Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories

NetGalley Review: 5 Stars

Date reviewed/posted: April 1, 2021

"When life for the entire galaxy and planet has turned on its end, you are continuing to #maskup and #lockdown to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation as the #secondwave ( #thirdwave ?)is upon us, superspeed readers like me can read 300+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today.

"I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.

"From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do .

"Beautiful sweaters and accessories, simple to knit!

"There is no more classic sweater than the yoke pullover, which can be worn anywhere and everywhere and always looks stunning. The heathered tones of yarn used in this book bring back the feeling of wearing wool against cold, harsh conditions, though you may be wearing yours while sipping cocoa by the fire. The 14 pullover patterns are all worked top-down and in the round, to minimize seaming and keep you in a happy knitting rhythm. New to colorwork? All you need to know to get started is explained in the tutorial section.

"If you are new to stranded knitting, or just desire a quicker project, the 14 hat, scarf, sock, and other accessory patterns bring you the same rustic feel in smaller knits. Perfect for using up leftover sweater yarn to make coordinating accessories, these pieces will keep you warm and cozy in beautiful, soft colours.

"Wenke Müller has been developing hand-knit designs under the name tomkeknits since 2017. The fashion designer worked in the theatre, in various design studios, and developed high-quality knitwear for the international fashion industry before returning to hand knitting, a passion that began in her childhood. In addition to her own label, she publishes patterns with various yarn manufacturers and magazines. She lives with her family in Dresden, Germany.

"I have never done top-down colour work but I think that I will try it out now as a result of this book - it is well written and the instructions are clear and concise. The projects look gorgeous - I will recommend this book to all the knitters I know!

"As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I simply adore emojis (outside of their incessant use by "[bless]-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube Millionaires/snowflakes / literally-like-overusers etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it [5 yarn balls]"

— Janet Pole Cousineau, Librarian at A.E.M.S. Library/Community Kitchen

NetGalley Review: 4 Stars

Date Review Last Updated: 31 Mar 2021

"This book has some beautiful patterns! The models wear them well and are in gorgeous scenery, so the pictures are stunning!! There are a number of tips included on the patterns as well. It seems very thorough, but I also found it to be a bit confusing and overwhelming. I'm a visual person so would have loved to see some step by step pictures. I'm sure that an experienced knitter would have no issue with this though. Overall, a great knitting book!"

— Kate Z, Reviewer at Book Reviewer (Consumer Reviewer)

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 02 Apr 2021

"Fourteen gorgeous Scandinavian style sweaters are featured in Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories. Knitting from the top down is the easiest way to knit a sweater because, when you finish, there is nothing else to do as there are no seams to deal with. If you are an ambitious knitter with moderate skills or more experienced, this beautiful book is for you. Each pattern is illustrated with photographs that show the design of the color work and the fit of the sweater. The instructions are easy to follow but if you have questions, you can refer to the “how-to” guide at the start of the book. You’ll find a list of abbreviations there too.

"There are also colorwork charts and each sweater can be made in sizes from small to extra large. The accessories that follow the sweaters are for hats, headbands, mittens and more. Using these patterns, you can work with colors on a smaller scale. I am a knitter and Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories makes me want to pick up my needles and start a new project! 5 stars.

"Thank you to NetGalley, Rowman & Littlefield and Wenke Müller for this ARC"

—Kathleen Hughes, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last update on 02 Apr 2021

"Since I've shifted to knitting top-down sweaters only, I was really excited to see this new book. It's just what I was looking for and could never find. This book offers many wonderful patterns for top-down color work sweaters. The accessories are also terrific. In fact, I'm planning to try the accessories first to get a feel for the techniques before trying an entire sweater.

"If you've mastered the technique of making top-down knitted sweaters, this is a resource for taking the next step and adding color work. Highly recommended."

—Cindy Coe, reviewer at Sycamore Cove Creations

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

last updated on 03 Apr 2021

"This beautiful book features patterns for Icelandic knits that are lovely, but seem very doable. The photographs are lovely and show off the pieces from several angles - something many knitting books lack"

—Stacy Tomaszewski, librarian at Alameda County Library

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 03 Apr 2021

"This book is an English translation of many patterns from Wenke Muller's beautiful book, Islandpullover stricken: Skandinavische Top-down-Modelle mit kuschligen Accessoires – Stricken ohne Zusammennähen, that came out in spring 2020. More patterns are included in this volume than the earlier one. There are top down pullovers, with colorwork or texture designs, for men and women. Most patterns also have a counterpart matching accessory pattern featuring the same colorwork or texture designs. The patterns are clear and well organized with great photography. My favorite thing about this book are the technical instructions and numerous tip boxes on the pages. Reading it feels like learning to knit sweaters with my cool European cousin. Some American readers may take issue with the recommended yarns, which are European and may be hard to find in the US. Quick yarn searches on yarnsub.com should be sufficient to solve this problem.

"In exchange for my honest review of this book, I received a free ebook copy courtesy of #netgalley and the publisher."

—Sara C, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review:5 stars

Last updated on 05 Apr 2021

"I was able to preview "Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories" by Wenke Muller on NetGalley. This is a beautiful book. The pictures are stunning and the 27 patterns will leave you hard pressed to decide what to knit first! The patterns and charts seem very clear and there are a variety of patterns. Lots of sweater patterns, but also hats, headbands, mittens, legwarmers and socks."

— Stacy Olson, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 06 Apr 2021

"A lovely top down yoked sweater book! The colorwork is charted very neatly at the end of the written patterns, which are highly detailed. Written patterns include all the sizes written at once like this: k40/42/44/46 sts. Sizing for most of these sweaters range from small to XL, each with plenty of ease. They're written concisely, clearly, and have few unusual stitches or shaping. Aside from the unique colorwork patterns, these sweaters are very simply structured.

"The recommended yarns are hard to find in US markets, but experienced knitters should have no trouble finding equivalent yarn at their local shops. I love yoked sweaters as much as anyone, but few of these sweaters made me want to grab my needles.

"Each sweater is beautifully photographed in nice, normal poses. No awkward modelling here!

"I loved the addition of matching accessories for these sweaters. Very cute, simple, and yes, matching! If you're a tentative knitter, fear not. Matching colorwork accessories like hats, legwarmers, socks, and more to get you warmed up.

"Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review."

—Saah Czarnecki, reviewer at Jam-Packed Bookshelf

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 06 Apr 2021

"What a lovely book!! So many beautiful, but manageable patterns. I definitely bookmarked a few to try myself. The instructions are written in a way that gives me the confidence that I can create a colorwork sweater (or mittens) with relative ease."

— Jennifer Darnell, librarian at EVPL

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 09 Apr 2021

"Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories by Wenke Muller is a beautiful example of Nordic stranded yoke, top-down sweaters. Also included are accessories to match each sweater, some examples are: leg warmers, shawl, cowl, mittens, headband and plenty of hats.

"The basic pattern shaping for a traditional sweater like this is simple. The increases are done on certain rows of the yoke as you work down from the neck. I have knit many sweaters of this type. A section on making fit adjustments would have been nice. There are only two models in the book, one male and one female. They both have similar straight body shapes. This means someone who is curvier will need to make some adjustments to the pattern. I usually add some short rows to the back neck to raise it. This will drop the from neckline down and the wearer will not feel choked. For someone with a bust the stranded color work is not stretchy and they may need to add short rows in the pattern section. I know these adjustments are usually done by an experienced knitter. It would have been nice, if there was a section explaining fit adjustments such as these separate from the patterns.

"A new knitter will have an easy time following along and this type of sweater is great for skill building with new knitters. The schematics that accompany each pattern will help experienced knitters make the adjustments needed for a perfect fit. I also like that each sweater is accompanied by a fit rating of : slim, regular or loose fit.

"The beautiful sweaters and accessories are shown in full color photography against a landscape of great beauty. This is a great starting point for sweater knitting."

—Michelle Ogden, Librarian at Frankfort Comm. Contractual Public Library

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 11 Apr 2021

"photos and patterns are beautiful. I love using top down/no sewing patterns for sweaters and will probably purchase this book once it is published. thank you for the opportunity to review an advance copy"

—Judy T, educator

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 17 Apr 2021

"This is a beautifully-illustrated book with a variety of top-down yoke sweater knitting patterns. In addition to the sweaters, the author also includes patterns for a variety of accessories that could stand alone or be coordinated with the pullovers. If you wanted to get your feet wet rather than starting with a sweater, one of the accessories would be a good place to start. All of the sweaters come in four sizes ( S, M, L , XL), and she also includes information on various levels of ease, which she calls fits. This allows the knitter to vary the fit of the garment from fitted to loose. There is information with pictures on the various increases and decreases used when making this type of sweater. The book is very well organized. I love the table of contents that allows me to go through the basics and then choose a project. Her charts are also easy to read and follow. I am an experienced knitter who has knit top-down yoke sweaters in the past, and I would enjoy working the projects in this book."

— Terry Swindell, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 20 Apr 2021

"Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of TOP-DOWN COLORWORK KNIT SWEATERS AND ACCESSORIES (27 Patterns for Women and Men) by Wenke Müller in exchange for an honest review. This book begins with explanations of the techniques used in stranded colorwork and in top-down sweaters. The sweater patterns mostly feature decorative yokes and can be considered unisex. There are sock and leg-warmer patterns using some of colorwork designs. The patterns also include single-color and stranded colorwork hats. My favorite design is the hat on the cover. All but a few of the patterns look like they are very warm and suited for really cold weather.

"#TopDownColorworkKnitSweatersandAccessories #NetGalley"

— Bobbie Kirkland, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 22 Apr 2021

"Just in time for the knitting revolution of 2020 we have a new top down knitting book. The author has created a modern look for a classic style. This book contains 14 sweater patterns knitted in soft natural colors and 14 hats, scarves and accessories. The patterns are easy enough for a beginner and attractive enough for the experienced knitter."

— Beverly Carmichael, Librarian

NetGalley Reviw: 5 stars

Last Updated on 14 May 2021

"Even if you never knit any of the patterns this book would be worth the cost for the excellent technique instructions offered in the first section!

"The designs are generally bold graphics, and with only one exception, seem appropriate for sweaters for men or women.

"It includes a bonus section on accessories to match the sweaters, which are worth knitting in their own right.

"Another bonus is the addition of a chunky sweater with a simple cable detail and a short -sleeve sweater with a nupp and lace detail.

"This is a perfect book to buy for yourself, for a year full of knitting ideas; or to buy for a knitting friend. There truly is something for everyone in the title. Well done!"

—Melissa Ark, Educator

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 07 Jun 2021

"My initial impression when opening this book was one ooooooooh and ahhhhhhhh after the other. The photography is stunning and the perfect backdrop for knit items. Projects range from the simple to the complex, including patterned and textured yoke pullovers and matching accessories. Color choices reflect the natural settings in with the hand knit are pictured. #NetGalley"

—Linda Van Sistine-Yost, Librarian

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 15 Jun 2021

"My latest knitting obsession is colourwork. The sweater patterns in this book are gorgeous! I’m not sure which to start with. And a nice bonus are the patterns for the accessories that go with the sweaters. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys colourwork knitting or for those who would like to try it for the first time. The smaller accessories are a great place to start."

—Michelle Geadah, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 15 Jun 2021

"This is a beautifully photographed collection of top- down sweater and accessories patterns. Muller includes clear, helpful illustrations on how to increase, decrease, color work, magic loop, seaming, etc. I especially liked the matching accessories, with socks that mimicked the pattern in the sweater, and like wise for hats, mittens, shawl, etc. It’s too warm for sweater weather right now in Texas, but I am putting the Drifa Triangular Shawl on my needles right now!

Highly recommended for all knitters"

—Mary Vernau, Librarian at Tyler Public Library

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 15 Jun 2021

"I loved the brief and to the point introduction in the book. Taking on your first sweater is by no means an easy feat, and every sweater after that can bring with it its own set of challenges. I’ve found that with other pattern books, there can either be too much information, or not enough. This seemed like a good amount.

"One of the things that drew me to this book in particular was that all the sweaters are knitted from the top down. I’ve tried others and haven’t had much success. As a knitter, I really dislike having to sew pieces together at the end, so top down sweaters are the best, and in my opinion, great for beginners.

"Another huge draw of this book was that the sweaters within it are unisex. As a male, I’ve struggled to find a book of patterns with great designs catered to both men and women. I’ve tried to increase for a more masculine fit, but have yet to make a sweater that fits me. It was thoughtful that the author took this into consideration while writing this book.

"Although at times in the book, the information can be overwhelming, there are other times when it isn’t, and that the author is concise and to the point.

"The increases and decreases section were perfectly described. I LOVE the author’s reminder when it comes to increasing, “I’ve left the front door open” and “I’ll be right back” as ways to remember the left and right increases. I learned a lot of my knitting with phrases like this so appreciated this.

"One thing I wished for more of, was diagrams and images in the book. There were some good diagrams in the magic loop section, but that appeared to me all. It would have been great to see diagrams like that throughout the book.

"The author includes a please note headline and tip, within each pattern which was really helpful.

"The addition of hats felt like a bonus to me! I’ve made a lot of hats since I started to knit, and have a ton of patterns saved up but I really liked that these accessories matched the sweaters in the book.

"All round, great book with a ton of useful information. I just wish there were more diagrams."

—Sean Loughran, Reviewer at Avocado Diaries

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 25 Jun 2021

"The designs are stunning.

Love the details in the pattern and how easy to follow they are.

The photos are beautiful and inspiring for a new project.

Was really amazed, that at the end, the author also included the accessories. Hats, mittens, scarf, leg warmers and so on.

Definitely recommend it.'

—Arlene Arredondo, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 03 Jul 2021

"I currently have a nearly finished gathering moth holes in my drawer that the current heat wave has me avoiding. However I can say with upmost confidence that for my first sweater its is a rather nice one and thanks to this book as actually less daunting a task than I thought it would be. I can't wait for the weather to get cooler so that I can finish it and show it off!"

—Morgan Schaer, consumer reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 stars

Last updated on 19 Jul 2021

"I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Top-Down Colorwork Knit Sweaters and Accessories by Wenke Müller is a lovely collection of 27 knitting patterns for women and men featuring colorwork and minimal seaming. The sizes range from Small to Extra-Large. I found the patterns to be intriguing, and there are several that will go in my to-be knit list, the instructions and charts are clear and concise, and the photographs are beautiful. There are both beginner and more advanced patterns, and the techniques used are explained very well. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who enjoys or wants to learn stranded colorwork knitting. Publishing Date: November 1, 2021. #TopDownColorworkKnitSweatersAndAccessories #WenkeMüller #RowmanAndLittlefield #StacpoleBooks #KnittingBooks #StrandedColorworkPatterns #HandKnittingPatternBook #NetGalley #StrandedColorworkKnitting #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer" —Norah Gibbons, reviewer at historicalromancemagazine.com