Sleek Styles for the Savvy Knitter
This stylish knitwear collection features 30 knockout designs, inspired by original postwar patterns from Yest... read full description
reviews
Sep 14, 2010
Brixton
rated it: 
Warning: Almost everything in here is gorgeous and you will want to make all of it. But you won't be able to:
1. Unbelievably, this book went to print with a serious error: none of the keys to the multi-colour pattern charts tell you which colour goes with which symbol on the chart. According to a reviewer on amazon, this problem was reported by a reader on the publisher's website in Sept. 2002; the publisher never responded (hence there is no correction to the text). Additionally, th More...
1. Unbelievably, this book went to print with a serious error: none of the keys to the multi-colour pattern charts tell you which colour goes with which symbol on the chart. According to a reviewer on amazon, this problem was reported by a reader on the publisher's website in Sept. 2002; the publisher never responded (hence there is no correction to the text). Additionally, th More...
May 06, 2011
Abbey
rated it: 
A very beautiful knitting pattern book to look at, with great pix and detailed instructions, but of little use to anyone (like me) who happens to be a larger size than 40 inches, alas. Consists of updated patterns from the late 1940s and 1950s mainly for sweaters (a lot of cotton) plus one pair sox, a scarf, and set of mittens. Also has several camisoles that are rather nice, if skimpy, and not as twee/cutesy as some of that sort of pattern seems to be in style lately, and a bit of history of th
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Aug 13, 2010
Eva
rated it: 
Sarah Dallas created knitting patterns based on 40's and 50's knitwear. They are not original designs, as such, but they are nice to look at and beautifully photographed.
However, the patterns leave a lot to be desired. Most of the instructions are missing. As someone who has written out the instructions for a cardigan, I can tell you that it cannot be done in the one and a half pages Sarah has written.
It's too bad, because this could have been a terrific book. Look More...
However, the patterns leave a lot to be desired. Most of the instructions are missing. As someone who has written out the instructions for a cardigan, I can tell you that it cannot be done in the one and a half pages Sarah has written.
It's too bad, because this could have been a terrific book. Look More...
Jan 02, 2008
Joanna
rated it:
I like most of the patterns in this book, but I think that the sizing is off by a lot. Having worked a gauge swatch for each of these, I still find that the two sweaters I've made knit up to be a size or two(!!) larger than the patterns claim that they should be. Luckily, I work mainly in wool, so I can shrink them some, but my goodness!
I've made the long-sleeved sweater with fairisle borders and I'm nearly finished with the short-sleeved wavy line sweater. The yarn estimates are als More...
I've made the long-sleeved sweater with fairisle borders and I'm nearly finished with the short-sleeved wavy line sweater. The yarn estimates are als More...
Jan 17, 2009
Carolynz
rated it:
I own this book, and if I was better skilled, it would be an ace in the hole for me. I am a large fan of vintage design, and this book offers a nice update on the look, while not damaging the original beauty of the patterns.
I need to make another library shelf called "wishful thinking".
I need to make another library shelf called "wishful thinking".
Mar 12, 2008
Katie
rated it:
I used this book to make a cami for a friend last year; she was within the size/shape range and able to wear it without any major alterations to the pattern. I personally didn't have any trouble with gauge nor with things knitting up larger or smaller than indicated in the pattern.
Now, I'm going to knit something for myself... I'm much...differently shaped, and a decent bit larger, so now I'm going to use these patterns (haven't decided which yet! ::grin::) to learn how to alter a pa More...
Now, I'm going to knit something for myself... I'm much...differently shaped, and a decent bit larger, so now I'm going to use these patterns (haven't decided which yet! ::grin::) to learn how to alter a pa More...
Sep 13, 2011
Kristi
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I have yet to do a project from this book, but I've looked through it numerous times. I love the delicate sweaters and camis, and the beadwork!
Mar 14, 2009
Tammy
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There was very little in this book I could make for anybody I know as every thing was sized for very small people.
Dec 08, 2010
Jen
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i really liked the patterns in this book, but the largest bust size is 38"! no way that is going to fit me :-(
Feb 20, 2009
Laura
rated it:
I love a lot of these patterns. They are vintage (with side by side photos to prove it) and have vintage appeal, but don't look costume-y or that special sort of ugly that only "it's vintage!" can provide. A few simple but classic patterns I will revisit when my skill level is up.
Jul 07, 2011
Phenonemom
rated it:
These are gorgeous patterns, but all in almost miniature sizes. I'm using the basic idea for a sweater, but am modifying the size significantly to be able to actually wear. I think if you treat this book as design ideas and a fun math puzzle book (i.e., if my gauge is this then goal is this many decreases over this many rows) you'll be quite satisfied.
May 31, 2007
Jessica
rated it:
The patterns in this book are really lovely, and it's so interesting to see pictures (albeit tiny ones) of the original inspirations from the 1940s and 50s. There are several patterns I would love to knit once I feel comfortable with my knitting skills. This is a book I would probably buy down the road, once I am a more advanced knitter.
I didn't really like how the pictures were all in the front of the book, and the patterns in the back. I'd rather have them side-by-side. Just a smal More...
I didn't really like how the pictures were all in the front of the book, and the patterns in the back. I'd rather have them side-by-side. Just a smal More...
Mar 08, 2008
Alexis
rated it:
somewhat vague instructions (make sure you know how to reverse shaping and increase/decrease in lace on your own before you try using this book) and limited size range but gorgeous patterns.
Jan 31, 2008
Lelah
rated it:
Everything in this book is meant for a really tiny gauge-- it would take me 85 years to knit a sweater from this book.
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