A beautiful book full of good patterns
921491
This book is full of patterns for beautiful objects, including wearables such as shawls and scarves, home decor items, and other whimsical items such as miniature sweater egg cozies (I think they'd make good Christmas ornaments) and a complete barnyard of finger puppets.  But this book is more than patterns -- there are also ideas for creating a relaxing weekend, including recipes for butter cookies, decadent hot chocolate, movie ideas, and ways to soothe tired hands.  The photographs are beautiful and really contribute to the book's serene and restful theme.

Some of the other reviewers have noted that this is not a book for beginners, and many of the patterns do require an intermediate skill level.  But several, including a couple of the sweaters, scarves, and other objects, are easily doable for beginning knitters.  Yes, most of them will take more than a weekend to make.  But the finished objects are worth it, so even if you are a beginner, just save the more intermediate projects until you are up to trying them out!
3587356
I don't usually like these one-skein books because the patterns are usually too simple and mundane.  This book, however, surprised me as the patterns are interesting, lacey, lovely.  The photography is very good so you can see what the finished product is really supposed to look like.  I haven't had the chance to use the patterns yet but they look complete to me. The book is divided into sections:  From head to toe,Knits for kids, It's a wrap, Lacy accessories and For the home.  The patterns are designed by a variety of designers so there is a variety of skills, ideas, yarns, stitches, techniques etc.  In the back of the book are pages of instructions of the techniques in case you need review or instruction.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves knitting lace because it would keep you busy for months and months - 101 patterns in all.  WOW!
1351652
This is a great book with lots of patterns and I would say it is well worth the money you pay for it.
1996221
It is so rare to find a book of patterns that truly encompasses women of multiple sizes.  The sweaters in this book go range from 31" to 55" bust in most cases.  All of the patterns are easy to follow and are beautiful.  Any area that is charted is also written out.  The 22 patterns include hats, scarves, cowls, sweaters, leg warmers, shawls and mittens.  There's a mix of everything...they even put in a beautiful blanket pattern.

There's a great, fully illustrated glossary of terms at the back of the book, too, which is convenient because then you are not searching the web mid-project to attempt to remember how to do something.
1609760
I needed easy and clear instruction and that is what this book contains. I also like the beautiful patterns contained in this book. Thanks!
2693370
I've already found several patterns that I want to make in this book.

I like that they have included not only knit patterns but some crochet ones too.

Most of the patterns are quite advanced, a few too difficult for me to consider but most I think I could complete! Not much for beginners here, only saw a few patterns that were given that skill rating.

I was a big confused by the abbreviations being written out and then in some cases having another term in () after that. I now think that is probably US vs UK terminology but that should definitely have been mentioned somewhere in this book. It wasn't, from what I noted.

I love the Jacobean Tote most of all. It will be a challenge for me if I make it but I think i can! It is so beautiful. :-) Some of the socks are very cool too.

I would love to have seen a few more glove patterns. I like making gloves. But the ones that were included in this book are nice.

One to consider if you are looking for a variety of hats, totes, mitts etc...that are a step-up from the usual!

Recommended.

Geraldine Helen Hartman
1272410
The patterns in this book are wonderful.  I followed the written instructions as I  found them easier to read than trying to understand the charts.  As a novice chocheter, I would have liked a bit more direction on how to accurately place legs, ears, eyes, etc. although the photographs are so good that I could generally copy them.  I have only attempted shawls and afghans before and was intrigued to find out how I could make a shape.  I found the instructions in the round gave the toy the contours needed and I loved the fact that I didn't have to sew up a lot of seams.
I  have only made one so far, the camel, and it turned out well.  I also made a multi-coloured blanket for it .  There are so many lovely designs that I am deciding which one to do next.  I would advise any serious crocheter to try this book.  There's still time to get some Christmas presents made.
1710476
This is truly a lovely book with beautiful pictures and layouts.  The directions and charts are detailed and carefully done.  The book contains projects for crocheters of every skill level.  If you like filet crochet, you will want this book.
511227
Louisa Harding does it again. She has an inimitable style to her designs and I love her patterns. In this book she has mittens, a satchel, hats, a lovely pillow and a tunic that I like. She also uses buttons in very creative ways in several of her patterns. Instructions for the patterns are clear as well as instructions for techniques used in the knitting of the designs (e.g. short rows).

The patterns are mostly for intermediate to experienced knitters though there are one or two, such as the pillow, for the experienced beginner.

I would enjoy knitting several of the patterns, find the patterns to be clear and easy to follow, and would use the book as a resource. I recommend this book for any knitter's library.
4547726
Mary Beth Temple is a crochet designer whose work I've liked for a while. The reason is because she combines classic crochet techniques and stitches into contemporary fashions that are wearable. A lot of her designs are also relatively quick to stitch. Also being plus sized, I appreciate attractive crochet patterns that fit my build.

The patterns in this book are American crochet terminology with international crochet notation as illustrations for the stitch patterns.

It starts with detailed information about changing the size of the patterns, and adapting them to different yarn types. It explains how to shorten, lengthen and change the fitting of patterns, as well as swatching then testing the swatches for the method you plan to use for laundering or checking how stretching will affect the fabric. Handy if you're like me and generally prefer cotton yarns.

Then you get to the patterns, which are all shown on lovely women of different shapes and sizes. This book is heavy on the sweaters, pullovers, cardigans, shells and vests. There are also some outwear and accessory patterns and one gorgeous skirt.

The patterns start with suggested yarn types, but also include the Craft Yarn Council of America's sizing for that yarn and the gauge is listed so you can try it with a different yarn easily. They are all written in good detail and easy to follow. I'm better with charts than written instructions so I'll refer to the charts for the stitch pattern and use the instructions to know where to increase and get the right measurements and shapes.

The variety of patterns is good. My favorite long sleeves sweater in the book is the pullover on the cover. Her version uses spike stitches as colorwork accents on the yoke and wide sleeves in a nearly floral effect, and it has shaping around the waist to pull it in some and reduce bulk, then flares out to skim over the hips. The yarn weight and look of the sweater make it a great one for fall and winter months.
For sleeveless sweaters, the Perfect Base Tank Top is made using a fine yarn in a shell stitch and is nicely fitted. The fine yarn and shaping keep it from being bulky and the shell stitch help keep it from getting boring to make.
The Essential Cardigan is a basic cardigan great for all sort of winter and fall layering, and it's my favorite cardigan.
Other things I love in this book are the Traditional Cloak, the Sensible Shawl and lacy Wrapt Top. Andee Graves' skirt is just fabulous, a wrap skirt with a beautiful shape made from wool.

Good instructions, contemporary designs and the sizing goes from XL to 5X. The designs are handmade boutique in styling. Out of 25 patterns, there are only a few that aren't my style at all, and I believe this book will have designs that will appeal to most women who like fashion crochet with a good fit for larger body types.
[I received a complimentary copy of the book to review on my craft blog- Don't Eat the Paste. My reviews are always my honest opinion]
2018699
I love this book. The patterns are varied and plentiful, and the designs are updated, wearable versions of the styles and trends from the past. No matter what era you might want - from 40s vixen to 70s funky, they've got it.  (And there's probably a hat to match.) Seriously, there's a TON of patterns - hats, skirts, sweaters, jackets, socks, dresses.  And many of them are double patterns, like a hat AND sweater or a mens AND a women's version, so there's even more than the 43 patterns on the cover. (It's fun to see which designer did which pattern, and how they treated their categories, if you know your bloggers...)

In an unusual move that I am sure is appreciated by cross-crafters, the book contains both crochet and knitting, with a sewing project thrown in for good measure.  Again with the chock full.  I also liked the text in this book - I'm not usually one to read all the chapter intros and such, but the descriptions are fun and the walk down memory lane is enhanced by all the little details and descriptions the authors added.

So yes, I recommend it, and I honestly think anyone should be able to find something for them in here, but even if they didn't, they'd have fun looking.
3698353
I love this book.  I'm so excited to try some of the designs.  I suspect that the patterns might be a little bit too small for me (I'm a size 12 in ready made clothes) but close enough that I can adapt them.  They are beautiful, feminine designs that look like they will look good on pretty much everybody with enough selection that you can tailor the dresses to your style.  I think it was very clever of the author to provide block patterns that have matching seam/dart lines so that you can virtually make style you're interested in.  I suspect that I will go to pintrest and find examples of dresses I like and use these patterns to make similar dresses.  Well written good book.
1096232
A wonderful book, crammed full with different patterns. I especially liked the section explaining the international symbols, enabling me to use patterns, not just of this book, but anywhere. The samples of patterns were all in one colour, which I am sure is practical, but it made the book a bit lacking colour. The book could have offered some uses for the patterns, i.e. which pattern could be used for which project. The Amazon service is outstanding, I keep amazed at the easiness of ordering anything from Amazon. In short,  I am very happy with the book. and it met my expectations.
3363783
Wonderful book,beautiful patterns.cant wait to get started...
1627770
Have you ever looked through a pattern book and really loved the design on the cover but only found one or two other patterns you really liked? It's not worth buying the book. This book isn't like that. Twenty-six designs and only one I'm not that crazy about. There are so many patterns I want to make I'm having a hard time deciding which one to start first. The instructions are easy to follow and if you don't know what some of the knitting terms mean there is a section that explains what they are AND how to do them. There are plenty of pictures that show the socks at different angles, giving excellent views of the cuff, toe, heal, and even the sole if it's patterned differently from the rest of the sock. The book suggests using Regia yarn but I can't find it in any of the shops where I live or Online. Still, the patterns I've used work up wonderfully with good quality fingering weight or sock yarns. I love knitting socks and I will be using this book for many years.
3078483
Great Book.  Many wonderful patterns.  Very good instructions
881107
This book has a lot of lovely knits in it, several patterns that I can't wait to try.  The idea of them being almost seamless is also a real plus.  There are vests, sweaters, cardigans, and dresses.  The patterns are appealing and varied.

My favorites are the Deb Vest in a blue-greay color, knit in garter stitch with Blackstone Tweed Yarn from Berroco.  I love the Jenny Cable Vest, knit in an off-white aran with beautiful accent cables.  The yarn is Jeannee from Plymouth.  The Judy Cardigan Jacket is something to wear anywhere - work or pleasure- and is knit in a lovely gold hue.  The yarn is Ultra Alpaca from Berroco.  The Perri is a tunic length vest in subtle stripes of light grey, yellow and off white.  The yarn is Fresco from Wisdom Yarns and is 100% cotton.  The Wendy pullover sweater is bright and snappy looking.  It is striped in bright colors with a basket weave texture.  The yarn is self-striping and calls for Sonnet from Wisdom Yarns.  I also loved Patti, a cardigan sweater in a heathered brown with three buttons at the top.  The yarn used is Iceland from Crystal Palace.

I don't think any knitter could go wrong with this book.  It has sizes for real people, not just small sizes.  The patterns are varied and lovely and there are patterns for every level of knitter.

Bonnie Brody, 8/9/11