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45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Things to know before you buy, March 3, 2010
This review is from: Cardigans (Hardcover)
I hope this information will help you decide whether or not you really want this book. I was a little surprised when I got it by the variety of sweaters. I haven't knitted anything in this book yet but there are definitely several that are on my to-knit list. There are also some that I will never, ever knit.
Here's the info. This books has 27 patterns which are written for sizes 8-18 US. Three of the patterns are for boleros, two are for jacket style sweaters. Thirteen of the patterns feature elbow-3/4 length sleeves. Eleven of the patterns are for long sleeved cardigans. Long sleeved is a bit generous in my opinion because many of them don't quite make it to the wrist bones. Next are the sweater lengths based on the pictures. Sometimes it was hard to tell so don't hold me to these figures exactly. I would say that twelve sweaters are waist to just below waist length. Nine are approximately hip length. Three are long enough to cover the buns. Many of the sweaters feature untraditional closures such as ribbons, single buttons, clasps, etc.
I am also including the gauges for a four inch swatch so you have an idea of what kind of yarns you can use. 18x24 - 5 sweaters, 20x28 - 5 sweaters, 22x30 - 10 sweaters, 12-13x14-17 - 4 sweaters, 20x24-26 - 3 sweaters, 24x26 - 1 sweater
As I said, I have not yet knitted any of the patterns but I have read several of them. They seem well-written. I agree with the other reviewer that some of these patterns might seem dated soon because many of the patterns are so trendy. That being said, I am looking forward to doing one of these sweaters as soon as I finish my next project.
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49 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Rather disappointing -- lots of sameness, will quickly be out of style, October 8, 2009
This review is from: Cardigans (Hardcover)
I love cardigans so was naturally drawn to this book. However, after receiving it, I quickly realized that his book would be one that will remain on my shelf (or donated to the library).
I really didn't see many designs that were "classic" enough to want to make or that would look flattering on anyone larger than a size 8. Many of the designs rely on frilly edgings which are pretty enough and currently in style. However, not being the fastest knitter -- I can easily see where the sweater would look dated before it was even off the needles. Many of the shapes are quite fitted with little ease -- many of the button openings gap which, I believe must be a design feature. However, the gapping buttons just make the sweaters look to small on the already-petite models.
The patterns are not going to be easy to knit -- they involve a lot of shaping and fancy stitch work that is probably beyond most knitters who have been eagerly eating up the "easy knit" pattern books for the last several years.
One thing I was very happy to see is that this book steers clear of novelty yarns and goes with classic worsted or sport weight yarns. However, the finer-weight yarn also means that the patterns will require more time to knit than a heavier weight yarn.
The production values for the book are up to par with what you would expect for Louisa Harding. It is lovely to look at. However, I keep going through it thinking "I could never knit that, much less knit it" and I've been knitting for 20-plus years.
If you are looking for more classic and more accessible patterns, I would suggest Knitted Jackets: 20 Designs from Classic to Contemporary or Jean Frost Jackets: Fabric, Fit, and Finish for Today's Knits. Both of these books are timeless and will have designs that are flattering to a much larger demographic.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Knitting Book, May 24, 2010
This review is from: Cardigans (Hardcover)
I really enjoyed the patterns available in this book. I read recent reviews on this book which were so-so and decided to get it from the library first just in case I wasn't happy. Well I was thrilled. Just goes to show you that everyone has different tastes. Very happy with my purchase. I have already completed one cardigan and have ordered yarn for another.
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