Marci emailed in with this letter: I noticed that your posting a lot of links of ornaments and especially knitted mini sweater ornaments. Well, I don’t knit so I looked all over for a crochet version and couldn’t find anything. So I made my own [link]. Crocheters deserve cute sweaters too.

very cute knitted hat - not just for your dog - c/o dogged.

by brooklyn tweed

ruthless knitting and dogged knits

[to find out about patterns etc go to the blogs]

Knitted from Alan Dart’s pattern from the 2005, Issue 8 of the British magazine Simply Knitting, which I first saw knitted up here on Hege’s blog and many more later, here on Ravelry. This one is for my mom’s birthday but there are plans in the works for at least one or two more. When I first saw this pattern I thought I wanted to make a hundred but knitting one up has tamed those ambitions. from Knitting iris is pretty much the most adorable christmas item I have seen this year.

Beginning spinners make it their goal to produce fine, even, predictable yarns which make for lovely knitting, crocheting or weaving. Many spinners talk about the calming, meditative effects of their craft, and while there is lots of opportunity for creativity with color and texture, certain spinners take it to another level completely by incorporating found objects, hand felted elements, beads, charms and anything else they dream up. Witness the work of Yarn Punk: Spring Eternal and Gnome Yarn below

Vitreous Humor by Insubordiknit:

Stoneleafmoon offers a tutorial on making your own creative batts for this type of spinning (drum carder required):

And Pluckyfluff offers her yarns for sale, has written a book on creative spinning, and teaches workshops on extreme spinning (spinning wheel and basic spinning abilities required): Lost in Adorable below:

On her very inspirational blog, she has come up with themed challenges (the latest one was “sniff and spin”) to involve other spinners; quite fascinating to compare the various interpretations.

The Yarn Museum is a great place for inspiration as well…now, what does one make to do justice to these unique yarns?

I am over the moon giddy in love with my new Herringbone Mittens. The pattern is from the delightful Elliphantom and these puppies are pure genius! I’ve never encountered this thumb construction before, but I have to tell you that these are the comfiest and most natural fitting mittens I’ve ever made. Anny purls

splityarn a quick Alpaca Neckwarmer. I think this one took longer to block than it did to knit. Speedy! Pattern: Yarn Abuse’s Cashmere Neckwarmer
Yarn: One skein of Elsebeth Lavold Chunky AL. 50% Alpaca, 50% Wool

dogged knits these slippers are a repeat of my Log Cabin Socks, knit slightly larger and lightly fulled (via a wash cycle–a dangerous little game to play, but it worked out) into slipper density. Pattern: Log Cabin Socks from Handknit Holidays. Mods: Knit the larger size, but using the length directions for the smaller size; added Fibertrends slipper soles using orange pearl cotton and blanket stitch.

knitting iris “Button Up Socks: Just for the fun of it!”,designed by a “local” woman was given to me by a friend for my birthday and turned out to be as the name indicated, a fun knit.

tres chic veronique Pattern: Ruffled Jacket (#44), by James Coviello, from the Fall 2007 Vogue Knitting magazine - with lots of mods - corrections for chart for back has been posted on ravelry.

rachel liufer - original pattern - robin’s egg blue hat

a creature for hugging from bobolina

kings hat from monster crochet

future girl shower scrubbie pattern review

crochet candy corn sweater for a cat [via craft]

bloody crochet saw from monster crochet

strikker - grey - pattern: bloom by carol meldrum in rowan 36 yarn: rowan felted tweed in 141 whisper, 3 balls - with modifications.

thanksgiving turkey finger puppet [via craft] original pattern at team knit.

fuscia sweater by olga jazzy. luscious Malabrigo and the pattern superfun! Norah Gaughan! Was inspired by jatta and knittingschooldropout pics and progress to make my own. 60% of the sweater was made within a week while watching 3 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy…

baby leg warmers [via craft] original pattern at zakka life.

If you’re a fibre artist and you’re considering taking up knitting in public, I’d like to suggest freeform knitting and crochet as the ideal way to start! It’s fast, portable and fun.

I should perhaps confess that until about six months ago, I would have sworn up and down to you that I would never, ever, knit in public – and especially not on the transit system. Thinking back, I can’t tell you why… did I think it was “uncool”? Were the projects I was working on too complex? Was I worried about being stared at? Instead, I was carrying a book. Problem is, I pretty much read and write for a living. I would inevitably wind up carrying work related materials with me to read. Suffice it to say that reading dry treatises on the state of residential landlord/tenant law through the ages is not the best recipe for arriving at work in a relaxed fashion – especially when combined with the pushing and shoving that is an increasing hallmark of the public transit system in the age of cutbacks.

So, a shift happened in my brain, and I thought “Why not just try knitting on the subway and seeing what happens?” I decided to focus on a project that, seaming aside, would be almost completely portable and amenable to public knitting. At that point, I was in need of a serious stashbuster of scrap yarns from a plethora of other projects as well. So, with this in mind, I started designing what was to be a blanket using swatches from former projects and bordered in log cabin technique. Knitting while commuting over the next several months yielded approximately 23” by 26” worth of future blanket:

Again, simple and portable… but I got bored with it. Also, being the type-A person that I am, I wanted to find something to do while in transit which would yield completely discrete pieces at the end of each travel session. Freeform technique, as advocated by Jenny Dowde sounded ideal The art of freeform involves, in part, creating small fragments of knitted or crocheted pieces using unconventional shaping and then using them in other finished pieces of work. Jenny talks about “taking your yarn for a walk” – so, why not take mine for a ride (or for ten rides a week, for that matter?)

Freeform is incredibly fun and simple to do, with funky and inspiring results. There is a ton of flexibility in the craft, and no real rules (aside from “play with yarn and see where it takes you). And - I finished two fragments today for a purse project on the subway coming to the office! I am preferring crochet to knitting for the commute as well. I suspect that some people were intimidated by my pointy little sticks (those Addi lace needles I’m addicted to could look like mini sabres, I guess!!!). The crochet hook is less potentially threatening, and takes up less space. So, all you need is a crochet hook and some yarn, and you too can “freeform” your commuting habits!

Now, if I could only figure out how to do large mosaic work on the tram…!!!

About the maker: Kristina Brousalis is a craft-daft hyphenated greek-canadian boygirl who lives and crafts next to a forest in central Toronto, Canada. She has been knitting for over 25 years and making mosaics for five or so. She practices law to support her Handmaiden silk, smalti and other craft habits. Her latest obsession is blogging, and she tries to blog something humorous every single day. Read on for a biographical essay on crafting.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Interweave Knits, the editors picked their favorite designs and published them in a new book, The Best of Interweave Knits: Our Favorite Designs from the First 10 Years (Interweave Press, $24.95, available in bookstores and craft shops nationwide). Now it’s readers’ turn to tell the editors their favorites.

Interweave Knits Announces Readers’ Choice Awards Readers’ Favorite Designs from the Magazine’s First 10 Years Will Be Published in a Free eBook, The Best of Interweave Knits: The Readers’ Choice Awards Collection. Readers are invited to nominate their all-time favorite pattern from Interweave Knits online. Designs must have been published in Interweave Knits magazine between Spring 1997 and Spring 2007, excluding patterns published in the new book (view the table of contents online ).

A great design should be beautiful, be wearable for seasons to come, and above all, be fun to knit! I can’t wait to see which designs rise to the top as our readers’ personal favorites from the last decade

Eunny Jang, editor of Interweave Knits.

The nominating process continues till December 15, 2007. There will be a vote-off of the top 10 nominated patterns in January 2008 on KnittingDaily.com, and the top five patterns to receive the most votes will be published in a free eBook titled The Best of Interweave Knits: The Readers’ Choice Awards Collection. The eBook will be available exclusively on KnittingDaily.com for a limited time in Spring 2008 as the editors’ gift to their loyal readers.

About the book The Best of Interweave Knits: Our Favorite Designs from the First Ten Years (Interweave) edited by Ann Budd with an introduction by Pam Allen - former Interweave Knits Editor, includes 25 designs ‘that stand the test of time’ mostly sweaters and cardigans. These projects represent the work of more than 20 notable designers including Véronik Avery, Debbie Bliss, Norah Gaughan, Kate Gilbert, Faina Letoutchaia, Marta McCall, Charlotte Morris, Kristin Nicholas, Leigh Radford, ….

My favourites in the book would have to be (there are three) - Marcel’s Sweater by Véronik Avery: a slightly fitted sweater with a lovely simple slightly raised neckline and textured knit based on traditional Indian designs. Cambridge Jacket by Ann Budd: a fitted mens zippered cardigan which use placed ribs for fit. Union Square Market Pullover by Kate Gilbert: with a gently contoured fit, slightly flared sleeves and an unusual neckline. You can see I like the simple lines and more fitted styles - but their are plenty more included lacy shawls and argyle vests, stripy scarves and a big felted tote. Also included in the book are ‘beyond the basics’ sections throughout that give step by step illustrated instructions on such things as casting on and binding off, increases and decreases, lace knitting and reading charts, and more. (see an online preview of the book here) What are your favourites? did they make it in the book - if not - why not have your say and vote for your favourite to appear in the online pattern book.

For those completely out of the loop - Interweave Knits is a quarterly knitting magazine with stylish knitwear patterns, inspiration and detailed instructions ranging from introductory to challenging and from traditional to cutting-edge, with a full range of sizing.

Skulls are pretty hot right now. Skulls everywhere you go. High art and popular culture are all using the skull as an emblem for the current times. I wonder what it really means, I know it looks cool and all, but what is underneath it all, why is the skull so incredibly popular right now?

The most common symbolic use of the skull is as a representation of death and mortality, it is afterall the bones of a dead person, but a human skull with its large eye sockets is visually appealing, and can fascinate even as it repels. The skull in literature and art is often used to communicate despair and ironic humor, and can symbolise both eternity and the ephemeral and changeable nature of life. (read more here).

This has made me think about the times we currently live in and how powerful a symbol the skull is and can be. Symbolising our fear and uncertainty but at the same time our humanity and hope.

I am not surprised that we crafters have taken to the skull like a duck to water , making things is itself a symbol of hope and adding to that even more symbolism just seems like a natural progression. Here are some of my favourite skull knitting patterns.

buccaneers booty socks [via] :: jackyll and hide at knitty :: domiknitrix skull pattern :: knitty yorick scarf :: helloyarn is skull crazy - I love the pirate beanie (and there are mittens to match) felted skull tote bag - most fabulous of all has to be the skull cable (see pic) :: theres a skull and crossbones dishcloth :: skull lace pattern :: skull illusion scarf is a classic :: I really really love these skull stockings (see pic) ::

just read an interview at handmade detroit with Pamela Flynn of flint knits - lovely interview go and read it if you have not already. And check out what pamela has been knitting - (and check out the free patterns in the sidebar)

Pattern: Drops 103-1 - from garnstudio Yarn: 4.5 skeins Rowanspun Chunky, in Fern

knitted hellboy at cakeyvoice

Pattern: Little Turtle Original Soaker Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 1+ skein by isel knits

Pattern: Mad Color Weave Yarn: Koigu KPPM p335, with a wee bit of Claudia’s Handpainted for the toes. by kelp knits

komi hat Charlene Schurch Materials: Harrisville New England Shetland (loden blue, cream white and cocoa brown), Sz 0 and 1 needlesby knitting escapism

Project Details: Pattern: Eyelet Skirt, free from Knitty, designed by Kat Coyle Yarn: Classic Elite Flash, Electric Blue, 7.5 skeins by kodachrome knits

Gryffindor Longies from crankypantsknits’ flickr photostream

circular sweater by Lymezilla’s flickr photostream

FrenchPress Cozi by hsteckba’s flickr photostream

The Stache Hat by Ginga’s flickr photostream

pinwheel baby jacket from the blue blog

Kusha Kusha scarf: Silk Stainless Steel. Pre-felting. from black dog knits

Sunrise Circle Jacket by Kate Gilbert, Interweave Knits Spring 2006 from clementine’s shoes

practical polly - wonder woman jumper (via CRAFT) - she says This jumper took me 14 months to make, and makes me very, very happy (star charts available)

Baby Kimono by Kristin Spurkland from Interweave Knits Summer 2005 by a knitter in queens

Norwegian seamless yoked sweater in Ann Budd’s The Knitters Handy Book of Sweaters. from anny purls

Over the weekend, I got a bag of those glass pebbles and started experiment with shibori felting technique. Fifteen minutes later into the felting process, half of those glass pebbles came off and most of the intended area didn’t even get felted. I was sweaty and a little disapointed. I don’t know why it never dawned on me that I should probaby test felt a swatch instead of jump right into the process. Fortuitously, it was not completely ruined. I do love how those textures came out. Despite of it being a little weird, it’s still soft and wearable. by coloursknits

process - Little Majolica, Interweave Knits, Fall 2006 by knitting box

strikker tailored jacket, the cover design from debbie bliss’ cashmerino dk book

shifting sands by so much yarn

Hanami Stole by Melanie Gibbons, Pink Lemon Twist at split yarn

Knitting Loves Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs to Hook Up Your Knitting with a Touch of Crochet by Candi Jensen, Published by Storey Publishing, LLC (August 1, 2006)

A book for those knitters who also crochet and the crocheters who knit. An end to the dilemma - Candi shows how they can work together.

This is quite a detailed book with over 30 patterns for the home and to wear. From blankets and place mats, to mittens and hats and cardigans and jackets. There are only a few patterns in here appeal to me though - and that may be the fault of the book’s styling and the colours. It is all a bit too dreamy and pink for me, with curly fonts and marbled treatments on some pages. And the designs seem to be either a very icky baby pink or brown and burgundy. One more note is the yarn specs - there is no generic yarn weight given - rather specific yarn brands are mentioned without alternatives offered - I always find this problematic. Apart from those nit picky aspects, Candi Jensen is an old hand with writing patterns and there is nothing to fault with that.

On to the designs … I like (apart from the icky pink colour) the lacy beaded fingerless gloves. These are so delicate and small, and would be lovely with a matching shawl and worn with an elegant frock to a fancy party - this is a combo of lace knitting with crochet trim. The ‘flower garden felted bag’ is very stylish (a bit overdone with the huge crochet flowers - though these are optional). There is a gorgeous ‘granny square dog sweater’ which utilises crochet granny squares for the main body and knitted sleeves and front in rib knitting. The cover design is the stand out one for me though and what a great choice for the cover. The body on this cute little singlet is simple rib stitch with a crochet bodice top and bottom edging that really add a touch of class to this simple but elegant little top. And that is what this book is all about - simple and elegant.

……………………

The Knitters Bible Knitted Accessories (Knitter’s Bible) by Claire Crompton, Published by David & Charles Publishers (September 30, 2006)

Another book in the Knitters Bible series by Claire Crompton, another sure classic

This is a quite a funky book, with a simple and clean layout with lovely images, the occasional design sketch gives an insight into the designers process. There is quite a large section at the front on yarn, different fibres and how to achieve certain textures - design secrets and insights, The whole book has a yarn focus. One really excellent aspect of this book is the variations given with each pattern. For example the simple mittens - the pattern is given straight up and then with variations for a striped mitten, embroidered mittens, felted (fulling) and furry mittens using textured yarn. The hooded poncho in red riding hood style is lovely, it is shown in a textured yarn and in furry yarn. I love the focus on showing each pattern in the different yarns. One of my favourite designs in the book is the mitred squares scarf which has been slightly fulled for a very dense texture with the different colours melding into each other lusciously.

This book is perfect if you love to experiment with different yarns and textures in your knitting. A beautiful book.

Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More by Mags Kandis (ed). Published by Interweave Press (October 1, 2007) - make sure you check out the knitalong and images of the book are available here.

The designs in this book are contributed by many different designers - all with the theme of “ethnic knitting traditions with a twist”, like the other books in the “STYLE” series, this one looks to become a classic. Each book in the STYLE series has a ‘design notebook’ at the back - this is a great resource section, with ideas on how to design, using colour and stitch pattern. There are tips on techniques and style choices, extra information on how to work with intarsia and fair isle knitting and adding embellishments - all important aspects in this book. And a good resource are the illustrations of how to do a few of the tricky embroidery stitches.

The designers who have contributed patterns to this book are a heady mix - including Mags Kandis herself, Annie Modesitt, Leigh Radford, Pam Allen, Gayle Bunn and many more…

This book celebrates the diversity of knitting around the world - the patterns are inspired by traditional folk designs from around the world - one downside though is that the patterns are for women, children and the home - no patterns in here for men - which I found to be a great disappointment. There quite a few patterns in here that I really like, in fact there are no duds in here at all - and how much of the decoration and embellishments you do are up to your personal taste.

A very cute cropped ‘vest’ jacket, designed by Gayle Bunn, is reminiscent of faded patchwork, with a tweedy herringbone pattern on the slightly flared sleeves - with Fair Isle and intarsia techniques used. The charts for these are incredibly detailed but not too difficult to follow. The ‘modern quilt wrap’ by Mags Kandis, is a gorgeous lightweight over sized scarf. It is knit in mitered square - achieving a modern patchwork look. There is an excellent and beautiful diagram of the placement for knitted blocks of colour. Another design I really like is the ‘grand tour waistcoat’ by Di Gilpin. A bolero style vest with colour and design inspired from traditional French wallpaper. The shape and patterning of the ‘Appalachian gathering basket’ by Gina Wilde is inspired by the traditions of basket weaving of North American Indians. It is knitted then felted to achieve a very sturdy result. One of my absolute favourite designs in this book is the Chinese inspired ‘Shanghai surplice’ by Annie Modesit. Using the shape of the traditional Cheongsam with European French Knot embroidery, this design speaks of the clash of cultures of early Century Shanghai grandeur. I can’t describe every single pattern in this book - but one I can’t miss out is the ‘tribal baby carrier’ by Lisa B Evans. A traditional baby sling/carrier with the design inspired by Middle Eastern Kilim rugs and African cloth. A real merging of cultural inspiration with warm colours and textured stitch, result in a very sturdy and rich looking carrier.

One good thing about a book with a mix of designers is the diversity of ideas - its a great mix. Other designs I did not mention were also good, although the two kids jackets that were in there I did not dig so much, a little too loose fitting with square shoulders - but they are jackets not sweaters so are meant to worn over layers. Also I found some of the embroidery a mix over done at times - just a little too much - trying a little too hard to be folksy. Also some of the designs I was not really sure what they were doing in here. Sometimes the term ‘folk’ has been very loosely translated. And I mentioned early the lack of designs for men - I am not sure why this was missed out - perhaps there were just no contributions? But on the positive side - apart from the gorgeous patterns and the clear organised way the book is laid out, the patterns are very detailed with clear illustrations and charts for the stitch patterns and embellishments. I also really like how the yarn is specified in generic size and weight as well as the specific yarn that it is knitted with in the photograph. There are also detailed notes about any tricky aspects to the pattern as well as the detailed guide to sizing.

Domiknitrix: whip your knitting into shape, by Jennifer stafford, published by North Light Books.

I have to start off by saying - that I LOVE THIS BOOK. On the surface it looks like it might be just another gimmicky book. But it is not. It is a fantastic resource of knitting techniques, styles and designs. It has a really fun book style, with edgy fonts and illustrations, and it is a good handy size - to fit neatly into your bag. This book has personality too, and is a good read. Yes fun to read with quirky headings and lots of innuendo to snigger at while you knit up a storm.

The book is organised really well - with patterns in the back half - referencing techniques that are explained in the front half. Each pattern begins with a sexy photo of the knitted piece with skill level and introduction, but best of all a list of “what you will learn” For example, the “L’il red riding hood hoodie” is skill level apprentice, this is recommended to wear while watching the movie “freeway”. What you will learn includes symetrical increases and decreases, twisted knitting, picking up stitches, pockets and kitchener stitch. And these stitches and techniques are all explained with photos in the front section. So very handy.

The techniques section in the front is really detailed, with clear photos of step by step techniques and stitches. This section is really fantastic and worth getting the book for this alone. From casting on to purling, working with circular needles, picking up stitches, binding off, grafting - well I can’t list the entire contents, but suffice to say there is more … lots more.

The very beginning of the book, the introductory essay is great, but best of all are the 8 rules - the guiding principals to knit by include such gems as “choose your battles wisely” (rule no. 2), “clothes should be fitted and wearable” (rule no.7) and “quest for perfection” (rule no.8) which starts off by discussing the human spirit and our desire to learn and grow and stretch and improve - to better ourselves.

For the patterns, these are rich and elegant and fun and a little bit grungy. They start of easy with the “tasty morsels - knitting quickies” section, this is what it says, and among these quick knits include the “thin mint scarf” (you will learn knitting a tube, removing a cast-on edge and kitchener stitch). I love the “valentine candy pillows” with ’spank me’ and ‘bite me’ knitted onto them (you will learn raised and mirrored increases, mattress and kitchener stitch and basic embroidery). The mohawk hat is making a comeback and ‘pretty in punk’ has a version, but this one is different with more of a helmet shape and a bigger hair section in the middle (you will learn symmetrical increases and decreases, picking up stitches, fringe) - there is a pic of this hat on Jennifer’s website.

Next level of knitting is called “on the level - knitting in the missionary position” - simple straightforward knits that are nevertheless satisfying. This section is mainly made up of sweaters and vests, with a bit of info on the sweater curse - and some practical ways to get past it. I really like the “big bad wolf pullover”, its a basic shape but with an interesting garter neckline and cuffs and scary shadow design on the front (you will learn intarsia, short rows, seaming garter, mattress and kitchener stitch).

The last section is called “side to side and on the bias - knitting when you want it hard” - lots of experimentation and adventure in these patterns. A beautiful fitted slinky cap sleeve top (you will learn provisional cast on, raised increases, removing cast on edge, grafting ribbing, short rows and kitchener stitch).

Fitted knits: 25 designs for the fashionable knitter, by Stefanie Japel, published by North Light Books. [see Stefanie's blog and the knit-a-long for this book]

This is such a beautifully presented book, and the patterns and styles are all so elegant and gorgeous. Very simple to follow patterns, with illustrations where needed outlining shaping and clear instructions on tricky bits like trim, shaping (theres a lot of shaping) and edges etc.

Yes there is a lot of shaping in these patterns - hence the name “fitted knits” no baggy bodies or droopy shoulders here. All the patterns are meant to accentuate the womanly figure. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any chunky knits or big coats, even these have fitted elements. For example the ‘thick and thin cardigan coat’ uses a gorgeous chunky yarn for the main body, with a contrasting finer yarn for ribbing 3/4 up the sleeve and an extra long ribbed waist band. The ‘long coat with chevron lace’ has fitted raglan sleeves with bust, waist and sleeve shaping.

My absolute two - make that three favourite styles are the ‘back to school u-neck vest’, which has a long waist of ribbing which ends just below the bust and a tweedy stitch with bust shaping at the top. Very flattering. And the ‘cosy v-neck pullover with deep ribbing’ another pattern that uses the deep ribbing for shaping half way up the body and further up the sleeves with a cute high v-neck. And the ’short sleeved cardigan with ribbing’ which uses a bulky yarn with ribbing, borders and structure to shape it.

The third main style of sweaters in this book are the short/ballet style sweaters. These are super sweet. Mini cardi in bulky yarn with shaped bust, flared sleeve cropped cardigan in a really chunky yarn, and another cropped cardigan with a dramatic scoop neckline, there is also a really cute short puffed sleeve cardigan with a slightly flared waist and mandarin collar.

This patterns in this book are meant to be altered to your personal measurement. The key is measuring yourself correctly and trying on the knitted garment at each stage, altering the increases or decreases until it fits.

This is going to be (already is) a great resource with patterns to suit all ages and styles - a good resource that is likely to last a lifetime.

…………………….

Never knit your man a sweater*: *unless you’ve got the ring: 22 handsome projects for every level of commitment, by Judith Durant, published by Storey.

This book is based on the knitting myth that as soon as you knit your man a sweater he dumps you. So well … you should start with small projects and work up to the sweater - which is what this book does. Even though its all about a woman knitting for her man -the patterns in this book could of course be for men who knit. Each chapter has a witty title relating to the stage in the relationship and how much knitting time and effort is appropriate for him. Like “burger and a movie scarf” and “I met his friends vest”. Even though all of this is a little cute and slightly annoying. The patterns in the book are good.

“the burger and a movie scarf” is a noro yarn using block stitch - looks harder to knit than it is and is sure to impress. The “looking good laptop cover” in slip stitch, dark grey merino wool - is nice - a good gift for anyone uses a laptop. There are small projects in increasing difficulty, like hats, ipod socks, and the other sort of socks too and gloves and mittens and vests leading up to the crazy cable knit cardigan/sweater. Some of my favourite designs (that I might knit for my man and my man might actually use) include the scarf and laptop cover (already mentioned above), a very nice “keep his head warm watch cap” which an old fashioned style rib fishing beanie in merino wool knitted in the round. I really like the “flip your lid diamond mittens” which are those cool fingerless gloves with the mitten cover that flips over when needed. I was not too keen an any of the vests, I found them all to be a little nice, neat and conservative. But I liked the “part time living cotton classic sweater” - I like the firm fit of this design, showing off the mans broad shoulders and comes just to the hips - very stylish and simple.

Lots of good patterns in here for me to knit for themselves or to knit for your man (dad or brother too). I personally found the books premise a bit too cute and gimmicky - but once you get past that there are some good patterns - something for most tastes, ages and levels.