The Pleasures of Knitting: Timeless Feminine Sweaters

Very impressive work. I was especially enchanted by the fact that most of the designs were ones I could wear. Being more than a little on the large size, I find the line and bulk of sweaters an important factor in whether or not I can wear them. Almost all of these designs are ones I can wear and actually look well. Most of the sweaters feature vertical bands even in the cables. The back of the sweater featured on the cover of the book has a superbly slimming line. I am inspired; I might actually be able to knit this pattern and not look like a bus wearing it when it's finished!!! The poor boy sweater on p.27 is especially nice. Again the lines are vertical. The one piece construction means the sweater is easier to make. In my case, I would probably lengthen (rather than shorten as suggested) the sweater. I hate having my hips exposed; there's too much of them! The sweater illustrated on p. 42 shares the vertical format with the other patterns, but has a yoke and sleeve pattern that focuses the eye at the shoulders and bust rather than the waist, creating an illusion of height and length. A very attractive design for a larger woman. I am very pleased with this book.

I love sweaters with texture. I am not into all of the new "novelty" yarns. If I am going to spend a good deal of money on yarn, it is going to be because of its content (i.e. wool, cotton, cashmere, etc.). The patterns in this book are absolutely beautiful and I wish I could find more patterns like these. I especially like the fact that most of these patterns do use lighter weight yarns. Living in Florida, we don't often need heavy sweaters. Personally, I prefer to have patterns written out, as opposed to reading a chart. As much as I love this book and the patterns it contains, I will admit that it is not for those faint of heart. If you are looking for "quick knits" or patterns to use specialty yarns with, this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you like cables and do not want to be bored with repetative patterns, this is definitely for you!

If you buy only book this year, this should be the book. The only problem you'll have will be deciding which sweater to knit first. I've seen these sweaters and they are beautiful and ergonomic. They shape to your body like a glove to a hand. Plus, Ann provides A-Z tips on posture and hand care while knitting. The information will be really helpful for your body so you can knit easier and longer. I know because I too am a movement therapist and know the importance of good posture. A must have knitting book!---Mary Ann Foster, author of Somatic Patterning

This book is beautifully written and offers lovely sweaters for ALL skill levels. Some are advanced, but there are patterns in this book for beginners too. The patterns are vibrant and creative which I don't always find in knitting books. They truly are some of the loveliest patterns I have seen in a knitting book. It's definately worth buying, you will not be disappointed. There is a lot of really good technical information included from measuring properly to yarn weights and substitutions, seaming, lace stitches and more. The author has also shared her ideas about proper alignment of the body while knitting. I have never seen this in another knitting book and find this to be very valuable information. Knitting is meditative for me and I feel the author of this book taps into that aspect as well as having great skill at explaining techniques in knitting. Her descriptions are clear and concise and I am so happy to have found this book. It is written in a way that is very easy to understand. I love this book!