[.uk] Sweaters from Camp: 38 Color-Patterned Designs from Meg ... (ISBN 0942018214)

The Greatest Techniques Section Ever:
As a knitter who loves fair isle and stranded knitting, I am delighted to see 38 intricately patterned garments, but wow oh wow! the techniques section is worth the price of the book all by itself. Years of tips from the Knitting Campers plus Swansen's expertise make the book technique-rich. If I was just starting out as a two-color knitter, I would need this book. As an experienced knitter, I'm delighted to have all things pertaining to fair isle and stranded knitting in one handy book. Some Starmore fans, like the two-star reviewer, who need to have their knitting patterns and color schemes completely dictated to them, may find the designs exhibit less color mastery than Starmore's designs. However, all other knitters may rejoice in a book of techniques and designs by knitters for knitters. If you want to learn two-color knitting, I highly recommend Sweaters from Camp. If you already know how, I bet you'll still find brilliant techniques that are new to you, and that you'll wonder how you ever did without. The techniques section really is that good!

Designs don't keep up with the instruction:
I largely agree with the other reviewers' assessment of the technical info: It really is quite good. However, in this age of the Internet, most (perhaps all) of this instruction is available elsewhere for free, often accompanied with photos that are easier to follow than the black & white illustrations in the book. That these web-based resources often cite the book's material while essentially giving it away is, perhaps, a bit unfair, but such is the electronic world we're in. As good as the technique description is, I can't say that I enjoyed most of the designs, which make up roughly 85% of the content. While I'd eagerly tackle Amy Swanson's Snow Sky pullover or Joyce Williams' Tradition Fair Isle Jumper, nearly everything else seemed to be stuck in the 80's. To be fair, some of that impression may come from what I found to be unattractive color choices, so more imaginative readers than I may be able to see past the photos and find a few more pleasing designs underneath. It's too bad that the publisher does not offer the Look Inside feature, which would allow you to make up your mind before buying. If you can find this title used for $25 or so, I'd suggest buying it. Spend the extra money on yarn.

Outstanding Inspirational Designs:
This is one of my greatest knitting aquisitions of the past 5 years as a wonderfully inspirational resource for a beautiful array of colorful fair isle style sweaters and more. And just as her mother did before her, Meg has carried on the tradition of providing comprehensive, easy-to-understand patterns that challenge the more advanced knitter, but the clearly written instructions make it a perfect book for the intermediate knitter to take the next step. Additionally, the photography of the Wisconsin landscapes that surround the knitting camp were definitely a treat for the eyes. Thanks again for such a wonderful knitting resource!

Great Book:
I have very little experience with color-patern designs and I belive this book is very well designed - it is easy to follow the instructions and even to try and customise some of the charts for different garments.

Sweaters from Camp:
Haven't had a chance to read this but flipping through the patterns they are quite stunning. Lots of excellent photos and color choices. A real asset to my book collection.