Great info about fitting plus-sized knitwear
347458
To me, the best part of this book is the information on how to fit a sweater, primarily for a plus-sized garment. There are plenty of books that explain how to calculate fit, but they tend to focus on model-sized people and don't necessarily describe how to camouflage problem areas, or how to deal with curves in the wrong places. Here, the author begins with a chapter which addresses just those kind of fit problems, but she doesn't stop with the advice there.

The book is divided into chapters based on specific sweater shapes-raglan, drop-shoulder, and so on. In each chapter you will not only find sweaters that fit the theme, but tips on WHY and HOW they fit the wearer.

Further, each design comes with tips you need to know if you want to make changes. For example, "The front neck shaping is tied to the position of the underarms, so you need to consider neck depth when changing the beginning of the armholes." "This cardigan is worked without body shaping but because the side sections are worked in a fairly simple rib pattern, you could easily incorporate body shaping into the pattern."

It's refreshing to find a book which not only addresses plus-sized designs (there are others, but not many), but which also deals with the extra information you need to consider to fit a plus-sized sweater. I wouldn't go so far as to call this a "design" book, but there is some very useful design information in that first chapter.
2368747
Jean Frost is a well-known jacket designer and her first book&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Jean-Frost-Jackets-Fabric-Fit-and-Finish-for-Today-s-Knits/dp/1893762157/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Jean Frost Jackets: Fabric, Fit, and Finish for Today's Knits</a>&nbsp;"is a source of fabric stitches, finishing details and 21 classic designer-inspired styles".  Her newest book&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Custom-Knit-Jackets-Casual-to-Couture/dp/193306420X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Custom Knit Jackets: Casual to Couture</a>, published by Knitter's Press, is a welcome addition to my knitting library.  It consists of a section of '7 Essential Steps to a Custom Knit Jacket', 'The Basic Jacket in 10 Sizes and 4 gauges', 'The Jackets', 'Details and Lining', and 'Resources'.

The first section provides all the information that the knitter needs in order to custom design a jacket that fits to a tee.  There are graphs, measurements, and methods included.  The second section shows the knitter how to design a basic jacket with a round or v-neck in four gauges and ten standard sizes and how to assemble the final product.

Then comes the section on patterns themselves.  There is something here for everyone.  My favorites are Coco, a 'classic Chanel'.  It has pockets, split cuffs, buttons, and interesting fabric.  It is  knit with medium weight yarn on a size 7 U.S. needle.  Sizing is for 36" to 55 1/2".  In other words, the tiniest and the larger person ca be fit into this jacket.

I love the 'String of Pearls' Jacket knit in two colors.  The one shown is in charcoal and red, knit with a U.S. 6 needle.  It has one snap in the middle and looks classic.

'Le Smoking' jacket is beautiful, knit in a plum wine color.  It has a collar and is "a bow to Yves Saint Laurent, inspired by the jacket that secured his place in fashion".  It has a v-neck lengthened to the waistline, along with the collar.

The 'Basketweave' is the type of jacket I could wear every day.  It is both 'elegant and practical' with a stand-up collar, knit with a slip-stitch.  It is knit with medium weight yarn and is for the intermediate knitter.

The 'Leaf Jacket' has 'mirrored panels of leaves and bobble buttons' as embellishment.  The jacket is elegant and perfect for night-time wear.  Ir is for intermediate knitters and utilizes medium weight yarn and U.S. 8 needles.

The 'Swing Lace' jacket is one of my favorites.  It has a 'moderate swing' and the fabric is knit with a lace pattern.  The jacket can be worn in summer and would make a wonderful evening jacket all year long.  It is for intermediate knitters and calls for light weight yarn knit with size U.S. 4 needles.

There is something for everyone in this book.  The patterns are all for the intermediate or advanced knitter but would be an inspiration for beginning knitters.  The photographs are great and the instructions are clear.  I just love this book.
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]
3839254
I loved the designs and the variety. Among the Jackets, sweaters, cardigans, tops and scarves, I saw a granny square purse that I fell in love with. I did not like the loop-stitch set. The pictures are clear and the charts are next to the pattern. At the back of the book there are knitting techniques, abbreviations and yarn information including mail/web addresses. Very useful book.
547649
I have this book along with an earlier book of basic patterns by the same author.  These are must-have books for the bookshelf!  About all you need is a gauge swatch and you're ready to knit!

A couple of things:  (1) Check your armhole depth.  As with any book which has standardized sizes, it can't accommodate the great variety of body shapes and sizes.  For the size I usually knit (52" chest), I have to adjust the armhole depth (the length from the armhole bind-off to the top of the shoulder) downward by about 1.5", and then I make a similar adjustment in the sleeve cap (for a set-in sleeve).  (2) This book doesn't accommodate fractional stitch gauge, so fiddle with your needle sizes to get a whole number or be prepared to do a bit of math.

Now, get knitting!  With books like these, there's almost nothing that can't be knit! :)
4850691
Before I buy a new book, I borrow a copy from the library to see if it is even worth shelf space in my house.  I took a chance on pre-ordering "Knitted Cable Sourcebook" because the "Look Inside" option indicated that it might be a good book to add to my knitting library.  I was not disappointed.  This book is an excellent source for cable patterns.  There are 152 cable patterns in the book, many never before published.  The patterns are presented in chart form and written form, although the written form is brief.  There are a few garment patterns included, none of which I would want to make, but the photos of the finished garments give an idea of how these cable patterns would appear when expanded beyond the swatches shown in the book.  I love knitting Aran sweaters and scarves because there is so much pattern variation from row to row, and I like designing my own sweaters and scarves.  This book is filled with enough cable pattern inspiration to keep me happy for years.  It also inspires me to create my own new cable patterns.
2037137
Soctopus by Alice Yu contains patterns for 17 pairs of luscious socks.  The book goes into good reasons to knit socks: Good things come in small packages, socks are reassuring, socks are practical and sock knitters rock.  There is a section on fibers and sock knitting that I found very informative and useful  It goes into the kinds of fibers usually used to knit socks along with the benefits and distinctions of each.  There is also a section on yarn construction and ply and how this relates to sock knitting.

The patterns start off with the most basic sock, a stockinette knit sock with just a small rib on the top.  It proceeds to more diverse and difficult patterns, all delectable.  The Kandahar socks are lovely with a nice cable rib.  Yu describes the pair as "apres-ski socks to be worn while sitting next to a crackling fire with Testarossa cocktail in hand."  Junkie Socks are one of my favorites.  "Red blood cells made from slipped stitches and purl rows, these socks were inspired by True Blood, a TV series."  Thee pair is comprised of sextagons layered row after row.  All the socks have neat names and cute descriptions.

The book is for someone who's knit socks before as there are no photos of how to put socks together or ways to do gussets or heels.  Overall, it's a wonderful addition to my knitting library and I can't wait to get started on some of these patterns.
3431499
Great book.
Many items that will be on my list to knit.
great information about history of the kimono
2866579
Full of wonderful different types of cables and the information on how to substitute cables in patterns is invaluable.  A great addition to my knitting library.
3519782
A good book for anyone who wants to expand their knitting pattern repertoire.
888048
The 'Companion' is a great manual for knitters - the shawls are beautiful and the majority are easy to knit.  I've already used one of the patterns and look forward to starting another today!  Thanks.
4645950
I just received my copy of 'Hattitude' today. What a delicious book it is.  There are fun hats, warm hats, hats for the beginning knitter and hats for the more experienced knitter.  All of the hats are for women but some are easily adaptable for men.

I especially like the two-tone Asymmetrical Beret in a light green with a dark green border.  It's made from Classic Elite Montera and I know I have some in my stash.  The Basketweave Hat is easy enough for a beginner to try (with a little help).  It's one of the hats that can be knit up for men or women.  The Cable-Edged Kerchief is quite unique and looks like fun to knit in Cashsoft Aran by Rowan.  One of my favorites is the Cashmere Beret - that's right folks, cashmere.  Just the thought of a hat knit in Jade Sapphire Cashmere caressing my face makes me happy. It's knit in a luscious blue with a "super-wide twisted rib band" and a "floppier seed stitch crown".  It looks retro and contemporary at the same time.  The Fair Isle Stocking Cap is one of the more fun hats in the book.  It has a lot of color and even has a pom-pom.  I especially like the "quirky flaps".  The Cabled Pom-Pom Hat looks like it will keep me warm during the Alaskan winter.  It calls for Glitterspun by Lion Brand yarn but any bulky yarn can be substituted if the gauge is right.  The Tassled Ski Hat is described as "zen inspired".  It's knit primarily with the linen stitch which gives the hat a woven-like texture.  It calls for Lambs Pride Bulky, one of my favorite yarns.

There's a hat in this book for everyone and at every knitting level.  I can't wait to get started on a couple of the patterns.  As usual, I ask myself these questions when I purchase a knitting book?

Does the book include patterns that I like?

Are the patterns easy to interpret?

Can I use this book as a resource?

The answer to all three questions is a resounding 'Yes'.  Happy knitting!
3183136
I love this book.  It's just the right size to keep in my knitting bag.  I even used it while knitting on a plane trip to and from Portland, OR.  I've read reviews that state it is hard to find the questions and answers you need. I have to disagree.  The index is divided into chapters with several topics under each chapter heading. It gives great instructions and illustrations from best cast-ons for different garments to solving problems when they occur.  It answers questions about reading patterns, shaping, fitting, and finishing, just to mention a few. There were even several suggestions for estimating the length of the tail when casting on. The print is easy to read and I have had no trouble finding answers to all the questions I have had thus far. I highly recommend this book.  It's a great sized book for the price.
139392
This book is absolutely stunning.  Yes, the patterns are only listed for one size and that caused me to delay ordering this item, however, once I did and reviewed it, it was apparent to me that most of the patterns are for a medium size, have a nice allowance and are drop shouldered with very little close fit.

Don't let this stop you from ordering however because the designer will adapt a pattern specifically to your specifications if you just email her and give her the measurements.

The yarn listed is given in British terms, so converting the amounts to use a different yarn may be a bit of a challenge.  I ended up ordering a kit from the designer that will include all of the yarn-the price seems reasonable and not out of line if you tried to pick up the yarn on your own.

Have no doubts, buy this book and knit yourself a beautiful sweater!
104289
This 128 page pattern book is laid out beautifully with large, clear photos that show the details of the 21 knitted articles very well. There are patterns for 9 pullovers, 4 cardigans, a vest, a large wrap, (I'd call that one a lap robe or afghan myself), 2 shrugs, a hat, a scarf, and mittens. They are all nice cabled designs that I'd be happy to knit.
All of the sweater patterns come in a good range of sizes typically fitting a chest size from 32 to 46" (81.5 - 117cm) with some going as large as to fit a 54" bust.
Having just received the book I haven't yet knitted any of the patterns, but the format looks good with large, easy to read charts, written instructions, and schematics included.
3669958
Other than a few complicated directions, I like the fact this book is compact and can be carried in a small tote.  Lots of useful info with directions, even for more skilled knitters.
160444
I ran into the work of Doris Chan on Ravelry while looking for plus-sized sweaters to crochet for myself. I was so impressed with the resulting sweater that I came here looking for books she might have published.

If you're a process person, this book is definitely for you. If you find yourself working on a pattern and thinking how  you could adapt it to suit yourself, this book is also for you. If you've ever wondered how to design something with sleeves or how to add a collar to a piece, this book is for you. If you just want a book of patterns for Sweaters A, B, and C, you might be disappointed. "Convertible Crochet" includes several sets of motifs in square, pentagon, hexagon, and octagon shapes. Each motif and shape comes in two sizes--major and minor. The motifs have been carefully designed so that they are very easy to "join as you go," and instructions are provided for how to do that. There are also instructions for how to stabilize the motifs for use at stress points and joinings.

The motifs will be familiar to anyone who loves or has admired the lacy thread doilies, bedspreads, placemats, and lace trims our grandmothers created with little tiny hooks. The magic happens when you take those tiny motifs and patterns and expand them by using garment-weight yarns.

For me, I needed to sit down and read the book pretty much from cover to cover. I selected a design that was compatible with my size and shape, made a gauge swatch, and set to work. I'm delighted with the results. There are garments in the book that I'll never wear, but I can see myself making up my own garments from the motifs and instructions.

Loved it!