Customer Reviews

Classic Knits: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever (Erika Knight Collectibles)

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

 

 

I started knitting the Tank Top and after the error in gauge which I could work out, I got to the shoulder bind-off and there appears to be whole lines missing. The instructions ask you to bind off 4 st knit to last 4, turn and then bind off again. I finally worked it out with the help of an expert knitter and yarn store owner. If there are errata published I might knit another pattern from this book. The designs are pretty and very classic, but if I can't work out the pattern, it does me no good.

This is a lovely book - nice to touch, nice to look at, and great for patterns. Why then two stars? HUGE mistake in the first pattern I worked on -tank top gauge is off by a factor of 10. No errata page available, and makes one wonder, and pause a really long time, before purchasing yarn, or moving ahead with a project. I am not a good enough knitter to recognize an error when I see one - I happened to be in the yarn store where the owner found this one. I would/will give this book five stars when the errata page is available.

The styles are indeed classics and come in a range of yarn weights. What especially appealed to me since I've been sampling Rowan yarn closeouts are the designs made with Rowan yarns. There is an oversized cardigan made from Rowan Spray, nice to see how this yarn marketed as "hip and funky" looks knitted up. Also a cute vest made with Rowan Big Wool that can be made with only 3 or 4 skeins, great for if you just want to try out the yarn and not commit to a whole sweater. Yardage information IS given, so that yarn substitutions can be made.

But disappointing to read from the previous reviews that there are pattern errors, all the patterns are simple designs, so one would not expect mistakes. Also the lack of schematics makes it difficult to tell at a glance how the sweaters will fit one (not just the thin, tall model!); I like to look at a schematic diagram with the body length, shoulder and armhole widths, and cap shape when determining the fit for me. So for these two reasons, I'm knocking off a couple stars.

This book has a good range of patterns for women fitting up to a 107 cm bust, with finished size of 112 cm bust. They are mainly sweaters and jackets and some socks, scarves and a bag. All the patterns are classic in style with yarn used rangeing from 4 ply (fingering) to bulky. They are all Rowan yarns.

I can't believe Erika Knight put her name on these books (I am referring to her glamour knits book also - the other so called Collectible book). I can't believe I pre-ordered these two books and waited anxiously. The designs are generally attractive but not amazing. A skimpy little one cable scarf is not what I call a classic.... I really feel she was cashing in on her name here. Actually, all the patterns could easily have been published in one book - the charge for this book with its few patterns is as much as books with twice the amount. The printing is self-consciously arty, and hard to read in most light. The errors are disgusting. I love her other books, but this is the last time I pre-order anything by her again. I will wait till a book has been reviewed and reprinted in the future. And till I see pics from it on the net. And even then, I might still not order anything by her again.

Classic Knits is a beautifully produced book. The styles are indeed classics that will be in style even as fads come and go. The book includes: a cabled scarf, messenger bag, gloves, socks, bulky oversized sweater (great for wrapping up in when you don't feel well), turtleneck and cowl neck sweaters, V-neck sweater (cover), light cover up sweater with short sleeves, etc. Each sweater is fairly plain but can be changed with different yarns -- but since the purpose is to knit classics that can be worn year after year the clean lines and styles are what count.

The model photos are understated and some make it difficult to see the item being featured clearly (gloves are on clasped hands held near face, the over sized sweater is wrapped about the model and either the position is scrunched down in a chair or window seat so difficult to get a good luck at what it will look like).

The drawback to the book for me at least is that the largest size is a 42 inch bust. So, just about every pattern would require reworking the pattern to fit a larger size. The listed yarns are the upper level in price but gauge is given, as well as a description at the end of the book so you could find a substitute; however WPI is not given so if you spin your yarn ... you're on your own.

Very basic designs with not schematics on sizing etc. The books should be called basic knits. Good for beginner knitters perhaps. Some of the model's poses make it difficult to see the whole look of the design.

What a disappointment! If you're a serious knitter, this book will frustrate you to no end. Arty photos are clumped in the front of the book (the pages aren't even numbered), and the patterns are an afterthought at the back of the book. No schematics, very brief and easily-misunderstood directions, and uninspired prose make this a mishmash of ho-hum ideas.

Remember to check Ravelry.com or librarything to get a good look at the patterns in any book before you buy it.

I love this book...the projects are just so lovely. The pattern directions are not very clear and I am having a hard time understanding the directions. I have taken it to two very experienced, professional knitters who cannot make heads or tails out of at least two of the patterns in this book. The directions to the cable scarf are just almost impossible to understand. There are also errors in the tank top pattern as well. I am very disappointed.

I have not had an opportunity to try any of the patterns - looks like other reviewers have reported pattern errors. You should be able to contact the publisher to find out about errata. Note, that many knitting books are edited by non-knitters in a rather quick time frame - no, it doesn't make sense, but that's the publishing world.

As far as the book goes - the patterns are beautiful and timeless. Hard to tell if the sweaters were from 1947 or 2007 - which is a good thing. These projects will be worn for years - so choose your colors wisely! What the book lacks in volume of patterns, is made up by beauty. I would describe the general pattern style as relaxed, simple, elegant, feminine (not frilly - no ruffles here), classic European country. The yarns you choose can greatly define the style: rustic tweeds or soft cashmere - quite versitile. Lovely