Within the lavishly photographed pages of knit, Swirl!, designer Sandra McIver presents 18 designs that flatter all figures, each based on the innovative one piece, one seam circular construction she calls a “Swirl”. Using simple knitting techniques, she creates elegant sweater jackets in four dramatic silhouettes and three flexible sizes.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
As clever a book as it is gorgeous, knit, Swirl! presents a masterful use of simple knitting techniques to create a garment that – as I can personally attest – feels magnificent, showcases yarn to its fullest, and flatters all figures. Sandra’s Swirl is, indeed, the new Miracle Sweater. Clara Parkes—Knitter's Review
This book may be one of the most exciting and brilliant knitting concepts I have ever seen. Sandra McIver has presented the knitting world with a unique twist on the circle sweater and elevated the idea to whole new heights. Knitty.com
An instant classic and a true treasure in our genre. Jared Flood—Brooklyn Tweed
After pawing through this gorgeous collection of “Swirls”—McIver’s term for her circular-shawl-cum-jackets—it’s hard to imagine that you wouldn’t get mobbed at a wool festival should you decide to knit one. Not only does it drape and move as you swan about, it also allows you to incorporate fancy stitchwork, weave in ribbons, show off flashy hand-paints and generally bend it to your will. Vogue Knitting
I believe this sweater is destined to become one of the most oft-knit, beloved and reliable knitting designs in history. Cat Bordhi—author of New Pathways for Sock Knitters and Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters
Stunning garments, beautiful photography, and endless variations on an innovative theme – this book is flawless. Cookie A—author of Sock Innovation and Knit. Sock. Love.
This book may be one of the most exciting and brilliant knitting concepts I have ever seen. Sandra McIver has presented the knitting world with a unique twist on the circle sweater and elevated the idea to whole new heights. Knitty.com
An instant classic and a true treasure in our genre. Jared Flood—Brooklyn Tweed
After pawing through this gorgeous collection of “Swirls”—McIver’s term for her circular-shawl-cum-jackets—it’s hard to imagine that you wouldn’t get mobbed at a wool festival should you decide to knit one. Not only does it drape and move as you swan about, it also allows you to incorporate fancy stitchwork, weave in ribbons, show off flashy hand-paints and generally bend it to your will. Vogue Knitting
I believe this sweater is destined to become one of the most oft-knit, beloved and reliable knitting designs in history. Cat Bordhi—author of New Pathways for Sock Knitters and Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters
Stunning garments, beautiful photography, and endless variations on an innovative theme – this book is flawless. Cookie A—author of Sock Innovation and Knit. Sock. Love.
About the Author
After 25 years in the California wine industry as the president and founder of Matanzas Creek Winery, Sandra McIver sold the business and turned her attention to her lifelong love of knitting. knit, Swirl! is her first book.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
159 of 159 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The allure of the Swirl is multifaceted. One piece, one seam construction certainly gets my attention. Having witnessed for myself the way that a single jacket can flatter so many figures, the "miracle sweater" moniker certainly fits. Sandra asks the knitter the throw away the notion that body circumference measurement dictates size, presenting instead a simple measurement that determines one's Swirl size. In addition, she gives styling options whereby a single figure may well fit all three sizes of a given Swirl jacket. Swirls are separated into four silhouette categories based on their structural characteristics. Within each silhouette, she gives multiple variations on trim, fiber type, yarn weight and shaping. While overwhelming to pick a single favourite, the silhouette overview is an excellent starting point to assist you choosing your own perfect Swirl. With eighteen designs in all, it's a pretty safe bet there's one for all of us.
One gets the sense these garments have not been designed, but engineered. For those who see the circular form and assume these are more of those "circle with armholes" sweaters to which we've become accustomed, think again. Sandra has devoted years of study to bring us well past the "target sweater", and the improvement is nothing short of monumental. Designs are presented in an array of yarns, some of them very decidedly on the high-end side. With a book of this style, it seems only fitting. Numerous notes are given on yarn substitution, which should help those on a more restrictive budget, but I feel more inclined to save up some stash cash and spring for something really special in a few months' time.
Designers beware: this book is not a springboard to guide you in designing your own Swirl, nor does it claim to be. As an incorrigible tinkerer, I am guilty of modifying patterns to the point that the finished product is barely recognizable. Given the unique fabric produced by Swirl shaping, this has the potential to yield very unpredictable results. I think I'll let Sandra, the veteran, design my first Swirl on my behalf. I continue to thumb through my copy of the book almost nightly, and have still not determined which design that will be. Swirl knitting is not about instant gratification. The initial cast-on of 500+ stitches alone guarantees that. As the knitting takes shape and the sweater grows inward, it begins to move more quickly. The reward for patience and trust will be a unique, stunning and inspiring garment. With incredibly detailed schematics, visually arresting photography and notes on wearing variations, you'll feel Sandra is with you every step of the way.
One gets the sense these garments have not been designed, but engineered. For those who see the circular form and assume these are more of those "circle with armholes" sweaters to which we've become accustomed, think again. Sandra has devoted years of study to bring us well past the "target sweater", and the improvement is nothing short of monumental. Designs are presented in an array of yarns, some of them very decidedly on the high-end side. With a book of this style, it seems only fitting. Numerous notes are given on yarn substitution, which should help those on a more restrictive budget, but I feel more inclined to save up some stash cash and spring for something really special in a few months' time.
Designers beware: this book is not a springboard to guide you in designing your own Swirl, nor does it claim to be. As an incorrigible tinkerer, I am guilty of modifying patterns to the point that the finished product is barely recognizable. Given the unique fabric produced by Swirl shaping, this has the potential to yield very unpredictable results. I think I'll let Sandra, the veteran, design my first Swirl on my behalf. I continue to thumb through my copy of the book almost nightly, and have still not determined which design that will be. Swirl knitting is not about instant gratification. The initial cast-on of 500+ stitches alone guarantees that. As the knitting takes shape and the sweater grows inward, it begins to move more quickly. The reward for patience and trust will be a unique, stunning and inspiring garment. With incredibly detailed schematics, visually arresting photography and notes on wearing variations, you'll feel Sandra is with you every step of the way.
93 of 93 people found the following review helpful
By Jeane
Format:Hardcover
I love Sandra's book. In 40+ years of knitting, I have never seen a knitting book like this. It is clear that Sandra not only understands the unique benefits of her swirl shape, but has found a way to make these garments accessible to both beginning and experienced knitters looking for a new adventure. Experienced knitters who are comfortable with knitting or modifying the rectangular shapes of most knitted projects -- scarves, sweaters, etc. should look at this book with a fresh eye. Knitting a Swirl is for those knitters who are able to "think outside of the rectangle" and enjoy the wonderfully flattering and flexible fit of Sandra's unique garments. And Sandra holds your hand every step of the way.
When you pick up this book, leaf through the yummy designs and drool a bit, but don't short change yourself (or the book) by skipping the preliminary "how to" chapters. It is here that Sandra shares all the tips and tricks that make these jackets truly accessible to all knitters. Knitters who need to go "by the pattern" are given TWO methods of reading the same pattern; "stash" knitters are given clear guidelines on how to successfully substitute yarns; and the oh, so necessary notes on how to predict the fit of these Swirls are all included.
We now have two truly unique Swirls in the family -- both with successful yarn substitutions based on Sandra's guidelines. I loaned the book to my mother (who had not knit anything for over 30 years) along with a bag of bits from my stash and asked her to knit the cover Swirl for my niece's graduation present. I have also knit another Swirl taking the recommended substitution guidelines to heart. What fun! Once I understood the structure, I was able to lengthen my favorite Swirl to fit my height!
Please don't be put off by a less enthusiastic review that suggests the "one seam" is the same as "set in sleeves." Having actually knit one of these projects, the "one seam" is a true "no brainer" seam that supports and makes the garment hang beautifully. There are no set in sleeves in this garment. If you've never been able to knit a garment that fits, try a Swirl!
When you pick up this book, leaf through the yummy designs and drool a bit, but don't short change yourself (or the book) by skipping the preliminary "how to" chapters. It is here that Sandra shares all the tips and tricks that make these jackets truly accessible to all knitters. Knitters who need to go "by the pattern" are given TWO methods of reading the same pattern; "stash" knitters are given clear guidelines on how to successfully substitute yarns; and the oh, so necessary notes on how to predict the fit of these Swirls are all included.
We now have two truly unique Swirls in the family -- both with successful yarn substitutions based on Sandra's guidelines. I loaned the book to my mother (who had not knit anything for over 30 years) along with a bag of bits from my stash and asked her to knit the cover Swirl for my niece's graduation present. I have also knit another Swirl taking the recommended substitution guidelines to heart. What fun! Once I understood the structure, I was able to lengthen my favorite Swirl to fit my height!
Please don't be put off by a less enthusiastic review that suggests the "one seam" is the same as "set in sleeves." Having actually knit one of these projects, the "one seam" is a true "no brainer" seam that supports and makes the garment hang beautifully. There are no set in sleeves in this garment. If you've never been able to knit a garment that fits, try a Swirl!
55 of 55 people found the following review helpful
By Ann Glassley
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is very refreshing to see the distinctive, cleverly designed jackets in Sandra McIver's new book. The Swirl silhouettes are all knitted in one piece, circular construction with only one seam, using easy knit and purl stitches, making it an easy knit for all knitters. I appreciate the careful attention Sandra has paid to the clearly written, detailed instructions. A tips and techniques chapter is included to guide the knitting and finishing of this special sweater and there are "road maps" for each design so you should never lose your place in the knitting. The photography of each Swirl, from many angles, is absolutely amazing! This is one of those well written knitting books that is a real keeper in my knitting library! My first Swirl is on the needles and I see many more on my "must knit" list.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
great
all the books i have purchased are really great and the service is every bit as good
over all excellent
over all excellent
Published 4 days ago by Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars
Knit, Swirl!
This is a beautiful book for the more advanced knitter with a variety of designs for this very flattering sweater.
Published 14 days ago by Leila Preston
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Beautiful Full picture book with every detail you need to make these fantastic knit jackets/shawls. Just starting on my first piece and going good so far!
Published 1 month ago by Janette
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful patterns
This book has beautiful patterns. I started one, and realized that if you do not use basically the same color for the DK yarn and the lace weight, you will see a line through your... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Judy Adamcyk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Anyone who is looking to knit an EASY jacket that flatters EVERY body shape should seriously consider this book! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sara Richardson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating Construction - the effort is worth it!
If you're not daunted by casting on 593 stitches (or more) and are willing to spend time on these projects, the end result is amazing! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Del Lee
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ahhhh
I waited for a long time to get this book, now that I have it, it kind of freaks me out. The good thing is, it's very detailed, the bad thing is it's very detailed. Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Knit, Swirl
I really want to knit at least one of these sweaters. They are attractive lookingand give me excust to use Noro Yarn which I love.
Published 2 months ago by pixie6
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow so many Ideas!!!
Book is great...making one of the sweaters now...it is lots of fun! Can't wait to wear it. And start the next one????
Published 3 months ago by Martha Pusey
4.0 out of 5 stars
challenging
the sweater resulting from this book is awesome, but the technique needs some getting used to, and I was semi-confused most of the time. Luckily it came out correctly. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Millie Derry
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