Cardigans

Louisa Harding is one of my favorite designers, because of her outstanding designs that regularly appear in the oversized, twice-yearly Rowan magazines. Because I love to wear cardigans, and knit them for myself, I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, it is mostly a book of patterns for currently fashionable "skimpy" cardigans.Many of the garments are photographed with only the top button fastened, or have only one button. These cardigans "vee out" to the sides, instead of hanging straight, as (in my opinion) a cardigan should. Some of the skimpier designs with full buttonbands look like they cannot be buttoned at all. The most attractive garments are belted (like the cover design) or have drawstring or ribbon belts. But for me, a drawstring belt is not very practical, because I usually throw a cardigan on over other clothes for extra warmth.The book doesn't include a pattern for a "classic" cardigan, which surprised me. There are some cute shrug-like cropped cardigans. There are patterns with cables that don't quite work for me, because the scale of the cables seems to overpower the designs. Several patterns have fairly attractive lace edgings, but the edgings don't do much for the garments. There is one very nice pattern for a dressy drawstring-waisted overgarment (vee front open from shoulders to waist) that has a pretty lace "peplum".In short, this is another pattern book that you should probably look inside before you buy. It's a lovely book, if you actually want to knit one of the included designs.

Unlike some reviewers, I found these patterns to be practical and not trendy. They transcend passing fashions. If there are aspects that seem too current, they can be eliminated or altered with a little help. Disclosure: I have not started knitting these patterns yet because I live in Florida and want to modify the patterns for light yarns like cotton. However, I plan to knit almost all of them.

I really enjoyed the patterns available in this book. I read recent reviews on this book which were so-so and decided to get it from the library first just in case I wasn't happy. Well I was thrilled. Just goes to show you that everyone has different tastes. Very happy with my purchase. I have already completed one cardigan and have ordered yarn for another.

Lots of fun knitting patterns. Great photos and detailed written patterns. I haven't tried any yet, but found several that I have my eye on for future projects. :)

This book arrived in excellent condition. I love, love, love this book. I recommend it to knitters out there!

I am really particular about knitwear patterns. The cover pattern and several others are winners. In working through the cover pattern, I found instructions well-written and understandable.

Some beautiful cardigans here, can't wait to actual knit them, LOL. The instructions seem very clear and the photography is stunning.

Many odd looking cardigans in the 1960s style; and several too short = bolero .

This book provides loads of fashionable patterns for the every day knitter. Easy to read instructions and clear, this is a must for someone looking for something fashionable to knit.

Lovely patterns. With perhaps only a couple of exceptions I want to make them all. Many could also be adapted very easily to different pattern stitches for variety. I would definitely recommend this.

le livre est parfait

Meets my expectations.

Beau livre avec belles photos, schémas et explications en anglais et à l'anglosaxone (rang par rang donc). On peut être alléchée par le nombre impressionnant de modèles que propose ce livre, mais bon, je suis déçue du fait qu'ils sont tous plus ou moins sur la même trame. Je recherche toujours un ouvrage qui réunirait tous les types de gilets/cardigans possibles (par exemple avec différents types d'encolures, différents types de boutonnages, différents types de manches, etc.). Les modèles de ce livre sont pratiquement tous des gilets ou boléros avec un bouton à l'encolure et avec la même forme (manches montées classiques), quelques points ajourés, 2 ou 3 avec torsades, le reste d'un ennui... peut convenir à tricoteuse débutante (mais comme il est en anglais, ça limite aussi !). Au niveau du style, c'est classique à chic, très féminin, rien de bien moderne en tous cas. Bandes de boutonnage (pour la plupart sans boutons ou avec brides) faites au point mousse, pas terrible je trouve... mais assez fréquent chez les anglosaxons, souvent partisans du moindre effort au niveau des finitions. Pour les expertes, pas grand intérêt. Je suis donc toujours à la recherche d'un livre réunissant plusieurs modèles différents et variés de gilets/cardigans/vestes à tricoter. Si vous en connaissez un, n'hésitez pas à m'écrire :-)