Well known designers such as Jo Sharp, Annie Modesitt and Lily Chin are featured in this book of shawls, shrugs, ponchos and capelets. Some of the designs are very classic in feel while others reflect the designer’s “out there” creative side. Luxury fibers are used in many of the patterns as well. While cashmere, merino/possum fur, mohair/silk angora/wool and alpaca all conjure up comfort and softness, wool is used in many patterns for durability, stitch definition, and felting. Many of the patterns make use of inventive techniques or designs which could also be utilized in designing or enhancing other knitted garments.
The ponchos and shawls will appeal to a majority of knitters. The oversize collar type and lighter weight capelets perhaps less so. The heavier capelets and shrugs will have the most limited appeal. Though a wide variety of projects is offered, the largest number fall into the capelet category. This type of wrap is very trendy, but when knit in a heavy yarn and/or felted, the capelet may prove to be too warm for indoor wear while not providing enough coverage for warmth when worn outdoors.
A very useful section is the Design Notebook. Here terms are defined, gauges discussed, templates given and design basics laid out for each type of wrap, leaving the knitter free to show creativity in yarn and stitch patterns chosen. Additional information on edgings, closures, neck finishes and embellishments is also provided.
FOCUS: Capelets, stoles, shawls, ponchos and shrugs
# OF PATTERNS: 26 (2 are variations)
SIZES INCLUDED: finished piece measurements given
FIBER CONTENT: wool, wool blends, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, angora, silk, possum
YARN WEIGHTS: Superfine to Bulky (most medium #4)
SKILL LEVELS INCLUDED: Advanced beginner to Advanced
SKILL LEVELS MARKED: No
Wrap Style
by Pam Allen and Ann Budd
Interweave Press (copyright 2005)
Reviewed by Candy Knerr
