Knitted Sweater Style [Hardcover]

Jo Sharp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 1997

Well-known Australian knitwear designer Jo Sharp introduces her vibrant collection of 42 outstanding sweater designs in this, her first book of original patterns. Patterns for men, women, and children are inspired by examples from nature, cultures, and textiles from around the world.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

By simply transferring, or slipping, selected stitches from one needle to another without knitting or purling them, knitters can create striking color patterns using only one color at a time and without needing to strand different colored yarns across the back of their knitting. Slip stitch?sometimes called mosaic knitting?is ideal for the beginner, while knitters at any level will enjoy the design possibilities of these intriguing multicolor patterns. Bartlett takes the reader step-by-step through working with charted designs, choosing colors for striking effect, combining slip-stitch patterns and incorporating them into garments. All public libraries will want this one.?JZ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

With the impact Kaffe Fassett has made on traditional needlecrafts, it is not difficult to see why publishers brandish his name when plying the wares of an unknown designer. In Sharp's case, much of the hype and hyperbole is true. Virtually unrecognized outside of Australia, except for knitting fans who devour issues of all design magazines, Sharp emerges here as a new creative voice, influenced by a swatch of ethnic and cross-continental heritages, resolutely stylish and powered by color. There's little hint of Aboriginal or any other Down Under motifs; instead, free rein is given to Chinese, French, Latvian, and Scottish (among others) patterns with contemporary twists. Besides complete instructions, each of the more than 25 projects features graphs (when necessary), color photographs, and an indication of skill level, from beginner to experienced knitter. There's only one drawback: the only yarns specified are Sharp's, and she omits mention of appropriate substitutes. Barbara Jacobs

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (February 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561581895
• ISBN-13: 978-1561581894
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,617,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid effort, not to my taste though, November 22, 2000

By 

Carol Peterson Hennekens (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knitted Sweater Style (Hardcover)

Jo Sharp's Knitted Sweater Style may be just what some knitters want -- three dozen quality patterns. Most are multi-color intarsia efforts (Sharp's signature) for advanced knitters. There are several single color efforts suitable for advanced beginners and up.

My reservations about buying this book are threefold. First, I tend to shy away from expensive books that are just patterns. Unlike Meg Swansen's Knitting, this book doesn't have much in the way of technique tips or other timeless hints that I can use in my general knitting. Secondly, published in 1997, the designs are already looking a little dated. Third, there are better books out there for inspiration on colorwork. Kaffe Fassett's books are much more likely to provoke artistry. Sally Melville's Styles is a much more helpful guide for color combining and stash reduction.

So, a book to enjoy and buy if the designs really catch your fancy.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sharp styles from Jo Sharp, December 31, 2001

By 

Diana R. Benzing "Boonie" (Neola, IA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knitted Sweater Style (Hardcover)

Although I hadn't knitted much of anything for many years, I found Jo Sharp's book easy to use. She has rated each pattern as to difficulty so that I wouldn't choose one which would frustrate me due to my lack of experience. Her styles are attractive and do not look dated even in 2001.

I just completed "Jessica" for my daughter-in-law and she absolutely loves her sweater. Now my son wants a sweater as well. The best compliment for me is that people say that the sweater looks professionally made, not like many other homemade items which have the "fireside touch" (you know, nice, but who would really want to be seen wearing them?)!

One drawback is that only Jo Sharp yarns are used. By using the weight and the yardage, any yarn store can help you select comparable yarns. But I would be reluctant to do that. Her soft New Zealand wool is far superior to US wool. Acrylics might be a suitable substitute, but they tend to pill up more readily.

You get what you pay for.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jo Sharp has real talent, November 5, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knitted Sweater Style (Hardcover)

Jo Sharp appeared on the American scene with her incredible collections of new, inventive, beautiful designs and a wonderful line of knitting yarns. In this book, she can take a conservative style and through stitch-work make it quite lively and appealing, as well as an adventure to make. Other sweaters are bold intarsia, quite striking and unusual. Nothing is too difficult, and her wool is perfect for her designs -- a luxurious and durable wool in an ever growing number of colors. Knitted Sweater Style is her first hardbound book, combining many of her sweaters previously available as leaflets. Her newest book, Knitting Bazaar, is even more stunning -- her style, already creative, blossoms in the new book. Both would be an excellent addition to any knitter's library.