Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea [Paperback]

Sheryl Thies (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2007

Find an ocean of possibilities for diving into a new knitting adventure! Distinctive scarf and shawl designs range from dainty and lacy to classic, cozy, fashion-forward, and fun.

* Choose from 25 skill-building projects such as Cockleshell Lace, Sea Foam, and Turtle Tracks

* Expand your techniques with simple yarn-over patterns, twist and crossover stitches, and fancy ribs

* Play with sea-inspired colorways in designs suited for everything from beach wear to winter wear

Editorial Reviews

Review

When I started knitting, I (like most other beginning knitters) made tons of scarves. It's the perfect beginning project--just a whole bunch of knitting (and, for the more adventurous beginner, maybe a little bit of purling) without having to worry about shaping. Most beginners end up knitting so many scarves that they--and all of their friends and family members--eventually run out of places to store them all. Then, once they get sick of knitting scarves, they decide that it's time to move on--determined never to knit a long, boring scarf ever again.

But the scarves in Sheryl Thies's book, Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea, are anything but boring. Inspired by the colors, textures, and shapes found in and around the ocean, the 25 projects in the book are designed to evoke warm, tropical thoughts on the coldest winter day.

Though you may expect a book of scarves inspired by the sea to be just a bunch of wavy patterns, knit in shades of blue, the designs in Ocean Breezes are widely varied. They come in everything from delicate lace to heavy cables, and the imaginative designs take their inspiration from everything from waves to plants to sea creatures--so they use all kinds of patterns, textures, and colors.

Although I'm not one of those knitters who refuse to knit scarves ever again (in fact, I'm working on one right now), I was a bit skeptical about a book full of just scarves. But Ocean Breezes surprised me. The designs--though they're not all my style--are, for the most part, quite beautiful. The colors are vibrant, and the patterns are so varied that you're sure to find something suitable for everyone on your holiday knitting list (the Nautical Twisted Rope for Uncle Joe, the lacy Sea Foam for Mom). And they're designs that you'll actually want to make. They're not just a bunch of garter stitch scarves in various yarns. In fact, there isn't a single pattern in the book for a plain old garter stitch scarf. These patterns use gorgeous stitch patterns--all of which are written out in the clearest way possible (though there aren't any charts, which might disappoint more visual knitters).

Even if you've taken a no-scarf vow, I still recommend checking out Ocean Breezes. The designs are warm and inspiring--and no matter how adamant you may be about never knitting another scarf, these patterns are beautiful enough to make you start clearing out a little bit of closet space for just one or two more. --Kristin Dreyer Kramer, nightsandweekends.com

Inspired by a love of the ocean, these hand knitted scarves are a clever result of following a theme. From shells and lobster claws to seaweed, all these scarves are inspired by the sea. Twenty-five good projects will test your knitting skills as the patterns include lace, textured knits and soft wispy cobwebs. I think you'll be amazed at the versatility of this designer and that you will want to knit quite a few of these projects. --From Karen Platt, Book Reviewer

If you love love love knitting traditional scarves but have run out of ideas, Ocean Breezes by Sheryl Thies offers 25 different ways to keep your neck warm and your fingers busy. Along with scarves in varying shapes, Ocean Breezes includes a collar, cowl, and shawls. One quibble--the usual--is that draping these works on bits of flotsam and jetsam along the shore doesn't really do them justice. --knitnet.com

About the Author

Home: Madison, Wisconsin

A writer and knitting instructor Sheryl Thies is also the coauthor of four other Martingale titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: That Patchwork Place (September 17, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564778010
• ISBN-13: 978-1564778017
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A writer and knitting instructor, Sheryl Thies is also the coauthor of four
other Martingale titles. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspiring ideas, October 20, 2007

By 

M. Poller (Israel) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea (Paperback)

25 scarf patterns on nautical themes. Most of the main patterns can be found in Barbara Walker's stitch pattern books. Some scarves can be made into shawls or stoles. Almost all of them are rectangular in design and have edgings which are mainly standard but some interesting variations. More expensive yarns used but all can be easily substituted as description and yarn standard number is always given. Besides gauge is not essential here. Each scarf has a schematic. Good large color photos and nice intro to each project. Credit must be given to author's husband who had final ok for each one!This is a good collection useful for presents or for knitting more expensive yarns without spending too much. None of the patterns are difficult so beginners can easily wade in. I find the collection inspiring as a basis for shawls or stoles or using other patterns from my stitch collections. Those of us who have been knitting sweaters for ages can now try other things even though this is probably geared more to the new knitter.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and beautiful scarves, December 7, 2007

By 

T. Graue "librarian wannabe" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea (Paperback)

I have a lot of patterns for knitting scarves and certainly didn't need any more. But this book is a stand-out. The scarves are beautiful and inspiring. The pictures are very clear so you can see the details. I have picked out 2 to make right away.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ocean Breezes, October 2, 2007

By 

Brian Klein (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ocean Breezes: Knitted Scarves Inspired by the Sea (Paperback)

As a man who knits I found this book completely amazing and relevent.

There are several interesting patterns in a variety of styles utilizing an array of differing yarns.

All patterns are concise and easily followed.

I am itching to try several of these patterns that in my opinion range from beginner to slightly intermediate in their skill level and have the notion that several of those on my Christmas list will be the lucky recipient of one (or more) of Sheryl Thies' designs.

Thanks, Sheryl, for yet another wonderfully written, beautifully photographed book that will truly transport me this winter to a place where the "ocean breezes" will reign supreme!