Denim People: 30 Designs from Rowan for Men & Women

Hargreaves et al offer readers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the multi-stranded, hard-wearing lives of the elusive Denim People. Although some may quibble with the use of the somewhat out-of-date term for this people-group as the title of the work, this photographic survey of the People of Denim will delight and inform.

This book has great designs for young people, especially for guys. It can be hard to find designs that are modern without being bizarre. The sweaters in this book will appeal to young men and women. They offer a nice variety, with tanks, pullovers, cardigans, tunics, and jackets. All are sized from 32" to 40" for women and 34" to 44" for men. You will need to be able to read knitting patterns in order to use this book, and they do not include how-to-knit info. However, they do not assume much. They give specific row-by-row directions for ribbing and moss stitch. They give schematics and charts as well as row-by-row directions. They also include some interesting finishing details, including bleaching in particular patterns and embroidery, and the instructions for these details are very clear. The patterns themselves are not difficult. They are all designed for denim yarn, though, a yarn which shrinks in a particular way. An experienced knitter who is comfortable with math should be able to adjust the patterns for other yarns, but if that does not describe you, then you must be prepared to use denim yarns for these designs, or find that they will not fit. A final comment -- the book is, like all Rowan books, very attractive. Most of the models look sulky or preoccupied -- as though they were all waiting around for the ACT test to begin -- but the photography is lovely.