Doggy Knits: Over 20 Coat Designs For Handsome Hounds And Perfect Pooches

Knitting patterns are fantastic. They inspire you to recreate what you see in a finished photo. Unfortunately the magic from many patterns comes from the finishing details; buttons (I want the buttons on the cover photo), zippers, or even embroidery.

I have reviewed one of Tillman's books in the past, Knitted Socks, and had found the book absolutely delightful and the patterns incredibly creative and inspired. I could not wait to look at another of her books, that I had to make an immediate trip to my local library.

Dog sweater patterns can be difficult because the sizing of dogs varies in more dimensions than in human sweaters. The author provides seven different sizes that you can use for the dog coats (16" - 28" chest). There are other measurements to help assist with how to plan out the project. Unfortunately the largest size would not exactly fit a Newfie (I have a "niece," but her own coat is so thick that it may not matter that I cannot find a pattern to knit for her). This book also comes with the standard "how to knit" instructions towards the end of the book. If you are new to knitting with charts, the "how to read from a chart" section will be particularly helpful.

Tillmann's books are fantastic because she provides a beautiful variety on whatever subject she chooses. There is not just one basic sweater shape shown in 20 different colors and with novelty yarns. These sweaters look expensive and refined, which I'm sure your dog will appreciate as they roll around in muddy snow! Since there are 20 coats in this book, I won't provide you with a list of titles, but I will just tell you which ones are my favorites as a tease. To read more about these highlighted patterns, check out my review of this book at www.chemknits.com.

My Favorite Patterns:

• Frogged and Formal
• Button-up sweater (cover)
  
• Raingear for Rover
• Stripy Coat and Legwarmers
• Herringbone Bones
• Paws for thought
• Mesh Coat
• Pucker Up
  

If you make any of these patterns, your friends will not believe that you created them yourselves. I know I've mentioned Tillman's details, but the details in each of these patterns bring them to such an elevated level. You will want to make them all, as a range of techniques are used.

The author gives an important note: Don't leave your dogs unattended in their sweaters or coats. An unsupervised dog can get into trouble, and you wouldn't want them to get hurt because they are being kept warm! This is the best dog book that I've read to date. As soon as I get a dog, this book will find it's way into my personal library.