Sweaters from New England Sheep Farms: 26 Original Designs in Hand-Dyed and Natural Colored Yarns

I used to visit New England sheep farms every year on a Wool Day tour that took you from farm to farm in New Hampshire. It was so wonderful. So I had to take a look at Candace Strick's tribute to New England Sheep Farns.Handdyed country wools are used beautifully in this book to make 26 designs. But WHY I bought this book is due to one sweater alone, an indigo and natural design that has a pattern that combines both an Escher like mosaic with a Japanese or Islamic looking pattern. The patterns uses two variants of one motif, one with an added dark band. The use of two similar small patterns makes an overall larger design that is incredibly pleasing. There are the usual picture sweaters here. The notes about the farms are fun to read if you love New England (ok, so I am homesick a bit.) All in all, a beautiful book with sweaters that would make elegant gifts.

This book is extremely well done; the sweater designs are superb, and there are several interesting techniques included with some of the designs. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. I don't usually "read" knitting books, but the author's descriptions of her visits to the various farms are really interesting and fun to read. The accompanying photographs are excellent. I also really appreciated the inclusion of substitute yarn suggestions for those of us who might not have access to the specialty yarns used in the book. This book is a terrific addition to my knitting library, and I hope to purchase more of her books in the future.

Candace Strick is a talented hand knitter and designer who draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to present twenty-six classically handsome sweater patterns inspired by the unique qualities of the custom-dyed yearns from eight sheep farms across the New England countryside in Sweaters From New England Sheep Farms. Strick clearly explains how commercial yarns may be substituted for hand-dyed and blended yarns, and offers simple, easy-to-follow directions for following each of the patterns. Photos of finished sweater projects and the sheep farms enhanced her "knitter friendly" text. An ideal "how to" guide for beginners and an invaluable source of projects for experienced knitters as well, Sweaters From New England Sheep Farms is a "must" for anyone seeking a unique and satisfying needlecraft project.

If you buy no other knitting books this year, buy this one. It's the best I've seen in years. Of the 26 patterns, only one doesn't interest me. Strick shows tremendous ingenuity with her designs and also has lots of helpful hints. Sweaters for all levels included plus some very interesting colorwork patterns.

Candace has done it again - a wonderful collection of sweaters that range from classic gansey designs to dressy cardigans that can take you to the office. The best is the variety of the sweaters I like to wear - texture. And for those looking for more than sweaters there is a pair of mittens, socks, a shawl and a coat.The stories of the sheep farmers was compelling and makes me appreciate all the people who bring the products that make our knitting possible. A must buy.