Customer Reviews

Seven Things that can "Make or Break" a Sweater™: Techniques and Tips for Hand Knitters

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recommend this book without reservations. The patterns are simple and flattering for most body types, and they are not difficult. I love the fact that the author suggested that there is really no wrong cast on edge, and proceeded to show that either edge can be used depending on the pattern stitch for the body of the sweater. This is refreshing. Ever since I've been knitting, I've always been told that the smooth side of the cast on should always be on the public side. She also shares numerous other tips to make our sweaters as professional looking as possible. This book is accessible by all levels of knitters. The photography also assists in making her points come across clearly. Get it while it's still in print.

If you are anywhere beyond an actual newbie knitter, you should know the "Seven Things" already because they are for the most part the stuff of beginning knitting classes or any decent knitting book. How to cast on or increase and decrease are things that can easily be learned in any knitting guide. The only tip that I did think useful was her instructions on buttonholes, although I had stumbled upon this technique by myself a long time ago. If you are a beginning knitter and don't have a good introductory knitting book, get one, but I don't think this book will be crucial to your success.

Margaret's book is a wonderful resource. Reason's why include
1) Important, basic techniques that you'll consider for all knit projects.
2) Meticulous attention to detail.
3) Written in a tone that makes you feel like Margaret is sitting there with you.
4) Instruction from a professional teacher. Margaret knows how to successfully explain the most intricate nuances.
5) Garment patterns are for "real" bodies. They are well designed, fun to make and will look good on most people.
6) Clear and accurate diagrams, photos and charts.
7) Entertaining to read. If you've taken one of Margaret's classes you know that she has a dry sense of humor and it is sprinkled throughout the book.

Thank goodness Margaret has made this reference available to us all!"

If you like to knit sweaters, and have ever longed to have a meticulously organized, patient, clear, and encouraging knitting teacher-author at your beck and call, one who would actually leave margins in her book wide enough for you to make notes to personalize and record your understanding as you learn, and to steer you cleanly towards sensible, professional habits and techniques, then this is the book for you.

Because the author has been teaching the material in this book for years, she has tested it with hundreds and hundreds of real knitters, refining and enriching it until it is near-perfect. This is a masterful instruction book.

If you are lucky enough to take a class with Margaret, you may discover that the calm voice and clarity you enjoyed in class are the same in the book. The author published this book independently, so there were no corporate compromises made with the content and style--inside the book is a complete Margaret E. Fisher workshop.

I strongly recommend it for anyone who intends to knit a sweater, as well as anyone who just wants to better understand the essentials of shaping and finishing. If I had a yarn shop, I would make it required reading for all employees. If you read this book, think about what you are learning, and practice (perhaps with the baby cardigan that Margaret suggests as a practice garment, each section matched to a chapter), you will then become the sort of knitter who can answer questions for other knitters.

I just took a 2 and a half day seminar from Margaret from the techniques in this book. It was at Camp Stitches in North Carolina. One thing to say, most of us in the class were self taught or taught by moms, grandmas, etc. So, to say that these are first level things to know is true, but there are a lot of people that have not had technique classes to know how to make your sweater look and fit really nice. My personal favorite......how to make your left vs right slanting increases and decreases look paired, just leaning in the particular direction and without the nasty holes or twisted stitches. When doing patterns that places these stitches close together, Margaret's information gives your garments the nicest look. She knows her subject well, and even though I have the class notes and handouts, the book is mine as well and will be recommended to all that I teach to knit.

I was very curious about this book because it is written by a well known master knitter. I went to a local yarn shop to view the book before purchasing and found it helpful and informative. The main issue I have with purchasing this book seems to be the price. It has been my experience that prices on books usually come down a great deal when they are published in paperback. This book is overpriced for the size and format.

Many "help" books repeat each other, but I can honestly say this one has some tips I've never seen before and the pictures are excellent. This is a good addition to my knitting library & I highly recommend it.

I firmly believe that no matter how high your level of knitting expertise, you can always learn more from another experienced knitter--even about the basics. Hence I looked forward to Margaret's book and was not disappointed. Her "Seven Things Baby Cardi" offers a terrific all-in-one lesson for new knitters, and a good reminder course for the experienced. Just knit the Baby Cardi and can say that her lesson in knitting buttonholes clicked with me as no other instruction on the topic ever has. I'll never turn out a less than exemplary buttonhole ever again. Thanks, Margaret!

Sandra McIver

Margaret did a marvelous job organizing this book and making sure that her information is delivered in a precise and clear manner.
I do recommend for to all my students that want to avoid the "homemade look"on their knitting projects.

This book is really a knitting class. The information and techniques presented are explained clearly. There are a few patterns in the back of the book that demonstrate the use of the techniques taught. Each chapter teaches a technique that you can then practice by knitting the corresponding steps for a baby cardigan. I learned why to do different techniques and my little cardigan turned out great!