Book Description
Wenlan Chia, creator of the acclaimed fashion line Twinkle by Wenlan, is famous for knitting bold, chunky yarn into delicate, feminine designs. The look is at once whimsical and hip, classic and trendy; in short, Wenlan’s knits are like nothing you’ve seen before. Now, she shares her patterns and her secrets with knitters everywhere.
Twinkle’s Big City Knits is a collection of 31 of Twinkle’s greatest hits that knitters can finally make at home. From a mohair shrug embellished with ribbon and braids to a wrap vest with a plunging V-neck, every design in Twinkle’s Big City Knits puts an innovative, spin on classic knitwear and styles. Here are patterns for all of Twinkle’s hottest pieces: the bestselling seed-stitch Twinkle Hoodie, the cropped and flirty Best Friend Cardigan, the effortlessly trendy Shopping Tunic. For warmer weather, lighter colors and lighter knits reign, so you’ll find the classic sophistication of the Chanel-inspired Coco Jacket in soft pastels, a delicate and feather-soft scarf light enough for spring, as well as the St. Bart’s Mini that could very well be the perfect Little Black Dress. Full-color photographs and clear instructions make it easy to learn new techniques. In addition, Wenlan shares her advice on techniques, choosing yarns, and choosing materials to make knitting with chunky yarn as easy as it looks.
With designs this creative, colors this beautiful, and shapes this modern, you’ll want to make every project in this book—and they all knit up so quickly that you can!
Customer Reviews:
great book wish the measurements were bigger.......2007-09-21
great book really great designs but these sizes are SO small....im not a big girl but these arent realistic american sizes its like the largest size is a 4/6 when the average woman in 12! Lucky me I have the patience to figure out how to make it larger...
Patterns riddled with errors.......2007-09-20
The designs are creative, and I continue to receive compliments on the sweaters I've made from this book. But the patterns are full of errors and unclear instructions, most of which are not included in the errata sheet. Just thumbing through the book before I made anything, I could tell that there were major mistakes in the yardage requirements. And once I began knitting, I became quite frustrated. I am used to encountering some mistakes in knitting patterns and books, but this book seems not to have been edited or checked by the author at all. I am amazed at the number of errors throughout. Since I do like many of the designs, I will probably knit more, though I am thoroughly disappointed in the quality of the patterns.
This book will break your heart.......2007-08-19
I just finished my fourth attempted project out of this book and was hard pressed not to throw it out of the car. The pictures of the finished garments might be beautiful, but the patterns are riddled with mistakes, require a serious combination of both knitting skill and intuition to compensate for their omissions and, even when completed successfully, often turn out to be incredibly ugly. What was supposed to be a winter hat wound up looking more like a fishnet shower cap with overly long ear flaps. The only thing I can think to do with the book now is to use it as a basis for creating my own patterns. Even in this capacity, however, it will require serious effort and time to overcome its failures and inadequacies. In short, I hate this book.
(My boyfriend just came upon me typing and asked whether writing the review was sufficiently cathartic. Frankly, I don't think so, but it's a start.)
I have similar complaints about this book..........2007-08-19
Overall, I am pretty happy with this book. It is nice to see new 'fashionable' knitting books out there and it makes me hope for more like this. However, execution was a little off. I have only made the balthazar vest and not only are there mistakes in the pattern, the instructions are vague at best. For example, they don't remind you to continue the knit over detail on the front as you make the sweater, and many other little things like that, which could lead to mistakes. As far as the sizing, I made the sweater a size larger than I would normally make it, because so many people mentioned that the sizing was off (I usually take a medium and made a large), and I ended up ripping the vest out and starting over in the size medium and simply adding a couple more rows to make it slightly longer. In the book, it states many of the sweaters are meant to be close fitting, I guess which means if it's small, it's on purpose, I think it's just a matter of taste. Overall, I like the book because there are tons of great pictures and it makes me excited to knit, but the instructions could be improved upon.
Great looking pieces...somewhat confusing patterns.......2007-08-14
I was so excited when I got this book, the sweaters look great and they are nice and chunky, knit up quick and are more fashion forward than most patterns you see out there. When I picked a pattern (the city vest) and started to attepmt it, I realized that the simple-seeming pattern was confusing and badly written. I had to start over three times before finally re-writing it so I could figure it out. It seems that some people have had similar experiences with this book and I'd like to point out that you can find some pattern corrections through the classic elite website (classiceliteyarns.com), its called "big city knits errata" I think. After looking at that, and going into my next patterns expecting to encounter confusing and badly written instructions, it was a bit easier and I've now succesfully made a couple more things from this book. I still love the designs!
Book Description
Big Girl Knits features twenty-five unique patterns for women size 14 and up. From flattering pullovers and sexy tees to sleek skirts and fun accessories, this book is overflowing with options for knitting up an entire wardrobe to compliment your shapely shape.
Part knitting instruction, part fashion guide, Big Girl Knits is packed with expert advice to help you make the most of the three Bs: Boobs, Belly, and Butt. All the garments and accessories featured in the book are proportioned to fit and flatter a big girl’s body. Learn two fabulous adaptations to add to your knitting toolbox that you can apply to any sweater pattern. The book also features an easy-to-use measurement guide and tips to help you choose the right yarn, colors, and styles for you.
Customer Reviews:
Great Purchase.......2007-10-11
I am very pleased with my purchase. The condition of the book was as described and it arrived in a timely manner.
Big Girl Knits.......2007-09-16
This book is just what big Girls who knit need. It's witty, funny and the patterns are lovely and inspiring. Definitely a very well written book.
A bad attempt at a cool idea.......2007-09-10
It is books like this that I really hope inspire others to write better ones - with better patterns, better looking models and a kinder, more creative title.
I have to agree with the other reviewers that the patterns are awful! They have no shape to them, don't lay right and the designs are ugly. After 2 pattern attempts I just gave up. Eventhough I was not to keen on any of the patterns I did want to try one out as a gift.
I find the items suggested in this book to be ones that would be the rejects at stores that majority of larger women would never dare be seen in. Come on! Our clothes have to reflect the abundance of personality and class a beautiful bigger woman usually has!
Would it have hurt to hire models that didn't look so frumpy? What makes an okay looking top become a bad one is if the model looks like she hasn't done her hair or makeup. The models selected for this book provide zero stimulation to the items they are suppose to be inspiring to create. I am not talking about hiring supermodels, but the least thing these models could have done were comb their hair, put some lipstick on and smile and make us think the tops were really fun to wear!
Lastly, I find the book's title unintelligent and frankly offensive. When did a word (big) that we use towards children to encourage them to be mature and respectful become such a negative term towards women's bodies? Society really needs to embrace the words that really describe our bodies... voluptuous, curvy, healthy, etc... Would it have killed the authors to name it "Venus Girl Knits" or "Vivacious Voluptuous Women Knits"?
I really hope this book inspires some more creative bound books in the future. It was a great idea that has so much more potential in the market. I personally do not recommend this one at all.
To all big girl knitters don't miss this one!!.......2007-07-09
This is a wonderful book full of fashionable knits for we big beautiful women. There is an excellent forward with all you need to know about dressing to suit your size and the importance of measuring ourselves correctly.
Although all the patterns are not to my taste, most of them are and I had a hard time deciding what to knit first.
I can't wait for the next one.
Thanks
Abrasive.......2007-06-21
I find this book informative and vulgar. The authors' use of inappropriate inuendoes and offensive language destroyed any desire to support their efforts at having written this book. Sometimes trying to be funny when you are not only makes the attempt worse. As a confident full bodied woman I have no need for such demoralizing humor. The book was returned...and yes I do appreciate the authors' attempts at creating knitting patterns for women of substance.
Book Description
It takes such a short time to knit a full-size afghan on large, oversized needles, that it will soon be time to pick the next one! This great collection will satisfy every knitter who longs for wonderful projects that don't take forever!
Customer Reviews:
Corrections from Publisher.......2006-01-12
I saw this book at the store & really liked the patterns, but when I read the other reviews, it said that there were a number of typos. I asked the publisher for its corrections, and the publisher's email is as follows (I hope this helps readers out!):
EDITORIAL CORRECTION
Big Needle Knit Afghan
Although we make every effort to prevent errors from being published, we regret that they do occasionally occur and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. These are corrected as the book is reprinted. Your copy may or may not have corrections completed depending on which print you have.
Please note the following correction/clarification(s):
Morning Sunlight, page 16
Beg Pat
Row 2: Row 2: k2, p1,.......sl 1 wyif, k2, p1, rep from *
Heart of Mine, page 20
Key
Sl 1 to cn and hold in back k1, p1 from cn
should read: Sl 1 to cn and hold in back, k2, p1 from cn.
So example Row 4 would read: P6, sl 1 to cn and hold in back, k2, p1 from
cn, sl 2 to cn and hold in front, p1, k2 from cn, p6.
There are 18 sts in that panel and that is what we have.
On the chart The 9th stitch(counting from the right) of row 10 should look
like a 'y. '
Front and Back Cable
Row 4: should end with a p1.
Star Quilt on page 29
That row should read: K1, inc 2 sts in next st, k1. (5 sts)
Can inc 2 by working in the front, back, and front again of the same st
Blue Bells, page 38
Special Abbreviation
CDD (centered double decrease): Sl 2 sts tog knitwise, k1, pass 2 sl sts.
over.
Blanket
Beg char, working rep between red lines 10 times not 8.
Lavender Mist, page 52
The cast on should be 154 sts.
Row 7: is correct.
Row 9: K2, *k1, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k2; rep from * across, k2.
Row 11: to read: K2, *k2, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1; rep from * across,
end last rep k2.
Jewel Tones, page 54
Pattern Stitch
Rep Rows 1-4 for pattern after Rows 7-14 should say Rep Rows 1-14
Diamond Lace, page 78
Pattern Stitch
Rep rows after Rows 39-42: Knit are
Rep Rows 7-42 for pat
Bunches of Violets, page 95
Odd-numbered rows 1-9 and 21-29: ..., end last rep p7, k7, p7, k1, [p1, k1]
twice.
Odd-numbered rows 11-19: ...,end last rep k7, p7, k7, k1, [p1, k1] twice.
Odd-numbered rows 31-39 and 51-59: ..., end last rep end last rep k22,
[p1,k1] twice
Odd-numbered rows 41-49: ..., end last rep k22, [p1, k1] twice.
Nature's First Green, page 115
The Special abbreviation for SSP should read: ......reversed position,
p2tog-tbl.
Dimensional Triangles, page 140
Row 3: In the second line there is a k tog, that should read k2tog.
Row 9: K1, k2tog, yo, k7, *yo, CDD, yo, k7; rep from * to last 3 sts, yo,
ssk, k1.
Celtic Tradition, Page 144
The pat stitch is a multiple of 7 sts + 1, which means the cast on amount
should be 162, not 165.
Basketweave & Cable, page 157
Row 10 should read: [P2, k2] twice, p12, k2, p2, k2, p12, [k2, p2] twice...
removed * and added phrasing
Row 13 should read: [K2, p2] twice, k12, p2, k2, p2, k12, [p2, k2] twice...
removed * and added phrasing, removed rep from * around.
Cable & Diamonds pattern, page 160
Special Abbreviations have changes:
Sl-1b: Sl next st to cn and hold in back
Sl-2b: Sl next 2 sts to cn and hold in back.
Pat C. Entwined Diamonds
Row 3: Pl, sl-1b, k1, p1 from cn, p2, sl-1f, p1, k1 from cn, p5, sl-1b, k2,
k1 from cn, k2, sl-2f, k1, k2 from cn, .....
Row 7: Sl-1f, p1, k1 from cn, p4, sl-1b, k1, p1 from cn, p2, sl-1b, k2, p1
from cn, k6, sl-2f, .....
Row 11: P2, sl-1f, p1, k1 from cn, sl-1b, k1, p1 from cn, p2, .....
Row 29: Sl-1f, p1, k1 from cn, p4, sl-1b, ...
We could also make a clarification to the Center Section (page 163, second column) In the paragraph after the Set up pat row, let's add the following before Continue: Keeping 7 sts between cable panels in St st, continue to work even in established pats....
Editorial Reference
Big-Needle Knit Afghans
Five Easy Cables, page 136
The pattern and stitch count is correct as written.
Here is an alternate way of saying the same thing. Maybe this will be easier
to understand.
Rows 1 and 5 (RS): K10, [p2, k9] 9 times, p2, k10.
Row 2 and all WS rows: K9, p1, [k2, p9, k2, p1, k7, p1] 4 times, k2, p9, k2,
p1, k9.
Row 3: K10, [p2, cf, k3, p2, k9] 4 times, p2, cf, k3, p2, k10.
Row 7: K10, [p2, k3, cb, p2, k9] 4 times, p2, k3, cb, p2, k10.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1-8 for pat.
Ruble Red, page 142
The set up row works out as written.
There are 127 sts. If you deduct 5 at each end for the border plus the 3
before the * it leaves you with 114 sts.
The multiple is 6. 114 divided by 6 = 19 repeats.
In Special Abbreviations the inc is
made by knitting each strand of the next st.
To set up pattern:
Seed st over 5 sts, pm, p3, *inc in next st, k1, inc in next st, p3; rep
from * to last 5 sts, Seed st over 5 sts.
19 reps of the pat, each rep increases the st count by 2 for a total of 165
sts.
Please let us know if we may be of further assistance.
Beautiful Ideas - Full of Mistakes.......2004-08-31
A beautifully photographed book of afgans for beginning to advanced knitters. How discouraging can it be to start a project, and realize things just don't "add up". If you are a knitter, you know what I mean.
I contacted the publisher and pointed out a number of errors in their directions. Surprisingly, they sent me two pages of Editorial corrections, most of them identified by readers.
All I can say is, BEWARE, and call the publisher and ask for the Editorial corrections OR you try to figure out if there is a mistake in the directions. Just have fun!!
Beautiful patterns, needs better editor.......2004-06-08
I love this book. The patterns are beautiful and easy to follow, the pictures are stunning, and I expect to get a lot of use out of it in the coming years.
However, I'm working on my first afghan from the book, and there are two mistakes in the pattern. It's on page 52, and the pattern doesn't work unless you cast on 154 stitches instead of 152, and there's a psso missing from Row 11 - without it, the row is a disaster of increasing stitches that would probably result in a giant triangle. I'm about 80 rows into the afghan, which had to be restarted three times in order to work out these typos, but now is coming along beautifully. But it makes me wonder what other typos are in store for me on the other pages.
Excellent source book for a variety of afghans.......2004-04-11
This book has plenty of afghans in various styles, from Bavarian traveling stitch (difficult) to garter blocks (easy.) All are designed in yarns you can find fairly easily on the Web or Ebay or in yarn shops. The styles also vary from lacy, openwork, to fairisle, to colorblock, to dense cables or texture. So there is a bit of something for everyone.
I found the color choices mundane, but with some imagination (or even scanning software followed by image manipulation) you could envision an aqua lace block afghan in a stunning creamy taupe rather than blue. Or any other color to suit your decor. And so it is with many of these afghans; great designs but ordinary-looking in aqua, rose or turquoise and red. The patterns are easy enough, well charted out and useful for a variety of setting; country wicker settee (a gingham check with flower applique), a Southwestern adobe (Arizona blanket) a Victorian divan (mauve lace), or a post-Modern apartment in the city (off white texture.) You choose.
Product Description
Knitting with big needles is for those who enjoy quick results without sacrificing good looks. Each design in this book is knit on needles that are size 10 or larger. All the yarns, from classic worsted styles to interesting textures and novetly looks are from the Plymouth Yarn Company.
Customer Reviews:
Little disappointing.......2007-04-11
This book has awesome photography, and great ideas for afghans, but I would never make any of the shawls, or adult sweaters in the book. They are bulky and not flattering even on their cute models. I debated if I should return the book since there were only a few patterns in it that I would make, but the base patterns of the sweaters and shawls would make neat blankets and scarves, so I decided to keep it. It does also have cute baby clothes in it.
Nice patterns.......2007-01-12
Big Needle Knitting is full of beautiful patterns. It has nice pictures for reference. I like it very much, it is well worth the money.
Book Description
New in Paper
With 142 different stitches, from the basic stockinette to openwork embroidery, aplus a variety of beautiful knitting projects, this comprehensive guide is the knitter's bible. It offers a virtual treasure chest of possibilities, all illustrated with diagrams and explained in easy-to-follow detail: classics such as the seaside chain, rung ladder, diamond, and staggered squares; dozens of cross-stitch variations; several kinds of slip stitches; two-color stitches, including creative reliefs and daisy patterns; jacquard; and more. Beginners can use the directions to learn the fundamentals and master this popular craft; more experienced knitters will pore over the pages for fresh ideas that will take their work to new creative levels. It's a must-have for anyone who owns a set of knitting n
Customer Reviews:
Must have for every knitter.......2007-09-15
I have a great collection of books; some are by designers, others compilations from knitting magazines or their editors. This book is a basic for every knitter's library. Since there are many books available, you need to know what makes this book special. It shows you the stitch; graphs it for you, but also writes out the verbiage for the stitch, which is what most knitters are used to.
Certainly lots of stitches, but no context, perhaps translation issues.......2007-06-25
I'm trying to teach myself knitting, and I am trying lots of stitch patterns as I go. I was thrilled at first to see how many patterns this book had, but after a while, it frustrated me. There is absolutely no context to the patterns---no comments, no advice, even very little division into sections. The patterns also seem to use notations and terms that are not the same as most I see. I saw this book was translated from Italian, and I wonder if something was lost in translation. It also seems physically cheaply made, as if the pages might fall out at any times. But it does have about the most stitch patterns of any book I've seen, if you can understand them!
Takes me away from plain stockinette.......2007-05-08
I've only been knitting for about a year, and haven't ventured past rib and stockinette. I've found pattern books to be focused on the pattern, without too much information about the actual stitch they are charting. This was the book I was looking for! "How-to" for the actual stitch. My plan is to knit separate blocks (sort of like a knit sampler), and join them into a throw. With that plan, I hope to teach myself different stitches and make my sweaters more versatile.
I did my first block using the Ladder Rung stitch. Some readers expressed disatisfaction with pattern accuracy. I did not find this to be true. I used the instructions for Ladder Rung, and my sample looked exactly like the one pictured. I did find the stitch instructions rather "crammed together." When a line wraps around to the next line for the same row, it is hard to keep glancing back and forth to see if you are on the right line. For example:
Row 1: xxxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
Is much harder to follow than:
Row 1: xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
I will try copying the instructions out so that 1 line contains 1 row.
I'm pleased with the investment, and look forward to integrating these stitches into my knitting projects.
a good book.......2007-05-07
This is a very interesting book if you are interested in new knitting patterns!
Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns.......2007-03-08
This is exactly what I was looking for. Had lost my old stitch pattern books in moving. It has ALL the stitches I had used and wanted to use again in one volume!!
Book Description
Showing off a dog’s distinctive attitude is easy and stylish with this collection of 12 colorful and upbeat knitwear designs for medium to large dogs. Patterns for classy, special-occasion knits, warm coats and hats, and adorable everyday sweaters blend simple shapes and sumptuous yarn with high-energy colors to create sophisticated canine apparel. A photo gallery of the designs contains a profile for each of the “top dog” models—including Hugo, a firehouse Dalmatian and Rheinhard, a German–Setter rescue dog. A measuring chart for mid- to large-size breeds, knit-to-fit instructions, and a primer on basic stitches make this an all-in-one guide in a fun, portable format. Quick to knit and very functional, these are knits that any pooch would be happy to wear.
Customer Reviews:
Sweaters and Coats for your best buddy........2007-01-31
I have wanted to knit something for my labrador for awhile now, but was confused as to properly measure her and the adjust patterns. While this book does not have alot of different patterns, the patterns in here are totally open to creativity and adjustment. The best part of the book was the "how to" when it comes to dogs. My lab is not the full knitted sweater type, but she will use the coats. I had to laugh at the "pillbox" hat and have been threatening to make her the ensemble for next October. This book was definitely worth every penny to me.
Book Description
950 color illustrations! A marvelous, oversized, every-page-in-full-color celebration of knitting! Beginners will find everything they need to make their first knitting projects, and experienced knitters will love the sensuous photos of the creative process and the finished projects. From needles to fabrics, all the essential techniques appear, along with a variety of stitches and weaves--not only the basics, but intricate double-face, jacquard, and intarsia. Add buttons and buttonholes, zippers, borders, and pockets. Weave or embroider one of many popular designs onto the fabric. Finish off with charming touches like pompons, piping, fringes, and tassels. The projects, all accompanied by charts and patterns, are breathtaking: colorful socks, gloves, and mittens; sweaters; vests; polos; and pullovers. Trim size: 8 1/2 x 11 1/4.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent & Comprehensive Knitting guide!.......2007-07-28
I love this book! I bought it about 5 years ago and I've not regretted it once. The photographs make it easy to learn, and the drawings are clear. I learned to knit from a one-page leaflet when I was in high school, but I never finished a project until I got this book. It opened the world of knitting up for me. I am now getting ready to start teaching knitting and I want my students to start with this book. I can't think of another book I've seen that is so comprehensive and clear in its instruction. It takes you from the basics to the advanced painlessly and makes it all seem much easier and possible to achieve. This is really the only technique book you will ever need.
GREAT! Book.......2007-04-08
This book is well worth the price.
Buy it if you want to know more about knitting.
It's Okay..........2007-03-09
Not very useful if you don't have much experience and most of the patterns are made in dark colors and is hard to see them. Many patterns but again, only useful if you have a lot of experience in knitting.
an excellent book.......2007-01-19
This is a very good knitting book for beginners, and even for proficient knitters. It teaches every basic skill and provides beautiful patterns. I love this book very much
#1 Knitting Resource (after my mom)!.......2006-07-09
I am a knitter who learned from a pro--my German mother--who creates her knitted works without patterns. Since this is how I learned to knit, this is how I create my pieces. While this book has some patterns (not necessarily ones I would make), it is more of an inspirational book for designing and creating your own unique work. This book is essential for the knitter who is ready to venture beyond someone else's patterns and begin creating her (his) own patterns. It covers such important finishing details such as how to create "seamless" seams, various collars and sleeve patterns in addition to beginning details such as how to cast on using the "kitchener's rib" which creates a very VERY professional (and store-bought) effect. This book is my go-to resource when I find myself attempting to decipher a confusing pattern written by another author. Also, INVALUABLE to any knitter, is the chart on page 51 which tells the reader how many stitches to cast on based upon gauge--this allows the reader/designer to make pieces that fit perfectly! Happy Knitting!
Book Description
Start with big, bulky balls of yarn and fantastically fat needles; then be amazed at how quickly these stylish projects come together! This fun way to knit guarantees a sprint from start to finish—see results in just a few rows.
· Choose from 19 fresh designs for today's fashion-conscious, and time-deprived, knitter
· Create wraps, pullovers, cardigans, and jackets in chunky, colorful yarns
· Find sections on basic knitting and finishing techniques, plus advice on customizing patterns to make projects fit just right
Book Description
Big Fish, Little Fish is an extraordinary collection of knitting patterns from internationally celebrated designer Jil Eaton. The long-anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed MinnowKnits has it all--chic styling, beautiful colors, and directions as simple as pie. Twenty-four dazzling projects are sized to fit everyone from toddlers on up. The collection includes sporty, spirited outerwear, city-chic sweaters, and dazzling party wear for teens, tots, and even grandmothers! You can knit them in a jiffy, and they make great gifts.
Customer Reviews:
not MinnowKnits.......2007-06-15
I love the patterns in the MinnowKnits series and have made several of them but was disappointed with this book.
A Nice Knitting Book.......2004-06-11
Big Fish, Little Fish starts with basic How-to-Knit instructions, moves on to some well-designed basic sweaters, adds some specialty designs with things like peplums and assymetrical necklines, and finishes up with hats, socks, and mittens. The yarns suggested are specialty yarns, but the gauges are fairly standard so you can easily substitute (assuming you understand how to use gauge information). All the patterns are designed with simple basic shapes, so there is limited shaping, but there are clever little details that make the designs a little more stylish.
There are good patterns for men, women, and children. I have made several without any difficulties, and been pleased by the fit and the ease of working. Since they are simple, changing a cable or adding a pattern stitch is easy. While I have a number of knitting pattern books, I didn't find that there was too much overlap. For example, the sock pattern is done with bulky yarn, while most of the sock patterns you already have are probably made with fine yarns. Mittens with a cable, a fleecy zippered vest, and a hat with an unusual crown design are more examples of traditional patterns with a twist.
Easy, quick and stylish.......2004-05-19
Jil Eaton has a way of making knitting seem even more fun. She is, without a doubt, a sensible knitter for people running on a time deficit. How often do you see a lovely aran knit sweater and see hour after hour ticking away when you know you need to grocery shop, bathe the kids, pay bills? Well, then Jil Eaton is an answer to your prayers. Her projecst truly are QuickKnits.
Big Fish, Little Fish is chock full of attractive sweaters and accessories that won't suck all your time away. Cable knit sweaters and vests, cardigans, pull-overs, hats, mittens, socks, it has it all. I found several items to knit in the book (and did so with no problems pattern-wise). And, the huge size range really makes this book worth the money.
She gives you measurements for peices and yardage so you can use just about any fiber and weight you want if you're willing to do a little math.
It's not for a true beginner as she doesn't give specific directions for the details (decreasing for necklines, picking up and knitting stitches, seaming). But, used in conjunctions with a "knitting bible" it's a great way to whip up some really nice sweaters traditionally designed, made better by interesting color combinations and notions.
A good collection.......2001-12-25
I own all of Jil Eaton's books. I consider this one a particularly good collection for those looking for basic children's and adult pattterns, such as socks, mitterns, (fabulous) hats, neck warmers, vests (v-neck or zippered), or plain crew neck sweaters. Plus, most (maybe all) of the patterns can be done in worsted weight yarn. Unlike Minnies, which uses many expensive designer yarn (to be dry-clean no less) for baby outfits, Big Fish Little Fish patterns can be done with any worsted yarn. So while I enjoyed making outfits from Jil Eaton's previous Minnowknits books, I like Big Fish Little Fish for its "wholesomeness". After you buy this book, you no longer need to buy individual patterns for socks, mitterns, basic sweaters and vests. I highly recommend this book.
Easy Patterns for the Beginner.......2001-11-28
I chose this as my first knitting book because the patterns look stylish yet quick and easy enough for a beginner. I did find it difficult to gauge stitches based on the information in the book. (The needle sizes seemed to be off for me.)
Most of the patterns in the book are of sweaters. There are also several of mittens, a hat, socks, and a chin warmer. One of the things I liked was that there are a couple of patterns suitable for guys -- simple, non-fussy things that even my husband said he wouldn't mind wearing!
Eaton does include how to knit some basic stitches and laundering information; however, if you're a beginner, you definitely need to get another how-to book. Something that describes how to fix dropped stitches or other problems that inevitably creep up.
Although I imagine one could probably find such easy patterns elsewhere, I think that the appeal of this book is that it has great color pictures of finished products that inspire rather than intimidate the beginner.
Customer Reviews:
For the fluffier sheep among us ----.......2007-01-29
If you knit and are shaped more like a sheep before sheering than after -- the 2 Dawn French books (Big Knits, and Great Big Knits) are what you've been looking for.
The biggest regret is that they are all but impossible to find.
I do the math tricks on all kinds of patterns so they will adjust to fit ME and all those out there like ME -- but in these books, the design is actually intended for my shape -- and not for a 14-year-old 3/4" dowl-rod model. Not only are the patterns measured up to fit, but the patterns on the sweaters are measured up as well. Who wants to wear a 3X sweater with thousands of tiny 1/4" roses on it?
The artist-inspired sweaters are expecially noteworthy, as well as the open-work lace styles and the sailor stripes.
Too bad the publishers don't know a good thing when they've got it and put out a new edition!!!
Absolutely fabulous designs!.......1998-09-17
This book, and "Big Knits" before it (very hard to find) has the best collection of sweaters REAL people want to wear. I am not a larger size but ajust the sweaters downward because they're so great. I have made more sweaters from these two books than the rest of my patterns/books combined. When are they going to publish another collection???
Bright, Big, Splashy Designs !.......1998-07-24
Knitwear with humor, bold colors and relaxed fit are within your grasp with this book. With an average finished chest size of 56" these sweater designs look good on everyone with full figures. The photos are superb, the diagrams and written instructions are easy to understand and information is provided to help you change the length and width of sweater parts to fit your figure. Dawn French (of the "French and Saunders" comedy team) adds her sense of mirth and models these bold sweaters with joy. A delightful book that's sure to inspire your own design creativity!
Finally ! Great sweater patterns in large sizes!!.......1997-09-11
Tired of calculating the changes required to knit a large size sweater from an "average size" pattern? You can actually sit down and knit immediately with this book of patterns...no more rewriting before you can begin. You'll love the many creative styles, done in everything from stocking stitch to cables and intarsia, to please beginners to advanced knitters. Clear, easy to follow instructions and witty text highlight a collection of classic sweaters, snappy pullovers, and gorgeous jackets. Your biggest problem will be choosing which one to make first! This book, presented by Dawn French (of t.v.'s "French and Saunder's" fame) and Sylvie Soudan, is a "must have" for those who love their "big knits"
Books:
- Typography 27 (Typography)
- Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos and Altered Books
- We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda
- Wedding Bouquets: Over 300 Designs for Every Bride
- Welding: Principles and Applications, Fifth Edition
- Wide Open: Inspiration & Techniques for Art Journaling on the Edge (Book & Card Kit)
- William Morris Designs CD-ROM and Book (Full-Color Electronic Design Series)
- Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know about Writing
- 1,000 Greetings: Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions
- 1,000 Greetings: Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions
Books Index
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The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques, and Expert Advice
