Customer Reviews

Cardigans

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

 

 

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.

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 suggestKnitted 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.

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.

This book is amazing! The photography is absolutely beautiful. The patterns are saturated with feminine romance - think old-school glamour and lady-like elegance. Nothing too bold or outrageous, just soft pretty things with splashes of spice added here and there for those who enjoy a bit of fun. I loved almost all of them. An absolute must-buy for lovers of classic cardigans.

The patterns seem very well written, though maybe better suited to a more experienced knitter. Many of the patterns are presented in mulitple versions knitted with different yarn weights or with altered detailing, which is fantastic. I've become a Louisa Harding fan! This has got to be the most tasteful collection of patterns I have ever come across.

Louisa Harding is one of my favorite designers, because of her outstanding designs that regularly appear in the oversized, twice-yearly Rowan magazines. Because I love to wear cardigans, and knit them for myself, I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, it is mostly a book of patterns for currently fashionable "skimpy" cardigans.

Many of the garments are photographed with only the top button fastened, or have only one button. These cardigans "vee out" to the sides, instead of hanging straight, as (in my opinion) a cardigan should. Some of the skimpier designs with full buttonbands look like they cannot be buttoned at all. The most attractive garments are belted (like the cover design) or have drawstring or ribbon belts. But for me, a drawstring belt is not very practical, because I usually throw a cardigan on over other clothes for extra warmth.

The book doesn't include a pattern for a "classic" cardigan, which surprised me. There are some cute shrug-like cropped cardigans. There are patterns with cables that don't quite work for me, because the scale of the cables seems to overpower the designs. Several patterns have fairly attractive lace edgings, but the edgings don't do much for the garments. There is one very nice pattern for a dressy drawstring-waisted overgarment (vee front open from shoulders to waist) that has a pretty lace "peplum".

In short, this is another pattern book that you should probably look inside before you buy. It's a lovely book, if you actually want to knit one of the included designs.

I was so excited to see a book based entirely around cardigans! Unfortunately, these cardigans are massively underwhelming. I found a grand total of two patterns I might -- MIGHT -- want to bother knitting. In a book of 27 patterns, that's pretty impressively bad.

The problem lies in the designs. They are based on a limited range of sizes (8 is the smallest you can go) and operate on the assumption that modern women really want to look like they raided both a 7 year old and a 77 year old's closet. Half of the designs are going for the "classic" look, and are subsequently boxy enough to even look unflattering on the models. Adding to the awful effect, these are knit in the frumpiest yarns possible. A wannabe Chanel jacket, with none of the charm, and knit in a crazy-colored novelty yarn? No, thank you.

The alternative to elderly-wear, of course, is the Pretty Pretty Pastel Princess sections of the book. These, as you may guess, are ribbon-festooned, pastel-ridden, flowery, delicate sweaterlets. While the playing-young look can be cute, it's not cute enough to merit that many patterns.

I clearly loathe most of the patterns, but the lace patterns are a redeeming feature. They are truly lovely, and I could use those, at least. Well, I could use them...were they not printed so small that I actually had to find a magnifying glass to see them. To give you the scale, a non-repeating 130 stitch x 34 row lace chart for Waterfall lace is 7 3/4 in x 1 1/4 in. Each stitch is just shy of a millimeter. Um, right. Have fun interpreting that.

Don't waste your time with this book. Since LH is a big name, your local library probably picked the book up. Check it out and save some cash.

I love this book- there are many cardigans that I can't wait to knit. I really love the variety of shapes- everything from very classic to a little bit funky.I particularly like the cardigans shown knitted in different yarns - it realy gets the creative juices flowing.

I have never bought a book with so many patterns that I can't wait to get started.

Highly recommend this book.

These cardigans use simple elements to create fun, flattering cardigans. There are many classic styles, as well as some that are more fashion-forward. There is something for (most) everyone in here, and the simple suggestions on modifications reminds the knitter how easily a pattern can be transformed into something unique.

I am really particular about knitwear patterns. The cover pattern and several others are winners. In working through the cover pattern, I found instructions well-written and understandable.

CARDIGANS offers over 25 designs from Louisa Harding, who takes the popular but largely outdated style and adds new spice to it. The designs offer adaptable options and creative embellishments and shows how to use cables, buttons and more to add spice. Lovely color photos accompany a fine survey of the cardigan sweater's versatile options.