Customer Reviews

Simple Style (Style series)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While visiting my local knitting store today, I perused their new books. 'Simple Style' by Ann Budd caught my eye. I was especially taken by two of the patterns in the book - - Kimono Classic by Vicki Square and Garter Lace Jacket by Ann Budd. I also like the fact that the book is published by Interweave Press, publisher of my favorite knitting magazine.

When I purchased this book, I asked myself three questions:

1) Does the book contain patterns that I will knit? The answer is yes.

2) Will the book serve as a good resource? Again, the answer is yes.

3) Are the patterns easy to follow? Yes, again.

I trust Interweave Press. While this is a book for intermediate knitters and beyond, I think it has a good selection of patterns to choose from.

I ordered this book completely blind, having loved the previous Style books in the series. This is a nice addition to the line, but some of the patterns were just not ... me. I LOVE the cartigan you can wear forward and backward (but will have to substitute yarn if I ever make it ... I priced it out on a yarn CLEARANCE site, and it was muy expensive). The gansey skirt is also wonderful. But as for some of the boxy sweaters--no thanks.

If you like simple clothes and shapes, this is a great book. But I'd recommend paging through it first to make sure it's right for your bookshelf.

Unlike many books, I found several projects I want to make from this one. True to their word, the patterns are pretty simple. The only thing that would make it better is if they could provide a list of where to get the yarns featured in the projects.
I look forward to using this book well into the future. Really glad I bought it!

Bookworm

Knit simple but include some embellishments that change the style look completely with silhouettes and details in this presentation of some nineteen modern clothes which require no complex techniques. Sixteen knitwear designers provide projects with easy step-by-step knitting directions in a presentation encouraging knitters to think beyond the usual options of complicated or possibly dull. Any knitting library will find this a popular lend.

The 19 innovative to traditional designs certainly lives up to its title. The book is beautifully presented and gives the reader plenty of full and half-page color photos to fully appreciate each project. Kudos to the author. It is difficult to decide which to knit first!

Thank you,
Northern Calif. Knitter

Simple Style: 19 Innovative to Traditional Designs with Simple Knitting Techniques (Style series) by Ann Budd from the publisher Interweave Press and want to share my impression of the book. Simple Style has 19 designs and with the possible exception of the Drawstring Bateau by Debbie Newton, the designs are all stylish and fairly simple in design and execution. Although stylish the Bateau looks a little more difficult. If you are looking for a sweater pattern that has enough shaping to keep you from looking like you are wearing your son's hoodie, but not so much that you are scared off by the tailoring this might just be the book for you.

Sweaters often scare us, especially when you consider the amount of time they take and your experience level. There are so many places where things can go wrong. No matter how perfect your gauge swatch, it is possible that the gauge you get in your swatch may vary on the actual garment. Will the completed sweater look good on the wearer? Will the person who receives it actually take care of and wear it? With all that said you still want to make a sweater, so you then pick a pattern or a book of patterns that appeal to you. Simple Style has classic looking sweaters, with simple techniques and a large variety of sizes, from finished size 30 inches or 76 cm. to 50 inches round or 127 cm.

Having a pattern book with many sizes makes it a versatile book because of the amount of use you can potentially get out of it. In addition, the classic patterns will not go out of style quickly. Finally, simple, fitted, fashionable patterns also allow the designer within us to experiment and make changes. This book offers all of that and a great glossary of the techniques used, but if you want a book of really out there patterns this might not be the book for you. You could use these patterns as a stepping stone though.

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

I bought this after listening to a Knit Picks (I think) pod cast. It was more purchased due to influence.... I am happy with the purchase and can't wait to get started on some of the patterns!

I live in Alaska and love cozy sweaters. This book has many that I want to make right now. Several of my favorite designers are featured in this book! I love it!

I have many of Ann Budd's knitting books and really like them. Don't think I like this one as much as others I have. But there are several items that I'll probably make. Ann Budd's instructions are easy to follow, and I like the items I have made.

I love this book...it was just what I hoped it would be. I plan to make good use of it!