Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Top-Down Sweaters is my third (and clearly my favorite) of Ann Budd's "knitter's handy" books. My first, purchased years ago, showed me clearly how easy it is to design or adjust a sweater design for any person, any type and gauge of yarn. Hooray! But this book explains even more. Here's my take on "Top-Down Sweaters:" PROS: 1. When I use one of my Ann Budd "handy" books, I know I'll have a book that lays flat, so I don't have to weigh down the pages. I wish more publishers would print their books with spiral bound pages and a hard-back cover. 2. There are many lovely designs in this book with plenty of ways to change them to make the garment you've been dreaming of. 3. Techniques abound. But this is more of a "learn by doing" book than a strictly technique book. I've been wondering how to work the caps of sleeves on a sweater I'm now knitting. I want to have the sleeves knitted in but wasn't quite sure if I could do this with a set-in sleeve. Now I know how! (HINT: Think short rows.) 4. I'm in love with the coral cardigan on the cover, but I'm not fond of raglan sweaters because that style makes my shoulders look narrow. Using her easy instructions, I can adapt the color and stitch to make myself a cardigan with saddle sleeves rather than the raglan I do not like. 5. Tips are offered throughout the book. As a new spinner, I was pleased to learn that knitting in the round is perfect for hand spun yarn because the imperfections are spread throughout the garment rather than appearing in ugly clumps. 6. Paper is nice and heavy. Photographs are clear, bright, and colorful. I couldn't ask for a better prepared book! CONS: None. This is a terrific addition to my knitting library. OVERALL: Top-Down is a book that will offer many options for every knitter, from the beginner to the pro, and for every body, from small child to large adult. Get it, or give it to a confirmed knitter.