Classic Elite has been making quality yarns for over 25 years. My first Classic Elite yarn was their Lush line, a 50/50 blend of wool and cashmere. Being my first luxury yarn, I was in love. It was thick, it was strong, and it was so soft I think I pet it more than I knit it.

I was a bit disappointed that their first pattern book, Classic Elite Knits does not contain anything as luxurious as their Lush yarn. With 100 patterns, there is something from every category – sweaters, cardigans, socks, scarves, men, women, kids, home. Each pattern includes a photo that actually shows off the project. But sadly, the designs themselves were underwhelming. I also found the directions to be difficult to read. They are crammed together in single paragraphs. Hard to read, harder to follow. I do appreciate that a skill level is offered with every pattern.

The Flower-Sprinkled Cardigan, with picot edging and crocheted flowers, is dowdy. The Mosaic Patterned Pullover is just way too busy. It has a diamond mosaic pattern in four different colors, on three different colorblock backgrounds, with two different-sized patterns. It made me dizzy. The Awry Cardigan is an asymmetrical patterned piece, but instead of looking artfully off-kilter, it just looks sloppy. The Rainbow Scarf is everything I hate about scarf patterns in a book – it is just garterstitch! The Looped Hat, Scarf, and Wristlet set is a beautiful color combination (plum, lime, and aqua) but the little loops all over the place make it look like a jester’s costume. There are a handful of matching child/parent patterns. Some people think that is adorable, so those patterns are for you. Me, I find it a little creepy.

There are some interesting patterns. The Integrated Shrug looks cozy, with its rolled collar and oversized Delman sleeves. Knit in one piece, it looks pretty easy. The Wool-Bamboo Cabled Cardigan feature cables that nip in at the waist, giving the illusion of a fitted knit without decreases. The Alpaca Cable Turtleneck for men has a wonderful twirling cable pattern that is knit close together so as not to reveal any smooth knit area. The Smocked Jacket for kids is adorable, modeling itself after the swing coats that were so popular last season – I wish they made an adult pattern for it.

An okay collection – good selection, but less-than-desirable designs.