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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