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Plum Dandi Knits

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Member Reviews

This is a lovely book, offering an eclectic range of patterns - something for every knitter! I particularly loved the philosophical underpinning of the collection; these are patterns to keep you in the moment, to lose yourself in over a big mug of coffee. Although I haven't had time to test a pattern myself yet, I have now favourited a few on Ravelry where, unsurprisingly, they are clocking up a lot of love. They don't look difficult to me, but they definitely use clever stitch combinations to make even simple knitting look lovely and complex when it is done. There is plenty of lovely photography, and the patterns themselves are very clearly written - plus, there is a helpful glossary of stitches, with diagrams, at the back if there happen to be any stitches you aren't already familiar with. I've marked this as four stars because at this price point I felt there should have been detailed sizing information and help with how to take things up and/or down a size.

I received an advanced readers' copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and frank review.

Many thanks!

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A lovely treat of a book! I found the patterns to be well written,with clear schematics and the ability to choose between graphs and written instructions for those of us who prefer not to use charts( with all that counting!) There is a wide variation of sizes to choose from,whether you make jumpers or cardigans, and the intricate cables and lacework deserve luxury yarns to highlight the hard work/ enjoyment we knitters get from using our needles/ pins. Both American and British terminology is used throughout this book,with a useful glossary and yarn stockists at the back . The photographs are clear and highlight any tricky areas in greater detail,which is also useful for problems that may occur in assembling the finished garment, you get a good idea of how the fit is to be achieved.
I am a keen charity knitter,at present I am doing hats,gloves and scarves for our local shoebox appeal for the homeless,and have recently done witches and trick or treat baskets for Halloween,poppies for Remembrance Sunday and completed a few dragons for fans of Game of Thrones. Our group is lucky in that we use mainly donated wool,which means all monies raised go to the relevant charities. However,there are times when nothing competes with the softness and the sheer pleasure of using luxurious wools, mohair, silk mixtures, linen and designer wools which are too expensive for a charity ,but are a delicious treat and a few balls will find a good home with me. The fun part then,is trying to find the right pattern to bring out the subtleties of such beautiful yarns,and this book is full of gorgeous designs and I have already pencilled in a few to try.
I am loving the Lyndon socks,and I will do a few pairs for our local hospice, the toes are beautifully shaped and look so comfortable, I think the patients would appreciate such coziness . I am going to attempt the Fennimer leg warmers for myself, and perhaps the Harrington scarf for my long suffering hubby,who is resigned to balls of wool falling out of cupboards and tripping over my many baskets of stash. Best of all, I am intrigued at the different way of making a pom-pom for my cable hats,it looks easier than the method I usually use. I am also showing this book to my Tuesday knitting group, we love to experiment with new stitches and getting to know the works of new pattern designers and this book will appeal to us all. I am really impressed with this book and will readily recommend this to my friends. This is my honest opinion and I will post this review today on Goodreads.

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Lots of up to date designs to inspire both keen, experienced knitters and those tempted to have a try. Well laid out and clear instructions. An excellent gift.

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For beginning to intermediate knitters who want some quick fun accessories for the coming winter. Other than a few sweaters, most of the items in this collection are hats and other accessories knit in a pretty big gauge, perfect for last minute gift knitting. Nothing revolutionary, but patterns that seem well crafted. A few mitts are in my future!

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Beautiful patterns with easy to read instructions. Nothing too complex. Knitters will be spoilt for choice.

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Plum Dandi Knits portrays a lovely picture of relaxing in your hand knitted accessories. This book is beautifully photographed and invites you in to grab some yarn and begin knitting. The instructions are clearly written out and charted. Knitters have strong preferences, so the options are welcomed. Plum Dandi Knits will be an important addition to knitters’ libraries.

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There is a little of everything in this new knitting pattern book by Plummer and Schaschwary. Included are sweaters, throws, mittens, hats, leg warmers, and more. There are lots of Bulky weight yarn patterns here, and the knits are young and trendy. Many of the knits use simple lace patterns for texturing, making them suitable for Advanced Beginner or Intermediate knitters.

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If you like simple but elegant patterns, neutrals, cables, etc, this is the pattern book for you. I found the Findley legwarmers pattern a little confusing, but nothing I couldn't figure out. I've already bought yarn for the Keene sweater--so pretty!

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This book is full of beautiful pictures. You can almost feel the softness of the luxury yarns. The patterns are clear, well written and easy to follow for most levels. I did find some of the designs a bit basic though, and would have liked to have seen more variety in the sweaters especially in their shape, overall though a lovely book - Thank you

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As a long-time fan of both authors' designs, I was very excited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of Plum Dandi Knits. This book exceeded my expectations. The photography is beautiful and the patterns are easy to follow. I'm impressed by the size options for the sweaters as well. As a larger woman, it's nice to see patterns I can knit for me! This book will please knitters of every skill level!

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I was provided a copy of Plum Dandi Knits for my honest review. It is a broad collection of knitwear patterns, including several accessories and garments. I would recommend this to intermediate and confident knitters with a certain aesthetic approach leaning towards natural, comfortable styling. This book gave me a certain Hygge feeling as well. #indigoemployee

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Melissa Schaschwary and Alicia Plummer have created an absolutely gorgeous knitting book. The materials are luxurious: merino, cashmere, alpaca, silk and so on, but the designs are equally elegant – simple, yet impressive.

Plum Dandi Knits gives clear and precise instructions on how to make these beautiful knits. There are different projects from mittens to sweaters and from shawls to cowls, thus giving something for all skill levels. The photos will make one want to cast on ones needles right away, but also to explore the nearest woodlands enjoying the outdoors.

I have a few personal favourites among the projects, which include the Genesee cardigan, Yarmouth vest, Langlade sweater and Keene pullover. Which one to start with? That is the question!

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The relaxed, comfortable knits in this collection are designed to compliment beautiful luxurious yarns but will still work with well with the best yarn substitution the knitter can afford thanks to their classic qualities.
A great selection of knits for the ambitious newbie or intermediate knitter which stitch patterns that are not overcomplicated but which look very accomplished.
Another one for the knitting book shelf

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It is so rare to find a book of patterns that truly encompasses women of multiple sizes. The sweaters in this book go range from 31" to 55" bust in most cases. All of the patterns are easy to follow and are beautiful. Any area that is charted is also written out. The 22 patterns include hats, scarves, cowls, sweaters, leg warmers, shawls and mittens. There's a mix of everything...they even put in a beautiful blanket pattern.

There's a great, fully illustrated glossary of terms at the back of the book, too, which is convenient because then you are not searching the web mid-project to attempt to remember how to do something.

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I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The title of this book is very apt, the patterns in this book are plum dandy. Lovely garments to warm you from top to toe, made in beautiful yarns with interesting stitch patterns and important for me a minimum of seaming. The book contains both quick projects and longer ones all of which will make fabulous gifts if you can bear to give them away. I will definitely be adding this book to my Christmas wish list and torn as to which of the patterns to start first. Clear directions and lovely photographs make this book one to treasure.

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Do not hesitate to buy this book:
Plum Dandy by Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary is a book that made my heart warm up the moment I saw the Keene turtleneck sweater on the cover of the book. The book is all about casual comfort knits in natural colors and made with beautiful yarns. All the projects in this book are suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters. The instructions are easy to follow and a lot of items knit up very fast, like the Delafield Wrap or the Harrington Scarf. Even seasoned knitters should not shy away from this book because all projects in this book have a simple elegance that sets them apart. For example I cannot take my eyes of the Genesee Cardigan which has lace details on the pockets and the hem. There are a lot of lovely accessories, like leg warmers, mitts, socks, and hats that make beautiful presents. As a lover of all things cabled, I fell in love with the Mackinaw blanket which I would only selfishly knit for myself. All of the designs in this book are worth to knit. In Summary, Plum Dandy is another high quality knitting book from Interweave which I can wholeheartedly recommend to buy.

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This is wonderfully shot, and each pattern shown very clearly. I liked how there were patterns for both smaller and bigger needles, as I tend to stay away from smaller needled patterns myself. Both cable charts and written instructions are included. A great book for high style knitting.

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Sometimes a luxury yarn should take center stage. These patterns -- from socks to sweaters, shawls and mitts to hats and a throw -- are simple enough to keep the spotlight on the yarn.

The patterns are simple and mostly made with heavy weight yarns, so they knit up fast. Simple lace and cable stitches add texture and special style, but they're not too hard for a beginner. Great for gifts, too.

Stitch patterns are generally given in chart form and written out in traditional knitting pattern fashion. The layout of the patterns makes it easy to follow the patterns and to find the right stitch instructions when needed. Notes about the pattern, clear legends for the charts, and detailed information about the materials needed mean that you don't have to flip back and forth through the book. It's all designed for relaxing knitting.

The patterns are pretty and trendy. Those that require fitting are offered in lots of sizes -- from 28" to 56" bust, though not every sweater has all those sizes. A little bit of texture stitch or a panel of lace adds style to the sweaters, but the shapes are simple.

The photos are glamorous, in neutral colors and natural settings. Not only is this a great book for beginning and advanced knitters, but it's the perfect gift book for a friend who wishes she could knit.

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Knitters are always on the look for books with timeless patterns that are easy to knit, this title by Plum Dandi Knits hits all the right spots. Quick to knit beautiful patterns that will be used for years are featured in beautiful photography.

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Oh my goodness...just beautiful patterns! The patterns are clear and well-written, with easy-to-read charts. The finished products are my aesthetic completely, and the pictures in the book show them off very well, without being over the top or fussy.

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