Customer Reviews

Knitting: The Baby Surprise Jacket

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am what Elizabeth Zimmerman called a "blind follower," and this DVD helped me knit a Baby Surprise Jacket with little difficulty or frustration. Zimmerman's pattern is included in this DVD, but the directions can be a bit unclear. After watchiing this DVD, the cryptic pattern for the darling Baby Surprise Jacket will suddenly make sense. You can pause or return to a particular section over and over, if necessary. The DVD also includes a pattern for a matching bonnet and some tips for adapting the pattern to suit your needs (how to add a collar, how to lengthen the arms, how to trim with an i-cord).

This DVD is a must have for the visual learner.

Although I consider myself a experienced knitter, I found this DVD very useful in knitting this wonderful sweater. You follow Meg Swansen through all key steps of this project. It also includes directions for adding a collar and a bonnet. It is truly amazing that a sweater can be knitted in one piece, which eliminates to much seaming...you only need to seam at the shoulders.

I have tried to knit the Baby Surprise Jacket in the past and just couldn't quite figure it out. This DVD was perfect, and it also has instructions for different collars and a matching bonnet. Very helpful!

This DVD features Meg Swansen teaching the construction of her mother's famous Baby Surprise Jacket. I purchased it as an afterthought along with The Opinionated Knitter. Not only did it explain the sweater very well, I learned several simple techniques for knitting that I had never seen before within the first ten minutes! I've been knitting over 40 years, and have regular "stitch -n- bitch" sessions with knitting friends, but this added so much to my knowledge base that I am looking for other DVDs in the series. Buy it now!

I bought this DVD (along with a ball of Noro sock yarn) for my mother-in-law who has been learning to knit. She prefers to teach herself, buying books, etc, and only consulting with me when she can't figure something out on her own. I knew the idea of making a baby jacket would intimidate her, though the decreases are the only technique she hasn't done yet, so I got the DVD, having heard that it walks the viewer through each step, giving her the privacy of learning she likes. Sure enough she was intimidated at the idea of making a baby sweater, but for my sake attempted it, and is surprised and delighted at her progress. She'll even show me how she's doing! which looks great. She's shown me parts of the DVD.

So. While I have not personally used this item, I can say that it appears to be a wonderful resource, and wouldn't mind watching it myself.

I knew I wanted to try knitting the Baby Surprise Sweater but I hestitated to invest in this DVD for a long while. Since the pattern is nowhere to be found free (unless you go to the library and borrow Elizabeth Zimmerman's book) I finally took the plunge and ordered the DVD.
Why didn't I just borrow the book? I don't particularly like Elizabeth Zimmerman's "style" of writing, and I knew with such an unorthodox pattern, I would need help or end up pulling my hair out.

I am extremely happy with the DVD! Meg Swansen does a wonderful job guiding us through each step of the sweater. The DVD is about an hour and a half long and has 28 Chapters. Once more, the entire session is filmed outdoors in a wooded section that is so relaxing to watch.

I am now a 'fan' of this pattern, and look forward to knitting many many more!
So if you are hesitating, please don't any longer!

I would venture to say that it takes the confusion out of knitting this sweater, and once you have cast off all stitches, you need a visual guide to show you how to fold your misshapen fabric so it forms sleeves, a back, and front, that only needs shoulder seams stitched. You get this visuality on the DVD.

I made minor mistakes but the finished product is still usable. You can see photos here: [...]

Meg does a great job of making MOST of her mom's directions clear. Plus, she does a good job of showing some good tips to making it better. I only wish she gave insight about making this sweater in different sizes.

I'm so glad I bought the DVD and not the book. The written instructions are included, however, I would not have been able to knit and finish this great little Baby Jacket without the wonderful, clear instructions on the DVD. I highly recommend this DVD.

I got this DVD to "try out" the Meg Swansen DVD's. It wasn't very expensive so I thought I would give it a shot, this pattern has always been a bit hard to read for me. Wow, what a great DVD. So many fantastic knitting tips any knitter could use for any patterns. It was a wonderful DVD, I have more on my wish list now!

I wanted to knit up a Baby-Surprise Jacket like nobody's business, but being a neophyte knitter, I had a terrible time figuring out the pattern from books.

This video was a lifesaver. Thank you, Meg Swanson. Not only for helping me knit up lots of these sweet little jackets, but also for making me a better knitter.