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Men in Knits: Sweaters to Knit That He Will Wear (Paperback)
by Tara Jon Manning

5 stars A great book, almost foolproof, and really fun, with gorgeous results

I have not knit for 25 years, and certainly never did anything like arans in my whole life, but have been able to make the most fantastic pullovers and cardigans for my boyfriend as a result, ones he not only wears, but proudly brags about (and so he should, the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino I use does NOT come cheap!!)

At the same time, though, if you are going to take the trouble to do these lovely designs, go for the best yet most practical yarn you can afford. The patterns like the one on the front of the book knit up really well and swiftly if you use your markers and good wool, and don’t go for anything too fussy that a guy will balk at-the texture and pattern really does all the work for you to make it gorgeous.

I have made sweaters in black, navy, mid blue, charcoal gray, regular gray, and the traditional Irish oatmeal since I bought the book last year. The cardigans and pullovers also are very similar in patterns, strategy, like the diamonds, so once you get the pattern into your head, don’t stop, go for another sweater.
The fit is perfect, the instructions clear, for the most part, if you make sure you read the whole thing through before you start the pattern, and make notes to yourself as you go.
Also, I strongly recommend photocopying the pattern several times per panel of the sweater or sleeve, to use as scratch paper, because they are repeating patterns based over like 30 rows or so. With the copies, you can just cross off one row so you don’t get lost in the pattern. For the more complicated aran and color work ones, you can even cross them off one stitch at a time if need be.

I have even made an excel spreadsheet of my pattern, so instead of the dots, I have K for Knit and P for purl, and then special instructions for my cable, for example, 2 IF, KKkk would be a cable where you slipped the first two stitches, held them in front, knit two two, and then knit the other 2 being twisted into the cable. If you take the time to do the excel spreadsheet, these sweaters will really knit up in a snap.

One other recommendation, if you are going to invest this kind of time and money to create a fabulous sweater like the ones in this book, if you can find a knit store that will help you finish off the garment professionally, by all means do so. It is really the difference between handmade and exquisite, or homemade and kind of silly.

I live in New York City, and go to Gotta Knit on 12th st and 6th Avenue, on the second floor just near the adorable puppy shop downstairs. They often have classes that will teach you as well. I did one awesome three hour class with Shirley Palden, who designs a lot of the patterns for vogue, and so between the patterns you get in the book, and a professional finish, everyone will be asking your guy where he got his sweater.

The chart at the front, what is your guy’s style, and match it to the pattern, is really the best part of the book! It really helps you not only with picking a pattern, but generally with getting him clothes as gifts.

Now I have to knit for my step-dad and brother, they have been so wowed by the sweaters they’ve seen me making! Enjoy!

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There aren’t many tranquil havens in New York you can visit every day of the week, but Kundalini Yoga East is that rare exception.

From the moment you walk into the lovely reception room, so open and sunny and cool, with a flowing fountain, you know you’ve come to the right place to relax and renew.

But lest you think this is lightweight yoga, or a spa, let me tell you, if you want to transform your body and mind in only a few short weeks, this is the place for you to challenge yourself to grow, with the help of all of the supportive, nurturing teachers.

The studio is run by a remarkable husband and wife couple who literally have lived the yogic lifestyle for over 37 years, but who would be the first to tell you they were average Americans before they had the good fortune to discover the amazing technology of Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga makes you very strong, very fast. Part of the reason is the Breath of Fire, which as the name suggests, gets your trapped energy moving fromyour lower three chakras into your upper ones where you can use them more, especially for your intelligence and intuition. Breath of fire is like panting through your nostrils, with you pumping your abdomen like an old-fashioned bellows to start up the fire, and keep the fire burning.

The abs are actually three layers of muscles, so if you do breath of fire on a regular basis, you will get a six pack in no time, without a single crunch! Seriously! They say also that in terms of a work out, 3 minutes of breath of fire are the equivalent of 15 minutes of jogging.

I was able to drop 50 pounds in less than 3 months, going 3 x per week, and not even changing what I ate. Losing weight is not even the intention, but it is a welcome side effect of this blissful yoga.

There are other kinds of pranayama (breath work) in Kundalini, some more challenging than others. Then there is chanting, and vibrational energy from the sacred gong.

There are no levels in Kundalini yoga, so everyone should feel welcome to go to whatever class they wish. There are no levels because each kriya, or set of exercises and mantras to chant are all designed for a specific task. That task can be anything from cleaning out your immune system, to attracting prosperity, to improving your intuition.

The mantras are fun; they can be both chanted or sung, and you will find yourself getting a wonderful collection of Cds by Snatam Kaur or Sada Sat Kaur, to name but a few. (Kaur means princess, so all Sikh women have Kaur as part of their name).

In some sets we even use lively music, such as Bhangra music, which comes from the Punjab in northern India and is no doubt familiar to you if you have ever seen a Bollywood film.

The center is conveniently located right in the heart of Chelsea/the Flatiron district in New York City, just a stone’s throw from Union Square West, and accessible via the rear of the Union Square train station, with the train lines the 4, 5 6, N R W and Q all stopping there. Or the 14th st and 6th avenue station, where the V and F stop.

If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your concentration, and have energy to burn, and enjoy a musical and spiritually uplifiting experience all at the same time, this is the place for you.

And don’t you dare leave without tasting a cup of caffeine free Yogi Tea-yes, the Master of Kundalini yoga was THAT Yogi, Yogi Bhajan, and this studio is a testament to the legacy he built over nearly 60 years of teaching this incredible technology, a union of mind, body, spirit and energy.

Above all, have fun, meet new friends, and de-stress and rejuvenate yourself in this beautiful space. Visit http://www.kundaliniyogaeast.com for their current class schedule, and all their terrific bodywork, holistic healing, and other special events.

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