Martin Storey

I ordered this book sight unseen from a distributor of remainders and was delighted by the quality of the designs. However, upon investigation, the largest sweater size in the book is 48 months, and my delight turned to slight disappointment. True, the subtitle (not given in the catalogue from which I ordered) is "Designs for babies and young children", but a lot of young children wear size 6 or size 8 -- Sirdar children's pattern books include sizes NB through 7 years -- so in my opinion show more "babies and toddlers" would be more accurate. I might still use some of the colourwork charts in other projects or make sweaters for children yet to be born. They're lovely patterns. show less

loral Knits: 25 Contemporary Flower-Inspired Designs by Martin Story is filled with beautiful color photos of a variety of knitting projects. I have bought knitting project books before so I am very familiar with them. Usually, I use them more for inspiration than for duplicating what is in the book.

The projects range in difficulty from floral designs on sweaters and pretty blossoms on socks to the much easier to coasters and table runners. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. show more The only thing that would improve this knitting project book is an indication of the level, like beginner, intermediate and expert. That could be easily be done by adding the level to the top of the pattern. Most knitters learn which type of garment or accessory are the most difficult for them as time goes on but I think it would be a good help for beginners to know.

There are some cleaver ideas for projects. I have made knitted squares with designs before but I never thought of knitting them vertically for a pretty table runner. I have knitted flowers before to attach as a decoration but the author has instructions for a type that I haven’t tried before.

I highly recommend this book to all who love to knit.

I received this book as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or ideas in this review. show less

Mr. Storey's idea of "big" or "generous" is a 46" bust. There are two shrugs which go up to 50". The Seashore Tunic is the sort of shapeless thing plus size women see see all too much of. I was surprised to see accessories included; why waste space in a plus size book with one-size-fits-all shawls? We can find those anywhere.

Rowan has rarely been accommodating to large women. This book demonstrates their lack of expertise in this - or their lack of caring. I'm glad I decided to get it from show more the library first so I'm not out of pocket. show less

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 show more happy to undertake and ones 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. show less