Classic Elite Knits: 100 Gorgeous Designs for Every Occasion from the Studios of Classic Elite Yarns [Paperback]

Classic Elite (Creator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 2008

For over 25 years, knitters have relied on premium-quality yarns and patterns from Classic Elite, one of the country's most respected leaders in the knitting industry. Now, Classic Elite Knits gathers a wide variety of their very best designs in one superbly packaged collection. One hundred different, easy-to-follow patterns are included for such essentials as sweaters, hats, and gloves for women, children, and men, as well as accessories such as bags, purses, and scarves. Completely contemporary but crafted to remain stylish for years to come, the patterns are presented in myriad sizes and spotlight the work of such beloved designers as Melissa Leapman, Annie Modesitt, Michele Rose Orne, and Kathy Zimmerman. And the book will appeal to all skill levels: beginners and intermediates will be challenged to expand their repertoires while experts will find plenty of patterns to keep their fingers happy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Classic Elite Yarns distributes fine hand-knitting yarns from international mills. In 2001, Classic Elite added a luxury fiber division, providing crafters with cashmere yarns. The company resides in an historic mill on the banks of the Merrimack River in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (September 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600850103
• ISBN-13: 978-1600850103
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #304,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Very disappointing...., October 17, 2008

By 

aphrodite knits (lower lake, ca usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Elite Knits: 100 Gorgeous Designs for Every Occasion from the Studios of Classic Elite Yarns (Paperback)

Wow! I was so excited about the release date of this item, but when I received it all I saw were sweaters that might look good on my mother (I'm in my late forties). These sweaters look dated and lack imagination. There is very little shaping in these pastel colored items. I have never sent back a knitting book. I sent this back today. Classic Elite Knits could have been so much better, but it's not.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "Classic" - It's In The Title For A Reason, December 30, 2008

By 

Sarah Rocklin (Timonium, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic Elite Knits: 100 Gorgeous Designs for Every Occasion from the Studios of Classic Elite Yarns (Paperback)

No, this isn't a book full of high-fashion, high-style knits. It is a book of good, basic designs - designs that could lead a knitter to modify and embellishment and tweak as desired or that could be knitted up, as is, for some classic good looks.

And to address a point raised by another reviewer, of the 39 styles for women, only 10 are in colors that could be classified as "pastel." And that's if you include a soft blue-gray, old gold, lime, and cream in your definition of pastel. Besides, the color of yarn a sweater is pictured in does not limit the color to be chosen by the knitter.

In addition to the 39 women's styles, there are 16 classic styles for men, 24 styles for children, and 16 different patterns for accessories. (Most of the accessories are sort of lame, in my opinion, though there are a couple of cute bags.)

If you're looking for a book of good, basic patterns...then check this one out.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Frumpy, November 9, 2008

By 

seabird - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Elite Knits: 100 Gorgeous Designs for Every Occasion from the Studios of Classic Elite Yarns (Paperback)

Another one of those books whose cover is deceiving with a modern and fresh feel but full of recycled and outdated materials inside that leaves you in disbelief after looking through it.
ALL the garments in this book---yes, I mean ALL--are frumpy and shapeless. I guess Pam Allen (CE's creative director) was not involved in the creation of this book. Very disappointing.