'The Yarn Girls' provide simple, beautiful pattern

I taught myself to knit fairly recently, but I was still mired in the world of scarves and hats; I had yet to find a pattern that was not only easy to make but also easy on the eyes. Unfortunately, the majority of beginner sweater patterns look like just that -- sweaters made by the novice knitter, and something that should probably not emerge past the doors of your own home. I didn't want to spend hours of time working on a sweater that looked as if it originated at an outlet for irregulars.\nEnter "The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits." This book of instructions and patterns, written by Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs, is the novice knitter's dream. The pair, owners of New York City's haven of trendy knitters, The Yarn Company, took the expertise that draws celebrities to their Upper East Side store and put it all into an easy-to-use pattern book. If you're looking for a perfect pattern for yourself or for a gift, there is bound to be one that draws your eye in this collection.\nIncluded in the beginning is a beautifully illustrated section on the bare bones basics of knitting. Knitting, purling and ribbing are covered, as well as increases, decreases and shaping. After all of the boring stuff on the how-to's, there is a section on swatching, and then the fun begins.\nIncluded in "Simple Knits" is a collection of thirty patterns, ranging from classic to downright funky. There are funnel neck sweaters, tank tops, ponchos for women and three patterns sized for men as well. All of the patterns are knitted on large needles, and even a novice knitter can finish a wearable project in a week or less, a far cry from other beginner pattern books.\nI began with the pattern for a hooded sweater. Not only is the pattern easy to follow, but there are cheat sheets for the shaping of each side and the hood. I would even venture to say that this pattern could possibly be idiot-proof. Trust me, if there is a way to mess up a handicraft, I know I could find it.\nDespite the range of patterns and beautiful shapes, there is one major problem with the patterns provided in this book. As a general rule, the yarns used are very expensive, with the average sweater cost hovering about $90, prohibitively expensive for the college student on a budget. However, the authors do provide detailed instructions on how to substitute yarns and still have patterns turn out properly, so it's a problem that is surmountable.\nAll in all, "The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits" is an ideal first pattern book. The instructions are clear and precise, and the patterns yield beautiful sweaters with minimal effort. If you've ever wondered how to make your own sweater that looks like it came from a boutique rather than your grandma's attic, this is pattern book you want to leaf through.\n"The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits" by Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs is available at Amazon.com. The list price of the book is $30.00.\n-- Contact staff writer Brittany Ausmus at bausmus@indiana.edu.