Sweaters by Hand [Paperback]

Helene Rush (Author), Rachel Emmons (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Sweaters by Hand is a knitting-design book that contains twenty-four hand-knit sweaters of interesting design. The book was written for people who spin as well as knit, so each sweater is described with attention on the texture and type of yard to be spun as well as on the pattern itself. This approach will be invaluable for the spinner, as most pattern books only discuss yams by brand-name types. In addition, each pattern contains instructions about dyeing the spun yam. For the knitter who doesn't spin, there is information on matching the spun yam with similar yam from a store. Several chapters in Sweaters by Hand are devoted to the art of spinning and dyeing. Though the authors admit that the process is better taught by an expert, their information is helpful in learning 'about the different types of yams and their uses. Although not a spinner, this reviewer found the discussions about spinning to be fascinating, as will many readers who work with yam. The twenty-four patterns presented in this book are sweater classics. They are interesting and challenging enough for an experienced knitter, but a beginner may find them too difficult and may require more time on the basics of knitting. The authors present the sweaters and their fibers and textures in an appealing way, taking the reader through the process of pattern, color, and yam selection; this process, in fact, is as interesting as the finished product that's displayed. Their patterns have a definite "knit-me" appeal. As a pattern book, Sweaters by Hand offers unique patterns, but the real furt is the special insight into fibers, spinning, and texture that also contribute to the creation of unique and wearable sweaters. Recommended for libraries and bookstores. -- From Independent Publisher

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Pr (January 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0934026378
• ISBN-13: 978-0934026376
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,448 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweaters by hand; designs for spinners and knitters, February 7, 2004

By 

Rhonda Renay Thomas "quietwoman" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sweaters by Hand (Paperback)

I was impressed with this book for two reasons:

1. It 's about knitting sweaters from handspun yarn, and since I'm learning to spin-I found much inspiration/information on type of fiber and exactly how to spin (in detail)
for each sweater. The instructions were very thorough on how they created their yarns for each and every sweater.

2.The designs were beautiful, interesting without being over
complicated.

It challenged me to take my time with each process of sweater design, paying attention to detail, with the end goal
of creating the perfect sweater with the perfect yarn for that sweater. Each sweater was unique and deserved unique,
individual attention through the whole process from choosing the fiber, to the final knitting of the garment.

I would highly reccamend for a beginning knitter/spinner first sweater book,
or for an advanced knitter who wants a new challenge: learning to spin and work with handspun.

Rhonda Thomas
beginning spinner
beginning knitter
advanced crocheter

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for beginning spinners and knitters, March 13, 2005

By 

Penny L. Teem "Spindlespinner" (Hardy, Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sweaters by Hand (Paperback)

This is a lovely book that belongs in every spinners collections. The photographs are wonderful and the information is presented in a very clear and concise manner.

This book covers the basic information needed to spin a coherent yarn to specifications & produce the sweater shown. The knitting directions are well written. When dyeing was needed to produce a given effect in the article, the directions were also clear and concise.

I bought this book right after I learned to spin. I have made several articles from it, and have used it as source material for some original designs. Now that I teach others to spin, I use this book as a reference material for my students.

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that convinced me to learn to spin, October 17, 2009

By 

R. Peacock "Just the facts, ma'am" (Still fettered to an office stool, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sweaters by Hand (Paperback)

Sweaters by Hand is probably my favorite knitting/spinning book of all. Without being overwhelmingly technical, Helene and Rachael show the reader how to take a raw fleece and turn it into a beautiful, unique garment. They discuss all of the steps involved, with photos to show how it's done, with handling a number of different fibers -- angora, linen, mohair, silk, camel down, and a variety of different breeds of wool ranging from very fine to coarse. They talk about the characteristics and "behavior" of each kind of fiber and give practical tips on making harmonious matches between the fiber and the project. The introductory chapters are a sort of mini-course on spinning equipment, basic spinning technique, and tailoring the yarn to the intended end use -- a helpful background for understanding yarn and fiber in general, even for a non-spinner.

A budding designer would also find support here. Among the 24 sweaters chronicled in this book, some are suggested by the fiber itself (Yes, fiber can talk, if you know how to listen!). Some begin with a concept that evolves during the process of creating the yarn and the sweater design. Some are even created to use up leftover fiber from the other projects -- something which really appeals to a frugal mind like mine!

Although this book was first published over 20 years ago, the designs don't look "dated", and a knitter wanting to make a more trendy, less classic garment could easily adjust the patterns to create the desired effect. In addition to presenting two dozen sweaters that are lovely in themselves, the book can also serve as a starting point for the imagination. My much-read copy is full of sticky notes with scribblings that begin, "What if..." and go off in all sorts of directions, triggered by a phrase in the text or a picture.

This is a book that brings together many elements of the wonderful world of fiber and invites the reader to experiment on his or her own using the building blocks presented here. I've always wished there were a sequel to Sweaters by Hand -- I would love to have seen what Helene and Rachael did next!