The Twisted Sisters Knit Sweaters

by Lynne Vogel

Adapting basic sweater patterns for personal preferences and measurements is the focus of this step-by-step guidebook that helps knitters refashion knitting schematics. The designs, illustrations, and photos demonstrate how to adjust patterns to different styles so that any knitter can customize sweater patterns into unique creations. Challenging projects--ranging from sweaters and vests to pullovers and jackets--and easy-to-follow instructions illustrate the basic elements of sweater design to inspire knitters at all levels. Learning how to fit the bodice; change yarns, proportions, neckline styles, sleeve length, and color and stitch patterns; and add collars and edgings will give knitters the confidence to alter any pattern to meet their needs.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Carla (There Might Be Cupcakes Podcast) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of this book is splendid—the worksheet to organize each sweater you are knitting. I am going to use it going forward. There are strong and clear instructions for how to choose yarn, how to adjust gauge and choose size and yarn for comfort, and other such tips that aren’t usually given.
However…each pattern is knitted in speciality yarn that cannot duplicated by the reader—dyed by the author, found by the author at a wool exposition, etc. Also, the book is quite difficult to read, written in light grey on cream-colored paper. And the patterns are not written for a new knitter, even though the beginning of the book is geared toward a beginner. They are written conversationally: “work as up and down construction sweater, and then…”. It would be overwhelming had I never knitted before.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows a wonderful play of texture, color, and pattern—one that would be hard to duplicate since many of the yarns are hand-spun and/or hand-dyed. The beginning of the book explains how to knit to fit, and how to knit in a more unconventional direction, not just from the bottom up and in separate pieces (my least favorite). This is all very familiar to me, even the hand-spun and hand-dyed stuff, so I breezed past all that to the patterns. I'm reading this 16 years after publications and Whoa! are these patterns dated! Many patterns have so much fabric uncomfortably under the arms, something that can be designed out nowadays, but still, wow... My favorite pattern in the entire book is Sandy's Cardigan for Zylie. (My favorite model in the entire book is Zylie!) Lots of inspiration in here, but there are better books for patterns.

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I wish I were the author rather than the reader. Ms. Vogel had access to a wonderful array of color and texture, and it's thoughtful that she simplified the possibilities enough to walk us through her designs. In this case, I find that to be weakness, not a strength. Having inundated myself in my early design years with everything Elizabeth Zimmermann wrote, these sweaters are old stuff to me. If I were just starting out, I'm sure that I'd appreciate this book much more.

[Tilden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The patterns use wild color yarn. Not my style.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The patterns in this book were interesting, but I still felt like there was something missing from this book that would have made it better. It felt a little out-dated and I thought they could have done a better job with the pictures of the knitted items. I didn't find any patterns I wanted to knit.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Jamie Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never knit a sweater before buying this book. This book is very well laid out and offers information in a form and layout that does not overwhelm the first time sweater knitter. I think it is also in depth enough that experienced sweater knitters will also enjoy it. The patterns are interesting and intriguing. The explanations are very clear and accessible. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is interested in sweater knitting.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into blind follower directions, you might be disappointed. There really aren't any 'buy this yarn, knit this gauge, cast on this many stitches' patterns in this book.

This is an almost 'architecturally' put together set of instructions for the slightly-adventurous giving concise directions on how to build and use knitted fabric.

I really enjoyed it a lot. I recommend it for anyone itching to give DIY designing a try.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first section is devoted to explaining how to be sure your sweaters fit. I found the charts a bit confusing but I suspect it's because I wasn't actually knitting; just gathering information. Projects are all based on the information in the first section and unless you grasp that it would be hard to use the patterns. A good resource to revisit.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great instructions on how to knit a sweater to fit without having to follow a pattern. Includes different styles of sweaters. No basic knitting instructions, so I expect I will like this better after I learn to knit! Lovely color pictures, multiple shots of each style, urge me to learn so I can try it out.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Helpful; a few basic patterns and how to fit.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

love their colorwork; good ideas for patterns