Sweaters Books

Jackie comes across a bit like a dictator. She has very strong opinions, and if you're new to knitting or have perfectionist tendencies (like I do) you're liable to get caught up in Jackie's "the only right way to do things" vortex. As an antidote I suggest reading some of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's books. As Steph says: "There is no knitting police!"
Having said that, the reason I give Jackie's book five stars is because you will learn more from this one book than you would from any dozen others. The sweater sampler is genius, and though I've yet to start the basic sweater, I have the sense that it will be a delightful, eye-opening experience. Don't get hung up on the dorky looking sweater models in this book - that's not the point. The point is to learn to be utterly free to design you own sweaters and have them come out right. P.S. Unless you're built like Gwyneth Paltrow, consider buying a longer circular needle than the 24" needle Jackie recommends for sweaters.

This is a wonderful book! I'm just now working on the sampler and I can see that I am learning a lot of new techniques. There are lots of great ideas and techniques for making and creating your own sweaters! A worthwhile purchase!

Jan

I am a very beginning knitter. I do know how to knit and purl. This book has you make a sampler to start off with. She walks you through step by step. It is so easy and I am amazed at what I was able to do. I am getting ready to make the sweater, but with the sampler, I have already proved I can do the stitches.

This book is for knitters who want to take the next step and design their own sweaters. It is not a book to glance through in order to glean ideas - it is a book to STUDY. There are some patterns/designs included, but whether or not you like the author's designs is irrelevant - the whole point is to understand how to make your OWN designs from any yarn. I spin my own yarn. I don't want to use anyone else's patterns! This book, along with KNITTING IN THE OLD WAY, and KNITTING FROM THE TOP DOWN, is a teacher, a class, and a reference book all in one. It is not for the faint-hearted! It is for the knitter who says, "I CAN DO IT MYSELF."

I am a learn-by-doing-and-watching person. I do not generally learn well from books, although I have purchased several, including Barbara Walker's Knit from the Top and several Zimmermann books. Nevertheless, if you are serious about improving your knitting and want to have a little fun at it, too, this is the book. The key to this book is to knit the "sweater sampler" by which Fee takes you through all the techniques she can think of to construct a sweater. Fee's writing style is deceptively simple and VERY easy to follow, even for this very visual learner.

Even if you're not into knitting sweaters [I live in Mississippi, VERY little use for wool, although I love it]the techniques acquired working your way through the book give you the capability to make it past the "bumps" we all experience with traditional knitting instructions.
Which brings me to my second major point. I absolutely abhor line-by-line knitting directions and any knitted pieces requiring sewing or other seaming. By that I mean seamless knitting is the only way to go and Fee's workbook takes you there, although she includes instructions for "flat" knitters as well.

So, regardless of your preferred method of knitting, flat or circular, seamed or seamless, there is a great deal to be gained from this book. Although I have also acquired a great fondness for Elizabeth Zimmermann's writing, the DVD's for Zimmermann's instructional sections are better and make the techniques far more accessible to the average knitter who lacks a more experienced knitter for assistance. There is no such shortcoming with Fee's workbook, which means you can take it with you and work your way through it without access to video or computer equipment.

I really, really like this book and of the several knitting books I have purchased this one has taken me a long way to designing my own sweaters and other items without having to resort to a pattern wedded to a particular gauge, needle and yarn size.

I also strongly recommend you get the spiral bound version - it's definitely worth the few extra dollars you spend on it

Many thanks, Ms. Fee. And I would adore a DVD workshop "book" as well; if it would turn out to be anything like the book, I'd be glued to the computer with wool and needles in hand.

During last few years I bought almost every available book on knitting and just few of them where worth the money. This book is definitely the best book over past few years!

I just received this book along two others that I ordered (great time of delivery) and I am on my way to buy yarn for TWO projects already! the TANG and the TUXEDO VEST are just too fab for words!!! Can't wait to start. This is my first time with a Top-down project and I am very excited and eager to start! thank you, Wendy, for this fab book!

The designs in this book are nothing short of gorgeous. I HATE seaming and this book solves that problem. I can not say how well the patterns are written because I have not had time to start any (a 2 year old and 9 week old have put the knitting on hold for a while). The chapter on how to design/modify patterns is worth the price. A must for any fashionable knitter.

The patterns in this book are simple and classic in style but not boring at all. I want to make at least 9 of the patterns in this book, which for me is saying a lot. An important item to note, however, is that the majority of the patterns are for sweaters: button-up and ribbon-tie cardigans, pullovers, long sleeved, short sleeved, turtlenecks, cowl necks, scoop necks, etc. Toward the end of the book there are patterns for a scarf, a hat, a wrap, a skirt, and a tank top.

One unique and interesting feature of this book is that each pattern comes with ideas on how to make the sweater your own by altering the pattern in different ways, and some basic instructions on how to accomplish this. Another awesome feature of the patterns themselves is that they offer a range of sizes from XSmall to 3XLarge! How refreshing.

While I think this is a great introduction to creating your own sweater, I don't think this book should be recommended for beginning knitters. There are several techniques you need to be able to accomplish such as provisional cast ons, picking up stitches, the kitchener stitch, short row shaping, etc. that I think may be quite overwhelming for a newish or inexperienced knitter.

The last chapter is probably the main reason to buy this book. Called "Unleash Your Inner Designer: Elements to Alter and Starting From Scratch," the author gives easy to understand instructions on how to work your way through the 2 kinds of sweaters in the book: Top-down raglans and Top-down set-in sleeved sweaters. Visuals and diagrams are included. It goes step by step through each possible element you may want to alter and how to go about it: Neckbands and collars, armhole depth, length and shaping, "afterthought" sleeves, changing a pullover into a cardigan and vice versa, and changing edgings.

There is also a guide on how to begin designing a sweater from scratch. It tells you what, where, and how to measure, and goes on from there until you're finished!

This book offers SO much guidance in every step of knitting a sweater, no matter which way you decide to go about it. I have a feeling this is going to be of infinite use to me.

*One thing I found annoying about the book, however, are the scantily clad models. Why are 75% of the women in the photos wearing their sweaters with bikini bottoms, underwear, or way-too-short cut offs? The first photo you see when you open the book is the "Playmate Jacket" (mm hmm, very Hugh Hefner) and she's wearing the sweater over some hot pink boyshorts. What's the point of this? Like I said, it's kind of annoying.

I admit it, I am a reformed knitting book addict.
After reading all of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, and B Walkers " Knitting From the Top Down" it changed my entire perspective on knitting.

I didn't think that there would be one person (in this generation of knitters) that could even come close to the wit and wisdom those two woman had. I teach basic knitting to home schooler's and other young people so I am very careful what I teach, and what methods I use.
I do not want my student's to become knitters SO glued to a pattern that they wont take chances and personalize their knitting.
I found that the very reason they want to learn to knit in the first place is that they love fiber and color,,, and want to add touches that only a handknit item can offer.
They surprise me all the time with their eagerness to learn,,, and most importantly, their desire to break the " rules" of knitting.

I began to use the top down process vs. the bottom up process of knitting sweaters more often than not (with the exception of color work ski sweaters ) knitting top down is the ONLY way to guarantee 100% that your garment will fit you in all areas, not just sleeve or hem length. I taught myself to do this (by reading and experimenting) and am now teaching young students to do so also.

The knitting book market is literally flooded with and overabundance of books,, but always PATTERN books~ and no one near the caliber of the" great ladies" of knitting. Books are published by the dozens each month, none have much substance to them. I scour through them at local shops in an effort to see what will help me teach more effectively and have not seen much that is worth spending money on.

I did not think there was a single talented knitter that even came close to the late great EZ and B Walker.

I couldn't have been more wrong in my thinking !

This book is as close as it gets to truly understanding the top down method of B Walker's book,,,,, and,,, teaches EZ's EPS system ( an amazing method of knitting ) PLUS,,it offers loads of design advice you wish you would have many sweaters ago.

If you honestly have the desire to have finished projects that fit and flatter you or anyone you knit for, this book will teach you how to do so.

If that isn't enough, there are so many things offered such as how to make your own dress form for only a few dollars ( so you can see how the knitted garment will hang on you from all angles) and how to do set in sleeves on a top down garment. I think making the dress form will be a great class to teach(!!) using this book as my guide.

Set in sleeves,,, it can be done and look very professional WITHOUT sewing!
I have not attempted to do this myself because even though
B Walker does mention this in her book , it just wasn't clear in my mind, no matter how much I tried to wrap my brain around those concepts.

I am thrilled to now have the clarity I was searching for, and wish I had this book many disappointments( and wasted $$ ago.)

Just like EZ,the author encourages you to be the "boss of your knitting" and I am thankful that this author was able to pick up where 2 incredibly talented knitters left off.

EZ's books and B Walker's books are the backbone of my library,, they are the books that I refer to over and over again.
This book has earned a spot on my bookshelf right next to those books and I will use this book in much the same way.

It adds a freshness and a whole new perspective to my designs and I feel that I can spread my wings further and further , as well as my students.

I can't praise this book any more than others already have, but I would give this book a 15 star rating if it were allowed.

EZ and B Walker were THE groundbreakers, THE rule busters,, and maverick knitters of their time,,,,, but this author did far more than write one book.
I think that she actually picked up their needles, and started to knit where they left off~ and that is one huge compliment to Wendy Bernard. I cant help but believe that they must be smiling down at her and cheering her on.

I suspect that this book is the just the beginning of this author's knitting career,I think we will be reading about her a whole lot more in the future.

If you're looking for a book of patterns in the style of, for example, a Bernat folder of patterns, you'll be disappointed in "Knitting in the Old Way." However, if you're looking for examples, for charts for particular stitches, or just for good ideas you can adapt, this is a book you'll treasure.

Different types of sweaters, from Scandanavian to the British Isles, to Canada and beyond, are included in this wonderful reference book. Also in the book are tricks and techniques for using these old patterns in modern knitting.

When I'm looking for something different, when I have an idea but not a commercial pattern for it, or when I'm just reading for pleasure, I browse this volume. It's well-researched, clearly charted, and a wellspring of ideas for the adventurous knitter.

Pick up a copy, and store it with your knitting reference books. You'll be glad you did.

I'm a sucker for knitting techniques and can't follow a pattern to save my life. I tweak everything to make it "better". This book was right up my alley.

Love it, Love it, Love it... I learned so much from this book I could hardly put it down. Have ordered yarn for two of the sweaters. This book is so full of information, it is just like reading a novel on "how to". So glad I bought it. Will be ordering several more copies for knitting friends.

Finally I have a new book which thoroughly explains techniques that I have been looking for. My goal in knitting, always, is to create professional looking, well finished garments, and, even though I have developed many techniques myself through the years, I love learning new, better ways to do things. Rather than a glossy picture book with artsy photos, this book gives me methods for designing, crafting, and finishing unique beautiful garments. There is a wealth of detail with each section, and many discussions I have not seen before, like a good discussion of Cowichan sweaters. So, not only is this book extremely helpful in developing my techniques, it is also interesting, compelling reading. Five stars!

If you hate to buy patterns, if you rather do your own thing, if you just want to know how to figure out what to do with the yarn you bought at that yard sale but you have no pattern for it, than you need this book. This will teach you about sweater parts, how to figure out how many stitches you need with the yarn you have and the idea that is in your brain. This is an excellent reference book for all and any who want to start off doing their own designs or just don't like to follow patterns. If you can'f afford pattern books, this is a great resource to help you get started on your own designs. This is a case of don't judge a book by it's cover or the lack of enticing color photos. The content is very worthwhile.

This is a beautiful book. It's "COFFEE TABLE" beautiful. The history of Aran knitting, and the photographt are gorgeous.

The sweaters that Alice Starmore designed are wonderful. The mens sweaters are timeless, but the women's sweaters are a bit dated. This could be easily remidied by adjusting the fit of the sweater while using the stitches that are part of the original design.

Alice Starmore has a number of nice stitch patterns in the book that are also listed in numerous other knitting stitch books (The Big Book of Knitting, The Harmony Guide to Knitting Stitches Vol. 1 and 2, Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting, Charted Knitting Designs by Barbara G. Walker, The Complete Book of Knitting by Barbara Abbey, to name a few). There are a couple of Celtic cable patterns that are more intriguing, but is it worth buying the book for $100+ just to have access to those few stitches?

So, to sum it up. I would definitely give this book 5 stars on overall first impression, even on the sweater patterns and charts, but as far as the stitches within the book - about 4 stars, there are many other books out there with more comprehensive patterns. Buy the book if you want the history, the sweater patterns, but if you're looking for a good book on Aran Knit Stitches, try a stitch encyclopedia book and come up with your own designs.

Not only are the photographs and the settings breathtaking, but Alice Starmore designs are classics. Each pattern gives you detailed directions and includes a rating guide for easy, intermediate and expert knitters.
Yes, some of the yarns are no longer available - but using the gauge given, you should have no trouble finding a yarn to substitute.
It's the details that count - the pleasing arrangement of the stitch sections and the saddles on some of the sweaters.
If you ever get an opportunity to grab this book at a reasonable price, do not hesitate.

Wow, I would like to order the Hebridean yarn from Alice Starmore for the following project, but she says that one needs a copy of Aran Knitting for the instructions. I don't really feel like paying hundreds of dollars for the book (no knitting book is worth that much, no matter how much I hold Alice Starmore in esteem!) Can anyone who has this book help me with the instructions to this shawl (below) - my email is [...]:

ST CIARAN

St Ciaran is worked in Hebridean 3 Ply on 4.5mm needles with a tension of 21 sts and 28 rows to 10cm measured over St.St. Revised width and length measurements are shown in the detail.
Available in any colour of Hebridean 3 Ply.

Excellent in every way!! The crown jewel of aran knitting books!!

I just picked up a copy of this book at my library for free!

We came across the Harry books at our library and my daughter (2) loved them so much that I purchased them for her. They are so much fun to read.

There is something universal about the appeal of Harry the dog and his adventures. Little children who have pets in their home environment will easily identify with ALL the 'Harry' stories.

I am so excited!! today I was seeing a patient in Greenville, South carolina and much to my surprise, sitting on the floor of her home was, No Roses for Harry. When I was a child (I am currently 54) this was one of my favorite books. When I had my children I tried to find this series of Harry books but could not remember the names. Oh so depressing. My depression lifted today. At this point in my life I have college and high school students, but the future is bright. Maybe my grandchildren can now benefit. So excited. I can guarantee any youngster will sit down and listen to this book, over and over again.

When Grandma sends the family a sweater for Harry, he knows right away he doesn't like it. It was a green sweater with roses on it. Harry is white dog with black spots and that's the look he likes. He tries to lose the sweater time and time again, but people keep bringing it back, then a bird grabs a lose strand and flies away, unravelling the sweater as she goes. Soon the sweater is gone, vanishing before Harry's eyes and he is happy. But then he learns Grandma is coming to visit and he is worried.

The family looks all over for the sweater, but can't find it. Then when Grandma arrives, she takes Harry for a walk in the park and up in a tree they see a bird with a new nest which looks exactly like Harry's sweater. This is a nice story. My little guy just loves it and frankly I prefer these children's books from the middle of the last century. They really knew how to illustrate them back then.

One thing I have found myself doing is going back and buying all these classic books that I read as a youngster. My little one LOVES Harry! He's just as popular with the kids today as he was 50 years ago when he first was published. He gets read over, and over, and over..... in our house and I keep getting requests for more Harry books! Highly recommend!

Sweater Design in Plain English I just received this book but it looks good. I am a long time knitter who needs good directions. I am planning on using this book to solve problems in other designs as well as using the designs included.

This was sent in great condition and sent promptly. A great gift, it is already being used! Thanks!!

I am excited about design and heard this book is about the best out there. It looks straight-forward and inspiring. I like her other Knitting in Plain English so I'm sure this will be satisfactory. Give it a whorl.

The author does an excellent job of explaining sweater construction and fit for a wide variety of body types. She also discusses common sweater knitting pitfalls at length. This book is not only an essential reference for designing a sweater from scratch, but also for customizing and/or correcting other people's patterns.

I actually expected a book with in-depth description of the drape of knitted fabric, comparison and datailed discussion of stitch pattern. All these are mentioned only VERY superficially, e.g. knitted fabric is forgiving, cables pull in.

The author went too far into the arithmetic of sweater shaping (she even explained what is an even number...), she basically spans 2 pages worth of contents into 200 pages. Read a sample chapter on one of the sweater design and you'll get what I mean. If you find that kind of instruction useful you'll probably like this book.

I'd definitely return it if shipping is not that expensive. I gave it 3 stars however as probably it's just that I'm not a targeted audience of this book.

this is a fine book. i find that how i respond to these books have to do with the actual projects. this one has some nice projects, some may like more of the projects and some less. i happen to like fewer than expected. however, one can also translate techniques and ideas to other projects.

is what i love, but this beautiful book is so wonderful i want to learn to knit.its the funky and artsy,bohemian chic look that is usually found in a crochet piece all sweetly put together in a gorgeously photographed package of inspiration. now, i am off to ask my thirteen year old to teach me how to knit!

A great book with some unique patterns. These will also serve as very wearable items. Good for my knitting library.

I love the designs in this book. I am currently knitting the Modern Quilt Wrap and love it. If you are intending to
make the designs in the book exactly as designed including types and colors of yarn it can be difficult to find the yarn as some colors have been discontinued, but this just allows a chance for more creativity.

This book is a creative inspiration! The color options are fresh and vibrant, and I can easily see making several of the small projects for my family without arousing that "Oh, no, where did Mom find this clunker?" response (I can see the Sunny Flowers Fez becoming an instant favorite with my granddaughter). Some of the body silhouettes are short trendy accent garments (patchwork jacket, Shanghai surplice) that would be easy to lengthen if coverage is an issue. The Algonquin socks and Bunad mukluks are adorable--just in time for winter!

I really like the suggested embellishments--embroidery touches, buttons, unexpected details--that add whimsy without overloading the designs. Mags Kandis has opened a window to fresh design and color choices.

This technique is the easiest there is. You aren't limited at all you can use any size hook or type of yarn. If you're like me and do NOT like to follow complicated pattern instructions this book is for you. You'll find yourself making sweater's, dresses, coats & hats all without being stifled by someone else's pattern.

Depending on the size of yarn and hook you can make a dress in a weekend! I often wonder what the author, Judith Copeland is up to now a days. This book totally captured my imagination and has literally changed my life. Anyone who's ever tried to crochet or knit from a task master or impossible pattern knows the frustration and fear of never being able to get it right. Judith frees you up to create! Judith, I thank you!

I agree with the other reviews that this book is the best thing I've found for making garments. I was scared to try a sweater because they're normally crocheted from the bottom up, so if it wasn't going to fit, you'd already put hours of work into it. This book lets you size it yourself, as you go, crochet pieces in rectangle shapes, and mostly join them as you go.

It's very simple--if you can single crochet, double crochet, and do basic crochet in the round, you can do this. Even a child could learn this. It's given me the confidence to try garments when I was intimidated by them. I'm not constrained by complicated patterns. I will still try other patterns at some point, but you need to start with something simple and basic to get the feel of garment construction, gauge, sizing etc. Since I'm not gifted from above in crochet, I have to learn things one at a time and crawl before I walk. But heck, even I only use this technique for tops, I can still create some pretty things! I'm more of a basics person anyway

Publisher, please re-release this book. I think you'd make a mint off of it. I haven't seen anything even close to its simplicity, and I own a lot of pattern books. Every crocheter should have this technique available in their toolbox.

This is supposed to be a Christmas gift and I sneaked a peek. I learned more in 2-4 pages (all the sneaking I could manage) than I have in ALL the crochet books and instructions I have EVER read! And in my 30+ years of crocheting that's a LOTTA books and patterns!

IF you can FIND one, BUY it. It is worth every single penny it will cost you. I did wonder why this book was selling for $136+ and now I know. Whoever owns the copyright is losing a sure thing since this would FLY off the shelf.

Happy Hooking!

As you can see from the reviews of this book, MODULAR CROCHET is the best crochet book I ever bought (and believe me, I have quite a few in my collection). Not only are the instructions easy to follow, but the clothing you create from this technique has the look and feel of knitted garments.

Once you understand the basics, the only limit is your imagination. And while the book was published back in the 1970s, the styles it contains will always be up-to-date. The price of this out-of-print book has sky-rocketed, so I am grateful to have been able to purchase it when it first came out. Definitely a keeper!

If you can find a copy, grab it fast. Complete method to crochet and design a sweater to fit. No longer worry about gauge, or trying to guess at the size. Surprisingly easy to follow intructions.

The sweaters in this book are truly beautiful. I could wish they included plus sizes so I could just start crocheting immediately and simply duplicate most of them. Alas! I will have to size them up or carry the techniques over to my own patterns.

Fortunately, that is easy to do since most of what makes them so beautiful is the choice of yarns (nothing exotic, just proper choices to enhance the garments) and the lovely stitch patterns and fine finishing details (like the crocheted ribbing).
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See the uploaded images for those I found most intriguing:

Soft textured long sleeve pullover in a lovely mauve. Yes, the ribbing is crocheted.

Sleeveless top with fabulous wave color-work.

Lovely classic two piece suit.

Pullover plaid sweater. Vertical stripes are slip stitched afterward.

Bobbled and textured pullover. I want to learn that diamond look texture.

Fabulous copper and white striped pullover. Yes, the collar and cuffs are crocheted ribbing, NOT knitted.

Simple color changes and stranding for variety on a pullover with black sleeves and borders. There's so much other interest there I wouldn't mind the horizontal stripe look.

Two different bobble texture looks for some classic cardigans. Yep, no knitted ribbing in this book. All crochet.

A cardigan with peachy, rosy shades and cream. Very nice.

A simple textured pullover design with an added embroidery touch.

Cute squares of color make this more than just a horizontal stripe pullover.

Pullover with short no-seam sleeves and interesting vertical designs.
A rosebud adorned pullover.

Polka dots and stripes on a sleeveless blouse.

Tunisian (afghan) crochet gives a more "knitted" look for striped and basket weave sweaters.

Pullover with lacy open work horizontals.

More styles of polka dots. This time all over a short sleeve pullover.

Simple bobbled V's on a short sleeve pullover. Note the lack of shoulder seaming for faster finishing.

A cap-sleeve pullover with lacy open-work diagonals.

Brushed yarn gives a soft finish to a classic pullover design.

Added vertical designs really make a cardigan pop. Try a multi-color or tonal shade for a today look.

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All-in-all a very satisfying purchase from the Amazon Marketplace. Glad I read those other reviews. This book is definitely a keeper.

Where is Patricia Bevans today? I would love to see more of her designs, especially in plus sizing.

Without a doubt, this is book is a definite winner that belongs in your collection if you love to crochet. There is something for everyone here, from beginner to expert -- and each sweater can be something of a learning project taking you on to more complex achievements.

Major plus: the photography is absolutely wonderful, and inspires you to devote yourself to this wonderful craft. There are so many ideas here, that it's one of the best purchases you can make if you love to crochet!

You will not be sorry if you purchase Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters!

Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters. The title says it all. Here is a sweater for every season, more than 35 projects to keep your crochet hook busy all year long. As you leaf through these pages and admire the striking photos, you'll have a hard time deciding which sweater to begin first. Shall it be a charming Fair Isle crew neck in delicate pastel hues or a lusciously soft turtleneck to warm you through winter's chills? Perhaps it should be a dressy cardigan for an upcoming event or a casual vest to wear on spring strolls in town.
It hardly matters which you make first, be- cause if you're like most people who love to crochet, one sweater will lead to another. And another. Soon Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters will be your most frequently consulted source for designs, and for good reasons:
The exquisite photography captures the true colors, textures, and details of the sweaters and makes them seem to leap off the page. The clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful hints lead you expertly from the first stitch to the last. Diagrams and charts help with the more intricate patterns. And all projects are keyed to degree of difficulty and arranged by chapter according to stitch patterns, so novice, average, and expert crocheters all enjoy an impressive array of projects.

This is one of the best crochet books I've ever seen and has the most attractive sweater patterns that I've been able to find. It even includes Fair Isle and Tunisian designs. Unlike many crochet books, "Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters" uses readily available yarns and has great color pictures of each project. It also includes some fairly unusual techniques that I've been able to incorporate into some of my other crochet projects. I would love to own a copy of this book but have had to settle for using a copy I found at the library. "Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters" belongs in every avid crocheter's personal library.

This is the best crochet book I've ever purchased. I want to make beautiful sweaters. I usually gravitate toward knitted sweaters because the knitters seem to have more pattern selections in beautiful sweaters. Most of the crochet sweaters patterns I have seen so far have not impressed me. But now I have the perfect book - exactly what I wanted! This book is a must have, if you can find a copy. I will have to go search out all of the other work that this author has produced now. I hope she's done something for children!

I absolutely love this book! I wanted to take a brake from knitting and knew this book would be just the right thing to use of some yarn that didn't work out for a different project. The patterns are timeless and the possibilities are endless with the wide variety of yarns available. I've made the cover sweater and the crewneck cardigan and I couldn't be happier with the results. Crochet looks so neat and tidy and the stitches give such wonderful texture. The instructions are very clear and the stitch patterns are easy to remember so you don't have to do much flipping around. This is a definite must for anyone looking to crochet sweaters.

This book is the best in many ways. Spectacular designs, wonderfully written patterns, easy to follow schematics, special directions for special stitches. I love being able to make Aran style sweaters in crochet. The way the book is written it is also easy to use certain stitches and design my own sweater. Yes, you can do cables with crochet and they are beautiful!

I have a confession: I developed and edited this book for ME! Usually, in the book business, products are developed with a target reader in mind. Well, I broke the rules when I asked the designer, Jane Snedden Peever, to create the garments for Crocheted Aran Sweaters. I *love* every sweater in this book! In fact, I've already made half of them, and have yarn picked out to stitch the rest.

Plus, I've used the stitch patterns, which are explained in the Pattern Work Encyclopedia, to make other sweaters for me and my husband, and an afghan for his office.

Every time I wear one of the sweaters from this book, at least a handful of people admire the work and marvel that they're crocheted rather than knit. The work looks very intense, but most of the garments are actually easy to stitch. Scottish Reel, for example, has blocks worked in a variety of stitches. It looks really hard. But it isn't, because you make rectangles, working one stitch pattern after another, and then sew the pieces together. I made my Scottish Reel sweater in three days (of course, this is part of my job, so I stitched for seven hours a day).

Another thing I like about the sweaters in this book is that practically any Aran-weight yarn can be used for any of the sweaters. You can walk into any yarn or craft shop and probably find a yarn that'll work. How cool is that?

I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I do.

This book and Lily Chin's upcoming book are the only crochet books I've ever found that have sweaters I would actually wear. Instructions are clear. I'm mostly a knitter who dabbles in crochet and I had no problem with these directions.

What a wonderful book! The patterns are so amazing looking and so detailed. I can't wait to get started! After reading this book, I'd definitely recommend it.