knit, Swirl! Uniquely Flattering, One Piece, One Seam Swirl Jackets; Foreword by Cat Bordhi

To be honest, the author essentially presents one pattern made up in a variety of yarns, gauges, ornamentaion and some stitch variation. I have to say that while I like the design, I am disappointed that the entire book focuses on this one design. That's 207 pages at $35.95 retail for all the creative permutations on one design. Had I actually seen the book before I put it on my wish list (where it was then purchased as a gift), I wouldn't have left it there.

On an up note, the book is professionally laid out and the pictures are beautiful.

Gorgeous sweaters, beautiful photography, and sadly, limited sizing

If you're above average height (5' 6"), average sized (a Medium) then the SMALLEST size of the three offered MIGHT fit you.

The author states that the models all wear a size Medium in real life and are about 5' 6". Note that average height for women in the US is 5' 4". If you're skinny or large and of average height you'll be dwarfed in these sweaters.

All photographs of the sweaters look oversized on the models and almost all of the designs are a size 1. Check out the underarm on most of these designs; floppy and bulky.

Yikes! If you want a slim, modern fit and/or you're a size Medium or smaller then you'll have to come up with your own method for grading these patterns down. The author, also sadly, provides only a "tip" to use a smaller/larger gauge and no instructions on grading up or down.

It's too bad because the book is technically well thought out with both written instructions and charts.

A little more help in downsizing (and upsizing) or a few of these patterns offered in smaller/larger sizes would have helped tremendously

Also sadly, I bought this on Amazon so in order to get a refund I'll need to pay for return shipping on this heavy book.

I love this book! It is rare to find patterns so laid-back to knit that look so sophisticated. Glamorous jackets that are fun to create, thanks to Sandra's careful, easy-to-follow instructions. A swirl looks stylish on Any Body. It magically seems to make 10+ pounds disappear.

Knit, Swirl! represents Sandra McIver's decade long exploration into the possibilities afforded by an enchanting, uniquely constructed knitted jacket.

Having experienced the pleasure of wearing this lovely and transformative silhouette, I can attest that a Swirl! is a stylish garment that will flatter just about *every* body. I knew a book, done well, would provide the knitting world something special, new, treasure-worthy. knit, Swirl! is indeed a book done well; a book as artful and accessible as the exquisite garments it introduces.

Not only am I now equipped to knit a Swirl! and knit a Swirl! again, I am pleased to enthusiastically and without reservation recommend knit, Swirl! to all manner of knitters. These comfortable, eye-catching pieces are pure wardrobe enhancement and now, thanks to the guidance of Sandra's clear tutelage, knitting one is not just possible, but great fun.

To this knitter of twenty-five years, one who places herself squarely in the "process knitter" category, the knit,Swirl! process is quite satisfying. Concentric circles give a sense of accomplishment: As the rounds grow smaller, momentum builds and before you know it, the bodice and sleeves are underway. The closure (both literal and figurative) offered by a single seam is straightforward, intuitive. The way it all comes together has an easy, organic feel, much like the garment itself.

knit, Swirl! is a book that I should like to see in the hands of Everyknitter, from the wide-eyed beginner to the casual knitter to those who knit to compulsion. To the newer knitter, the Swirl! experience offers an opportunity to imprint fundamental skills, with gusto! Casting on, working in the round, using stitch markers, joins, binding off, and one grand seam make for one empowering project. Casual knitters may well find in the Swirl! a new "go to" project. More seasoned knitters will appreciate the breadth of possibility in the details: Within this silhouette, there is much latitude, speaking not only to varied body types, but to varied sensibilities.

Indispensable to all knitters are chapters one and two, where Sandra distills years of trial and error and insight into eight concise pages. Here we are provided the essence of a successful project. New knitters will find footing here; the more experienced will appreciate how Sandra's best practices pique the imagination while gently guiding against potential pitfalls.

knit, Swirl! is Sandra McIver's considered exploration of a one piece, one seam, unique and flattering garment. It offers inspiration, instruction, and innovation for an unparalleled experience, start to finish... and beyond. An investment in this book is an investment in mind, body, and spirit. Knit one. Wear one. You'll get it.

I was really really wanting to like this book. It comes highly recommended. But...This book tells you how to knit the various swirl jackets illustrated. It does not really enable you to design your own. Bias type fabric can be unpredictable if you substitute yarns. If you knit the designs with the recommended yarns, it may well bankrupt you! The one seam involves setting in sleeves, so I may well be biased in my lukewarm review!! I will stick to the center-out method of swirl jackets.

I bought this book because the idea of making a garment with little finishing appealed to me (just one seam from cuff to cuff). I enjoyed making the sweater on the cover with Noro Silk Garden color 252. I have received many compliments on my sweater, and as many, if not more requests for the pattern. It is a great jacket pattern, very comfortable, very stylish, and very easy to knit. One word of caution to knitters...do read all instructions carefully, do not add length to the sleeves, they stretch out ALOT, and purchase the 2nd edition. This first edition has errors in just about every pattern. The errata can be found in the author's web page, but do yourself a favor and buy the newest edition (2nd) which I understand has been corrected. I wish I had known this before I bought the first edition. It is a great book.

It's not very often that an entirely new way of looking at knitting comes along. Sandra McIver's brilliant new book brings a unique take on the swirl jacket: One piece, one seam, and variations for every body type! There's even a different way of measuring! And the Swirl truly does look great on everyone.

This is a carefully crafted book, full of gorgeous photography, clearly written instructions, and diagrams for every jacket. Be sure to read the front portion of the book, where Sandra explains how to pick the version that will flatter you the most, how to determine your size, and the basics of how to construct the jacket. Although the Swirl looks, as one review put it, "engineered," the clear and understandable instructions make this book approachable by most adventurous knitters.

There is plenty of information about substituting yarns, but gauge and drape is very important in a garment of this type so I plan to stick close to the yarns that Sandra recommends for my first--just as soon as I can choose which one that is!

Yesterday, when I first held my new copy of knit, Swirl! in my hands, it was a transcendent experience. Leafing through the pages, being drawn into the spell of the beautiful photos and layout, glancing at the schematics, I want to knit every single Swirl. I knew that this book would be beautiful, but (forgive me) I wasn't expecting quite this level of perfection. Ms. McGiver has created a magical book.

I design and knit for a living, and rarely do I feel so completely compelled to put my own knitting away.. but I MUST knit a Swirl! I am casting on today.

This book inspired me to take knitting classes! Now retired, I have been looking for the chance to "master" long awaited projects. The book is GORGEOUS! My knitting teacher stated that these were some of the best patterns she has seen. The jackets are "one of a kind". I hope MS. McIver is considering writing another book!

I've been knitting for over 50 years and this book gave me a new awareness of what could be created. I was captured by the architecture of the patterns, the beautiful photography, the unique closures and the sheer beauty of the color and texture combinations. It is masterfully written and such an artful piece that it resides on my coffee table. I'm inspired. Thank you!