Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Non-Classifiable    7. Nonfiction    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    9. Handicrafts   

Reviews (26)

A book to grow with!
This books title says it all SIMPLY beautiful sweaters. It has 2 things that are essential to the new knitter. 1. Full sweater laid out so you can actually see the end result top to bottom, unlike many pattern books where you only see a small part of the sweater or the model is in a position so you don't get the full effect. 2. Actual pattern piece measured at each area, so no wondering about the final fit.
Over Priced
I like to buy books that are worth their weight in gold.. not just now, but two or even three years from now. I like books with techniques I can refer back to or a design that I just have to knit someday. I like a book that I can easily find the recommended yarn for.. and at a reasonable price. You can live without it
This book is very pretty and the yarns are superb and expensive, but most of the sweaters are pretty useless. There are too many bulky cropped thingies and patterns that call for all sorts of hard to find novelty yarns. The other thing which irks me is the insistence on peculiar needle sizes, for example, what the heck is a 10 3/4 size needle, and why cant you simplt use a 10 1/2?Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (9)

Beautiful designs, and not too complicated.
It is amazing how Debbie Bliss can create new designs, and still keep clean simple lines.I don't really like 'fussy' or cutesy sweaters, so this book is perfect.Most of the designs are like you would find in an upscale children's store, BUT the patterns are actually pretty simple.I would give the book 5 stars, but there aren't any schematics in the book (which I find very useful).

Great Book
I love every pattern in this book. They are all pretty trendy and updated fashions.

Schematics????
I do wish more of DB's books had diagrams.Schematics are essential for gaining a quick understanding of shape and fit of a pattern.Many of her patterns feature photographs that do not adequately reveal details such as the type of sleeve join. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's clothing    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    8. Sale Books   

Reviews (3)

Agree with "Look before Buying"
I agree that the majority of patterns in this book are rather ordinary. I do wish more publishers would preview the contents online. However, I was very interested in the Valerina Ballerina skirt. But, the very brief pattern directions did not match the skirt in the picture.I actually called the shop hoping to get pattern corrections.The author called me back and left a message that I could "make it longer" if I wanted (which was not the issue).I did make the skirt using the pattern and making changes according to the picture and was pleased with it.A less experienced knitter would follow the pattern and probably end up with an okay skirt but wonder why hers looks so different.

GREAT BOOK!!!
Based on the other review I wouldn't have purchased this book; but lucky for me I ignored the other review and bought away. This is a simple, easy to followbook filled with useful knitting patterns.Will they bring world peace?No. But that is not what I bought it for. For pete's sake - buy this book; you won't be sorry. Opened the box 1 hour ago and I've already retrieved yarn for the two-color hat, bulky baby sweater and the mitered blanket.What more could you want. Thanks from a very experienced knitter of 40 years.

Look Before Buying
I was very disappointed in this book.While it is not a "bad" knitting book, the patterns here are mostly very simple/basic and not very original.The book might appeal to the beginning knitter who does not have a pattern library, but there is not much here that would appeal to a more advanced knitter.Most of the sweaters are done in bulky and very bulky wools, making them unsuitable for a more temporate climate or for wearing indoors.If I had had a chance to leaf through this book before purchasing it, I would not have bought it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    6. Knitting   

Reviews (5)

Great - Especially if you have Boys!
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.).
A Knitting Design Primer as well as a Pattern Book
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 knittingfabric style except pictorial Intarsia (unless you count Argyles asintarsia, which I don't, since I LIKE argyles and I HATE Intarsia!)Thesweaters are aimed at both the beginning and long-time knitter. No Worth It!
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 aswell go buy a knitting 101 book. Luckily, I didn't just order this onepattern book and am happily starting a new project thanks-but-no-thanks notfrom this glamorously-packaged-with-little-to-offer book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Sweaters    9. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (8)

Wow
I am a new machine knitter and was amazed at the possibilities.Machine knitting has apparently taken a downturn with many manufacturers discontinuing products as needle knitting is gaining recent popularity.If only people saw this book first,they would never want to try to use needles!I can't wait to try many of the techniques illustrated in this book!

Knitter's Bonanza!
I obtained this book after I had been machine-knitting for about 2-3 years, and have found it an inexhaustible treasure-trove of techniques, tips and patterns.I refer to it over and over.It's worth 10x its price.Whether you are a brand-new machine-knitter, or a seasoned one, this book will never collect dust on your shelf----you might even find yourself needing to buy a new one!

Disappointing
I was very disappointed in this book.I have been machine knitting for about 18 years and most of the stitches included in this book I learnt to do quite early on.This is probably a book better suited to a beginner whomay not have any other source for learning these stitches.I also foundthe majority of the stitches outdated.They were big in the 1980's wheneverything was big, bulky and oversized.Only some of the stitches wouldsuit todays fashions.I wouldn't reccomend it butothers might like thestitches in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Machine knitting    6. Needlework - Knitting    7. Patterns    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Reviews (14)

7.5 OUT OF 10
I enjoy intricate crochet work, that's a challenge, takes time and looks like a piece of art at the end.The picture of the scarve on the front is what got my attention.I ordered this book and was a bit disappointed with the patterns inside.Some of the scarves in this book is very plain.I must say the majority could be spiced up a little by substituting the yarn color.There are a couple of very unique scarves in here, and that makes this book worth buying.What bothers me the most is the yarn - I usually buy my yarn at Joann's, Michael's or WalMart.The yarns called for in these patterns are exotic names I've never heard of before, for example "Le Fibre Nobili", "Filatura di Crosa", "Muench Yarns" to name a few.I have never seen these before where I usually buy yarn (maybe I missed it - if I did, I apologize).

Delivers Exactly What it Promises
This is by far, the most comprehensive and inspiring collection of scarves I have seen thus far (but there is a second collection being published in October 2006, so hopefully that will be just as good)!
Unique and Beautiful Patterns
I found this book on an Amazon list of "must have crochet books" and after making several of the patterns I agree. These patterns are among my very favorite!However, beginners beware, of the 25 patterns 12 are intermediate, 6 experienced, 4 easy/novice, and only 3 are beginner.There are no step by step pictures or stitch close ups.Just a beautiful shot of the finished product for reference.While the book does have a basics chapter, it is brief so more space can be dedicated to the patterns.By the way, the page on yarn substitution I found particularly useful since many of the pattern yarns are expensive.That said, if you have crocheted for a while and want a unique set of patterns, buy this book! The directions are well written and I found them easy to follow.Every time I work on one of these patterns I get numerous compliments and requests for the book title and author. My copy of the book is starting to fall apart! And one more thing, if you are looking for quick projects this book is also not for you.Many of the patterns require a good amount of time to join pieces together or deal with details.However, the results are well worth the time invested. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Crocheting    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Needlework - Crocheting    5. Patterns    6. Scarves    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Crocheting    8. Knitting    9. NEW AGE - ASTROLOGY TRD HC   

Reviews (10)

Knit and Crochet with Beads
Very informative book.Gave some great ideas on how to add beads to some of my projects.

Lily Takes the Mystery Out of Bead Knitting
Who else but Lily could do it? I have knitted beaded purses on 0000 needles, but never considered knitting a beaded garment until reading this book. Lily explaind every way that it can be done in clear and precise language, with excellent pictures and charts. The patterns are glorious! Patterns for sweaters and shawls and really beautiful items that are truly one of a kind. And not knit on itty bitty needles either. You don't don't need a magnifying glass to knit these beauties! I am working on the Vargas Girl Sweater in pale blue Rowan cashmere with gold and copper beads, a large investment, but the results are gorgeous!! This book is a must have for the truly glamorous knitter!

Beautiful Designs and Outstanding Instructions
Inspiring and instructive. As always, Lily's instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for techniques that are new and a little different. The projects are stunning and quite "finish-able." And Lily's "signature" sense of humor keeps you company while you create and learn. A winner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beads & Beading    2. Beadwork    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Crocheting    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Knitting    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Needlework - Knitting    10. Patterns    11. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting    12. Crochet   

Reviews (15)

Great reference book on knitting!
THis is an excellent book.There is important information about care of your handmade garments that is without a doubt - super.
I can't wait to begin my next sweater!
I loved this book.It was one of the best investments I could have made at this point in the evolution of my knitting skills.I had done some knitting with more than one color before and loved the feeling it gave me, so I really wanted to try a Fair Isle sweater.A friend loaned me this book and I was so impressed that I bought my own copy.The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and tips are well written and well placed.The step by step instruction and illustrations for knitting with two colors was very easy to follow. I was able to feel like a pro at this technique relatively quickly and loved every minute of time I spent with it.I just finished my first Fair Isle sweater and I can not describe how thrilled I am with the results.I just bought the yarn today to begin my next sweater!
Worked for this beginner!
This book is inspiring to look at - so inspiring I had to try doing it! I have only been knitting for about six months and learned to knit from an internet site, books, and a few pointers from my local yarn shop. After giving the book a good reading, I got out the yarn and needles and cast on and watched the great video clip on their web site and practiced! Within two hours, I was knitting away! It is amazingly easy and fun to do and the results are fantastic! (This could become addictive.) I am ordering some of their wool to try out and then plan to embark upon a sweater! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fair Isle    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Scotland    10. Sweaters   

Reviews (5)

I love it!
This book has so much information for beginners and the more experienced. I've taken a few workshops and this book gives me what I need to continue on my own. I love her use of colors and textures. There are so many ideas! The patterns are helpful so we know how to best use our dyed yarns. I recommend this book to everyone who loves color, knitting, dyeing, textures.......... It has it all.

Very very fine book.
Just makes you want to dye your own yarn. Beautiful pictures and patterns. Easy to understand as well.

Inspiring Even If Your Not Ready to Try Dyeing Your Own Yarn
When I buy a gourmet cookbook I know I may never cook a recipe that has multiple steps and takes hours but I still enjoy reading the recipe and taking away the inspiration to create a fabulous meal for my family and friends.Like a gourmet cookbook, Elaine Eskesen's "Dyeing to Knit" is thoroughly enjoyable even if you are not sure you are ready to dye your own yarn.The book is filled with beautiful photos, wonderful colorcombinations, design ideas, and fun techniques that you can pour over for hours.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Dye    4. Dyes and dyeing    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. Textile fibers    10. Yarn    11. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Reviews (4)

a Christmas gift
I recieved this book as a christmas gift.I do not think that I would have bought it for myself, but it made a good gift.
Glad I borrowed from library instead of buying...
I borrowed this book through my local library, and I am so glad I did so before purchasing it.If you cannot sew, you will not be able to do several of the designs.The pattern for the handbag pictured on the cover requires sewing skills; additionally, it requires a zipper, and the size and type of zipper necessary is not included in the materials list.Also, the publishers have chosen not to list suppliers in the back of the book, and ask the reader to refer to their website instead.Well, I logged on to Lark's website, and could not find a list of suppliers for this book.Thanksfully, a google of online yarn suppliers will help you locate some decent internet sources that sell some of the more specialty yarns used in this book.I will continue my search for a book on felted knits, and pass on purchasing this one.

Great book!
I bought this book for the vest pattern, but I've ended up knitting a bag instead.The instructions are clear for the knitting, and there are several different methods of felting detailed in the introductory chapter.A previous review dissed this book because it has embroidery and sewing in some of the patterns.That person labeled it not "easy."I don't know what information that person had, but the title says nothing about "easy," and in fact, I like the challenge associated with the designs.There are a range of patterns, from simple to challenging.Not everything has to be "easy" to be fun or worthwhile to do.And, you can modify patterns to suit yourself.This book gives a lot of information about felting so you know why and how it works and can then use the technique in whatever way you want (including combining it with embroidery and sewing).I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Fashion    4. Felting    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Knitting    7. Needlework - Knitting    8. Patterns    9. BG-HOUSE & HOME - BG-GARDENING    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns   

Reviews (5)

wearable crocheted sweaters
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.

Easy and fun!
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.

Behind the Scenes
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.
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Subjects:  1. Aran Islands    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Crocheting    5. Fashion    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Ireland    8. Needlework - Crocheting    9. Patterns    10. Sweaters    11. Knitting   

Reviews (20)

Love Nancy Bush!!!!!
Love the book; however it should be noted there are way too many errors in it.Check it out on the publisher's website.Needs more careful editing.

sock books come and go, but this one has real staying power...
I have shelves of knitting books. when I get tired of looking at them for inspiration, or knitting one or two patterns from them, or I am bored with them, I resell them.but not this one.I look at the socks and imagine myself doing them.The chart on sock yarns and substitutes alone, itself, is worth the price of the book.the photos are clear (you can see the sock, not some contortionist model leaning on granite rocks).in short, a keeper.

AwesomeBook
Instructions are well written and clear. She also gives good introduction to knitting socks and how to knit the heel turns, gussets and other parts of the socks with clear instructions and different methods given that can easily be applied to her patterns. As a beginning sock knitter, I found the patterns easy to follow and I was even able to adapt them to fit my hubby's feet without getting "lost". Recommend this book highly ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Socks    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Hobbies/Crafts    3. Knitting    4. Needlework - Knitting   

Reviews (6)

Plain patterns, but easy to knit & modify
When I first bought this book I was a little bit disappointed, but then I realized that the simple patterns were extremely easy to modify and add your own flair, unlike more complicated patterns.I added a braided cable to the last sweater in the book, and it turned out beautifully.With this book I've been able to knit an entire sweater in a weekend, and to me that's worth having it!

Not bad
I have made a Finished Object (FO) form this book, and find it useful and well-written. Of course some of the yarn used has been discontinued, but oh well. As for the person who said the pattern for the pink sweater onthe front isn't in the book, have you checked out page 48 for project 4: the "Ladies' Turtleneck Raglan " or not?
Look before you leap!
I too was excited to get my Chunky Knits but once I received the book, felt disappointed.Too many of the patterns are retro, and look like you got it at a Thrift store as opposed to spending a lot of time and effort to make it.There is a nice coat, but I won't make most of what is in the book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns   

Reviews (8)

No Idle Mind in reviewing No Idle Hands
This is probably one of the very best books I've read on any kind of needlework history.It was factual, informative, and just the right amount of humor to make it enjoyable.Any knitter or any one interested in the history of needlearts would find this book to be one of the very best.

Sheep to Sheer Pleasure
A non-knitter, I find this book a continuous pleasure.Macdonald's humor and serious interest knit well together.She looks at different aspects of women's work during peace and war.Men and boys who knit are discussed too, but the emphasis is on women knitting.

One of my favorite books
Reading the reviews, I can understand why a non-knitter would not be charmed by this book.This book is by, for and about knitters.Whenever I'm bogged down with my knitting, I pick this book up again, seeking inspiration from 200 years of American knitters.The book is delightfully written, with lots of original source quotations, and allows us to peek into the day-to-day lives of colonial knitters, revolutionary war knitters, civil war knitters, depression era knitters, etc.It gives one a strong sense of women's role in American society at different times, reminds us (often amusingly) about fads and trends, and shows how wars shape lives beyond the battlefields.It's a wonderful book.My only regret is that it doesn't have more photographs of knitters and old knit garments. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. Knitting    4. Needlework - Knitting    5. Social aspects    6. Sociology    7. Sociology - General    8. United States    9. History / General   

Reviews (11)

Martingale will REPLACE your copy if it's the one with errors
First, I want to comment on the errors that were in the early releases (I believe editions 1 and 2) of this calendar/book.Martingale will REPLACE your copy FREE OF CHARGE if it happens to be one of the early editions that did have errors.I have no affiliation with Martingale, or this book - just a happy customer.You can contact them thru e-mail, snail mail, or telephone.On the FIRST inside page of the book is their web address and snail mail address.This page also contains all the info you need to give them in order for them to know if your book has problems.Although I never encountered a problem, I checked with them, and my book was one that had errors.I am still at the beginner/novice stage, and had used about 6 to 12 of their stitch patterns without any problem, so I was surprised that my copy was one with errors.And, I know of several others who have this book/calendar and never encountered a problem, but did have an edition that was known to have errors, and they had them replaced as well.Martingale acted quickly, and I received my new copy in less than 10 days, during holiday season.AND they do NOT ask you to return the old book, or charge any shipping/handling.
great photos of pattern, but don't buy it.
I bought this book because I loved the photos of the different stitch patterns and all my other knitting are packed away for moving. After trying several patterns, I got frustrated. Even at the initial part of a pattern, you can see the direction will not work out. I am so disappointed with this book.
old edition? they'll replace it for you...
I have a friend who loves this book, so i was surprised to see the problems with errors other reviewers mentioned. I ordered it anyway--with plans to get a copy of the errata page to keep with the book. There is a link on the publishers web site to email for errata info, and when i did, they got back to me quickly letting me know they would replace my book. I called their 800 number to provide my address and double check that this was necessary and found out that my new book is the 6th edition, which apparently has no erratas (so far, i guess) so the replacement was unnecessary. anyway, i think this is a great little book and i've had no problems so far... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calendars & Diaries    2. Needlework - Knitting    3. Non-Classifiable    4. Novelty    5. Knitting   

Reviews (2)

A must-have for lace knitters
Directed to somewhat experienced knitters, this book is a jewel. All the main patterns in Shetland lace are covered, providing detailed instructions and CHARTS! The various techniques are explained with clear pictures, and there are very useful tips scattered around the book. Not many patterns for complete projects, but the goal is to teach the readers to make their own.

Fantastic!
If you want to knit Shetland Lace and like to design your own patterns, buy this expensive book and forgo the others.This book is the bible of Shetland lace knitting.Finally, a good explanation and comparison between "knitted lace" and "lace knitting".This book is so good, I sometimes peruse it while eating breakfast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hobbies/Crafts    2. Knitting    3. Lace & lacemaking    4. Shetland Islands