Customer Reviews

Glamour Knits: 15 Sensuous Designs to Knit and Keep Forever (Erika Knight Collectibles)

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

 

 

I have never reviewed a book before, but after spending last evening knitting something from this book I had to rip, I must urge serious knitters who plan to make something from this book to wait for a second edition that has been properly edited to catch the errors. The lace shrug contains a serious error in line eight of the lace repeat in which one of the yarnovers is missing. I was able to catch this since Ms. Knight reuses the same lace pattern rather unoriginally in another pattern in the book, and the lace repeat is correct here. Sadly, I only caught it after the fact. Furthermore, in the photo it is clear that the picot edging is used only on the two side edges but in the instructions it is directed for all four edges, which will certainly provide a different look from the photo. Also, the needle size selected in my opinion seems to be so large that actually stretching and blocking the lace was not considered...it appears to knit up unblocked to slightly larger than the actual finished measurements. Even though I am normally a tight knitter, I would probably reknit this on 2.50mm or 2.75mm and block the swatch first to see if I could get closer to the gauge.

I looked at only one pattern from the sister book to this, Classic Knits, and the Big Wool tank top is listed with a gauge of 18 sts to 4 in on size 17 US needles. Clearly this is an error easily caught before casting on, but for those of use serious about gauge, what should it actually be? Three serious errors for two patterns reviewed is simply far too high for a designer of Erika Knight's reputation, and especially one who associates herself so closely with high-end yarn manufacturers of excellent reputation. I may seem harsh, but I do not appreciate buying knitting books that cost me entire evenings of productive knitting before I catch the errors.

The photos are absolutely stunning, and the paper quality is good and easy to work from due to the matte finish. The book lays fairly flat as well (t is not a binder style specifically so the fact it stayed open to the page is nice) so it is not necessary to copy the pattern to work from. But if you do use the book, be sure to knit and wash a good size swatch to catch any errors, even if you feel that it is a simple lace rectangle in which fit is not critical (which was my mistake).

In fairness, I did not attempt any other patterns from this book. Perhaps there are no more errors. But two errors in this pattern alone send flags up that this book was rushed to press without the care for detail an experienced knitter should demand. This isn't a magazine...it is a hardbound book that actually states in the title the garments are to keep forever.

This book has gorgeous designs and is certainly a virtuoso display of the artistic abilities of Ericka Knight, but would anyone seriously wear any of this stuff? (Well, maybe the purple evening gloves and the knitted bra.... Just kidding.)

And the pale type used on the pattern pages? I think publishers do this so people can't copy patterns out of library books instead of buying the books. But listen to me, people: If the copier can't read it, the potential knitter can't read it either. How am I supposed to read the pattern comfortably if the type is this light??????

I'm glad I got this book from the library first, to see if I liked it, because I wouldn't have wanted to waste my money on this one, even though I have loved, and presently own, other Erika Knight books.

The choice to have a bunch of colored photos of the items in the front of the book and to have all of the actual pattern pages be weirdly faded out in this strange pastel color, doesn't make a whole lot of sense. For anyone who actually wants to focus on the patterns, be able to read them and see the items without having to keep flipping back and forth - the book gets annoying quickly. The design makes it all seem like it's solely about the packaging -- making everything look like an Anthropologie catalog at the expense of presenting accurate, clear patterns.

I can't believe Erika Knight put her name on these books (I am referring to her classic knits book also - the other so called Collectiblebook). 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.

Being a HUGE fan of Erica Knight after her two brilliant children's knits books, I could hardly WAIT to order this one. What a complete dissapointment. Completely unwearable designs and mistakes abound!

This book is going BACK.

I gave this book 3 stars because the pictures in the book are so beautiful, I used it as a coffee table book. It is also a very inspiring book, especially when you have a case of knitters block.

Finally! Patterns for elegant, wearable knits that are fashionable. I loved every knit in this book. If you like the clothing at Anthropologie, you'll appreciate these knits.

Erika Knight is an internationally renowned knitwear designer, fashion consultant and author. Known for taking traditional designs and adding a twist, Knight keeps her designs simple, chic and contemporary.

Classic Knits and Glamour Knits: 15 sensuous designs to knit and keep forever are Knight's newest offerings from Potter Craft. Each book features her trademark designs in sumptuous yarns, with sweaters in sizes 32" to 42". Knight assumes basic knitting knowledge, providing only interpretations for the abbreviations used in the patterns.

Classic Knits contains pieces sure to become favorites: a mock turtleneck, a traditional v-neck, an off-the-shoulder sweater that pays homage to Bridget Bardot and a tailored Coco Chanel-style jacket. Each of these can be knit in luxurious fibers as investment pieces, certain to last for years. As well as sweaters, Knight includes a messenger bag, a basic knee sock and gloves.

Glamour Knits contains sweaters inspired by legendary Hollywood sirens: a fine-knit lace tee-shirt in mohair, a menswear-style cabled vest, elbow-length gloves, and an off-the-shoulder sweater whose cables are enhanced with sequins. Knight has added beading, appliqued lace, ribbons and embroidery to create unique pieces guaranteed to make any knitter feel she's walking the red carpet.

The major drawback with these designs is the sizing. Knight has provided wonderful foundation pieces; however, many knitters would have to undertake major adjustments to these sweaters in order to wear them.

Armchair Interviews says: Designs with a twist.

This book has a nice range of glamour patterns to fit up to a 107 cm bust size. They include sweaters. shrugs, scarves, a cardigan, a bag, a bra top and jewelery. All use rowan yarns in a range of thicknesses from 4 ply (fingering) to bulky. I liked mosted of the patterns as they were fairly classic in style.

gorgeous pattens that actually work, her style and colour pallet are so far ahead of others.....higley recommed ..