Customer Reviews

Hot Knits: 30 Cool, Fun Designs to Knit and Wear

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book sight unseen based on my previous knowledge of Melissa Leapman's designs, and I was not disappointed. I can't decide which of the designs to make first!
This is a collection of women's tops, from a long coat to a tube top and everything in between. The patterns are sized in ranges from XS-XXL, with most designs in sizes S-XL. The instructions are well written, with stitch patterns clearly listed at the beginning of each section, including suggested increase and decrease methods, and full schematics for each piece. Gauge, yarn and needle information is listed in a sidebar.
The designs themselves are stylish and clever - a big chunky rib sweater knit from sleeve to sleeve, a cardigan with figure-flattering hourglass cables, and a body-conscious fully-fashioned tank are some of my favorites. Other patterns are designed to show off beautiful ribbon, hand-dyed or boucle yarn. (Incidentally, most of the yarns can be substituted; there is a section in the back of the book that describes how.) Many of the patterns feature interesting and clever construction, like the cabled basketweave cardigan that is boxy in shape to prevent the agony of increasing or decreasing in pattern, and a pullover with a sideways cable border with self-fringe. Most of the designs are geared toward the intermediate knitter, so if you are comfortable with shaping, picking up stitches and cabling you can probably tackle most of the designs, though there are a few simpler patterns and one killer lace pullover for the experienced.
I can't remember the last time I bought a knitting book or magazine that had so many patterns I wanted to make and wear. That alone makes this book a great buy, but the price seals the deal. Oh, and the "Hot Tips" scattered through the book are a bonus!

my basic complaint is that the title doesn't really match the contents. "Hot Knits" made me think they were sexy or somehow ungrandmotherly. I was looking for something more in the "Stitch N'Bitch" vein and man was i disappointed. these designs are not very current although most wouldn't go out of fashion. i felt like i was looking at designs from a catalog my mom likes. this book is fine if you like to knit fancy stitches and produce long tunics or short, boxy sweaters. i hate to say it but most of the designs i wouldn't buy in a store let alone take the time to knit myself. they try to sex them up by photographing the models with the cardigans unbottoned but they are transparent attempts to distract you from the (slightly tweaked) conservative quality of most of the sweaters. i gave it three stars because the designs aren't terrible, they just aren't "Hot". i've been doing more knitting and i recognize that the author is talented and obviously A LOT of thought and work went into the designs. it's just that it's marketed as "Hot" when really it's just "hotter than JC Penney, not as hot as the Gap". if you want to WEAR really cute, young, "Hot" knitted things you made yourself you should try knitty.com. and vogue or rebecca magazines.

Initially, when I saw the cover of this book, I passed it over several times. But, I was in a yarn shop, and picked up the book and actually started leafing through it. This book is wonderful, I started making one of the sweaters. The directions are clear. This book is worth the investment. The book is comprised of cardigans, shells, and sweaters. Most of the people that have this book absolutely loves it. I think the patterns represented would please just about anyone.

I have never before bought a knitting book or magazine which "spoke to me" with just about every pattern, tip or idea. I find the patterns to be creative, versitile and up-beat. Melissa Leapman has used a wide variety to yarns, gauges, and styles which can appeal to almost anyone and has offered "Hot Tips" for all. I particularly like the way the book has been organized with the table of contents showing a photograph of each sweater along with it's location. I added in the yardage requirements also, so when I went to the yarn store it was easy to match up available yarns with the appropriate pattern. So far I have yarn for eight of the patterns and look forward to making most of the rest. I have found that the patterns I have worked are easy to follow and look great when finished.

I had to weigh in on this one, since the reviews of this wonderful book are so mixed. First of all, not every knitting book will be to everyone's taste, so I understand that some who are looking for "Stitch 'n Bitch" like designs will be disappointed. In my view, Melissa's designs are classics, but usually with a twist in the cleverness of their design and the shaping and finishing techniques she uses. This book contains 30 patterns for Advanced Beginner through Advanced knitter, but the book is much more than a book of patterns -- it is a book filled with wonderful techniques for creating figure-flattering and flawlessly finished sweaters. Having taken classes from Melissa Leapman in which we had the opportunity to see these sweaters "in person", I can say that my only disappointment with the book is with the photography. The photos definitely do not do these designs justice. For instance, the cover sweater is absolutely beautiful and the photos in the book really do not show it off to its greatest advantage.

I for one am looking forward to more from Melissa!!!

As a relatively new knitter, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The designs and instructions are easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this book to the beginning knitter.

I love everyone of these sweaters! I want to make them all. If you want Stitch and Bitch style just change the colors to your own liking. I highly recommend this book!

This book restored my faith in quality, timeless design that can certainly make the wearer look and feel very attractive. I adore this book. Perhaps because it came in the mail with other books that very much disappointed, I appreciate the designs and patterns in Hot Knits.

I don't think I've ever said this before but I'd consider knitting and wearing virtually every sweater in the book. I see other reviews about the lack of trendiness here...but I don't agree. I enjoy the fact that this book isn't all about shrugs and wrap sweaters. I don't think classic with good design details=boring.