Handknitting With Meg Swansen

by Meg Swansen

Rear cover "Here you will find complete instructions and diagrams for a variety of knitted items ... from a delicate lace shawl to a thick blanket, plus gloves, color patterned hat, no-sew garter-stitch jacket, shawl-collared vest and a seamless Spiral Yoke sweater, with plenty of techniques accompanying each pattern. The designs in this book are from the television series, Handknitting with Meg Swensen."

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

About the author

Renowned knitting designer, owner of Schoolhouse Press, and daughter of influential knitting designer and writer Elizabeth Zimmerman.

Reviews

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Elizabeth Zimmermann was the Queen of Knitting in America, and she was, Meg Zimmermann Swansen was the Crown Princess. In this book she carries on the family tradition with more expository articles explaining how to make the patterns your own, followed by simpler, more traditional instructions for how to replicate something she designed and knitted.

Like EZ's books, this is a small, portable, affordable, very modest and user-friendly little book, in contrast to the big glossy coffee-table-type knitting books that came to dominate the market in between the publication of EZ's early books and this one. You get a few little black-and-white photos by way of guidelines to knit your own colorful creations.

More knitters liked EZ's encouraging voice than not, and those knitters were already primed to like Swansen. Frankly I suspect that's a primary reason why this book sold. Swansen had lost her parents and husband; the Knitting Universe rallied around. Books that were meant to impress knitters who already had a shelf of gorgeous coffee-table books came shortly after, but this one was the hand-squeeze letting us know the grieving person doesn't blame us for trying to reach out. The patterns are original, but no effort was made to make them exciting.

I cherish my copy--bought new, to encourage the writer. I'd recommend buying your own copy, now, if you are a fairly experienced knitter in search of interesting tips and tricks. This book is definitely not for beginners. It's probably best for people who've already read and used EZ's books, and are interested in adding a few more details to that immense repertoire of suggestions for knitting your own designs.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bless Ms. Swansen's wooly bonnet, she could've rejected her mother's dedicated study, but instead she takes knitting to the next level. Blanket, hat & scarf, sweater, lace poncho, gloves, vest, and jacket—all classic designs that have yet to appear the least bit dated—and each with a challenging aspect. I've taken up the challenge of the puzzle-pillow blanket, and I love it! I can't wait to fold it up into itself ;0)

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great patterns and techniques. I wish there were color pictures for some of the patterns, though.

[Mary Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not available at library

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fun patterns. Like spiral yoke and cable vest.