[3boobykins]

I love KPS! They are easy, I LOVE not seaming because I'm not great at it and it's boring, I love how well KPS patterns turn out and fit, without even blocking. I'm at the point where I'm ready to try some more complex projects, with more texture and color, but I love working on a KPS because it's lots of plain old knitting that's easy to do while watching TV and it puts me in that meditative knitting zone. I love using beautiful yarns in yummy colors with simple patterns. Right now I'm working on their men's zippered cardigan for dh in a gorgeous shade of Paton's merino. (been working on that since January, have one sleeve nearly done, just a sleeve to go and it's finished), and their bulky kid's jacket for dd1 in Sirdar Spree, a bulky cotton I got CHEAP at ds' school's Earth Day table (LYS closeout donated to school. $1.50 a ball for a normall 9.00 yarn!). I also just got their Kid's Bolero pattern for dd2, so adorable (I have some lovely Patons variegated in pinks, browns, and cream for that) , and I'm going to do the hooded tunic for ds and add a textured area to it that I"m taking from a Garnestudio pattern. And I love the kid's bulky hooded vest...

KPS rocks!

 

[momto2boysinOnt]

Yes, KPS rocks!

I've had a bit of trouble with the sizing for the kids sweaters, but my boys are tall and skinny, so they seem to fall between sizes. I don't mind though, because I can make a size smaller then add to the length.

I have the women's top down summer cardigan waiting for the perfect yarn for a sweater for me. It's such a simple sweater, I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear out of it. I'm thinking of making it out of Knitpicks Cotlin, but it's been out of stock forever!

 

[mamadaisy]

Yes, I always rave and recommend KPS to folks here. They are the best...mainly because they are so well written and easy to understand. I have used them as a jumping off point recently, basically as a guide to know how many to cast on, how to do certain techniques and then adding my own thing. I will soon have a hooded v-neck short sleeved top to show off that was begun using the hooded tunic pattern, the cardigan, and the vest (elements from all blended into this one garment).

 

[3boobykins]

MOm2boys--Yes, I do agree about the sizing. It would be nice to have a size 4-6 between the 2-4 and 6-8, for example. But adjusting length is pretty easy. And yes, Cotlin has been out forever! Maybe Shine worsted? I've only started a washcloth out of it, and it's wonderfully soft.

mamadaisy--Yes, using them as a jumping off point is a great idea! I was also considering a short-sleeved sweater, either cardigan or just with buttons at the top, in Cotton Ease for my dds, maybe with some lacey stuff added on the lower half and sleeves.

I would actually recommend KPS as first sweaters to newer knitters. (and I'm still relatively new at a year of knitting.

). They could always seek online help or look in a book for anything unfamiliar, but the instructions really are so clear and easy to understand, and they're a great way to learn techniques like picking up stitches (which I found to be so much easier than I expected!).

Fiber Trends patterns are also great. I made their bootie-style felted slippers as a fairly new knitter and they turned out great.

 

[PJsmomma]

where do I find these?

 

[xanandali]

You can get them at your LYS, they're typically in a three ring binder. I think most I've seen cost about $6 a pattern, but I haven't shopped around. I bought one pattern, its a wrap sweater for myself. I planned on it being my first "big" project to do by hand, but now the CPH seems to be taking the lead in my interest zone

 

[3boobykins]

Or online:

http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/secure...tternsHome.asp

I like this site because it lists yarn requirements for each pattern clearly to the right of the pattern. They have $4 flat rate shipping, so it's worth buying 3 or more patterns at a time.

 

[PJsmomma]

Thanks for the online link

I have to drive a bit to find a LYS so I appreciate that

 

[xanandali]

This is the pattern I have

Has anyone done this one before? After buying it I got a little nervous because its top down and requires using markers putting things on holders then joining back up again. #1 I've never even heard of a top down sweater before and #2 I'm terrified of getting lost when I put on the markers/holders, etc. that I'll mess it up royally! Thoughts???

 

[memiles]

Trust me, it will completely make sense when you get to that point in the pattern. I confuse easily, and the KPS patterns have always been great for me!

That pattern is actually on my list.........