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Knitting With Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for the Modern Man [Paperback]

Michael Del Vecchio
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)


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Book Description

October 16, 2006
Packed with modern styles, tips on how to create your own designs, and a history of the surprisingly close tie men and yarn have shared through the years-this original craft book is perfect for the growing band of male knitters and women who crave more cool patterns for men.


Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Co-founder of menknit.net, an online resource for male knitters, del Vecchio's print version is an excellent sourcebook for knitters of any gender. After a comprehensive introduction to knitting basics, including cast-ons, how to read yarn labels and how to tie a slip knot, del Vecchio offers detailed instructions for everything from a business card holder and iPod case to sweaters, throws and a knee-length coat, keeping projects practical and stylish. A standard sweater is jazzed up with an eye-catching tribal design, and he offers patterns for everyday manly items such as hiking boot socks and a watchman's cap and scarf. Each design comes with detailed instructions and, in true DK fashion, the book is loaded with photos and diagrams, making del Vecchio's projects practically foolproof for knitters of any skill level.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n Bitch oldly announced knitting was no longer for grandma. Girls everywhere were picking up their needles and stitching, reclaiming this "domestic art" as hip and modern. Well it's time to shake things up again and dispel the myth that knitting is a girl thing. Men knit and they have for ages. Sailors knit aboard fishing boats, cowboys knit while tending cattle and surgeons knit to keep their fingers nimble. Men have knitted from the beginning of knitting. When the stigma of knitting as a women's craft began is unclear, but it hasn't kept men from knitting. Still, resources for male knitters are limited. Most pattern books are filled with projects for women and children, providing only a few patterns for men (usually a hat, scarf and raglan sweater). Del Vecchio has collected a wonderful selection of modern patterns for men, giving the book appeal not just to men interested in knitting but also to women looking for more patterns for men. Readers are encouraged to spread the word that men knit--knit in public, start a men-only knitting group, participate in online communities. Resource lists of books, Web sites, and yarns, as well as advice on how to start your own knitting group, are provided at the end of the book. An essential addition to any knitting library, not just because it challenges our ideas of his-and-her crafts but also because of the stunning, modern patterns inside. Jennifer Palmer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

  • Paperback: 160 pages
  • Publisher: DK ADULT (October 16, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0756622891
  • ISBN-13: 978-0756622893
  • Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #102,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 40 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Men with Balls October 25, 2006
Format:Paperback
Just got my copy. WOW!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best knitting books I've ever seen.

It has superlative instructions for learning to knit English, Continental AND left-handed: increasing, decreasing, joining pieces together in a variety of ways -- all first class. And he charts. And has schematics.

And the patterns. I love almost every one of them. Well thought out and great looking designs -- the hooded sweater with the fold-down cuff which turns into a half-mitten -- fantastic idea! I've never seen it done elsewhere.

O.K. I'm not a guy. But I have guy students. They will be REQUIRED to get this. I do have a husband, 2 grown sons, and about a dozen other male relatives. And, of course, most of the designs are classic and would work equally well for women (with appropriate color changes). The wallet, credit card holder, cup cozy and laptop case are going OTN just as soon as I can get to my stash.

Not to mention that the patterns are easily adapted for women and children ...

WOW!!! I'm in love.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressed! December 9, 2006
Format:Paperback
I think there's a great mix of good patterns, resources, and technique, and of course it fills a need in the knitting book world. I wanted this book because I find that there often aren't enough patterns for men, period, no matter the proposed gender of the knitter. On my first quick look-throught the book, I found several projects I want to knit; when I saw the alpaca running sweater, I instantly knew I have to make it for my (very picky) brother. He'll love it. Personally, I think the coffee cozies would be great gifts, and the felted dop kit is so smart; I can see it in all kinds of yarn/fabric lining combos. Several small details of the book - the stitch dictionary (in color) in the back, which gives an easy reference for the projects; the tips on starting a knitting group; the history of men who knit throughout - make Knitting with Balls a good read and reference, as well as a good pattern book.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I'd Make Some Garments for Myself December 12, 2006
By AntieV
Format:Paperback
It's a nice easy book with adaptable patterns. Some of the colors chosen for images aren't very masculine but most of the designs are. I plan to make socks and a hoodie for my husband and a scarf and pullover for myself. Most men like simple designs without a lot of fuss so if your looking for knit something your man will actually wear you'll find them in this book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars Not really impressed
I thought for sure that there would be great patterns throughout. Not so much. Since I already know the basics and a bit more, the instructional side of it wasn't as important. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars book on knitting for a man
I bought this for a surprise gag gift for a man who has extra time on his hands. Book looks very easy to follow with lots of pictures to help him along.
Published 12 days ago by Grandma
4.0 out of 5 stars Great
Finding anything to do with knitting that is remotely geared toward guys is unusual to say the least and this book is both good and geared toward male knitters. Read more
Published on April 6, 2011 by Jason Barnhart
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for your man who knits!
This is such a great book---mostly because of the awesome patterns that are geared towards men. Beautiful sweaters, coffee cozies, laptop cases, and lots more. Read more
Published on January 9, 2011 by Zoe Shepherd
3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat useful for new male knitter, printed in China (and shows)
Overall I would say as a new knitter, this book is nice. It covers the basics, gives you a few project ideas, and in the back of the book there are sources for yarn and male... Read more
Published on December 31, 2010 by Mark Lasich
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Starting Point
This is a nice book for beginning knitters. The projects are useful, but also basic enough that they can be easily adjust and altered for other needs.
Published on September 17, 2010 by S. R. Aichinger
4.0 out of 5 stars Good basic reference, but be prepared to improvise
I liked the detailed instructions, as well as the illustrations which showed how to do a number of useful techniques (picking up stitches, knitting into row below, etc). Read more
Published on August 30, 2010 by D. Robinson
4.0 out of 5 stars Knit like a man!
Book was well written and the instructions were easy to follow. The projects were geared toward men instead of the type of projects that are in many knitting how-to guides. Read more
Published on February 14, 2010 by Mikey Rut
4.0 out of 5 stars Useful
I bought this book for my boyfriend who is just learning to knit. The instruction throughout the book is excellent for a beginner. Some of the patterns are great while others... Read more
Published on November 10, 2008 by Jodi Franco
4.0 out of 5 stars Great patterns for men!
This book has great patterns for men to be knit by anyone although the book is written for men to learn to knit. Good instructions, too.
Published on August 17, 2008 by Mary L. Elliott
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