Sweaters Books

Whether a design strikes you as interesting is a matter of taste, so it's hard to pass judgement, but I was disappointed when the book arrived. I bought it because I have some old issues of the Family Circle Easy Knitting magazine and liked the patterns, but I thought this book contained the dullest ones. The majority seem to have an oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and/or knit with bulky yarn, three features that I don't like. They also use colors I don't care for, but that's easy to change.

I was set to send it back when I took a second look and decided there were a few things I could see myself wearing, and there were a few things I could see other people wearing. The shaping is simple. There are patterns for children and men as well as women.

Overall a good beginner/unchallenging intermediate book, just not exciting or innovative. Vogue's Very Easy Knits is more interesting, but also a notch more difficult.

Good variety of patterns and styles for whole the family. Directions are clear for those of us,who are not advanced knitters.

There are only a handful of crochet patterns in this book. The bulk of the patterns are for knitters. However, there are some very nice things in here.

I love several of the patterns in this book. I would describe myself as a knitting novice but still found myself very comfortable with most of the patterns.

The book actually breaks down the sweater into categories such as "beginner" or "intermediate" which I've found very useful. I've limited myself to beginner sweaters so far. The other nice thing about this book is that it gives the complete information for the yarn that is used. This makes substituting very easy since the yarns used tend to be on the pricey side. I am making a sweater from this book right now and it would have cost me $$$ to use the yarn listed but I was able to substitue for only a quarter of the cost...

One thing to note, most of the patterns are for knitters. If you are looking for a book of crocheted sweaters I would recomend that you keep looking. I found only four crochet patterns and only two of them were at the beginner level.

There are patterns for women, men and kids. I actually found a pattern that my DH likes as well. The patterns are very stylish and as a 20-something I liked almost all of them.

The only thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is the small number of crocheted patterns. I find the title to be a bit deceptive.

Thankfully I got this from the library (I try not to buy a book unless I've checked it out a few times first).

I'm giving this book 3 stars because even though the knitting patterns might be great (I don't know, I don't knit) they really should just make it a knitting book and get it over with. The subtitle states "50 Knit and Crochet Projects" but what they really meant to say is "46 Knit Projects and 4 Crochet Ones Thrown In There So We Could Get Crocheters To Buy The Book". I'm not kidding, there were a total of FOUR crochet sweaters in the entire book (I counted). Of the four crochet projects, two are very similar in look (big, open holes, simple sweaters). Another is a granny square sweater that's nice looking and the fourth is a really nice sweater I might try to make so I might get something out of it after all. Still, if I had paid for this book I'd be mighty ticked off.

I also think that if you are having a book with knitting and crochet, you should have an easy way to find one or the other. An index would be nice, or have the crochet in one section, knit in another. Instead, all the sweaters are listed under their themes (Easy Does It, Tropical Coolers, etc) with knit on one page, crochet on the next, knit on the next 20, etc.

I'm sure it's a lovely book for beginning knitters, I just think they should take out the four token crochet patterns and focus on knitting instead of trying to play both fields.

The story is simple, and it's easy to read which is exactly why my 2 year old LOVED this book. The illustrations are colorful and the story is sweet and funny. My son's friends have all enjoyed this book as well and it's a great addition to bedtime reading because the story is satisfying (we all count together when Mo Monkey lets go of the sweater) and not too long. A really good book.

I'd agree with the other reviewer that this book is a little weak, from an adult perspective. But my 8-month old LOVES the colors and pictures, more than any other book we own. Perhaps it is better suited to babies and preschoolers, rather than bigger kids and adults.

why the heck would anybody bye this book its like its title stinky. but if youre looking for a funny book this is it. its strange but funny. you might disagree but this book sucks yeah thats it

This is my 2-year-old boy's favorite book. We have to read it every night or he won't go to sleep. The illustrations are cute, bright and very colorful. The story itself is not very attractive, but I think it's a great book for babies and toddlers.

First, let me say that I haven't looked at this book since the early 90s. It belongs to my mother, who lives in another state, and so I can't look through it again before reviewing. I have very warm memories of this book, which may be slightly colored by the fact that it was my first real exposure to good knitting patterns.

Here's what I remember:

This book is a collection of very traditional English patterns. In that vein, and considering that it was published in the 80s, the sweaters tend towards the boxy, and a few are on the stodgy side. If you like very traditional knits, and/or don't mind adjusting a pattern to reduce the design ease, this is a great book.

The patterns fall into three categories:
- directly inspired by Beatrix Potter's books (like Peter Rabbit's cardigan and tam)
- loosely inspired by her books (traditional English country knits)
- designs featuring Beatrix Potter characters (the flopsy bunnies, Peter Rabbit, etc.)

The patterns cover a wide range of skill levels and techniques, including intarsia, cables and lace. There are patterns for men, women, babies and kids, and many of the them are sized for the entire family. I remember the patterns as being very well-written, with excellent tips.

Since it's such an old book, I'd imagine that the yarns called for have been discontinued. However, since the styles and techniques are so classic, you shouldn't have any trouble finding good yarns to substitute.

If you're interested in trendier knits and silhouettes, don't buy this. If you're looking for classic styles or don't mind doing some adaptation, this is an excellent choice, and a lot of patterns for the money.

Here is a book that offers a complete range of classic garments (that can be made more 'boxy' according to today's styles by adding easements along the seams between the sweater front and back) for ages from babies to adults (including men).

The patterns are all based on Beatrix Potter's own watercolors. Included are cozy outfits for toddlers, a christening robe, all-in-ones (pramsuits), as well as sweaters and tops. Some have motifs based on Potter's animal characters, others have specially created jacquard and textured designs -- all inspired by Beatrix Potter's well-loved flower and landscape paintings.

All patterns are photographed in color, many on location in Beatrix Potter's own English Lake District. You'll find charts, diagrams, pattern detail tips, and international conversion tables. Inexperienced knitters can manage some of these patterns and more experienced knitters will enjoy plenty of challenge, should they wish it!

This is a timeless classic knitting book that deserves a reprinting and an update. Barring that, it's a wonderful addition to one's knitting library.

I love Beatrix Potter. I love knitting. A book that combines both? This I had to see, simply out of curiosity.

Unfortunately, the book was published in the late 1980s, so the patterns (mostly for children -- which I expected, considering it's Beatrix Potter) are extremely dated. Instead of timeless or even "traditional" patterns, most of them are the type of garments you look back on as a child of the 80s and say, "I can't believe my mom dressed me in that." You know, boxy sweaters with bulky frill around the collars, in pastel pink with a big bunny cross stitched on the front.

Of course I wasn't really expecting to find any great patterns to add to my collection, but I thought maybe it would have some cute baby designs with a Potter aesthetic (you know, for the future baby I might one day have). Maybe if I were an accomplished knitter I could find a way to salvage some parts of the patterns, and update them to fit into this decade...but...I'm not. Oh well.

The author of this book, whose writing chops appear to have been honed primarily by his experiences as editor of his college newspaper, presents the face of a person who is both self-aware and soul-searching, but against the larger context of the recycled right wing tripe (Republican = Christian; Democrat = Atheist; No other options exist) he publishes on his personal weblog, the projected circumspection is frankly difficult to believe. The single most effective line in the entire volume: "If nothing else...when this is all over I'll be able to say that I spent the night in a Mexican jail." This bit of dark humor is overshadowed by the poorly executed "Blue-Haired Conservative," a piece largely composed of self-important boasting ("Ooh, look at me, I'm gnarly AND a republican AND totally original!") and personal propaganda. If that sort of writing turns your crank, by all means, buy this book.

Mr. Gottard outdid himself this time. The book contains many unforgetable tales that anyone with a modicum of goodsense and humor can relate to. My only complaint is that I find the book's conservative dogma troubling, but what can one expect from America's next O'Reilly. Honestly, I'm waiting for the O'Goddard factor. It should be a real hoot! (hoot being an allusion to the owl, the universal symbol of wisdom) Not only does the book relay insightful stories, but the lessons are beyond this world! Literally, one can feel a strong sense of the trascendent within these pages. Lovely, absolutely lovely. I'd give the author a kiss if I only could!

When I picked up Mr. Goddard's book, I expected some well written, well thought out essays, and enjoyable stories. These I found. What I also found was writing which contained surpising wisdom, considering the unassuming title. I continually find myself thinking back to one piece or another in this work, as a reference in life. From refreshing perspectives on life in politics to thoughtful analogies about God and romance, this book contains such a wealth and variety of wisdom.
That is why I gave it five stars. I have read many books of many varieties, but I know this one will not simply be shuffled amnong them in my mind, but had created an indellible mark on my thinking.

I love reading anything by this author. So right on target for knitting, life, motherhood and woman enpowerment. I hope she keeps on writing because I would hate to miss those pithy essays. Buy this book or borrow it, but get it.

I loved this book. Perri Klass is a well known Pediatrician, a knitter, and a writer. This book is made up of small essays or columns from different publications that she has written for. They are the perfect size for a "just before bed" read. She is thoughtful and very articulate. The stories and thoughts are personal but universal. You will find yourself nodding your head thinking, yes that is right, how did you know? She entertains you and gives you things to ponder. This book is definitely a keeper.

I thought thatit would be different. If you have Knitter's magazine then you have a lot of these stories. I like reading her part in the magazine but it is a shame that I paid for the book when I already have the magazines.

When it comes to sweaters he more the better! Sweaters for all seasons and in a variety of colors. You will adore this diverse batch of crocheted sweaters. Tunics, cardigans, and pullovers, both long and short sleeved. 10 designer sweaters with smart styles and step by step patterns. Shells, scallops and popcorns, add texture and flair.

I don't know about you, but I crochet to make something uniquely interesting. I can go out and buy the sort of thing in this book. Disappointing.

i would recommend this for beginners....just like me....do read this and make utmost use of this book....

This book is a wonderful source for people who aren't sure of the best way to show off mohair's inherent qualities. It has basic patterns that you can knit, plus a very useful stitch dictionary that shows how various stitches look knit with mohair. I find it it to be an indispensible resource for people who would like to design their own mohair garments

In my opinion, the author has used many colurful combination of yarns within her designs, yet she has implemented common patterns within her designs. This book would be good for a beginning knitter, to help the knitter gain confidence in knitting with different yarn combinations. However, for experienced knitters, especially those knitters who work with fair isle, or searches for many other unique designs, they would find this book a bit boring.

This is a terrific book with very modern and imaginative patterns. I am an experienced knitter, love fine yarns and textured knitting and this book met all of my needs. What I most liked was the modern stylish garments you can make. Although I have been knitting for over 45 years, my 30 something daughter has just become interested in the medium. We both found projects that were interesting, challenging and that we were both proud to wear. No pattern in the book is this book is "the-same-old-same-old". The use of colour combinations and interesting yarns mixes made each project a joy to the fingers and the mind.

I always enjoy Jo Sharp knitting patterns and this book did not disappoint. Even if you don't knit any of the projects - just looking at the beautiful pictures and dreaming should get your creative juices flowing.

I want this book to be better than it is. I bought this book years ago with the intention of learning basic sweater construction. I usually tweak every pattern I come in contact with, so I wasn't that worried about the actual patterns in the book.

I made a basic ribbed sweater for my first - I thought it would be easy enough. Wrong. First of all, the directions didn't match the picture. Second, the sizing was just way off. I made the sweater to match my bust size, with the gauge dead on, but it came out way too large. I was swimming in a fitted sweater!

I would only recommend this book to someone who wanted to pick up sweater ideas and who has the ability to remake a pattern with the correct measurements.

I didn't like this book for several reasons. First of all there aren't enough sizes. I wanted to make a sweater for a friend who wears a woman's xl and these sizes only go up to finished size 40. Also, i found there some pattern problems. Ok, I'm going to get technical. At the armhole shaping on the body it says to bind off 2 sts, but on the sleeve shaping it says to bind off 5 sts. How could those pieces be sewn together and still lay properly? And, although my gauge was spot on, the finished sleeve was simply too small for the body of the sweater. It wouldn't fit into the sleeve opening. I had to seriously change the pattern to make it work.

I think this book is for intermediate-advanced knitters, as you are still essentially making up your own pattern and need to use some judgement/experience in the process.

I agree with D G Van Velsen. I too live in Australia where 8-ply is most common and, while different yarn wieghts and larger sizes would be a wise inclusion, I am lucky enough to be quite average in size, so find this book quite accommodating.

Where previous reviewers have disliked the constant gauge (being 22 sts/4") I believe it would be much harder to mix-n-match the garment pieces if they were in different guages, as each gauge would require a different pattern I think.
Alternatively, making it up in a larger guage may be all that's needed to make the pieces in a size that suits, but this is where one's experience kicks in.

Also, one reviewer mentioned that the largest sizing is a finished measurement of 40". While the most common 'large' size is 40", there are body sections in 42" and 49".

It also has an indirect benefit of teaching you what you like in a pattern - sleeve-head types, neck lines, etc, and how they will suit whoever you're knitting for. Which, in the end, makes for a better knitter (no point knitting a wardrobe if it doesn't suit the owner).

One last thing: my copy's author is Amanda Griffiths (not Jane Crowfoot, as listed above) - although it has the same picture as displayed on this page. Odd.

So, overall, a good addition to the shelf - I'm glad I bought it.

I'm not a huge person. I wear things from 14-20, depending on what it is and where it's got to go.

I was thrilled with 1000 Sweaters, until I realized that it had that pretty hard limitation of 40" in all the bust sizes, for all the sweaters. Someone in another review said you could knit on it a bit and get it up to 42". Well, I'm a 50DD, and there is no way I could stretch or knit these sweaters well. I'm an intermediate, not a knitting engineer. =)

Anyway, I gave the book to a friend, someone I'd call "willowy". She has trouble making the patterns up due to the lack of complete plans. We have both run into trouble with the book on the "yuppie sweater" front, too. You expect people to have a bow and a matching vest for each one.

I give the book 2 stars, because it really could have been a good idea, and the layout is great.

I honestly don't know what to think of this book.

Pros:
- Lots of combinations
- Good for basics, you can add your own little twists and embellishments at whim.
- Great for learning more about sweater construction (different necklines and sleeves, etc)
- Great for inspiration
- Helpful for altering other existing patterns (Love the pattern you've got? Hate the sleeve? This will show you what other sleeves you can put on.)

Cons:
- 1000 combinations is pushing it. I don't consider adding a belt to an outfit "making a different outfit" so why would I consider adding a belt to a sweater "making a different sweater."
- The book never goes beyond basics. If you have some skill, you can make these all your own, but other than that these seem to be things you can find elsewhere. (A classic crew neck with a fitted sleeve is nothing new, and you could probably find a pattern somewhere that was better for you individually.)
- Sizing issues. Everyone has said it, I know, but trust me, it's just as tricky to size down as to size up. Honestly, offering only 3 sizes with no help for making them smaller or larger is crazy. The patterns I've found most helpful offer at *least* 5 or 6 sizes. People come in different sizes, patterns do too.

Overall, I would say that I do like the book, but I'll never make anything from it by following the pattern word-for-word. If you like to change around patterns (switch out sleeves and necklines, etc.) this book might help you. If you want to make basic sweaters, and you are an average size, this book would probably be great. If you love DK Rowan yarn, go for it. But if you fall on either end of the size range and you like funky patterns, details, chunky yarn, and super-fast knits - steer clear.

For the record, I too am neither British, Republican, or have a ton of free time. I'm also in the middle of re-sizing the fitted cardigan, so if this sounds too much like a rant, that would be why.

I was looking for the old fashioned raglan type of pattern this was very disappointing.

As previous reviews have noted, most of the sweaters in this book are of the simple drop shoulder type. The author uses a provisional cast-on at the shoulder for the back, knitting downward. Then when its time to do the front, the provisional cast-on is undone and stitches picked up to knit downward for the front piece. This leaves a sweater with no shoulder seams, which may not be a good thing if the sweater is a weighty one, increases the stretching out potential. It is puzzling that all the drop shoulder styles are done this way since in the beginning section which is a kind of glossary of techniques, the 3-needle bind-off which would be a superior seamless shoulder joining technique in terms of stability IS described. Just never mentioned in specific patterns.
Here is a breakdown of the 15 patterns by sleeve type or type of pattern:
8 Drop shoulder
2 Raglan
3 Modular
2 Ponchos.
A comment about the other reviewers questioning about the model used. I think it is no accident, drop shoulders look best on this particular model's figure type, wide shoulders and no hips!
I am keeping the book for the attractive knit-purl textures that the author employs (similar to her previous Saturday Sweaters book) but I intend on making some changes: 3-needle bind off at the shoulders and modified drop shoulder style, perhaps some body shaping.

OK, I admit it. I read all the reviews of this book and then bought it anyway. I just had to know how to make the sweater on the cover! The technique for that one is very interesting and I certainly plan to try it.

What are the book's flaws? Well, first of all (for me) the author gives NO information about changing the sweater size if you don't happen to fit into the five sizes she gives. Second, she mentions at the beginning that you can try on the sweaters as you knit, but she never tells you what to do if your try-on reveals a problem. In fact, she doesn't even mention the technique of threading a length of scrap yarn through your "live" stitches so you can try on the garment without losing stitches off your needles.

Lesser annoyances are her failure to indicate the length of shoulder seams and neckline widths in any of her schematics. Also, she never discusses changing the weight or type of yarn for any of the patterns.

So, why do I think the book is useful? It gives a pretty thorough introduction into how to knit a sweater with virtually no seams. Despite the way the designs look, the yokes are almost always started with a provisional cast-on and the body is knitted downward from the yoke. In the same way, the sleeves are picked up around the shoulder opening and knitted down to the cuffs. The neck shaping is much simpler than the short rows mentioned in Knitting from the Top and should be easy to modify if you change the size.

The book includes a nice variety of patterns, too. One reviewer mentioned the texture stitches and they are appealing. Even having the poncho patterns is good, in my opinion. I am tall (as well as large) and some standard length ponchos barely cover my elbows. I'm looking forward to making some in a better length.

I would recommend combining the patterns in this book with some of the techniques in Barbara Walker's book mentioned above. Also, I am using some of the approach from The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters: A Knit-to-Fit Workshop (Knit to Fit Workshop) I've picked a pattern and the yarn, and have started working out the changes to make the pattern big enough for me. I think I'm going to have fun with this book!

These are some ugly sweaters.
The sleeves would look like bags on normal people because there is no armhole shaping and the knit fabric bulges at the armhole. Even on the model who is trying to hide this fact in the photos by posing with her arms close to the body.

The one sweater I am considering doing is the cover modular one with a yoke where this problem with the sleeves is not as bad. It might look nice in a Noro Silkgarden yarn that self stripes and the contrast color yarn could make it attractive instead of sweater where the colors are downright tragic.

I would not recommend this book.

If errata is your game, then you are going to love this book. The cover sweater was my choice; however, I began having difficulties right away and went to the publishers' website to check for errata. There was so much errata for not only this pattern but other patterns in the book that I gave up.