Scarves: A Knitter's Dozen by Knitter's Magazine

Scarves: A Knitter's Dozen by Knitter's Magazine

The best ideas for scarves from Knitter's Magazine are featured in this project book for knitters of all skill levels. Ranging from primarily functional pieces worn for their warmth to highly stylized accessories, and from simple, one- or two stitch creations to elaborately designed, multicolored variations, these 24 projects will appeal to either those starting out with more ordinary yarns and stitches to those who yearn to experiment with luxurious yarns and complex, exotic stitches. The projects' detailed, visually appealing illustrations guide knitters through each step of the more complicated techniques. Ideas for customizing and personalizing the projects are provided for those seeking to create a more individual look.

Sep 05

What is a knitter’s dozen? Twenty four! That is how many different scarf patterns there are in this book, the work of fourteen different designers and Knitter’s MagazineThere are chunky scarves, a lacy Shetland style one, a scarf made up from sock patterns, a Carmen Miranda ruffle, scaves made from silk ribbons and one that looks like a tie.

Aimed at the confident knitter who knows the basics and wants to play with them rather than the total beginner, this is a great way to explore the world of scarves. The editor calls them “The Knitting Phenomenon” due to their popularity, and “the playground of knitting” due to their simple shape and the fact that they give knitters a chance to try out new techniques. There are some diagrams of various stitches used and ways of casting on when doing things like cable at the back, and with every pattern a handy shopping list of what you need. Yarn weights, size of needles, conversion charts and a gauge showing how many stitches and rows you need to make a 4” (10cm) square are also included which is very helpful. If you live outside the States some of the terms used might be confusing as they are not the same in different countries. Another small flaw is the warning at the front that some of the yarns used are no longer available – although it fails to say which these are. It would have been better to have used current yarns, but at least it gives details of the generic type of yarn used. Like all Search Press books it is attractive and user friendly – the sort of book that will have large appeal.

Summer 08

A pleasure to look through this book, I found it very instructive, so much detail, but I did think it would be helpful to put addresses and names where some wool could be obtained. For instance we have tried to find a place to obtain 1-2 ply Shetland wool with no success. Apart from this I found the book most instructive with great ideas.

Pegg Hilton, Penzance

Knitter's Magazine is a 20-year-old publication that features essays and projects for knitters today.