Men's Knits: 20 New Classics
*Starred Review* What does it take to make a new classic sweater? The answers are: attention to detail; meticulously following directions; using luxurious yarns such as alpaca, cashmere, and even hemp; and creating shapes that echo the training of world-renowned British author-designer Knight, who puts her background in menswear tailoring to the best of all possible uses, sharing 20 patterns exclusively for men. The first chapter delves into more know-how than how-to’s; its contents cover types of yarn and garment care, not casting on and off or the stitches of knitting and purling. The rest of her book showcases 25 men and a dog (Rufus) wearing 20 sharp, well-designed knits that will look good no matter the man’s age or size. In fact, all patterns—in addition to materials, gauge, and directions—feature full-color finished photographs of the garment worn by different male models. Count these among Knight’s new classics: an ombre-striped full zip cardigan; a bulked-up collegiate cable sweater; and vests in plain style, argyle, or checkered patterns. Recommended yarns listed. --Barbara Jacobs