Customer Reviews

Swedish Knits: Classic and Modern Designs in the Scandinavian Tradition

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

When I pre-order a book titled "Swedish Knits," I expect a book delivering a substantial number of patterns for exactly that--patterns based on traditional Swedish knitting designs. What I did not expect when I opened this volume, and do not want, is another in the unending parade of "how to knit" books.

The first sentence in the foreword of "Swedish Knits" is this: "This book was written for those of you who already know how to knit." Then why, pray, devote 150 of 190 pages to knitting (and crocheting) instruction, starting with the most elementary of steps and repeating information available in dozens, if not hundreds, of other publications? (For me, the 150 pages are a waste: I have knitted for more than 50 years and have made a good many garments in the Scandinavian tradition--not that this is covered well or extensively in the 150 pages.)

Tacked on at the end of the book, in the last 40 pages, are 21 patterns; of these, 17 have nothing to do with Scandinavian or Swedish knitting. Of the remaining four designs, three are based on the Norwegian tradition, not the Swedish, and there is nothing particularly new or special about these three patterns. Exactly one pattern in the entire volume is a Swedish design: a sweater in the Bohus tradition. The Bohus knitting tradition has, of course, been thoroughly and competently explored in other publications; for example, "Poems of Color," by Wendy Keele.

"Swedish Knits," then, is a huge disappointment. I cannot fathom what either the two authors or the publisher (Skyhorse Publishing) were thinking when they brought forth this book under the title "Swedish Knits." "Another Volume of Knitting Instruction with a Few Miscellaneous Designs" would be a much more fitting title. At a list price of $27.95, the book titled this way would at least not mislead its purchasers.

I could have saved my money on this one. It may have been written by two Swedes, but the content is not about Swedish style knitting. Extremely disappointing. It is just another "how to" book describing needles, yarn and patterns on the market. What few patterns there are in the book have nothing to do with "Swedish" knitting. Will not purchase books by these authors again.

This is a book about general knitting, common stitches, and usual materials. There is very little here about Swedish Knitting. The patterns that look Scandanavian are all Norwegian. The only Swedish pattern is the brioche. There are very few patterns in the book and I felt really ripped off when I got this book home. The two Norwegian patterns are nice but they can be found in any Dale of Norway book. The other patterns aren't even particularly nice.

I ordered this book with high hopes for a collection of accessible Swedish knit designs. My sister is a Bohus knitter and I was interested in finding other Swedish patterns that might carry the Bohus feel in a variety of weights and garments. What a disappointment. MUCH too much time is spent on very basic knitting instruction when this book is supposedly for those who already know how to knit. That is followed by a lengthy collection of essentially stitch patterns and sample swatches. The workmanship on the swatches is uneven and the selection is scant compared to any stitch dictionary. There are a few patterns for basic garments intermingled -- non with any kind of Scandinavian flare. FINALLY, the last few pages of the book have several patterns that appear to have Swedish inspiration. I like two of them...but not enough that I would have purchase them and certainly not enough to purchase an entire book based on them.

In short...marketing made me hope for one thing and the product made me wish I hadn't bought it.

I totally agree with the rest of the one star reviews. This is a very disappointing book. There is barely anything about Swedish design and who needs yet another how to book ? It is a very deceptive title. I will never buy anything else written by these authors. Two thumbs way down.

I ordered this book from Amazon sight unseen, because of the title and the lovely cover photograph. When I saw the actual book in a bookstore, I wanted to cancel my order, but it was too late.

This is a very nice European-style book on how to knit, with lots of photographs, useful tips, and some reasonably decent patterns. However, except for the author's name, the only thing vaguely Swedish is a pattern for a woman's Bohus-inspired yoked pullover.

This book is far different from what the title would lead you to expect. It is mostly a beginner's guide to knitting with a few uninspired patterns. Save your money!!

Please note that the shawl pattern on page 181 using the brioche stitch leaves out an entire repeat of the pattern. The photographs show five sections of brioche pattern and the written directions only give four sections.

This was a book I ordered on impulse, and that doesn't always work out. The book is more of a basic knitting how-to, and the patterns are very limited. (Some are given in one size only.) I resold my copy and hope the buyer likes it more than I did.

I have really enjoyed this truly inspirational book by authors Paula Hammerskog and Eva Wincent. I could agree with other reviewers that the title is somewhat misleading. The original Swedish title is probably a more accurate labeling alluding to how the book can help you get more out of your knitting (literal translation is "Knit More"). But if you read the back cover you get a pretty good idea what this book is about. I quote: "Written by two native Swedes to show their techniques to knitters all over the world. Swedish Knits explains and illustrates how to create an infinite number of garments by fusing a variety of patterns with your own creativity. You'll find tips, advice, and the inspiration to be adventurous and take your knitting to the next level. Whether you've only just learned to knit and purl relatively evenly or you've been knitting your own wardrobe for decades, this book will give you the tools and inspiration you need to create garments that are sensational and truly unique.". This is exactly what this book is about, inspiration and techniques to take you to the next level. And I look forward to doing it myself.