Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More than 5 stars, it's fantastic, December 13, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Sculptured Knits (Hardcover)
This is an absolutely beautiful book, with sweater designs for everyone. Out of 40 total designs, Moss has created a handful for the home (lovely afghans and pillows), numerous attractive sweaters for women, a bunch of charming sweaters for kids, and even a few sweaters for men. Mainly Rowan or Classic Elite are used -- cottons, silks, blends, and wools, with Colinette yarns being used as well. The designs for the sweaters -- inspired by art, film and architecture of the past decades -- are just phenomenal. They are the most creative I've seen this year, and I'm just amazed at how many tastes/moods Moss manages to cover. There is something for everyone here, from conservative and stylish looks for the office to innovative sweaters for the young or young-at-heart, to fashionable evening or weekend wear. The men's sweaters are stylish and masculine and include a fisherman sweater that looks like a combination of gansey and aran styles -- it's so nice I'm going to knit it for myself! Beautifully photographed. Some new techniques as well, and Moss provides drawings to illustrate how to perform the new stitches or new construction. There is a reversible sweater (yeah! I've been wanting to learn this technique) and a sweater jacket with pleated vents in the back, like a very traditional English walking jacket, made in a gorgeous Jean Moss tweed yarn. The instructions for knitting are thorough, with diagrams that include measurements (in inches, not centimeters, for the US audience) so you can easily follow along while knitting and blocking. This is the best knitting book published in this year, topping the very nice A Close-Knit Family. If you've seen previews of the book (the Fitzgerald sweater is in Fall 1999 Knitter's magazine and someone sent me a brochure on the book), you'll be glad to know that the book far outclasses the previews. Do not miss adding this book to your knitting library!
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Author's response, July 2, 2000
This review is from: Sculptured Knits (Hardcover)
Whilst I do not usually respond to reviews, I would like to clarify a few things about my work. My approach to knitwear design is a combination of my love of the craft, a lifelong interest in costume design and a passion for creating beautiful things. My aims in constructing a collection of my designs for publication are not driven by economics (I could find a better paid job in Woolworths), but by my wish to compile a beautiful book of designs, underpinned by a common theme. In Sculptured Knits my theme was the decorative arts of the twentieth century. With such massive scope I don't pretend to have covered anything but a fraction of it, but it does serve as a springboard and adds another dimension to the book for the intelligent reader who is interested in learning more about the design process. I always try to be thoroughly professional in my work and know that the accusation of producing a "rushed job" is totally unjustified. Sculptured Knits represents a year's work and I feel is excellent value for money, having no less than 48 unique designs in one book. You will find no half measures here - you will either like an individual design or you won't, but what I hope you will find are patterns which collectively are fun and inspiring, and individually, enough interesting pieces that you will want to knit to justify buying the book. Each design is executed in three sizes with much thought given to shape, texture and detail, the latter, in my opinion, being so important in producing a coherent design and a trademark in all my sweaters. I realise that I can't please all of the people all of the time, but I do feel that some people will never be pleased. The craft of knitting is not served by spiteful reviews . I have no problem with constructive feedback - it's inspiring to hear suggestions on how to make ever more exciting and innovative knitwear books. The learning process is ongoing and criticism invaluable in pushing the boundaries. I always give my best to a project as it is not in my nature to do things by halves. I am very proud of Sculptured Knits and challenge the "forget it" and "wet kiss" amateur reviewers to be more specific in their criticisms instead of writing glib, negative two liners which are useless to the genuine knitting public. For knitters who might like a fuller and informed review, please refer to the Spring issues of Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits or consult my website. Jean Moss
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jean Moss Sculptured Knits, February 29, 2000
This review is from: Sculptured Knits (Hardcover)
As a knitwear designer, I am quite familiar with the work of Jean Moss and many others. I found Sculptured Knits to be inspirational, informative and cutting edge. Ms. Moss approaches her designs as a dressmaker would. You can be certain of excellent fit, fashion and diversity of design. I recommend this book heartily. I am delighted with Jean Moss' use of the 20th century decorative arts movement as a touchstone for her latest designs. The instructions are clear and concise. Sculptured Knits is a treasure to have in any knitters library.
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