Hot Knits: 30 Cool, Fun Designs to Knit and Wear

Rating:
Summary: not that hot
Review: i am young and relatively in shape and a lot of the designs weren't really my thing. this book is fine if you like long tunics or boxy short sweaters. most of them i wouldn't buy let alone take the time to knit myself. they try to sex them up by photographing the models with the cardigans unbottoned but it doesn't succeed in distracting you from the basic unremarkability of the sweaters. if you want really cute patterns try knitty.com or a subscription to interweave knits. the mag is good too because it can keep you busy all year instead of just right before christmas.

Rating:
Summary: Great value for the price!
Review: I bought this book sight unseen based on my previous knowledge of Melissa Leapman's designs, and I was not disappointed. I can't decide which of the designs to make first!
This is a collection of women's tops, from a long coat to a tube top and everything in between. The patterns are sized in ranges from XS-XXL, with most designs in sizes S-XL. The instructions are well written, with stitch patterns clearly listed at the beginning of each section, including suggested increase and decrease methods, and full schematics for each piece. Gauge, yarn and needle information is listed in a sidebar.
The designs themselves are stylish and clever - a big chunky rib sweater knit from sleeve to sleeve, a cardigan with figure-flattering hourglass cables, and a body-conscious fully-fashioned tank are some of my favorites. Other patterns are designed to show off beautiful ribbon, hand-dyed or boucle yarn. (Incidentally, most of the yarns can be substituted; there is a section in the back of the book that describes how.) Many of the patterns feature interesting and clever construction, like the cabled basketweave cardigan that is boxy in shape to prevent the agony of increasing or decreasing in pattern, and a pullover with a sideways cable border with self-fringe. Most of the designs are geared toward the intermediate knitter, so if you are comfortable with shaping, picking up stitches and cabling you can probably tackle most of the designs, though there are a few simpler patterns and one killer lace pullover for the experienced.
I can't remember the last time I bought a knitting book or magazine that had so many patterns I wanted to make and wear. That alone makes this book a great buy, but the price seals the deal. Oh, and the "Hot Tips" scattered through the book are a bonus!

Rating:
Summary: The Most Inspiring Knitting Book Ever!
Review: I have never before bought a knitting book or magazine which "spoke to me" with just about every pattern, tip or idea. I find the patterns to be creative, versitile and up-beat. Melissa Leapman has used a wide variety to yarns, gauges, and styles which can appeal to almost anyone and has offered "Hot Tips" for all. I particularly like the way the book has been organized with the table of contents showing a photograph of each sweater along with it's location. I added in the yardage requirements also, so when I went to the yarn store it was easy to match up available yarns with the appropriate pattern. So far I have yarn for eight of the patterns and look forward to making most of the rest. I have found that the patterns I have worked are easy to follow and look great when finished.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Styles
Review: Initially, when I saw the cover of this book, I passed it over several times. But, I was in a yarn shop, and picked up the book and actually started leafing through it. This book is wonderful, I started making one of the sweaters. The directions are clear. This book is worth the investment. The book is comprised of cardigans, shells, and sweaters. Most of the people that have this book absolutely loves it. I think the patterns represented would please just about anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Maybe these were Hot Knits in the 90s...
Review: The patterns may be wonderful to knit, but why bother--old sweaters looking just like the ones in the book show up in thrift shops every day--there is nothing new or hip here--if you want to make sweaters like these you can go to the library and check out dated knitting mags and books.