A new book called” Knits Men Want” has been flying off the shelves! Girls - it’s hard to find a sweater pattern that your man will really wear. I mean wear a lot. Not anymore - help is on the way for your knitting and your relationship. Bruce Weinstein has written a striking book full of handsome photography by Jared Flood.
This book is based on 10 rules Mr. Weinstein has meticulously researched (I’m sure . . .) in regards to knitting for the man in your life. These rules should be adhered to for a grateful response when giving the knitted item and especially if you want to see him wear it in front of other people, not just you.*
THE 10 RULES:
Rule #1: Men Can’t Fake It.
Ummm . .. I’m not really going to go into this, except to say . . . if he doesn’t like the sweater, he won’t fake it for you by wearing it.
Rule #2: Men Resist Change.
Basically, whatever style he wore at age 15, he’s still wearing it. He won’t change it. Even for you. Sorry.
Rule #3: Men Sweat.
Ewww, gross. Choose your yarn carefully.
Rule #4: Men Hate Fittings.
We like to try clothes on. Men don’t. Don’t make him try it on when he’s watching football, CSI or Dexter. Wait till he’s already naked. It’s just easier.
Rule #5: Not All Men Are Worthy of Cashmere.
Don’t use any yarn that can’t wipe up cat puke. Because you know he’ll do it.
Rule #6: Men Don’t Want Anything Cute, Except You.
Ahhh, that’s so cute. But really, if you say he looks cute. he won’t wear it. Like patches on the elbow. Sooo cute.
Rule #7: Men Are Babies.
We give birth to babies. We get bikini waxes. We wear stilettos. But face it, men wouldn’t put up with any discomfort. Men are babies.
Rule #8: Men can compromise.
They may not want a sweater, but socks would be nice.
Rule #9: Men Are Oblivious.
It’s not that men don’t care, they just don’t pay attention. So if you don’t want the wrong side of your scarf showing, don’t make a wrong side. Make it reversible.
Rule #10: When In Doubt, Knit Him Something Basic.
Ever wonder why Eddie Bauer keeps selling basic pants and sweaters? Because men like basic. Doesn’t matter how much dough he makes - basic is good.
Yes, you may think this is funny. But it won’t be funny when you’ve spent $200 on Alpaca yarn, and 6 months of your life, and one week after Christmas, you find it in the back of his closet under his hiking boots, covered with a years worth of dust bunnies.
* Disclaimer: We DO NOT recommend breaking the Boyfriend Sweater Rule - there must be a commitment involved before starting a sweater for a man or you may end up single before the end of the year.
Posted on
Wed, December 15, 2010
by Linda Heins