Customer Reviews

Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified: Philosopher's Wool [With Book Comes W/Flaps]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a well ilustrated book on multiple color knitting for the novice as well as skilled knitter. The approach used in their video tape "The Original Philospher's Two-Handed Fair Isle and Other Stories is shown here in sequential steps which should make it very easy for someone to learn to weave and carry one color in each hand. Photographs demonstrate how their eleven color families can be used in various designs to completely change the appearance of a sweater. Simple instructions are presented for knitting in the round and steeking to make the tubular construction into cardigans.Patterns are not just limited to the traditional Fair Isle but extend into geometric shapes and color shifting forms seen in the Fin and Feather design. This is one of the best books to come on the market in reference to technique and color.

I had been meaning to attend one of Ann & Eugene's seminars, if I ever got the chance, when a friend bought this book for me. It is delightful--fun reading, beautifully presented, and so far (halfway up the body tube of my first real sweater, with a completed doll cardigan to show that I could indeed do this) the instructions have been exceptionally clear and easy to follow. For all the beauty of the sweaters presented, I think the book would be appropriate for a near-beginning knitter (I'm not a pro myself), as they present a very simple method for knitting a basic sweater, letting the simple fair-isle technique and the colors do all the work. I was a little (OK, a lot) fumbly at first, as they promised, but sure enough, within a few evenings I had it down.

For those that have read the book and wondered, as I did, if Eugene ever did get to grow those mushrooms...I had the opportunity to ask in person, and the answer is no, the township wouldn't allow it. So the book's one loose end has now been "woven in," so to speak.

I just received my copy of the Bourgeois' book "Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified." It is truly wonderful. I had taken a seminar from Ann Bourgeois this spring and am a convert to their method of two handed fair isle. It makes so much sense, is much faster that anything else I've seen and has revolutionized the way I knit.

The photography is this book is supurb as is the quality of the paper and printing. The designs are incredible; I want to make every one of them! I can't recommend a book more highly.

Does this book live up to its promise to present a simplified method of Fair Isle knitting? And is there something for either the new knitter or the experienced? The answer is YES to all these questions. Here's why.

1. This book focuses on the development of the Philosopher's Wool yarns and is written by the owners of that company. It provides wonderful photographs of their distinctive designs and very excellent instructions for re-creating the attractive sweaters.

2. In addition to patterns, there are lavish illustrations, clearly drawn, showing the tubular knitting technique, whereby sweaters are knit seamlessly in the round and then cut to create open jacket fronts and button-down vests. This is similar to the Norwegian method of knitting, and well described with excellent hints.

3. The yarns (admittedly all Philosopher's Wool products) are appealingly presented to show colorways. If you aren't going to knit one of their projects, or if you don't succumb to the temptation to buy their wool, you can use these colorways with any other yarns. The photographs of yarns and model sweaters are really excellent. The book format is large, so the photos are detailed and beautifully rendered.

4. The concept of random yarn changes to create a complicated colorwork background, which is used by such top designers as Kaffe Fassett, is well described and charted. In particular, the Trillium sweater shows how to change yarns on a foreground flower and background stripe to achieve a sophisticated look that belies the relative simplicity of the technique.

The story of how this Ontario couple started their successful business is inspiring to read. Even though this book is geared to their own wool and designs, anyone who likes to do colorwork knitting can use the techniques and examples given in this book to branch out on their own ideas. In summary, a book of useful techniques for colorwork knitting that can be applied to other types of yarns, if you choose.

This is an all around great book. First off, the stranding technique the Bourgeois' teach is worth the price alone. I have several fairisle books, and I have never seen this technique in any of them and IT WORKS. No weird pulling effect, and with a little practice, it is easy. On top of that, the patterns are gorgeous and the story of the start of the Philosopher's Wool company is entertaining. If you like fairisle, but were afraid to try it, or were frustrated with it like me, this book is for you!

I am adding an addendum 6 years after my original review. This is in response to the knitter afraid of steeks who dinged this book because of them. Steeks are an integral part of making fairisle sweaters. Not only do the Bourgeois' sweaters use them, so does Alice Starmore, Meg Swansen, Elizabeth Zimmerman--this list goes on. I am currently knitting a Starmore vest and have just cut the steek. There is NOTHING to be afraid of. It DOES NOT RAVEL. This is my second fairisle with steeks. So steek away knitters--it's OK!!

I loved this book. It was one of the best investments I could have made at this point in the evolution of my knitting skills. I had done some knitting with more than one color before and loved the feeling it gave me, so I really wanted to try a Fair Isle sweater. A friend loaned me this book and I was so impressed that I bought my own copy. The photographs are beautiful, the instructions and tips are well written and well placed. The step by step instruction and illustrations for knitting with two colors was very easy to follow. I was able to feel like a pro at this technique relatively quickly and loved every minute of time I spent with it. I just finished my first Fair Isle sweater and I can not describe how thrilled I am with the results. I just bought the yarn today to begin my next sweater!

This book is good for a confident beginner, but will easily boost your skill status!

This book is well worth the investment, no question! I never thought I could knit a fair isle sweater------never!! Guess what, I mastered their technique of weaving rather than stranding and I am now on my second sleeve of the "Garden Patch" pattern done in pastels. I found the book so informative and the story about how Ann and Eugene started out was so much fun to read.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting both of them at a yarn show, and they are truly wonderful people, always ready to give a helpful hand in any way they can. Their book is chock full of info, to say nothing of the many pictures and patterns that are incuded. Five stars aren't enough for this one!

Ann and Eugene Bourgeois' Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified tells how to create striking sweaters using 16 patterns and four simple stitches. A two-handed method is advocated which creates loop-free finishes and colorful, beautiful results.

I have read this book over and over again in the week that I've had it, and I've finished one sleeve of my first sweater! I am mesmerized by the patterns and colours presented, and the fact that the instructions are very concise. I did have some questions about the actual knitting process, but once I got started, it all made sense. I am a self-taught knitter, by no means an expert, but the sleeve I've just finished is beautiful and it looks like someone who knew what they were doing knitted it. Even if I ever stop knitting, I'll keep this book just to read and look at the beautiful pictures!

I was new to knitting and had always loved the look of Fair Isle and was too chicken to do it myself. Then I saw this book and got curious. Ordered it and enjoyed it immensely. Had to travel to Arizona to find the video. If you want to do Fair Isle and also enjoy a good story this is the book! Easy to read, candy for the eyes. It is great to just sit back and review it and take in the photos. I then had the pleasure of meeting Eugene at a knitting show and getting my copy signed. The Bourgeois' are as delightful as their book I told them they need to come out with another pattern book, but Eugene told me 'we would have to tell a story too!' If you enjoy knitting this is a great book. You get addicted watching the color patterns evolve. Do NOT start your kniiting late in the evening you will start to lose sleep after you start these sweaters. They are constantly evolving rainbows. I would recommend this book and have as gifts for knitters from non knitters. (If you are lucky maybe they will make you a sweater in gratitude!)