Lasse MatbergViking Knits: Over 40 Scandi knits for men, women & children

I bought this book for the patterns... and my dad reads Playboy for the articles. The patterns are very bare-bones and will require some googling if you're unfamiliar with the techniques (for instance the instructions often indicate "graft stitches together" with no further elaboration) but the photos are delightful, many of the sweaters look beautiful and wearable, and I found myself looking up flights to Norway.The patterns use Gann yarns that seem difficult to obtain in the U.S., but you could bring the book to any yarn shop and they'd be able to help you find comparable yarns (which seem to be in worsted and DK weight.)I like an oversized "boyfriend" fit to my knitwear so perhaps I'll make one of these and pretend like I stole it from my Crossfit-beefy Norwegian lover.

Great selection of patterns, especially for men. Be sure to use the metric measurements given in the pattern because the English units are incorrect in many instances.

I just read this front to back. The pictures are gorgeous and the patterns written so anyone can understand them. Charts for colorwork are bright and nicely sized.There is nothing complicated in any of these patterns.Whether you’re looking for Icelandic, Viking, Cables, Mens, Womens, Childrens…this book has it.The few preview photos given don’t do it justice.The only bad part…..which project to do first??!!

So many great patterns, however the yarn brand used for patterns are not readily available. The website for the yarn can not be translated to pick a similar yarn. Please provide yarn weights

Thus book is beautifully done. Good patterns for even the knitting challenged.

Very basic patterns which are repeated time and again with only minor changes. Great photos of the author and his very attractive family

Bought this as a Xmas present for my mother. She loved it!I have thumbed through it and it is a quality publication. It is hardcover and is printed on high quality paper.I would recommend getting the hard copy over the kindle because of this.My wife seemed very interested in the long haired male model.I am actually wearing one of the items my mother knitted from the book, writing this review.The book was a gift that gives back!I absolutely love the finished article and love the viking theme, I will wear it in Valhalla. You cant beat good craftsmanship and I will cherish it.My mother took advice from a knitting shop that didn't have the Garn wool suggested, but recommended a substitution. She has learnt a lot from the book and has enjoyed the project.I'm looking forward to other items my mother will knit from the book, especially with the current high cost of heating bills.The book will pay for itself with a selection of sweaters; hats and scarfs and caters for men; women and children.As a side note, I to have long flowing hair and look very similar to said male model - if he aged by about 20yrs; let himself go and had a bit of middle aged spread ;-)

Lots of fabulous knitting patterns, I can’t choose which one to start first

A substantial book packed full of patterns with lovely pictures and a sumptuous paper quality. Sweaters, cardigans, hats, mittens and accessories are included with many in co-ordinating sets, ideal for gifts. Most of the sweaters give a variation for children so you can kit out the whole family. I particularly liked 'Breeze' sweater and 'The Viking' design. There are colour work designs and texture/cable patterns so almost every knitter is catered for although they are generally graded 'Intermediate' or 'Experienced' for difficulty so not for beginners.3 things to bear in mind: Instructions are pared down to the minimum so you need some knowledge of knitting terms and you definitely need to read the full pattern before starting.There are no schematics for any design so you need to be doubly sure you read the entire pattern.All designs are knitted using yarns called Gann Garn. They are not easily available in the UK so it is more than likely you will need to substitute. They don't give a yarn weight that we would recognise in the UK so you need to go by tension. Make sure you check the tension information on the band of the yarn you're selecting AND do your tension square.In conclusion, a gorgeous-looking book that has an interesting range of projects and certainly represents great value. Not for absolute beginners but ideal for anyone with basic skills who is looking to try different techniques. The biggest issue is the yarn availability but a good yarn or craft shop should be able to help with that. Would make a gorgeous gift for a knitter, especially if you put some yarn with it to get them started.

Awesome book and takes away the fear of trying new skills