Sweaters Books

I liked this book a lot. It has patterns in it for every skill level, and the designs are very flattering and chic. Easy to understand and substitute the yarns as well.

I have always had good luck with projects from the previous Yarn Girls' books, and this one looks good, too. I haven't tried any of the projects yet, but there is a nice variety. Their instructions are always easy to follow, and the styles are fun to wear. I wish they would include a little more shaping, especially in the waist area, but overall, I think the patterns are great.

Hands down the best Yarn Girls' book yet. The patterns are stylish and classic, and there are quite a few men's patterns too. There are several sweaters that I can't wait to get started on!

I too, am a Yarn girls' groupie, but for me I was dissapointed in this book. I found the patterns to be an everyday run of the mill type that could be found in any other common knitting book. I loved their first two books and feel they are the experts for the "knitting impaired" like me. I was dissapointed there weren't any afghans or throws in the book. Maybe it was their colors and yarn choices I didn't like. I still love them, I still would have bought the book had I seen it in a store. Keep up the good work girls, but next time not so dowdy.

The patterns in this book are lovely, classic patterns. The main problem is that the biggest sizes for women are about 38 to 40 inch finished bust size. I noticed that all the women models wore their garments skin tight so these patterns may be meant to have negative ease but it would be better to have a larger size range.The mens patterns were also nice but were worn much looser. Australian knitters could subsitute 12 ply and 8 ply yarns for many of the patterns.

I'm about to start my third sweater from this book - all done for the men in my family - while my mother is working on a vest for herself. This book is well worth the money. The patterns are easy to follow, and I had no trouble finding appropriate yarns.

This is a very nice collection of sweaters that are eminently knittable, as well as being wearable by all family members-babies, children, teenagers, and men, as well as women. Melissa Leapman has designed 14 "families" of sweaters, employing just about every knitting fabric style except pictorial Intarsia (unless you count Argyles as intarsia, which I don't, since I LIKE argyles and I HATE Intarsia!)The sweaters are aimed at both the beginning and long-time knitter.

However, it wasn't until I analysed the sweaters GROUP BY GROUP that I discovered the REAL value of this book . Melissa is *very* inventive in taking a single motif or stitch pattern and using it very differently in each of 3 sweaters. She doesn't merely assign different trim, closures and necklines for each sweater. Sometimes a motif might be used as an allover pattern, then,in the next sweater used simply as a horizontal panel. Over and over, Melissa plays with the elements . The book is a nice primer of knitterly "variations on a theme", if you will. I LOVE variations in music, so I was tickled by this as well.

This book has also helped me to think outside my own box. When I get an idea for a sweater (or a cable or something) and I usually neglect to WORK THE IDEA! Then I page through this book again and am inspired by the unlimited POSSIBILITES that knitting design presents. No matter how many sweaters I end up knitting from this book (and there *are* several that I am considering), I figure the book cost me a WHOLE LOT LESS THAN A KNITTING DESIGN WORKSHOP, *and* I ended up with a hard cover, 4 color "hand-out" in the process!

Consider myself a beginner-going-on-to-intermediate-knitter, I was anxious to get this book from mail. Sadly, there isn't a lot of patterns in this book; whatever it has to offer are so repetitive and simple you might as well go buy a knitting 101 book. Luckily, I didn't just order this one pattern book and am happily starting a new project thanks-but-no-thanks not from this glamorously-packaged-with-little-to-offer book.

Often a knitting book tries to have something for everybody, but it can be disappointing when you spend $20 to $30 on a book and there might be one thing that you like enough to make. I expected that from this book, perhaps because the last few books of this kind that I purchased weren't as satisfying as expected, and so I was happily surprised. I don't have a family, so the aspects of knitting sweaters for children are lost on me, but it is actually a great idea to have coordinating sweaters that are not identical. This prevents the "clone" look to family dressing. The women's and men's sweaters are varied (some vests, some cardigans or pullovers) and most are very nice and creative. None are too difficult to make. Different types of fibers are represented. The photography is attractive and the instructions laid out clearly. The yarns used are also easy to locate for purchase. A very nice book.

I love this book. I have 2 boys and it is hard to find attractive sweater patterns that they will actually not be embarrassed to wear. This book has lots of patterns that "fit the bill." I especially loved the faire aisle sweater pictured on the cover. There are no more than 2 colors per row so it is not even as difficult to knit as it looks! Yet it is beautiful. I even made one in a different colorway (pinks and purples) for a niece. I knitted the sweaters in the round (the way Scandinavians do) and had no problem adapting the pattern. I think it would look great in traditional Scandinavian colors too (navy, red, etc.).

This book also inspired me to explore my own designs and create variations of them (because this is what this author has done - created several variations of each style/pattern she designed for different ages/genders.) I consider myself an intermediate-advanced knitter.

I will review as soon as I receive it, I should have received it weeks ago, but perhaps because of the holidays it was delayed.

Thanks

This book is many sweaters I can actually see making, they are contemporary in style and more than just vests. I look the spiral binding, nice touch.

I'm looking forward to creating some of the sweater patterns in this book. They look simple and easy.

I just started knitting with the express desire to make a beautiful yet uncomplicated sweater for my husband. I was extremely pleased to see that there were several patterns that I could do on my own and have excitedly begun my next project. I love this book as it is not just for beginners but allows me to keep improving my knitting skills.

With all pattern books there are some patterns you like and some you don't. I hated the sweater on the cover of this book. Then the book came and I realized that the sweater wasn't too bad it was the small website picture and the "oh my goodness its halloween!" color choice that the knitter made that put me off. This book really grew on me.

This is a handsome book--the settings alone make it very pleasant to leaf through, gorgeous country homes, beautiful gardens and models with character. Kaffe Fassett's influence is everywhere in the designs, but they are still handsome; however, the basic Fassett style, using simple shapes and 5,000 colors of bloody expensive Rowan yarn, makes them difficult for some people to reproduce...especially if the yarn is discontinued. Aside from that, there are certainly designs there I would make, particularly because they are shown on all ages and types of people. Perhaps a few too many Big Main Color pullovers with A Motif on them, and some of the sweaters, like the Green Olive number, are witty but would quickly be memorized by one's friends--"There he is! Oh, God, he's wearing that sweater with the olives again!" However, many of the checks and patterns are wonderful, like "Tie Dye" and "Cut Diamonds." In general, he also does good vivid colorways for men that they would actually wear... well, maybe there are a couple that college boys would squirm away from as too bright, but not many. The main reason I haven't tackled one of the ones I like best is the cost of Rowan yarn, and alongside that, laziness; intarsia with a million colors is nervewracking, and as for cost, I know I could substitute, but that's asking for trouble and a lot of preliminary figuring work...or unraveling. I'm not sorry I bought this; if nothing else, some of the pattern motifs and colorways could be transplanted to sumptuous shawls for entertainment without so much accountability. I'd say, give it a try!

Very inspirational knitting in this book. Be prepared to spend a wad on yarns as they call for many, many colors. Nice items, something for everyone.

Brandon Mably is a member of popular knit designer Kaffe Fassett's studio. I really liked many of Mably's designs, which are in some ways simpler and bolder than Fassett's--though clearly inspired by his mentor. But the design work here is spotty. Some of the ideas such as a Gypsy-striped scarf and vest, are simple in concept but look stunning. Others are Kaffee-clones, such as stars on complicated backgrounds. And there are complete departures from the Fassett style, such as a sweater with an intarsia design of pitted olives. Very cute.

The problem with this book, however, is that the quality of the knitted models varies from great to just awful. I would never have let some of those photos see the light of day, let alone the pages of a book. Knitting boo-boos jump out of the page such as uneven motif joins in intarsia, bulgy and uneven increasing above the ribbing and other amateurish-looking knitting that would have a competent knitting editor shouting naughty words. Another problem is the reliance on Rowan yarns, which are expensive and go out of production rapidly. If you want to reproduce these styles exactly, in the colors and weights of yarn specified, you may find yourself on a wild-goose chase. And the yarns used are often cotton. Now, cotton is able to be dyed in deep and bright colors, and the sheen on a mercerized cotton yarn lends a brilliance to knitting that a matte wool cannot achieve. But knitting intarsia (a technique where yarns are knitted in independent color zones and linked on the wrong side with a twisting method) is incredibly difficult to do with cotton. This is because cotton drapes and does not adapt to fill gaps in tension variations. Wool is forgiving in this matter and the fuzzy surface also hides knitting flaws. With cotton yarns, the inevitable variations of hand knitting are magnified, though master knitters can compensate. If you are not experienced in intarsia, let me tell you that a horrific experience awaits you if your first attempts are with cotton yarns. So be forewarned. If you don't believe me, look at the "Olives" sweater which sadly illustrates the difficulties that even an experienced knitter can have with cotton and intarsia. Tragic.

The sweater shapes in this book do vary from the wide and loose Fassett style (that does not always flatter the wide and voluptuous among us) and there are slimming v-necks and nicely done tunics. That's good. There are many design ideas here that are interesting and attractive, as well as some good colorways. However, other color choices were garish and muddy-looking.

So, if you like the Fassett style and are looking for more inspiration, you may find it here. But the uneven quality and the fact that many of these styles were previously published in Rowan books elsewhere, limit the value of this book.

Well presented clear photographs and graphs Hard to decide which to knit first

As a warning, almost half of these designs are already published in Rowan magazines. The remainder, all new for this book, are often variations on Mably's style, which is similar to the well-known Kaffe Fassett's, although much simpler. The sweaters are really abstract, skirting the avant garde, although the fundamental styles are basic pullovers and cardigans. It's the color schemes that are dynamic and innovative, although Mably shows most of the sweaters in bright, bold, and sometimes almost garish color combinations. Since I prefer a more classic and muted look, it is difficult for me to see past the colors to the actual sweater and choose my own schemes. However, if you like lots of color, this book is an excellent choice. Most of the yarns used are Rowan (with some Jaeger), which is a sad choice since if you have used Rowan yarns, you are aware that as soon as a pattern is published, Rowan stops manufacturing the yarn. For instance, some of these patterns call for DK soft, which was recently discontinued. Pluses to this book are the introduction, which is concise and helpful, bearing tips on handling intarsia and fair isle in a nicely laid out presentation. Also, Mably introduces each pattern with a brief notation that describes his inspiration and intention, adding a charming touch. The patterns themselves are clear and simple to read, as are the large-size black and white charts, although there are no size diagrams, making it difficult to substitute yarns or handle your differing gauge. A huge plus is the photos of the sweaters. Unlike some publishers who concentrate more on the dramatic pose of the models, obsuring the sweater, this publisher paid lots of attention to showing the sweater. You know exactly what you are looking at and getting, including two or more photos of the sweaters, even with back views, to give you a strong idea. The book is really excellently executed, on fine quality paper. A nice presentation. I'm only sorry that these sweaters aren't my sort -- but if you like Mably's cover sweater, I'll bet you find you'll want to knit most of those included in the book!

The book cover is nice, the pictures are nice, but the desgins are very disappointing.

Even though most of the designs can be knitted for the whole family.. they don't appeal to a young adult like me.

The sizes for adults are all large and baggy. They don't fit well at all! They are just supersized version of toddler sweater.

I think Debbie bliss should just stick to designing children's wear. Please don't add more rows and stitches to children wear's pattern and call it adult wear.

I really like this book. The designs are beautiful and the photography is gorgeous (although I would agree it is not incrediblly helpful to the serious knitter trying to follow the pattern. I just love the look of Debbie Bliss' designs. But I have some complaints. The prevalence of designs intended for Rowan brand denim yarn and Rowan cotton glace yarn, for example, is somewhat annoying. It is impossible to find Rowan brand in my area. Apparently, non-Rowan denim yarns do not shrink up nearly as much as Rowan's does, as I have discovered the hard way. And I am still searching for a yarn I can use in place of the cotton glace. Also, the designs are just plain huge. I made a sweater for my 2 year old that I ended up giving to my 5 year old--and it's very big on him! I wised up and made my 9 year old niece a sweater supposedly sized for a 6-8 year old. Frankly, I think I could wear it, it's that big--but it will be pleasantly loose on my niece. I hope. I've spent a lot of time complaining. You'd wouldn't think that it is my favorite pattern book and has been on my bedside shelf for about 8 months straight, but it is and it has. It is a beautiful book. You will look at the pictures and wish you could make everything in it. It's not easy to use. But in the end, after you make all adjustments needed (pay close attention to gauge, and the measurements given in the patterns), you will be the proud creator of a sweater that will earn you many compliments--and make all the members of your family request ones for themselves.

Debbie Bliss has proven to me time and time again that each of her books have incredible and timeless designs. Debbie's Family knits is no exception. It is a fabulous book, because now you can make sweaters for the whole family from the same pattern, changing the colors to suit everyone's personalities. Anyone who enjoys knitting will find new patterns that they can now make for the grownups, as well as, the kids.

I highly recommend this book. It is a must have for any knitter.

As always, this book from Debbie Bliss is beautiful enough to be a coffee table book. Gorgeous pictures (although they don't always show enough detail, a complaint that is common about Bliss books) of adorable children and real families, including Debbie Bliss's own children--I think we have watched her daughter grow up through her books. Again, the same advice I always offer when it comes to patterns by Debbie Bliss--read the whole pattern over a few times, with a more experienced knitter's input if you're a beginner, before even starting. Then read it again as you go along.

My only complaint about this book is that the cutest sweaters, of course, only come in baby and toddler sizes, although many of the others are sized for a wide age group. I'm referring to the little Scandinavian-looking jackets--one of which is pictured on the cover.

Debbie Bliss has produced a very nice book on knitting for the entire family. Her designs for children are still more stunning than those for adults, but there are several nice men's and women's sweaters here. Instructions are simple. Worth owning.

The very first sweater I tried from this book has HUGE numbers of typos, and there is no errata sheet available. The instructions are fairly clunky in their layout, and after finishing this sweater I will most likely toss this book away. I understand that proofreaders won't catch everything, but many of the errors could have been caught through simple addition (i.e. if we begin with "y" number of stitches, by casting off "x" number will there be enough stitches for the next step, or shouldn't the number of inches required for the large by necessity be LARGER than the number of inches for the small?) The errors would have been so easy to catch--this book is sloppy and not worth buying.

The book is nicely produced, a high quality paperback made in China. Photos of the sweaters are fairly clear, with only some emphasis on poses of the models that obscure the sweaters here and there. The instructions seem clear also. The patterns call for Paton's or Naturally yarns, fairly inexpensive although Paton's is difficult to find in the US -- try a Canadian resource like Ram Wools in Winnipeg. The fault I found in this book is simply that I found most of the sweaters unappealing. The cover title and photos led me to believe that I would find more stylish sweaters than I did. I purchased based on one of the cabled sweaters I saw in an ad for the book -- only to find on seeing a full-size photo that the sweater is much too juvenile for me. Hence my disappointment, although the sweaters are all quite nice for teenagers or young adults. But then, most of the sweaters seem ordinary, things you can find in any simple knitting book or things that you could actually create yourself without needing any book/instructions at all. The patterns are arranged by season, and the more interesting sweaters are in the winter section. Those for spring and summer are typical, tiny cotton sweaters without much inspiration. A plus is that the sweaters are sized for adults and teens. In a season when we are seeing a good number of knitting books being published, this book may not be able to compete with those that are more stylish -- on the other hand, this is a very good book for the advanced beginner looking for a little challenge.

These sweaters are beautiful, and the directions are clear and easy to understand. I had a question about one pattern, and the author personally responded to my email. I love this book, and I highly recommend it.

I like this book because the styles relate to the seasons and the photographs make me feel as though I'm really outside, breathing the fresh air. This of course encourages me to get back to knitting and trying out these patterns. The photos also give a close-up detail of the stitches, which is very helpful. A real treat is the men's styles featured of which 'gryphon' and 'wishbone' are very handsome and well suited to any age group. Although some of the models are young, several patterns would be very suitable for women in their forties or older--such
as 'mariner', 'salish','kells' and 'twister'. This is an excellent book for a beginner or someone who likes a challenge but isn't ready to completely design their own. Bravo Kirsten Cowan!

This is a wonderful book. There are VERY inspiring patterns in this book. I look forward to making several of the sweaters for myself-- a first!!
This is a great book younger knitters who are looking for hip sweater styles.
I really enjoyed this book

Happy Knitting,

Nanette

Somehow from the title I'd expected some good ways to use up one's huge collection of different wonderful yarns. Instead, I didn't like much any of the sweaters, and they seemed to be pretty yarn-specific. If you want to use up lots of odds and ends, try Kaffee Fassett.

I have been knitting and crocheting since I was five. I am now an intermediate - advanced knitter. This book really does combine wonderful yarn with great patterns - most of which could be knitted by a beginner. I found it inspirational. It was hard to decide which pattern to start with-they are so good.

This may be the best of the new books.

I own a staggering number of knitting books, as well as knitting software, so there is no shortage of pattern possibilities in my life. Nevertheless, this book is a worthy addition to even the most overstuffed knitting library. The approach is a series of stitches evolving into multiple incarnations at multiple related gauges. (The gauge variations are kept within a sensible range --this book won't take you from fingering to chunky for every design, nor should any pattern!) This book actually has me enthused about tackling some of the orphan projects in my stash and will be an encouraging resource on those shopping trips that end with "I just have to have this yarn -- I'll figure out what for later."

This new knitting book, written book by Julie Montanari, is a real find. The presentation and layout of the book is very clear, easily readable and lots of color pics, which make it a joy to browse through. Julie has selected 6 of her favorite stitch patterns and created several designs that incorporate those stitches, progressing from simple to more complex designs. Julie makes up each project in an interesting yarn fabric, discussing why this particular yarn is appropriate in this case. She then offers at least 2 variations in color and yarn, illustrating the design versatility that can be achieved through yarn experimentation.

Julie in an incredible designer, who gives the reader two dozen projects expressing her considerable ability to create unique stitch patterns, coupled with interesting yarns. Her design theory is discussed, and more importantly, clearly expressed in this collection of classic projects of mostly sweaters and vests, guaranteed to be fashionable for decades. The projects span the seasons, with several delightful summer shells, along with warmer tunics, pullovers and vests.

Julie confesses to having a huge yarn stash and sharing with her readers that passion for collecting interesting yarns. Her projects offer ample opportunity to use that stash in easily creative ways. There is a thorough discussion of yarn types, including a vast array of of novelty yarns. Julie enthusiatically encourages personal experimentation in choosing and combining yarns. Each project is shown made up in a particular yarn fabric, with 2 or 3 alternate yarns and colors shown in knit swatches, offering a variety of looks, from sophisticated to casual.

Julie offers a unique, understandable system for sizing a project, incorporating personal garment ease, and calculating yarn yardage requirements, all dependent on a knitted swatch. Each project includes a complete measurement charts and diagrams, along with very clear, easily understood guidelines for fit and project tips. Everything you need to ensure success is available and beautifully presented.

Because of her guided encouragement to expand you knitting horizons by creating your own yarn fabric, perhaps even creating your own stitch patterns, you definitely will want to add this book to your collection.

This book is a wonderful addition to my knitting library. It has a terrific focus on using up your yarn stash. Rare for me, I love at least 75% of the patterns. It has things I'd actually wear.

I do dislike the layout of the book. If you are working on a pattern from a certain chapter, you must go back to the beginning of the chapter for stitch instructions. That means that all the instructions you need for a pattern may be in 2 or 3 different places in the book. I really hate that although it is nothing that a trip to the copier can't solve. I believe all of the instructions to knit a garment should be in the same spot. It is fine to put blocking or finishing elsewhere but putting stitch directions elsewhere flies in the face of how people knit.

Otherwise, I'm a fan of the book.

WOW! This book is FULL of beautiful sweaters - I want to make every one. Some are pretty complex - so it's not a book for beginners. But I love a challenge - and the results have been gorgeous! And super thanks to the publisher for letting me look before I bought - that's so helpful!

I've knit three sweaters from this book and found errors in each pattern. This book would be very frustrating for a novice knitter to attempt to follow. More experienced knitters will probably be able to spot errors and correct for them. The sweater designs are nice though, some simple and some not so simple. The variety of designs is great too- from cardigans, to pullovers, and from cables to multi-color knitting. If you like classic sweaters there are bound to be a few in here that strike your fancy.

I just wnat to say that KNITTING TODAY'S CLASSICS is a must have book. Aside from the beautiful and colorful patterns, this book has a very "user friendly" approach to knitting. The instructions are easy to follow, pattern sizes are detailed throughout and, there is something for every knitter's taste. Aran, Fair isle and Intarsia. A "must have" addition for one's knitting library!

This book contains many beautiful sweaters. I picked one that really appealed to me and have been struggling ever since to make sense of the instructions. There are instructions that are hard to follow, as well as typos and errors. I recommend this book to experienced knitters who are able to figure things out for themselves.

This book is a reprint of Knitting the New Classics with a different cover illustration & a different title. The original hardcover book was very nice with some interesting patterns, not great but very good. Why the change in title & cover picture? It seems to be the thing to do these days.

Sasha's designs are timeless and traditionally beautiful. They would be well worth the knitting time & become lifetime wardrobe additions if not heirlooms. One slight drawback is that the specified yarns are not currently available. However most people who would knit such complex intarsia designs are probably expert knitters who can substitute appropriate yarns. The same applies to the size ranges of the patterns which are limited but could be customized by an experienced knitter. The book states that Sasha will send customized directions by request,and a few designs have kits to order on her website.

This is a lovely book to look at, the designs are wonderful and there are many interesting patterns - and I would have given this book 5 stars except that no pattern has multiple sizing! And given that the garments aren't just the standard boxy shapes, it wouldn't be all that easy to modify for someone that doesn't happen to fit the size the pattern is written for. I would not buy this book unless it was heavily discounted because of this.

Sasha Kagan's "Country Inspirations, Knitwear For All Seasons", the latest inspirational offering from this well-known British knitwear designer, does not disappoint. Using the beautiful countryside around her rural Welsh home for inspiration, Ms. Kagan has created an exiting collection of knitwear. There is more than enough variation among the design offerings to delight even the most jaded home knitter. Ms. Kagan's stated aim is to interpret the seasons for knitters from Summer's full-blown roses to Winter's leaves and berries. Good full body shots of sweaters on attractive models with close-ups of interesting details are interspersed with photos of her botanical inspirations, making an effective presentation. Delightful line drawings accompany most of the designs, adding to the general creative air of this book. You feel as if somehow you are getting a private peek into the designer's personal notebook. The book's layout is both clear and colourful, pairing well-designed charts with helpful keys that provide just enough colour and stitch detail to make the actual knitting of these seemingly complex designs manageable. Helpful construction and stitch diagrams are provided where necessary, allowing the knitter to tackle unusual stitch or construction techniques, without the help of full-body charts. (There are knitters who find too much chart reading confusing.) Ms. Kagan's "Country Inspirations" are divided into 5 sections: Roses, Autumn Leaves, Meadow Flowers, Forrest Fruits and Cottage Gardens, with several different designs included under each heading. The shapes of the sweaters vary and clever pattern or stitch details are added to Ms. Kagan's signature colourwork motives, resulting in a sophisticated mix of both knitterly design and fashionable style. It is nice to see this kind of complex knitting paired with a sense of contemporary style and shape, rather than the more usual boxy drop-shouldered styling often seen with complex colour or pattern knitting. I liked the combination of simple intarsia designs with stitch and texture patterns, creating complex looking garments that are really simpler to knit than is apparent from the rich end result. If you don't feel like knitting a whole sweater, but are still inspired by the Welsh countryside, there are several afghan and pillow designs that will allow you to try out the combination of colour and stitch pattern without having to worry about complex shaping. The inspiration Ms. Kagan gains from her surroundings in Wales and the delight she experiences from a colourful piece of handknitted goods comes across in this collection. Even if you never knit a single design, as actually charted, this book is well worth owning for its inspirational qualities and delightful presentation. I suggest you add it to your collection of knitting books, now.

This is an excellent book for all knitters! It has wonderful warm colours and really nice patterns. I won't say anything about the instructions, I haven't tried any pattern yet. The pictures are good and show the patterns well. It is really hard to decide which pattern to begin with...

This book is absolutely stunning. Yes, the patterns are only listed for one size and that caused me to delay ordering this item, however, once I did and reviewed it, it was apparent to me that most of the patterns are for a medium size, have a nice allowance and are drop shouldered with very little close fit.
Don't let this stop you from ordering however because the designer will adapt a pattern specifically to your specifications if you just email her and give her the measurements.

The yarn listed is given in British terms, so converting the amounts to use a different yarn may be a bit of a challenge. I ended up ordering a kit from the designer that will include all of the yarn-the price seems reasonable and not out of line if you tried to pick up the yarn on your own.

Have no doubts, buy this book and knit yourself a beautiful sweater!

Face it. Most "men's" sweater patterns look like large versions of women's sweaters, and a lot of men just don't feel comfortable wearing them. This book, on the other hand, is filled with patterns for classic sweaters that even my picky husband will gladly wear, and wear, and wear.

I am a dedicated Starmore junkie and an experienced knitter--I have about everything I could lay my hands on except this book. My local library had a copy so I checked it out to see if it was worth getting. Honestly I thought most of the the styles were out dated and some frankly rather dorky looking. My husband looked at it and stated firmly that he didn't like any of the styles in the book and if I wanted to knit him a sweater to look elsewhere for the pattern. I did knit him the Na Craga design from the Aran Knitting book and he loves it, so it isn't as if he won't wear handknits.

I was frankly a bit surprised that this book was not up to AS's usual standards. Her other books are really timeless designs, but this book screams "I was printed in the 80's!!"

Bully for the lady who said in another review that she got a lot of use out of this book. She seemed a bit up in arms about a previous less than favorable review. I , however, really feel that there are better patterns for men's sweaters out there and as Starmore books tend to go for premium prices, I would give this book a pass. Save your money and apply it towards getting Starmores Aran Knitting instead.

This lovely book of sweaters for men contains photos of the Scottish shores that inspired both the colorways and the patterns. The photos of rocks and moss are inspiring. The designs are both wearable and attractive. The styles are masculine in appearance rather than unisex. I currently have this book on loan from the local library and am seeking this out of print book because it is one that presents timeless patterns in a beautiful setting.

I knitted the 'Rocks and Sand' sweater from this book. Since the specified yarns are no longer available from Rowan (though they have equivalency suggestions at their site), and since Rowan is pricey yarn, I knitted it in Debbie Bliss yarns in a different gauge than specified, using the Medium pattern to proxy for Large, as my adjustment for yarn gauge put my figures very close to the stitch counts in the Medium size (size is fairly easy to adjust for gauge, but trying to get pattern elements right after such an adjustment is a real PITA.)

There are rare elements of some of the designs that are 'dated', and I would say in the Rock and Sand pattern, the cowl neck is not currently in vogue for men.

However, the 'dated' elements of the patterns are all easily fixed by an intermediately-skilled knitter. Converting the cowl neck to a V-neck crew on "Rock and Sand" required little more than some thought and a couple of trial swatches to work out the decreases so that the crew neck would lie flat in the context of the angles of the neck opening.

(FYI, on this pattern I also swatched what Philosopher's Wool calls a 'Baltic Braid' technique, along the border between the body and yoke of the sweater where the pattern calls for a course of purls; wasn't aesthetically pleasing--too bulky, at least in worsted weight--so I can save you some work by saying don't bother with that bit of tweaking if you were considering it.)

My brother has happily worn that sweater during the Connecticut winters for the past 5 years or so, and *EVERY* time he wears it out, someone comments to him about what a fantastic sweater it is and wants to know where he got it (at which point he can smugly reply, "Oh, I had it custom knit...")

This is among the less expensive of the out-of-print Starmore pattern books. Personally I think that anyone ready to attempt projects of this complexity can improvise well enough to 'fix' any elements they may see as 'dated'. The Starmore patterns are definitely worth working on not only because of their intrinsic beauty as written, but because of what you will learn about knitting (and especially about color, should you choose a colorwork pattern) as a result of completing them.

My suggestion--see if you can find the modeled finished sweater pics on the web. If two or more of them appeal to you, then buy the book. Handle it carefully (photocopy the pattern you want to use and work from the photocopy to protect the book from damage during knitting), and if you find you aren't knitting the patterns after all, put it back for sale online. You'll get back something in the neighborhood of what you paid for it, if you take care not to damage the book.

I have Starmore's book on Fair Isle knitting and I wish I had her book on Aran Island knitting. Starmore is a great knitting historian, and those two books mentioned are incredible resources for traditional work.

Even this book of men's sweaters has a few nice traditional patterns that would be good for any era. The traditional gansey that opens the book is one of these.

However, I was quite shocked at how dated many of the patterns are in this book. As a man, I can say that in the whole book there were maybe only 2-3 sweaters I would ever be caught dead in. My wife was more or less laughing at many of the designs. Obviously each to their own, but be warned that this is not like Starmore's other books of 'timeless' classics.

Also disappointing is that the book is mostly just patterns. Alice Starmore's best stuff -- her instructional writing and knitting history writing -- is not present in this book, making it significantly less interesting than the previously mentioned Fair Isle and Aran Island books.

It is cheaper than other Starmore books, but the lower price reflects an inferior product. Maybe the patterns will be enough for some, but for me, if I am going to spend so much for an out of print book, I want more than just a few good patterns.