Book Review: Knitting with Balls

With the upsurge in knitting's popularity, a book geared toward the male set was bound to come along and come along it has with the tongue-in-cheek titled Knitting with Balls: A hands-on guide to knitting for the modern man by Michael del Vecchio. What makes a book geared toward male knitters--or simply knitting for the guys--different from all the other knitting books out there?

The patterns are decidedly masculine and handsome, but also trendy. From the Aran Pullover and Tribal Sweater to the Bootcut Sweater, there are patterns designed with different individuals in mind. Not content to stop with clothing, however, there are projects like a laptop cover, multi-media cozy, and of course, a beer cozy that will satisfy the male knitters. If you prefer to stick to the basics, there are patterns here for hats, scarves, and socks (although the socks shown knitted with Koigu are decidedly non-basic, but very beautiful).

Like any good pattern book, Knitting with Balls has excellent full-color photographs of each project, as well as the yarn featured in the sample. It has simple knitting instructions, clear illustrations, and knitting resources, including a couple that are especially male-friendly, such as Menknit.net and MenWhoKnit.com.

Still, since so many people equate knitting solely with women (or even worse, solely with grandmothers), men who knit may not feel comfortable admitting that they do so. After looking through and reading this book, hopefully that attitude will change, even if it doesn't change the rest of the world.

The best part of this book is probably its versatility--it isn't just for men who knit, although that's clearly its focus. It can also be enjoyed by the women who love to knit for the men in their lives, by providing patterns that men will like. It's straightforward and sensible and offers projects that new knitters can understand as well as more complicated ones for the seasoned pros.

Not everything featured is in male-typical drab colors, either. The argyle pullover vest and hooded parka are both shown in brighter colors that look fantastic; still, if you're a less adventurous dresser or the person who you're knitting for prefers dark blue, you can make these items in whatever color you choose.

Knitting with Balls is a long-overdue, welcome addition to the knitting book world. If you're a woman who buys it for the male knitter you know, make sure to pick up a copy for yourself, too.