Customer Reviews

Simply Beautiful Sweaters for Men

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

 

 

Oh what a book!

This is a Simply Fabulous collection of vests, pullovers and cardigans for men - BUT WAIT - any number of them would be great for women too (there is even a section in the book that describes how easy it is to adjust the patterns). There are other items to knit also: a child's vest, golf club covers, cabled muffler (beautiful for a woman too) and a cabled throw (absolutely elegant).

The designs featured are classic in their style and shape, and timeless in their appeal. Add to this styling the elegance of the luxury yarns that are used to knit up these gorgeous sweaters and the result is, truly, a simply beautiful sweater.

No, this is not your typical 'sweater for men' book. It begins with "Why a Men's Book" that describes the thought, detail and commitment to creating sweaters for men that are not fussy and complicated. Rather ones that are easy to knit, comfortable styles to wear but also have an interesting design detail.

But it is a fun book also, the authors include light-hearted stories about 'knitting for boyfriends' and the often unfortunate results. They also provide 'yarns' - short introductions to each garment that fondly describes the person that inspired its creation.

Then, as you turn the pages the inspiration begins. Each garment has a full page photograph that shows in vivid color the beauty and detail of each design. Keep in simple - the pattern instructions are written in an easy to follow, clear manner.

There is a chapter on "How to read a Tricoter Pattern" that provides a common sense, step-by-step approach for something that can often times be confusing. The book also includes sections on basic knitting informtion, how to take measurements, finishing techniques, general tips while knitting and tassel making instructions (for that gorgeous cabled throw).

This book, along with the authors first, Simply Beautiful Sweaters, are both a real treasure for knitters.

Sweaters for Men is a beautiful book, excellent photographs. The directions are plain, clear and easy to follow. I liked the schematic that showed all increases, decreases, bind offs. I bought yarn at my local store and made a vest and have started a crew neck sweater. I will probably make two more sweaters from this book.

I was very excited to order this book to start making a sweater for my boyfriend. Unfortunately the book is full of sweater vests and only a few simple patterns. You could easily find similar patterns free online, so I definitely don't think it's worth the $35!

I know the title says "Sweaters for Men", but women will love this book too. The structure and color of each sweater are lovely and the knitting is not too complicated.

I loved the first book so much that I've made nearly every sweater in it. My only complaint is that it is glued together and comes apart after only a few uses. It would be much better to have it spiral bound or hardbound.

LAP

I got the book yesterday and my husband immediately picked out the cover sweater. I did a search for the yarn and found out that the sweater would cost $... to make. Other patterns use cashmere or pashimina which is also costly. I do like the schematics but I find it very boring to knit a seed stitch sweater even though the yarn is fabulous. Also, I wish they had included more bulky patterns. It will take months to knit a man's sweater on 8s.

I felt it would be very hard to publish a men's pattern book better than the last women's book, but Linden Phelps and Beryl Hiatt have done it again! This book is fantastic! The sweaters are beautiful and would make any man look gorgeous. The layout and the photos are first class and the stories are truly enjoyable to read. This is not only a beautiful book, but so inspiring that it's difficult to decide which sweater to knit first! Even if you don't have a man in your life, some of the sweaters are able to adapt nicely to women. Bravo! Linden and Beryl, you have truly taken knitting to a higher level.

I love the simple patterns but the cost of the yarns recommended is really high. I know you can substitute yarns, but it's still quite expensive. Also, I wish there had been more sweaters on larger needles.

Beryl and Lindy have come up with another winner. Their first book was a hit with wonderful ladies patterns, and this one is equally as good with great patterns for men. I would definitely recommend this book to be added to your knitting library.

I love the sweaters for men (alterable for women) in this book, and the men in my life agree. Have made two sweaters from their patterns so far and am working on a third, with three "orders" left to do for family members. However, this is not a book for beginners. Directions are often not quite right and you have to know what you're doing. On the sweater I'm making right now, it says to keep 23 stiches on the right hand needle where you bind off for the neck opening. Then the instructions tell you to bind off 33 stitches from the 23. Can't be done, but if you're comfortable with a little innovation, it's not a big problem. There are similar kinds of problems in other patterns. I just adjusted for the mistakes, but often knitted a row or two before I realized their directions weren't exactly right. So great for intermediate to advanced knitters. Again, not for beginners.