Big Knitting by SOPHIE BRITTEN (2005, Paperback)

While some of the projects are appealing, and I certainly expected large knits, the book was a bit of a disappointment. Several of the patterns were very dated (the book is only 3 years old at this writing!) and if I wanted to look like I did back in 1996 I would only want the body I had in my teens in '96 and not to be wearing the same clothing styles. ;) The book was not exactly what I would refer to as being trendy obviously, however of the wearable projects which I don't consider dated, the projects are so incredibly bland that they just boring. These patterns could easily be found on the back of a yarn label, though most companies would probably not bother.

While its certainly not surprising the author wishes you to utilize skeins which cost $30 apiece (and are from the UK, which this is definitely a UK book, for all you US knitters,)the author doesn't take the time to list the weight of yarn (I am sure its all 6 weight yarns,) and sometimes you are left wondering what you could sub for the type of yarn (many look to be uneven wrapped, weight 6+.) I realize some knitters enjoy making $500 sweaters, but I am more apt to sub the pricey stuff for middle-brand yarns like Lion Brand...even Moda Dea would be cheaper than using the suggested yarns. One poncho would cost me $300 to make. No thanks.