Jody Long

Mr. Long, an internationally known knitwear designer, has redesigned 21 classic sweaters and accessories for a modern audience. Mostly this involves knitting his cabled patterns in colored yarns rather than in the traditional white, but he has also changed the hems and bottom fitting details, moving away from ribbing. As with any knitting book I like some of the designs better than others. I quite like the Buttonless Chunky Cardigan, but the color choice for the Oversize Wrap strikes me as unfortunate. Would the thing look better in white? No one in my world wears shrugs. The front closing of the waistcoat is nice but again, no one I know would wear it. The two tunic dresses would look very nice on someone who could wear that style.

Mr. Long's designs are for intermediate to advanced knitters. His instructions are detailed and include text and charted patterns. His taste in yarn runs a bit chunkier than mine and I suspect that I would have to spend a bit of time adjusting my gauge. He is spare with is finishing instructions. I look at the cabled scarf and wonder whether it will curl. Some of the hems look a bit raggedy and I wonder if a tiny bit of extra picot work on them will be needed.

If you are thinking to run up a nice heavy sweater for the winter, this is a book to consider.

I received a review copy of "Contemporary Cables: Classic Aran Reimagined in Current Styles" by Jody Long (Dover) through NetGalley.com.… (más)

Contemporary Cables Classic Aran Reimagined in Current Styles by Jody Long
Viewed this book on my tablet so the paperback copy might be a bit different.
Always been fascinated by knitted cables and what you can do with them as I experiment myself.
starts out with an introduction from the author about what fascinated her at the beginning.
Each sweater is pictured along with its name and book page number for easy reference.
Love the very basic of diamonds with seed stitch, you can see the stitches clearly, enough to make the design yourself.
Besides the intro there is are short paragraphs on basic things, yarn, amount, equipment, guage, basic stitches, casting on, joining, working stripes, from a chart, seams, etc a bit of everything to make a complete garment.
I can just imagine some of the patterns featured, not made up in a sweater but a scarf or hat even.
Each pattern starts with a color photo and what I like about them is that you can see the stitches, cabling and the background doesn't blend right in so you lose what you are looking at.
Has a star skill level, then chart by size so you can be sure of a good fit.
Other materials listings-what was used to make the sweater and gauge and special abbreviations along with how to work them.
Row by row instructions on how to make the pattern and how to assemble and finishing touches. Very detailed instructions. Also small photo of back of the sweater as well.
Chart diagrams showing measurements are also included along with special stitches.
Charted pattern is also enclosed if you follow instructions that way.
Like different types of shoulders and necks in the patterns.
Besides sweaters, wraps, shrug, there is a pattern for mittens, beret and a scarf.
What I also like about this book is the styles for men! Abbreviations are available at the end of the book and how to make them also a conversion chart for US/UK needle sizes
Never realized the author was a man til I got to the last page, super that he shares his knowledge with us in this book.
I received this book from Net Galley and this is my honest review.… (más)

Adorable Baby Knits by Jody Long
Takes a while for the book to load in due to high content of the photography but well worth it.
Talks about different aspects of making the outfits-if you can substitute yarns, needles needed, stitches explained and glossary of terms.
First project starts out with blocks and skill level shown and charts so you can work the rows. Not very complicated and easy to follow along.
Next project is booties and they look and are easy to make. Abbreviations and stitches used are described in detail and row by row instructions are given for many different sizes.
Every pattern has its own photograph, highly detailed and close up.
Such adorable color combinations and great garments to make for any child living in any climate.
Acknowledgements and sources for supplies is listed at the end.
Liked this book because of the variety of patterns and stitches used. My favorite to try would be the rosette blanket so I could make it larger or smaller sizes.
Love the cabled items as those are the ones that draw me to a book. Something for everybody, boys and girls alike, to start out with in this book.
Received a digital copy for review via Dover Publications via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.… (más)