will probably be too big for a person like me, who usually wears an XS. The finished bust of the Homespun cardigan, for instance, is 40". That's way too big to be a size small, in my opinion. I have tried to compensate for this by using smaller needles, and it seems to be working. Also, the patterns for the Hug Me sweater and the Challenge sweater do not include size small at all. They also do not include any sizes larger than XL, although they are supposed to be loose-fitting. So if you wear anything other than Small, Medium, or Large, you are going to have to make some adjustments.

This book has some wonderful sweater styles for all knitters regardless of experience. The patterns are easy to follow and work up quickly using Lion brand yarns (the best variety in my estimation). It's important to be successful on your first project or face losing all interest in ever knitting again. This book definitely got me hooked on knitting! I intend to make all the sweaters in the book.

I found the patterns and instructions easy to understand and easy to follow. This is a very good book for those of us who really only have the basic skills needed to knit, yet want to make useful and pretty beginner projects. If you don't like ( or can't find) Lion's Brand yarn, you can substitute other yarns, as long as you make sure the guage you knit at is the same as ditrected in the instructions. Very helpful info all around in this book A+

I love all the books by Debbie Bliss. Lots of patterns and Ideas. If you love her yarn you will love the books too.

I ordered this book for a friend of mine who was having trouble finding knitting books for toddlers in her area stores. When I opened it up and saw all of the elaborate styles I was impressed! If you're just beginning, you can cut down on the amount of colors used or not do all the embroidery and still come up with something pretty fantastic. The cutest baby all-in-ones and booties I've ever laid eyes on!

I was surprised to find out that this book is 15 years old. The knits are still just as cute and desirable as if they were designed yesterday. I have only knit one of the sweaters so far, but I found the instructions to be excellent. My only criticism is that you have to keep turning back to the front section to see the big color pictures. I would like to see the instructions and the photo together. Other than that, this book is a real good value.

I am a beginning knitter and these are exactly the kinds of sweaters and leggings I want to be making for my children in a few years. Great Scandinavian designs that will not disappoint.
Colorful and vary in the sizas you can make the patterns. Another must-have for the knitter with children or grandchildren.
Happy knitting!!

Nanette of Fruitland, ID

Finally a book with lots of beautifully designed and colored sweaters for children of ALL ages. Some of the patterns are so oversized they would fit a small adult. Directions and charts are clear and concise. I now have lovely nordic patterns for my older children.

I am simultaneously in love and frustrated with this book. The patterns are fascinating and so full of character. If you like Fair Isle this is a must to have a look at! I made a wool hat for a toddler from the book and there began my frustration. The book is a translation from Norwegian and uses Norwegian yarn without providing yarn equivalents or any of the standard names (dk, aran wool, worsted weight, etc). Gauge and needle size are provided but unless you know a bit about knitting its a bit of a chore figuring out which yarn you need. I ended up fiddling with the size of the needle to adjust to the pattern gauge and, while utterly pleased with the result, do wish that a neat little yarn conversion page had been added by the publisher!

This book is like a drug for my 16 month old son. He wants to read it over and over and over again. Luckily, the book isn't annoying at all--it's just a sweet, simple story. The minimalism of the book--just one word per page, with a picture that matches--means that I can use it to talk about his experiences ("she's playing in the leaves! Remember when Grandma and Grandpa were here and you played in the leaves?").

The depth of his love for this book (and the others in this series, Swimsuit, Longjohns and Galoshes) is a bit mystifying, frankly. But I'm definitely not complaining.

Get ready for fall with Kit Allen's book Sweater! This sturdy board book shows a little girl getting dressed warmly for a day in the fall leaves. With one phrase and drawing a page it's sure to keep the little ones attention. Perfect book for toddlers and babies.

My son has loved this book since day one. It's perfect for learning those first word/picture associations. He can practically read them to himself by now...and we have all of Kit Allen's books! Cute pictures, simple words and fun for all toddlers. Even our play group likes to look at these stories together.