Since I’m neither an accomplished nor an avid knitter, I asked my friend, Mandy Pedigo, to write this review for me. Mandy is a very accomplished fiber atrist, completing her degree in fiber arts. She loves anything to do with yarn, knitting, crocheting, weaving, etc. I admire her work a great deal. You can take a look at Mandy’s work at her website The Cloistered Lamb. Here’s her review:
A review by Mandy Pedigo
The first thing I noticed when JD handed this book to me was the beautiful photography! The twenty-two patterns by designer Sarah Hatton are beautifully styled and the models don’t distract from the garments.
The book starts out by highlighting the different designs in an overview picture and a close up shot. The colors are beautiful and the stitch definition is captured, all to tempt a knitter to cast on the project right away. Full pattern details are found in the back along with another photo of the garment. Charts are nicely sized, though some knitters may want to enlarge them a bit more. I love the layout – I can find out what I need to know about the pattern at a glance.
This book has a lot to offer and has patterns for lace, beads and colorwork. Technique tutorials are included and again the photography is helpful and clear. My favorite section of this book is the how to wear section. Models show different ideas for how to wear scarves and shawls through wrapping, knotting or accessorizing with shawl pins or belts. What a great idea!
It is worth a mention that all the designs are worked up in Rowan yarns, a fact that is mentioned on the back cover. Appropriate substitutions can be made if Rowan isn’t available in your area or to your liking. Definitely give it a look through.
Book Specs
Scarves, Shrugs and Shawls
St. Martin’s Griffin Press, 2013
8×10 inch soft cover with color photographs – 136 pages
ISBN 9781250024947
$24.99 USD
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