Essentially Feminine Knits: 25 Must-Have Chic Designs Paperback – June 26, 2012

I had this book from the library and one pattern started when it was due back, and there were at least 5 more patterns I wanted to make. Even though it seems there are mistakes in the patterns, I wanted this book in my library. There are too many nice things in it, to have to borrow it again and again. I will deal with the errors when I come across them. Thanks for sending it so quickly ! Love the book !

I just got this in the mail yesterday and am really excited about nearly every pattern. (There's always one or two patterns that make me scratch my head and ask why the editor(s) put it in a book with such wonderful patterns.) I just bought yarn to do the "Cecilia," so hopefully all goes well. At first review, the patterns all seem to be written fairly clearly, and there are mentions of difficulty at the beginning of the patterns. Most patterns are accompanied by charts, but not all, so it just depends on the type of pattern you prefer to follow. I usually transcribe all patterns into my own shorthand in any case, so this doesn't phase me much.

Essentially Feminine Knits is a better than average knitting book with some stand-out patterns. I especially like Rosita, a Long Garter Stitch Sweater with ribs going longitudinally all around. Lily, The Softest Leaf, is also a nice pattern that I'd like to give a try. It comes with a nice matching hat. I really like Gerda, a Feminine Guernsey. The pattern is interesting and looks like fun knitting. Smilla, a lovely cardigan, is described as sweet and nostalgic and that is accurate. I can't wait to try this one. Amanda, Classic Cable Sweater is a winner and just the kind of thing I love to knit. I will certainly be giving this one a try.Despite the several good patterns in this book, the photography leaves something to be desired. It is hard, with several of the patterns, to get a good feel for what they actually look like when finished. Overall, I rate this book a '4'. It has several patterns I'd like to knit, is a good resource and the pattern instructions appear clear.

I love Somsoe's design aesthetic, it's rare for me to want to knit nearly every model included in a book, but this is one of those rare cases. The designs are both special and highly wearable. I feel inspired by flipping through its pages. I have not knit any yet, but the instructions look clear providing easy to read written instructions, schematics and charts. The brief introduction on "how to use this book" was also quite helpful in understanding the where to begin when considering modifications.

...which arrived on 2/16 rather than 3/4, in case anyones interested. It is also, to be honest, my first favorite pattern book, since most of the others I've purchased have that one pattern I absolutely MUST HAVE, and then a series of underwhelming duds I just try not to look at.Rather than giving you a blow-by-blow, I suggest you look the book up on Ravelry and take a look at the designs yourself. Your mileage may vary. ;}The book itself arrived well-packaged and well protected and in great shape!

I purchased this book for one particular pattern, something I rarely do. But what a wonderful surprise to find that there are no "duds" in this book. This was money well spent!

I purchased this book because I "had to have" the lacy circle sweater that is the featured design in several Interweave magazines. I'm still knitting it, and so far the pattern is easy to understand and not too difficult. There are only one or two other designs in this book that I find attractive, and I certainly would not have called most of the designs "feminine." However, I'll admit I'm a 50-something "old lady" that still finds visible bra-straps in public unnerving! Most of my knitting friends who have looked at the designs in this book love most of them, and would like to own the book as well.A caution mentioned by another reviewer: most of the designs are not offered in "plus sizes." If you need bigger than a size 16, unless you can do the pattern math yourself, you'd best keep looking.

Beautiful knit projects for all levels of knitters. I love the book! Nice pictures, clear directions.