Knitting for Him: 27 Classic Projects to Keep Him Warm
by: Martin Storey & Wendy Baker
Published by: The Taunton Press
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Reviewed by Janelle Martin
When Martin Storey and Wendy Baker were approached to design a book of men’s patterns for Rowan, they “realized that most men prefer garments that are comfortable, and prefer colors that are not too ”˜gaudy’.” Yet the knitters making these sweaters want a project full of interesting stitches rather than miles of plain stockinette stitch in brown.
Storey and Baker found the middle ground in their new book Knitting for Him: 27 Classic Projects to Keep Him Warm – garments knitters are happy to undertake and the man in your life will be happy to wear. This volume contains have many of the “standard” garments knit for men: the argyle cardigan, the fisherman’s guernsey, the tennis sweater and the classic ribbed cardigan. But this isn’t Dick van Dyke’s argyle sweater – the silhouette is elongated and relaxed, featuring a single panel of argyle on each side of the front and a single diamond on each sleeve. Edgings are in moss stitch and, rather than the standard deep v-neck, the sweater buttons all the way up and has a small, stand-up collar.
Storey’s attention to detail is most clearly illustrated in the “Plain Guernsey.” At first glance, this appears to be a very basic stockinette sweater; however, on closer inspection the interesting construction elements become clear. The front and back are basic squares with a garter stitch edging on three sides. Shaping is provided for the armhole and neck by using traditional gussets and sleeves have ribbing at top and bottom. Knit in a luxurious blend of cashmere and wool, the result is a garment that is fun to knit and a pleasure to wear.
All the sweaters in Knitting for Him are designed to fit chest sizes 40” to 48” (102 – 122 cm) and there are projects here for ever skill level. Patterns are also included for hats, scarves, mitts and socks, ensuring the man in your life is covered head-to-toe in hand-knitting.
Armchair Interviews says: Garments your man will want to wear.
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