Customer Reviews

After Dark: Uncommon Knits for Night Time

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I guess timing is everything. Like many other avid knitters, I generally look through all the new knitting books as soon as they come out. When I first browsed this book, I quickly saw Jil Eaton's lively signature in every design, but I couldn't picture myself wearing anything in this book. I put it back on the shelf.

Now, a couple of years later, I have picked up this book again, and I find that there are quite a few designs that will work well for me, and several that are perfect gift items (the Obi, the Party Mix cardi, the Lolita Tee in chenille, the darling Bon Bon Cape for a little girl, the Pashmina Shawl -- just to name a few). Several Christmas gifts I made from this book were total successes!

I'm not sure I understand the negative reviews written for this book -- I suppose it depends entirely on one's expectations. I'd say that Jil Eaton delivers here exactly what she promises, 'stylish, one-of-a-kind QuickKnits for evenings and holidays.' I have lots of yarns in my stash that work well with these patterns -- it isn't necessary to use the specific yarns mentioned in the book. I don't by any means have a 'matchstick' figure, and I found the sizes in the book work fine for me. (The size of the bandeau, for instance, is irrelevant for me as my bandeau-wearing years are far behind me!!) In any case, I have always found Jil Eaton's patterns lend themselves easily to resizing if one needs a few extra inches.

This is truly a fun book -- it's a departure from the kind of natural-fibers knitting I generally do that has inspired me to be a bit more bold and daring with some of those lovely glitzy or high-end yarns in my stash that I have never known exactly what to do with. If I have one complaint it's the Vogue-ish photos that, while stylish, don't allow us to see the details in the projects. Especially in garments shown in black, it's almost impossible to see neck and border details -- if there were close-up photos, or pictures of the projects off the models, it would be easier to imagine the finished fabric. This is so important when deciding whether or not to attempt a project.

When I first picked up the book I wasn't in the mood for glitz, and no matter how delightful the patterns, they wouldn't have spoken to me. But timing is everything.... With knitting one never knows what direction one will want to take next. That's the fun of this craft -- and it's that 'fun' that Jil Eaton seems to capture in everything she does. Bravo, Jil!

After looking through this book, I became very disapointed. I was really looking forward to it's release, but after looking at all the patterns I found nothing new, exciting, sexy or uncommon. The first few patterns in the book are so fuddy-duddy I couldn't believe it. The obi pattern on the cover is likely the coolest pattern, but any knitter with a little experience could make this without a pattern. There is one other sweater that has a little style, but over all it is simply old hat. The description from the main book page is misleading. If you want fun patterns that have style there are many better books out there.

I was disappointed to find most women's patterns are for a size range (XS-S, S-M) with no larger sizes. I put it back on the shelf.

I'm an avid knitter, and own almost every knitting book published. I have never been as disappointed with a knitting book as I have with this one. The patterns are either out-of-date or not suited for anyone under 50 (there are two patterns--a tube top and a halter top--that are so poorly designed that only prepubescent girls without chests could wear them). Save your money.

WEll I was so looking forward to the book when I saw it was to be released. The title and cover evoked a sense of sexiness, something to be enjoyed for the young and modern working professional. I thought it would be fun to knit some projects to wear after hours downtown. But I was hugely disappointed. There is just nothing fresh, or sexy, or even uncommon. It just seems out of date. Though my grandmother enjoyed looking at the book. But lesson learned, never buy without browsing through first, even if you have loved everything else by the designer in the past.

Jil Eaton has done it again, but this time the patterns are for elegant night-out stuff. I just got this book and am deciding which project to do first; long cashmere gloves or a furry hat or fancy sweater. There are also some nice things for men and kids. I also love the book's design; it's got a hard binding with a spiral binding inside so it will stay open as you knit. (Why doesn't everyone do this?) Highly recommended.

Oh my! I'm so glad I got this book on Amazon's Marketplace for $1.49 and didn't pay retail. If you're looking for knits for evening wear and you're under 70, skip this.

Every women's pattern in here is odd looking and boxy and are things only an elderly woman can pull off. She harps on and on about NYC, etc. I'm sorry, I'm a Native NYer and I don't know any self respecting woman with even the smallest interest in fashion that would wear something in this book. Maybe the 90 year old grannies that only leave the house to go to charity events and are about 2 steps short of wearing their braziers on the outside of their clothing?

Some of the children's patterns are cute, but again, uninspired.

I would give my book away, but no one wants it. I'm VERY disappointed because I've heard such great things about Jil Eaton's children's patterns... I think maybe she should stick to designing for kids.

There are a few nice patterns, but there's nothing extrodinary about them. There's something about the writing between the patterns that I find somewhat condesending.

I don't understand the review from Ms Givens. I've had this book for only two weeks and I've already made two projects--both turned out beautifully and I've had LOTS of praise for them. I love this book--the photos are exquisite and make you want to pick up your knitting needles. The patterns are clearly written--just like Jil Eaton's earlier books. She is one of my favorite designers and I'm sooo glad she's creating new designs for adults. I give this book five stars!

This is a great book. It's fun, and filled with wonderfully festive, yet easy patterns that offer any knitter who likes elegance, the perfect weekend projects...especially around holiday time! Thank you Jil Eaton for your great ideas!