87) Saturday giveaway: Jaeger handknits for men (JB28)

The second in my Saturday Giveaway series! (Perhaps this will be a fortnightly thing...)

ENTRIES NOW CLOSED - Please come back next Saturday (or perhaps the one after) for round 3!

This is a randomly-drawn blog contest.  To enter, leave a comment on THIS post.  (If you're not interested in winning the book but still wish to comment, feel free to say so!)  I will select a winner by means of a super-sekrit process, and announce the result by Tuesday night at the latest.  This draw is open to readers from all over the world, so please, join in!

What is today's giveaway?
Today, I'm giving away a single copy of Jaeger Handknits pattern booklet, JB28:

I bought this book from my LYS a few years ago, and I've browsed it a few times, but it's not ever really been used.  It's in bookstore-shelf condition - pretty mint.

What is it?
This softback book contains 16 knitting patterns for men's sweaters.  The designs, all by Rowan star Martin Storey, range from the simple and classic to the slightly odd.  part from that, there's not a lot to say - it's a pattern booklet from the Rowan stables, you know what to expect.  (Also, Rav link here).

What do I like best?
This book contains some classic men's sweater and cardigan patterns.  My fave is probably 'Bowie', pictured above, but I'm also quite taken with the 'Jethro' cardigan (a sweater version is also included):

As a whole, the patterns in this book make great use of texture, and some man-appropriate colour, too.  I particularly like the use of purl lines instead of the extra yarn colour in this take on the classic Argyle:

All the patterns in this book use DK or 4-ply weight yarns, which (in my experience) is great for knitting for men - the ones in my life don't seem interested in chunky sweaters.

What do I like least?
Um.

Personal taste, I know.  There's also a V-neck sleeveless sweater with an intarsia Union Jack on it.I'll spare you the photo.

Also, one of the cabled patterns in the book is just a wee bit too intricate and fussy for most men, I think:

Why am I giving this book away?
I've realised that these designs are not much use to the men in my life.  Even in 4 ply, most of these designs are too heavy for my other half.  Also, he's six foot two, with long arms; I think he'll be getting machine knit sweaters from now on.

Comments

[John]

Great giveaway! I'm always looking for new patterns for mens sweaters. I kind of even like the camouflage.

[Jack]

While I don't want the patterns, I have to say: I own a version of the last jersey. It was knitted for my grandfather by one of his patients (small rural town GP), and it's a V-neck version of that design with very slight variations in the cabling. In the same colour wool as that shot. It's quite eerie to see another photo of it.

[John Ranck]

The first two are particularly interesting. Please sign me up!

[Mary de B]

I'm in! I like the first picture best, too.

[Catherine]

What a lovely prize! Martin Storey has a lovely way with patterns.

[Russell Boyd]

Being a male knitter, who has yet to try a sweater, I would loooove to have this book in my library. I need to broaden my knitting horizons from ponchos, shawls, scarves, and hats. The sweaters look great too.

[Geoff Kropp]

a lot of these patterns look really great. i have yet to tackle a sweater and it's one of my knitting goals.

[Pigwotknits]

I'm hoping one day to convince my beloved to let me knit him a jumper. Maybe this book would help?

[Blue Gal / Fran Langum]

I like the first photo best. Thanks for this opportunity!

[Knitcowboy]

Some very 'knitable' sweaters there!

[knitwick]

Books of men's sweater patterns are really hit or miss. It's rare to get a book of all wearable designs. Some are just unfortunate...

[Beverly]

I love the patterns. My DH would definitely wear most of them.

[John]

What a great twist on argyle! I have a growing fondness for argyle and an irrational fear of intarsia. With one less color, this would be a great introduction.
I like the last sweater, too. I agree it's a bit fussy, but for me it's the turtle neck that feels that way. I think the texture is fine, though. It's intricate, but the cables aren't overwhelming, which I think happens a lot in designs for men.