Customer Reviews

Knitting the New Classics: 60 Exquisite Sweaters from Classic Elite Yarns

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is unfortunate that the errors in the hardback edition were not corrected in the paperback edition. There are errors in many of the patterns that may not be obvious to a beginning knitter or even a knitter trying new things. This is very unfortunate, because the sweaters themselves are quite lovely.

I certainly didn't like all of the sweaters in this book, but enough to make it worth buying. The best feature of this book is that there are patterns suitable for different skill levels as well as different tastes--mohair, instarsia, stranded colorwork, arans. The worst feature of this book is that that patterns do not appear to be have been proofread very carefully. I have noticed mistakes in many of them--most of the mistakes are in the stitch counts, so it's usually possible to figure out what should be happening, or to fudge something that will work. My other complaint is more personal--most of the sweaters are way too oversized for my taste and size (and current fashion).

This book has beautifully photographed pictures of very appealing designs--but-- The one pattern I have tried has serious errors in the directions. For example, on page 69, "ZICKZACK" has moire rib at cuffs and bottom. 1) Directions say moire rib is "multiple of 6 + 2", then for small size directs to cast on 84 stitches. 2) Directions for Front and Back never say to change to larger needles. 3) Shape of shoulder directions assume (in all sizes) that there are an even number of stitches at shoulder. There are not.

This is an exquisitely photographed, coffee-table quality book for the moderately experienced knitter. The contents range from color-work (both intarsia and fair isle) to intricate arans and can be knit by any intermediate knitter. The only drawback I could find was that the patterns were not proofed well enough prior to publishing. There are what appear to be editing errors where instructions and/or numbers are transposed. However, of the 3 sweaters I have knit from the book there was nothing that was not easily figured with the use of a piece of paper and a calculator. All-in-all, a winner

I don't quite understand the other review, where the reader says she found errors in the book. I have knitted at least 75% of the projects in this book and if she is right, I guess I wouldn't have. Any way, it is a wonderful book with excellent designs, very contemporary. It takes you from very simple knits that are still fashionable, to amazing and colorful knits that with a little patience and experience you can complete easily. I think the most important fact of the designs in the book is that they can actually be worn, and are not the kind you are going to throw in the back of your closet. A good pick for long winter months.

The sweaters are okay--but there is better stuff out there. I was very disappointed when I wrote to the author/publisher to get a pattern for the hat that was shown with some aran sweaters. What do you mean there's no pattern available--get real.

This one is okay if you can get it used, but it is obviously (see the book title) a book written to sell yarn, not a great pattern book.

I have been knitting nearly thirty years, since I was a young child, and I have never seen a collection of patterns this unique and beautiful. There is a nice assortment of designs for men, women, and children, ranging from easy to extremely challenging as far a skill needed to complete.

The designs are truly classic, intricate, artistic, and well balanced as far as style and form. The instruction grids and pattern piece drawings are very detailed, easy to understand, and precise as far as measurements. With lovely photographs and clearly stated written instructions, this book is very thorough. There is also a nice section of tips for knitters - equivalent yarns, how to read charts, figuring sizes, etc.

The patterns are not at all dated, and I don't believe they ever will be. In the same way I can picture my mother wearing these sweaters, I think they will be completely wearable fifty years from now, so the time spent in the creation of these treasures might well be appreciated when they are passed down to an ancestor, if the sweaters are well cared for, gently worn, and still in good enough shape.

My only problem with this book is that even the easy/simple patterns seem incredibly difficult. But I admit that I am intimidated by sweaters. I am more expert at socks, hats, scarves, and throws. Even recognizing my anxiety regarding sweaters, I do not think a beginner should attempt these patterns because it might lead to frustration and discouragement with knitting in general. I believe this book is more suitable for intermediate to advanced knitters.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

Beautifully photographed collection of patterns. As an experienced knitter, I've enjoyed making several of these sweaters, and found them adaptable and easy to follow. Perhaps a beginner might have a bit of difficulty. As other reviewers have said, there may be a few errors, but I haven't encountered them, and most pattern books unfortunately contain a few. IMO, New Classics is a valuable addition to my knitting library.

I have knitted Aran style sweaters over the years, but this book has beautiful, modern sweaters that anyone would love to have. There are beautiful, challenging cabled sweaters for men,women, and children. When I first checked this book out of the Library, it was love at first sight. I bought one for my own because there were so many projects I loved, I would want it for a long time. Any Aran knit lover will love this book

I had owned this book once before and lost it. I didn't know who published it; only what the cover looked like. Thank heavens for Amazon. After browsing through a few listings, I found it!! Knitting the New Classics. I'm making one of the cabled sweaters for my son for Christmas. It's beautiful. I'm a novice knitter and had some difficulty figuring out the pattern, but once past that, I'm very pleased with how the sweater is progressing. It's simply beautiful. This book is loaded with beautiful sweaters for both men and women, as well as children. I wouldn't recommend it to the novice knitter (it was most ambitious of me to take on such a sophisticated pattern for my first project), but for those with some knitting experience, I can't imagine you wouldn't find a pattern in it you didn't like.