Sculptured Knits: 48 Timely Designs Inspired by the Decorative Arts of the 20th Century

I enjoyed this book greatly. I am a brand new knitter so some of the designs are over my head (not for long, I hope) but I intend to try some as soon as I am comfortable with the craft. The bolero on the cover is my favorite. I also liked the Rennaisance coat and the portobello tunic. I do think that the little jumper would have been better with two different lengths like the Garbo outfit. After all, not everyone can or will wear mini skirts. The instructions are clear, easy to read and complete. The childrens clothes are adorable as are the throws and pillows. In all, good job to Jean Moss, it's a beautiful, well designed book with plenty of imaginative designs. (With shaping, thank heaven. I hate potato sack sweaters) Naturally, not all the designs were my cup of tea but everyone's taste is different so what else can be expected. The point is, I liked most of them and I'm happy knitting so that's all that matters.

I purchased this book because I wanted the Garbo Sweater pattern in this book. There are a few other patterns I also liked, but would not rush to buy the yarn and knit them.Recommend going to a knitting shop and checking the book to see if you want to purchase it. This is a very large, coffee table book. I think publishing it in a smaller magazine format would be ideal, but the photographs and patterns are well done, and most are charted.

this is a great book on knitting that really fits. I like to make these sweaters to start a new trend. Sweaters and clothing today is made out of inferior yarn and looks cheep. I make them for family, friends and my self.

So many patterns! Classic designs with interesting details.

The patterns in this book are stylish, but they start at size 38 bust so not the best choice for a size small.

Whilst I do not usually respond to reviews, I would like to clarify a few things about my work. My approach to knitwear design is a combination of my love of the craft, a lifelong interest in costume design and a passion for creating beautiful things. My aims in constructing a collection of my designs for publication are not driven by economics (I could find a better paid job in Woolworths), but by my wish to compile a beautiful book of designs, underpinned by a common theme. In Sculptured Knits my theme was the decorative arts of the twentieth century. With such massive scope I don't pretend to have covered anything but a fraction of it, but it does serve as a springboard and adds another dimension to the book for the intelligent reader who is interested in learning more about the design process.I always try to be thoroughly professional in my work and know that the accusation of producing a "rushed job" is totally unjustified. Sculptured Knits represents a year's work and I feel is excellent value for money, having no less than 48 unique designs in one book. You will find no half measures here - you will either like an individual design or you won't, but what I hope you will find are patterns which collectively are fun and inspiring, and individually, enough interesting pieces that you will want to knit to justify buying the book. Each design is executed in three sizes with much thought given to shape, texture and detail, the latter, in my opinion, being so important in producing a coherent design and a trademark in all my sweaters.I realise that I can't please all of the people all of the time, but I do feel that some people will never be pleased. The craft of knitting is not served by spiteful reviews . I have no problem with constructive feedback - it's inspiring to hear suggestions on how to make ever more exciting and innovative knitwear books. The learning process is ongoing and criticism invaluable in pushing the boundaries. I always give my best to a project as it is not in my nature to do things by halves. I am very proud of Sculptured Knits and challenge the "forget it" and "wet kiss" amateur reviewers to be more specific in their criticisms instead of writing glib, negative two liners which are useless to the genuine knitting public. For knitters who might like a fuller and informed review, please refer to the Spring issues of Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits or consult my website.Jean Moss

Every knitting designer focuses on different techniques and style. Sasha Kagan and Kaffe Fassett are known for color work, Alice Starmore for Aran and Fairisle inspired design with an Scottish flair. Jean Moss' book is very interesting, in that it concentrates on texture and form, rather than color.It is unusual to find knitting books with tailored, sculpted patterns. So this book stands out in that it has patterns that are a departure from the huge, shapeless bulkies of today's haute couture, or the classic jumpers that are featured in many other books. If you love shape and texture in knitting, you will not be disappointed.The best thing about this book is the use of Colinette yarns in some of the designs. These designer yarns are gorgeous, handpainted, textured, and matched for working together. It isn't always easy to visualize how to use them, and it's wonderful to have some patterns to show them at their best.

I am a 20-something professional looking for a unique way to build my career wardrobe. Out of 41 designs, about 3 met my search, and I feel like I had to "settle" for these. Numerous designs are throws (albeit beautiful), pillow covers, or children's clothes. Nearly all of the clothing designs are from the 80s or early 90s--shapeless/formless, definitely NOT sculptured (?sculptED?). Even the design on the cover needs shaped through the back, and I wouldn't call it a bolero. It wouldn't fit me anyhow, I'm 5"10 with a 34 in bust (a proper height/weight combination), and the small measures a whopping 38 in.I do like the concept of the book. The subtitle is "Inspired by the decorative arts of the 20th century" . The cover bolero is inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec, another by Tiffany, another by the original watercolors in the Mother Goose books (an exquisite girl's dress, but not based in reality). Another chapter has designs inspired by Garbo, Astaire, Coco Chanel, and Valentino.So--bottom line-- interesting concept, heavily textured but shapeless designs which I would not wear in public.

De très beaux modeles avec de l'originalité. Ce livre paru il y a plusieurs années, demeure une référence en design tricot. Les modèles demandent une bonne pratique du tricot et de la lecture des explications en anglais sinon galère assurée.

I bought the book for the cover pattern initially, but the decorative arts that were the starting point of the patterns had my expectations up high. I was very disappointed to find that the sculptured knits as promised on the cover, had to do with the structure of the stitches used, and not with well fitting garments at all. Most of the patterns for women lack a waist. To be honest, i wouldnt wear any of them, including the jacket on the front, as its completely formless at the back. Better patterns are found online for free. The only plus for me is that the book is a hardcover.

Best Jean Moss knitting book