Sweaters Books

Wow. These sweaters are wonderful. Winter and summer sweaters; sweaters that are cozy; sweaters that are elegant; sweaters that are sexy. A few of the designs are a little dated, but most of them are just, well, glorious.

I found this book at my library. it is hard to use but their are many wonderful ideas in it. I have just about finished my first one and want to make another. Some of the patterns might be dated, but if you use you imagination it is fun to see it in the new yarns. the sweater truly are exquisite. this could be a great dream, or what if book.

I have had this book for awhile now and only created one of the sweaters (fp/bp sweater) because the level of difficulty and complexity of some of the patterns where overwhelming. Now that I finally got all the pattern stitches learned, I have incorporated them into my own designs and yarns and they look fabulous. I love the outdated look of these designs and will attempt to make all the patterns in the book. Be warned, you must have patience to do some of these designs. Not for begginer's at all, but definietly a keeper for the crochet library!

Instead of this book, which is quite dated, I would recommend Crochet With Style: Fun-To-Make Sweaters for All Seasons by Melissa Leapman or Today's Crochet by Crochet Guild of America. I found Nola Theiss's book to be pretty vague as to types and amount of yarn needed for most of the projects, and she has you knit (!) the ribbing for her sweaters. Which is a drag if you don't knit, yes?

The pictures are truly beautiful. I think that some of the designs are for people who like to punish themselves - the colour changes are brutal. But all in all, I like it. Comes with the usual how to directions at the front.

This knitting book has all classic and timeless patterns for all ages in an easy to read format. It is one of those knit books that is a staple in my library of knitting books and I refer to it often for inspiration and ideas.

This book is simply beautiful. It's not for beginners but I bought it because it is full of beautiful sweaters. Could be a coffee table book.

I have knitted Aran style sweaters over the years, but this book has beautiful, modern sweaters that anyone would love to have. There are beautiful, challenging cabled sweaters for men,women, and children. When I first checked this book out of the Library, it was love at first sight. I bought one for my own because there were so many projects I loved, I would want it for a long time. Any Aran knit lover will love this book

I have tons of knitting books, which is why I am so shocked to see the price of this book so low... This is the only pattern book that I have that can honestly say I am planning on knitting almost every single sweater on it. Everything in this book is of excusite taste. Like I said, just right now I have a list of 6 or 7 items from this book that I want to knit as soon as possible. This is my favorite book in my entire collection.

I have been knitting nearly thirty years, since I was a young child, and I have never seen a collection of patterns this unique and beautiful. There is a nice assortment of designs for men, women, and children, ranging from easy to extremely challenging as far a skill needed to complete.

The designs are truly classic, intricate, artistic, and well balanced as far as style and form. The instruction grids and pattern piece drawings are very detailed, easy to understand, and precise as far as measurements. With lovely photographs and clearly stated written instructions, this book is very thorough. There is also a nice section of tips for knitters - equivalent yarns, how to read charts, figuring sizes, etc.

The patterns are not at all dated, and I don't believe they ever will be. In the same way I can picture my mother wearing these sweaters, I think they will be completely wearable fifty years from now, so the time spent in the creation of these treasures might well be appreciated when they are passed down to an ancestor, if the sweaters are well cared for, gently worn, and still in good enough shape.

My only problem with this book is that even the easy/simple patterns seem incredibly difficult. But I admit that I am intimidated by sweaters. I am more expert at socks, hats, scarves, and throws. Even recognizing my anxiety regarding sweaters, I do not think a beginner should attempt these patterns because it might lead to frustration and discouragement with knitting in general. I believe this book is more suitable for intermediate to advanced knitters.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

I fell in love with the style of this book and some of the patterns. The frilly sweater will be on my list. Many basic sweaters too. Some basic stuff.

I am rather new to knitting (less than 2 years), so a lot of pattern books I have come across are just too complicated. This book however keeps things very simple so even the beginner knitter can create these fabulous designs for their four-legged friends. There are also plenty of intricate designs to challenge the more experienced knitter. A lot of the sweaters are basically the same pattern, but there are enough variations to make each one unique. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disapointed.

What a disappointment!!! I particularly loved the peruvian and arron sweaters, but to my dismay, the pattern for the patterned fronts was NOT included, NOR were the patterns for the sleeves. This is the worst written knitting book I have ever seen (do we still have proof readers and/or pattern testers in the business???). I do hope that the author spends some time correcting these horrible errors, and offers the resultant pages free to those unfortunates who purchased her pricey book.

I've checked out this book twice from the public library, and decided it was worth it to purchase it for myself.
I've never knitted a dog sweater, and the basic pattern in this book is quite understandable, and easy to follow. Accurate, too.

Plus, you get patterns for people, such as a vest, and a sweater, and, I'm excited about using this book to make my first people sweater.

I love this book..Dori the "grandpuppy" of one of my friends has too many sweaters to count. All made from the patterns in this book. The "Hoodie" is my favorite and she looked so cute in it. I get bored doing the same thing over and over so I improvised pattern stitches and did different things with them. Dori loved having them on for her walks or just laying around. Fun book and I had no problems with the patterns and was happy with each result.

I have been knitting dog sweaters for a long time and have several pattern books, some of which aren't all that great. But this one has really great patterns and beautiful sweaters. I would recommend it for sure!

This is an excelant book, full of wonderfull patterns, but I can not locate the correct size yarn for the stitch measurements. Nore can I find and address to write to so I can find the yarn they mentioned.

this book I would recommend to others as it has a great variety of patterns which can be adapted

I have a very large knitting library as I am an avid knitter. I have not used this book yet however. I bought it because it has a nice selection of styles of coats and sweaters. Not all are complex and I love the felted one. Photographs are precious and invite you to pick up and knit now! My favorite is the front cover sweater.

...one was a strapped blanket style, the other a "denim style jacket." I should mention that my dog is a yorkie, and smaller than the XXS pattern for a dog with a 16" chest. So, please know that I had to alter the patterns a bit. Both worked up fine, but I have a couple complaints about the book. It's not written for the beginner, as there was an abbreviation given not in the guide at the beginning of the book. Because I have other books, I was able to ascertain what the pattern called for, but this is an oversight. (It wasn't that hard to figure out, but don't they proofread?) The denim jacket instructions say that only the recommended yarn should be used, but it is now discontinued by Rowan. You may be able to find another yarn to suit, but compare the shrinkage guidelines with Rowan's yarn on their website, or you may have an ill fitting piece. (I happened to have the particular Rowan yarn, and you might find it at eBay or any of the disco'd yarn sites or on a swap, too.) I also noticed that a good many of the patterns are simply variations on a strapped blanket coat, which is really not practical for most dogs. Mine is far too active and the coat comes off easily even though the strap is snug. Maybe if you're knitting for an elderly or very mellow dog this book would be worth the purchase? I would've appreciated more patterns for jackets and cardigans.

I was able to check this out of the library, and now it is on my wishlist. While there is nothing out of the ordinary here, I like the patterns that I am seeing. They are for good basic things--hats, scarves, mittens, etc. I like how the mittens have wide range of sizes for both children and adults.

It is not a learn to knit book. The help section in the back doesn't have many pictures, so you may have to consult another reference if you need help. But, an advanced beginner (I consider myself intermediate)and on should enjoy this book.

The yarns used are on the more expensive side, so you may have to do some substituting.

The projects in the book are really very cute, it's really easy to follow if you know what you are doing. I would be happier if they gave illustrations of the special techniques they introduce, b/c many of them are advanced level, and their instructions are complicated to understand just by reading.

I really like that the projects are sorted according to how long it will take to complete them. I wish that there were patterns for bags and baby blankets.

There were a few projects that I would like to do. However, most projects weren't too unique - I found similar ones in other books. There were a few that were odd and wouldn't do. When I decided to do one of the projects, I couldn't find the yarn recommended and spent a long time searching for a comparable one. In general they use high end, nice yarns.

Right after I purchased this book, I started receiving the '06 holiday issues of all the knitting magazines I subscribe to. I was a little disappointed to see so many of the patterns re-printed (with the exact same photos so they were a easy to spot) in this season's magazines. I kind of feel like I paid for them twice! I should have just skipped the book.

But---the book is beautifully done and photographed. But in my opinion, many of the patterns are pretty time consuming (many with lots of finishing), so I'm not sure they will be very fast gift projects. And many of them are pretty advanced patterns.

Two Sticks and a String? How about "110 Needles and an Intarsia Carriage"? It would be very simple to knit most of these basic shapes and designs on a bulky knitting machine with intarsia carriage. The great color combinations and striking pattern placements are what make these designs unique. Highly recommended to all owners of those workhorses of the knitting design industry, the Brother 230, 260, or even 270 knitters.

Do not be fooled by the (I think) unfortunate title of this book. The projects are neither folksy nor primitive. Rather, several are among the most sophisticated and challenging I have ever seen. Gorgeous collection for the experienced knitter.

This book is not for the novice knitter. The patterns vary from Aran to Novelty. I have read the various critiques of this book and I feel that it has been unfairly rated. It would be great if all patterns were written perfectly yet this is not a perfect world. The biggest mistake that knitters make is that they do not check their gauge when substituting yarn choices. The pictures and graphs are excellent in this book and it has far outranked many of the knitting publications of the last two years. If you want some patterns which are left of the classic mainstream, order this fabulous paperback!

Rare is the time when one finds so many great designs at once that I can barely wait to try my hand at half of them on first sight! "Two Strings and a Stick" is just such a treasure. It's an inspiration for the intermediate to advance knitter who is looking for fun and unusual contemporary knit designs. I am especially impressed by the timeless but cutting edge quality of the items....appropriate for a fifty something like myself as well as a younger woman.

If the patterns are inaccurate, as indicated by the review above...I will happily make the changes just so that I can be seen in these gorgeous sweaters! The only down side with this book (as well as most other knit books) is that the patterns are not indicated for those of us who like to knit in the round from the top down...otherwise..it's a keeper...as in...get me to a yarn shop ASAP!

There are some exceptionally creative shapes and designs in "Two Sticks and a String." If you are a moderately experienced knitter, you can be inspired by these patterns and even adapt the shapes to other designs of your own.

In particular, there is a "Bamboo Jacket",two vests (a flat Aran and a more traditional vest with colorwork) and a folded shawl that have shapes that are intriguing. While you may not like the color or texture or pattern, this is a matter of taste: I decided I liked this book for the creativity it shows, and it looks to be a useful reference.

A production of knitting expert Margaret Klein Wilson and the Green Mountain Spinnery, The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book: Contemporary And Classic Patterns collects under one cover thirty of the most popular knitting designs drawn from the famous Green Mountain Spinnery of Vermont. Color photographs and meticulous instructions teach the aspiring knitter how to pour her (or his!) all into a snug, warm, and eye-catching creations. The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book is a superb addition to any personal or community library needlecraft instructional reference collection.

This is basically a pattern book pretending to be a literary and photo history of a commercial enterprise (the Green Mountain Spinnery). Loved the pictures--could do without the hype and self serving copy about the business. Also, the paterns are quite ordinary (there was one I liked--but it wasn't worth the cost of the book to get it) and dificult to use as I don't want to have to carry around the hard copy book everywhere I go. Your money will be better served on something else.

I purchased the book based on the (few) previous reviews, and primarily for patterns, but was disappointed. There is nothing that my teenage daughter would ever wear; no sweaters that my husband cared for; and only one sweater I might even want for myself. What may seem classic to some people is old-fashioned to others. The patterns are "stodgy"-looking -- boxy with little fit. And as is unfortunately typical of many knitting patterns, the yardage for the projects is not given. Instead it gives the number of skeins of their brand of yarn. There are also several pages devoted to descriptions of the Green Mountain store and their yarns, but I didn't want to pay for advertisements and basic patterns that are found elsewhere. I have found more appealing patterns free on the internet, so check this out at your library first to see if these patterns suit you.

I have made several items from this book, mostly substituting less expensive yarns, and the patterns are clear and not at all confusing. I did splurge and buy from the Green Mountain Spinnery (using their website) to make Rosemary's Little Sweater and the Artisan's Vest, and it was well worth it! Beautiful yarn, and the sweaters will last for a long time.

The cover photo depicts one of the most complicated sweaters--I've only been knitting for a year, and wouldn't tackle one like that yet. But there are plenty of easy patterns inside the book, for all ages. I've made sweaters for the whole family from age 4 through 36, and all have loved them.

To me, these are classic patterns and this is a book that won't become dated. I have Stitch N' Bitch and Hot Knits, and they are great too, but I think I'll be knitting things from this book long after the other two books start collecting dust on my shelf. You don't have to be an experienced knitter to make many of these patterns, and the results are very pleasing. I would give the book five stars if the GMS yarn wasn't so expensive! It's not too difficult to substitute yarns--I found out the yardages from the GMS website and then consulted with my local yarn shop staff to come up with suitable substitutions.

As for the book advertising the spinnery, I don't think this is a big deal at all. There are four pages in the beginning of the book which discuss their spinnery, and then four more pages that go into technique, abbreviations used and using the patterns. There are ninety pages of patterns, and then an appendix section where they provide photos and information about their yarns (there is also a page entitled, "What makes Spinnery yarns so special?"). Grand total of spinnery promoting pages: 8.

In a world of super-bulky scarves, knitted cell phone cozies, and make-it-in-a-weekend sweaters (all of which have their place, don't get me wront), this book is a beacon for those looking for a little more meat.

Many of these patterns have been available through GMS for years. On the one hand, this means you don't get hip, trendy, up-to-the-minute innovation. But on the other hand, this means you get tried and tested patterns that are as close to perfection as you can get. The instructions are clearly written, the layout is easy to navigate, and I couldn't find a single confusing element in any pattern.

Stylistically speaking, I'd consider these patterns "nouveau New England." They use Green Mountain Spinnery yarns exclusively, eschewing fringe, fluff, and bouclé for the beauty of a well-turned cable and balanced intarsia.

And the pictures! Don't get me started. Lush and gorgeous from start to finish.

That's why I give this book five stars. It is a fixture on my bedside table. Any time I need sweet knitterly dreams, I just pop it open and start reading.

I was hoping for more true tribal/regional patterns but this book is more about the author's interpretation of what "seems" african-like.

The patterns are all shapeless and look more like standard fair-isle/intarsia patterns to be found elsewhere.

Do not buy if you are looking for true African-inspired patterns.

The designs in this book are truely gorgeous and though the patterns are well written, I would strongly recommend reading through very thoroughly before embarking on any of the projects. My only issues with the book are first, a small one, and that is that the lengths of the sweaters are not given in the overall Materials/Guage/Measurements section before the instructions and secondly, as another reviewer has written, so many of the sweaters require steeks. I understand the appeal of steeks but don't exactly love them myself nor did I think they were necessary for a lot of the sweaters. Also, not all of the sweaters were shown on models and that's something I think is really necessary to get a feel for how it hangs and looks on a real person - or even a mannequin. I would have given the book of five star rating if there were fewer steeks or alternatives to using the steeks. Otherwise, it's a lovely book even if you're only going to look at the patterns and imagine wearing them.

I am very fond of this book. There is a sophistication of color in the designs that I find appealing. I prefer fingering weight yarn and if you do as well, you'll love the designs in this book. I'm not a fan of zippers in sweaters but the patterns which include zippers could easily be turned into a v-neck, etc.

I was surprised at how many of the patterns used steeks. Steeks require you to cut your knitting in a variety of ways (for sleeves, cardigan fronts, necklines). All of these can be reconfigured if you dislike steeks. Be aware of the need to noodle with the patterns if you choose not to steek.

The sleeveless giraffe pullover is to die for!

As the title suggests, these are not sweaters for the inexperienced knitter. They are intricate works of art, and the recommended needle sizes show they are not for the impatent knitter. Read through the knitting techniques mentioned in the introduction, and if you aren't familiar with them, and you still want to make the gorgeous sweaters herein, then learn the technique elsewhere before tackling these sublime designs. You'll be amply rewarded for your efforts.

"Knitting Out of Africa" employs the abstractly modern traditional designs of Mali mudcloth, Zimbabwe basketweaving and other designs to create wonderful designer garments. The knitting is mostly suitable for the intermediate to advance knitter, mainly for the colorwork and assembly techniques.

My favorite designs in the book are the ones taken from basketweaving. There is a funnel neck pullover and a long tunic, both inspired by these baskets. Another great design is a modular knitting domino, rather like a kimono, with flap collar and wonderful black-white-gray geometric design. There are some intarsia animal prints, as well. All are modern looking, quite stylish and would make one-of-a-kind, elegant garments. Some designs could be adapted for men, but these are primarily women's sweaters.

Big thumbs up if you like pattern or colorwork.

...that's what the patterns (and models!) in this little book are. I have to preface the technical aspects of my review with a disclaimer here-- I am generally not a fan of pets wearing clothing, my own Jack Russell having heartily given me a "No, MA'AM!" on the subject, but if you MUST...these little numbers are, as stated, pretty stinkin' cute. Now, on to the tech specs: If you possess a basic knowledge of knitting (i.e., cabling, increase/decrease, using double-pointed needles) you're in like Flynn! Plus it's a great way to get rid of those half-used skeins everyone has at the bottom of their yarn basket, as no project requires anywhere near a full 300-yd skein to complete. (If you have a large or even medium-sized dog, however, look for "Big Dog Knits" by the same author; these patterns are strictly for what my family lovingly refers to as "kick-me dogs".) The stripy buttoned-up sweater was literally my first knitting project EVER this past weekend and I had zero trouble whipping it up-- although, as a crocheter who lives for deviously nasty lace motifs, I may have had an advantage over the typical knitting virgin. Even so, this is a good way for the beginning knitter to ease out of Scarfland...if for no other reason that doggie sweaters work up way quicker, and with way less yarn, than their human counterparts!

P.S.--My reasons for knocking off a star: the felted collar thingy, which looks incredibly uncomfortable on that poor little Pug, and the puppy fez. Ruh-DONK, people.

I bought this book several years ago and have made some variation of most of the sweaters. The ideas and color combinations are incredible. The dogs are beyond adorable. Even though I am an experienced knitter I did find some of the instructions vague and incomplete. I would consider this a resource book with concepts and not a technical manual but would definately buy this book again.

wow this is great!! me being 12 and just started knitting it is great if you want something easy and quick wow!! buy this book

I love this book!!! The photos of these pups are amazing--how on earth did they get these little dogs to pose so well? And there are adorable little puppy profiles, describing the likes and dislikes of each model! So funny. The projects are irresistible--I love the bright pink knitted neck-warming on that gorgeous pug! And the Jester sweater on the cover is to die for. Love, love, love it.

Two fo the twelve designs are for a Puppy Fez and a Collar Cuff (scarf for the dog) and things I would never make for any dog. There are really only 3 sweater designs in this book, all knit flat and seamed up. The others are variations of these three patterns using a different stitch pattern in a few but mostly just color choices.

I really wish my local library had had this book so I could have looked through it before spending $ on it. It's not worth $14 for the one pattern I'd actually use.

This knitter's book is clearly written with ample help. All four sweater's I have knit (different patterns) from this book have classic designs with techniquely simple instructions. This should be a "must have" in every knitter's library.

All the patterns are great! Chunky knits means fast results!
The designs all look fresh and young (nothing too grandma-y)
I just love it! I am planning to knit most, if not all, of the projects! (by the way the yarns used in the book are easy to purchase if you live in US)

I haven't actually knit anything from this book yet, and I'm not sure that I will. I didn't think that the sweaters in the book were very "Vogue" although they do not look difficult to make. I would rate most of the patterns as Intermediate level. The pictures are all in color which is nice, but the sweaters are not on models...so it is difficult to tell how they would look on someone, even a size 6 model, in real life.

I checked this out before purchasing it, and I am glad I did for I did not find the patterns in this book to be as "fabulous" as other reviewers did. There really were just a couple that I would be interested in making and those do not include any of the sweater patterns which comprise most of the book. The sweaters are very boxy and not particularly stylish -- not very Vogue, in my opinion! Yes, they are knit with chunky yarn, but that doesn't always equal plain and boxy. There is a variety of patterns here, with a couple hats; scarf; men's, women's and children's sweaters; even a pillow pattern. Frankly, the only sweater I would consider making is a child's sweater, the only interesting, stylish one in the bunch, but I have no child to make it for! If you are looking for a collection of sweaters that is "Vogue", stylish, or even just interesting, this is not the pattern book for you. I also have to say that the size is nice for traveling, but would not be too easy to keep open if you are trying to follow along with a pattern and knit at the same time.

This chunky book is so cute, but, not exactly for the beginner knitter.
Having helped my daughter with her very first sweater project [we each knitted the Back-Buttoned Top]. Had she been on her own, I do not think she would have ended up with a sweater. As an experienced knitter, I can follow where the pattern might be going. I wish that more space would be used for type, making the instructions easier to read. I'd like to see the text delineated better. The finishing instructions leave something to be desired.
She substituted Reynolds Allagash for the yarn Karabella Softig in her sweater. I used 2 stands of Reynolds Eternity.