To begin at the beginning in knitting a sweater for the man in your life, whether father, husband, boyfriend or son, the knitter must take into account what each man really wants. And that is precisely where Tara Jon Manning begins. She asked men, both relatives and strangers, what they wanted in a sweater. This book is the result. After an extensive introduction, Tara spends many pages dealing with the three components which go into making a sweater one that will be worn again and again—style, color and fit. The style chapter contains 3 categories: young men/casual, young professional/modern casual, and corporate/traditional. The color chapter deals with skin tone and color preferences. The fit chapter deals in depth with body types and characteristics. A fiber chapter is also included which not only deals with types of yarn, but also discusses things to be considered in caring for the finished garment, especially if the man does his own laundry. Worksheets and helpful suggestions to get the man involved in the decision process are included.
Each pattern begins with a paragraph which pulls together in a specific way the information from the first section. Next, the specifications for gauge and yarn are placed in a box which is placed horizontally across the page, making it very easy to see the information. Each pattern is accompanied by a large picture which shows the sweater detail. Some of the patterns are grouped by a common aspect. Three of the sweater patterns also have an accessory pattern which could be used with any of the patterns. There are also four patterns for boys.
Two additional, informational aspects which will be very helpful to the knitter are that the sweaters are categorized by fit issues such as “short neck”, “thin”, and that a section on modifying dropped shoulders to a modified or regular sleeve opening is included. The Sources and Further Reading has a few knitting books, but most are related to fashion, sewing and men’s clothing.
Men in Knits
by Tara Jon Manning
Interweave Press (copyright 2003)
Reviewed by Candy Knerr
FOCUS: Men’s sweaters and accessories
# OF PROJECTS: 23
SIZES INCLUDED: Adult S-XL (40” – 55”), Child’s S-L (4 – 12 years)
FIBER CONTENT: wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, cotton blends
YARN WEIGHTS: not given
SKILL LEVELS INCLUDED: Advanced Beginner to Expert
SKILL LEVELS MARKED: No
