Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Paperback)

by Marilyn Saitz Cohen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Knitwear designer Cohen's first book is a stylish collection of 28 comfortable, sophisticated sweaters for women. Targeting advanced beginning knitters, Cohen uses distinctive yarns-mohair, linen, angora-to create simple tops for every season and occasion. Most of her designs feature the elementary drop shoulder, along with a variety of simple necklines and minimal shaping. Color pictures are shown for each sweater, and though there are a few clunkers (a nylon sweater for evening that's neither particularly dressy nor especially interesting), most are appealing, especially for knitters looking for subtle colors and shapes they might also find on machine-made sweaters in the J. Crew catalog. Cohen offers inventive stitches and cables that keep the sweaters from being too plain, with yarn suggestions that run the gamut from merino and cashmere to wool blends and ribbon. The specialty yarns add a unique-and pricey-touch to the sweaters, so it's disappointing that her suggestions on working with and caring for them are so minimal. A few designs for men and children, or plus sizes, would also make the book more appealing. The usual instructions on matching gauge and helpful piece measurements for each garment are provided; basic knitting instructions are not. By eschewing frilly edges and eye-popping patterns, Cohen's elegant designs ably fill a niche in the knitting book market.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Beginning and intermediate knitters who have little time or patience for complicated patterns, but who want to make something elegant and chic, will find just what they are looking for in these lavishly photographed sweaters. The designs are simple, but the wools are sumptuous. Imagine snuggling into--and showing off--a handmade, cozy white cardigan and matching scarf in a thick, chunky yarn; a black cashmere hooded design; or a buttery soft gray Merino wool cable sweater. Look graceful with a versatile ballet-neck style, or for an evening out, a silvery sweater that makes you shine. There are lightweight spring and summer fashions, too.

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Product Details Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Lark Books (February 28, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 157990744X ISBN-13: 978-1579907440 Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #498,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	73% buy the item featured on this page: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns 4.2 out of 5 stars (20) $10.76
	14% buy Knitting Simple Jackets: 25 Beautiful Designs 4.2 out of 5 stars (13) $16.47
	5% buy Saturday Sweaters: Easy to Knit, Easy to Wear 3.6 out of 5 stars (8) $24.95
	5% buy The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges 4.4 out of 5 stars (43) $17.79

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Customer Reviews

20 Reviews 5 star:  (12) 4 star:  (4) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:  (3) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.2 out of 5 stars (20 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 13 of 13 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Okay, could be better, May 19, 2004 By A Customer This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover) Two simple squares attached to two sleeves is not a bad choice for a new knitter's first sweater. But the drop shoulder style is limiting, and definitely favors slight women with boyish builds. It's pretty much the same pattern for each sweater in this book, with changes in the yarn and a few details. (Sleeves or sleeveless, stockinette or mock ribbing, round neck or squared neck.) Aspiring knitters should check out Melville's "The Knitting Experience" series, Debbie Bliss's "How to Knit", Phelps/Hiatt's "Simply Beautiful Sweaters" - and there are probably many more - for projects that begin with the basics but develop skills and don't 'dumb down'. A knitter who can appreciate style and fine yarn is probably going to feel constrained after the first few "box patterns". 24 of 27 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty pictures, gorgeous yarns, somewhat boring designs, February 13, 2006 By  S. Gefen (Tel Aviv, Israel) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover) I just got this book for my birthday, and was excited about it, because at the first glance, the book looks nice, and the sweater designs seem sane and comfortable. That is, until I actually looked at the patterns and instructions, and noticed a recurring theme in most of the designs. In fact, many of the instructions in this book seem to more or less go like this: 1. Take 2km of hideously expensive yarn. 2. Cast on 120 stitches, using the biggest needles you can find 3. Knit two squares of garter/stockinette stitch. 4. Make two sleeves. 5. Sew together, leaving a small hole for your head. 6. wear your bulky shapeless sweater which only looks nice because the yarn is gorgeous. 11 of 11 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Patterns with Exquisite Results, October 2, 2004 By  Donna (Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover) If you're a new knitter, ready to move on from scarves to sweaters, this book is for you! The sweaters in this book are indeed luxurious, as the title suggests. The instructions are clear and uncomplicated, with drawings of each pattern piece to help you stay on gauge for a perfect fit. If you're an experienced knitter, you'll enjoy the soothing, repetitive motion of the simple stitches as the sumptuous yarns flow through your fingers.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars Nice results from simple patterns In spite of the mixed reviews of this book I purchased it anyway and am glad I did. I am not a skilled knitter but have discovered that by using simple patterns and lovely yarns... Read more Published 21 days ago by Jennie Carrigan 5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the new knitter Unlike some of the other reviewers who gave this lovely book low stars I just cannot for the simple fact that though I'm advanced in crochet I'm still a new knitter and found this... Read more Published 8 months ago by Christy 2.0 out of 5 stars Seen one, seen 'em all It's hard to see why this book was published in its present format. Essentially, it consists of a series of photographs of the same sweater, a long-sleeved boat neck pullover,... Read more Published 13 months ago by Linda 5.0 out of 5 stars Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarms I'm usually reluctant to try a new book/author because sometimes they get too complicated. This book was terrific since it was so simple and it allows you to be creative with... Read more Published 17 months ago by Sharon Markowtz 4.0 out of 5 stars Nicely-done I bought this book just based on the cover sweater alone. I think it's fantastic. It's high on my list of things to knit! Read more Published 17 months ago by may-queen 5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book for basic sweater patterns! Okay, the designs in this book are not spectacular, and some reviewers have said they are boring. However, I bought some beautiful aran/heavy worsted weight yarn and, in spite of... Read more Published 21 months ago by Cynthia C. Burdick 1.0 out of 5 stars look carefully Most of these sweaters are in a previous book. Look closely, you may already have the patterns. Not worth buying twice. Published on May 4, 2007 by L. Brewer 4.0 out of 5 stars Glad I bought it I am glad I bought this book because it is exactly the kind of knitting book I looking for, beautiful classical designs. Read more Published on January 11, 2007 by D. Tzoutzouraki 4.0 out of 5 stars Expensive yarns, plain patterns I like this book, but not for the designs. The author uses the word design throughout the book and I'm just not all that impressed with making a couple of simple squares and some... Read more Published on October 26, 2006 by fiber farmer 5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for beginner knitter This book is perfect for beginner knitters who want to try out luxurious yarns. The designs are clearly written accompanied with diagrams. Read more Published on November 3, 2004 by H-R Designers Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990744X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579907440
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #498,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Okay, could be better, May 19, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover)

Two simple squares attached to two sleeves is not a bad choice for a new knitter's first sweater. But the drop shoulder style is limiting, and definitely favors slight women with boyish builds. It's pretty much the same pattern for each sweater in this book, with changes in the yarn and a few details. (Sleeves or sleeveless, stockinette or mock ribbing, round neck or squared neck.) Aspiring knitters should check out Melville's "The Knitting Experience" series, Debbie Bliss's "How to Knit", Phelps/Hiatt's "Simply Beautiful Sweaters" - and there are probably many more - for projects that begin with the basics but develop skills and don't 'dumb down'. A knitter who can appreciate style and fine yarn is probably going to feel constrained after the first few "box patterns".

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty pictures, gorgeous yarns, somewhat boring designs, February 13, 2006

By	S. Gefen (Tel Aviv, Israel) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover)

I just got this book for my birthday, and was excited about it, because at the first glance, the book looks nice, and the sweater designs seem sane and comfortable.

That is, until I actually looked at the patterns and instructions, and noticed a recurring theme in most of the designs.

In fact, many of the instructions in this book seem to more or less go like this:

1. Take 2km of hideously expensive yarn.
2. Cast on 120 stitches, using the biggest needles you can find
3. Knit two squares of garter/stockinette stitch.
4. Make two sleeves.
5. Sew together, leaving a small hole for your head.
6. wear your bulky shapeless sweater which only looks nice because the yarn is gorgeous.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Patterns with Exquisite Results, October 2, 2004

By	Donna (Colorado, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knitting Simple Sweaters from Luxurious Yarns (Hardcover)

If you're a new knitter, ready to move on from scarves to sweaters, this book is for you! The sweaters in this book are indeed luxurious, as the title suggests. The instructions are clear and uncomplicated, with drawings of each pattern piece to help you stay on gauge for a perfect fit.

If you're an experienced knitter, you'll enjoy the soothing, repetitive motion of the simple stitches as the sumptuous yarns flow through your fingers.