Sweet Shawlettes: 25 Irresistible Patterns for Knitting Cowls, Capelets, and More [Paperback]

Jean Moss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Shawlettes are the new socks! These hugely popular, fashion accessories are worn about the shoulders and meant for showing off. They’re not only stylish but these budget-friendly pieces make for perfect portable projects. International knitwear designer Jean Moss knows this best and has pulled together a wonderfully creative collection of 25 knitting patterns for shawlettes, mini-wraps cowls, collars, and more. The garments are grouped by style: Country, Couture, Folk, and Vintage, and feature gorgeous yarns of varying content, including wool, silk, cotton, and sustainable fibers. Knitters of all levels will draw inspiration from the gorgeous four-color photos. Additionally helpful are illustrations, charts, schematics and an appendix with instructions for special stitches. Shawlettes can be endlessly reinterpreted in beautiful ways as this book shows. It’s one that will capture knitters’ imaginations for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Publisher's Weekly 

From shawls and fichus to collars and cowls, this fun collection of 25 bite-sized knits has a project for every style and skill level. Each of the book's four stylish sections contains knittable, wearable, and gift-able projects.

From shawls and fichus to collars and cowls, this fun collection of 25 bite-sized knits has a project for every style and skill level. Veteran knitwear designer Moss (In the Mood), a regular contributor to Vogue Knitting and Knitting magazines, has created a fashionable collection of accent knits. Each of the book's four stylish sections--Country, Couture, Folk, and Vintage--contains knittable, wearable, and gift-able projects. Pieces like the festive Kardamili Shawlette or the leopard-print Kitty Capelet offer contemporary feel to classic pieces, while more unusual items like the delicate Vamp Boa, the sweet Garland Necklet, and the sassy Treasure Jabot offer lovely alternatives to traditional accessories. Several patterns feature colorwork, with additional forays into cabling, lace, and entrelac. Moss has provided plenty of useful diagrams and charts, and encourages knitters to alter or embellish each piece as they wish. The handy project index lays out thumbnails of every pattern in the book. This whimsical collection is perfect for the beginning or intermediate knitter looking to try out new techniques or use up her yarn stash. --Publishers Weekly

From the Author

FROM THE BLOG TOUR

I ... pronounce it delightful! Wendy Johnson, Wendy Knits
 
If you want to step your shawlette-knitting up a notch, this is the book to get! Shannon Okey, Knit Grrl
 
It's gorgeous - Rachael Herron, Yarnagogo
 
Sweet Shawlettes might just be the one treat you should allow yourself, even if you are on a yarn diet - Rosee Woodland, The Making Spot
 
There's bound to be something for everyone in this book of little luxuries - Karrie Steinmetz, Knit Purl Gurl
 
Jean has a fun and spontaneous spirit - Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
 
This book is a treasure trove for a technique junkie like me - Stephannie Tallent,  Sunset Cat & Knit Circus Magazine
 
WOW! There are patterns for cowls and capelets but Jean takes these to a higher level - Julie Schilthuis, A Really Good Yarn
 
Designer Jean Moss really pushed her art to the limit to create 25 projects that are each as different from each other as it's possible to be - Erika Barcott, Redshirt Knitting
 
Cowls, wraps, and shawls are the 'it items' right now - Cheryl & Ellen, In The Loop
 
This book is full of impressive projects, many that don't take a lot of knitting time - Kathy Elkins, WEBS yarnstore
 
Small and quick to knit, some of these pieces are great for stash busting, gifting and travel knitting - Anne Hanson, Knitspot
 
I'm pretty sure you've never seen anything like it - Alexa Ludeman, Urban Yarns
 
Patterns for all levels and interests - lace, colorwork, texture and cables - Leslie Friend, A Friend to Knit With
 
Sweet Shawlettes is filled with designs that are sure to please every knitter's neck and shoulders - Margaux Hufnagel, TenTenKnits
 
An enjoyable tickle of a collection that combines wit with sophistication in a lovely "wrap" of a book - Bonne Marie Burns, Chic Knits
 
It's boggling to think these all came from one chick with a pair of needles - Franklin Habit, The Panopticon

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; 1 edition (January 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600854001
• ISBN-13: 978-1600854002
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.5 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

One of Britain's leading knitwear designers, her innovative combinations of texture, colour and styling have been widely influential over the years. A self-taught knitter, she has been producing her own unique collections of handknits for more than twenty years, as well as designing for Rowan Yarns and many international fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Laura Ashley and Benetton. She teaches in the UK and Europe and is a regular visitor to the US.

Passionate about design, Jean is an ardent maker who has always believed that good design should be available to all who appreciate it, not just the few who can afford to buy couture. With this in mind, she has written many books, the most recent being Sweet Shawlettes.

Jean has three sons, three grand-daughters and two cats and lives in York and Mid-Wales with her partner Philip Mercer. Together they host regular knitters' tours in the UK and abroad, where participants can knit along with Jean and other star designers in the relaxed atmosphere of some of the world's most beautiful cities and gardens. Music is another love and she enjoys sessions with friends and family whenever and wherever she gets the chance. She firmly believes in vegetarianism, sustainability and the power of love and laughter.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Designs for Knitters of Every Skill Level January 17, 2012

By Phyllis Staff TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

I'd love to have been a swan-necked beauty, but being a neckless wonder, I've never been especially intrigued by cowls or capelettes - until now. Sweet Shawlettes has incorporated designs that demand I get out my needles and put to use that alpaca/silk blend yarn I simply could not resist (see there, I just knew there'd be a perfect pattern for it).

Here's my take on Sweet Shawlettes:

PROS:

1. Included in this volume are a wide array of designs, from simple and straight-forward to sophisticated and complex. To wit, there's something here almost anyone would enjoy including in their wardrobe. I particularly covet the Mantilla shawlette (or is it a cowl or a scarf?) seen on the back cover, but I also admire the tartan shawl and the Twine cowl. Any one of them could be used to advantage to brighten up my wardrobe.

2. I'm always looking for new techniques to improve my knitting skills. In this book, I found a new cast-off, the cable cast-off, so, although I have yet to try it, I'm pleased with the addition to my cast-off techniques.

3. The project index, at the back of the book, uses photos so you can quickly find the pattern you want. This is a nice way to present an index, and one that I haven't seen used before.

4. Many of the projects are small enough to take advantage of some of the left-over yarns in my stash. And, as any serious knitter knows, stashes grow like left-over coat hangers. Putting the odd ball or two to good use is a big plus.

CONS:

I'm not fond of paperback construction for knitting books because it's often difficult to keep the book open at the page you are reading. Unfortunately, this particular book suffers from that annoyance. I have found that I can copy the pattern and use the single pages from my printer to overcome the difficulty, but I do wish publishers would use hard bound or spiral-bound books for knitters. And, yes, I do have a cookbook holder made from clear plastic, but it really is not convenient to use while I'm knitting in an arm chair.

OVERALL:

Sweet Shawlettes is a pleasure - a variety of designs, gorgeous color photographs.

Four and a half stars! (Rounded up this time)

UPDATE: January 19, 2012

I shared this book with my neighbor, an avid crocheter. She liked the designs so much that she has decided to learn to knit just so she can make a few of them!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure trove of intelligent neckwear designs January 28, 2012

By onlineshopper

Format:Paperback

I had to laugh at Phyllis Staff's comment about being a neckless wonder. She and I must be related! And like her, I, too, am compelled to pull out my needles and stock up on some yarn. And I do mean "stock up." Out of the 25 neckwear patterns in Sweet Shawlettes, I fully intend to wear 24 of them myself. I'll also be knitting several more as gifts. So how is it that one book managed to strike such a cord with me? I think the answer lies in the amazing variety of elements that are packed into Sweet Shawlettes, including:

(1) Style. The pieces, themselves, span the gamut of neck and shoulder wear. There are full-sized shawls, capelets, ruffs, necklaces, cowls, and more in rectangular, triangular, and cylindrical shapes.

(2) Aesthetics. Four distinct artistic genres are articulated. Feeling a connection with nature? Then look no further than the Country collection; these pieces derive their inspiration from the shapes and colors and textures of the natural world. Perhaps you want a more cutting-edge look. Got that covered, too. The Couture collection affords, sharp, sophisticated, avant-garde options for your knitting pleasure. Longing to rekindle your relationship with your knitterly heritage? Then the Folk collection is waiting for you. Here, you'll find designs that combine the history, tradition, and cultural roots of knitting with a fresh, appealing perspective. Or are you craving the classic and glamorous looks of bygone ears? In that case, you'll find that the Vintage collection delivers fashion statements that are timeless, elegant, and memorable. With this range of evocative, poetic, cultured, polished, sensual, pleasing, and imaginative choices, I can find something that allows me to express my every mood.

(3) Techniques. For me, the experience of knitting a project is as important as wearing or gifting the finished piece. Here, Sweet Shawlettes rewards the process side of my nature. The designs incorporate an abundance of knitting techniques, including lace, cables, Fair Isle, entrelac, intarsia, Guernsey, appliqué, shadow knitting, color-blocking, patchwork, ruching, tartan, bobbles, and beading - in isolation and in combination! Regardless of my knitting urge, I can find something here to satisfy and gratify.

(4) Skill Level. Sometimes I want to be challenged. Sometimes I don't. Again, Sweet Shawlettes delivers the goods. With 25 patterns from which to choose, I can select a design this is quick and easy to knit, or I can opt for a design that is intricate and draws on my advanced abilities. If I'm feeling a bit more middle-of-the-road, I can settled down with a design of medium complexity. Whatever level of aptitude I wish to exercise, there are choices that enable me to flex my knitting muscles.

(5) Finishings. This is an area where Sweet Shawlettes really floats my boat. In my opinion, seemingly small finishing touches have the power to elevate a good piece to a great piece. As a talented and generous designer, Jean Moss understands this and encourages us to think about our options for such finishes as buckles, buttons, bows, beads, and fasteners in addition to our cast-on, bind-off, and edging decisions. After reading this book, I'll never again pass a yard sale, flea market, thrift store, or estate sale without stopping to look for notions that I might cull from heirloom jewelry and period furnishings or from recycling lovingly worn articles of clothing. I am eager to bring a whole new level of artistry to my knitwear through my new-found fascination with notions-hunting.

So, what don't I like about this book? Phyllis nailed it - the binding. I also want a pattern book that will stay open as I knit. My solution for this is to visit my local office supply store. For a dollar or two, they will trim the binding and convert my book a spiral-bound volume. Sweet Shawlettes is printed on substantial, high-quality paper that lends itself to this conversion, allowing me to obtain a book with pages that lay flat and turn easily. That leaves me with just one dilemma: which project to begin first! Oh, wait. My niece just solved that problem for me. She wants me to knit her that 25th pattern that I didn't choose for myself.

I hope you enjoy Sweet Shawlettes. If you are even half as enthusiastic about these designs as am I, then you'll be thrilled with your purchase.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging read, beautiful patterns, and techniques to learn February 2, 2012

By Underground Crafter

Format:Paperback

(Full disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Taunton Press.)

I first read about Sweet Shawlettes by Jean Moss via the Knitgrrl`s post as part of the book's 24 day blog tour in January. It sounded great, so I immediately wrote to Taunton Press to see if I could get my hands on a review copy. They were kind enough to oblige, and let me say that I'm very pleased with this book.

Sweet Shawlettes starts off with a well written introduction, and Jean's writing style throughout is wonderful. You feel as though you are sitting down for a seminar with a master teacher as she shares her knitting skills, and also her knowledge of fashion and textile history. The patterns are overall quite striking. I always try to list my favorite patterns for each book I review, but once I got up to 14 on my list (out of 25), I thought it was safe to say that the patterns are pretty awesome! (Pictures of each project are posted on Jean Moss's Ravelry Designer page, which is available even if you aren't a Ravelry member.)

Ok, I'll stop gushing for a moment and share some facts. In terms of project breakdown:

Easy patterns: 8 (32%)
Intermediate patterns: 11 (44%)
Experienced patterns: 6 (24%)

9 patterns (36%) include charts in the patterns (for lace, cables, and/or colorwork). 11 patterns (44%) use some crochet (usually single crochet) for finishing or detailing.

The book is organized into four sections.
Country "designs look to nature but with a romantic, quirky slant."

Couture designs have "an eye toward avant-garde minimalism. The mood is cool and funky... with the spotlight on statement pieces that take you seamlessly through the day and into evening."

In the Folk section, "time-honored textiles...inform [Moss's] contemporary designs."

Vintage patterns turn "to fashion through the ages for the design sensibility... [taking] us on a brief journey through costume history."

If you've read many of my reviews, you know that I tend to prefer "technique" books over "project" books. But Jean has done an amazing job of sharing many techniques through her projects. Appendix I (Techniques and Stitches) includes information on attaching beads, directions for alternative cast on methods, and tips for colorwork and finishing. There is also a section with pattern abbreviations and needle and hook sizes. (Chart symbol keys are listed within the patterns using charts.)

I also loved the Project Index, which includes a small photograph of each project. Jean's introductions for each of the patterns are well written and informative. She also sprinkles great information throughout the book, such as notes on the historical cultural significance of various colors.

Overall, the book is well organized and well written, with wonderful photography that actually allows you to see the details of each piece. The projects are geared towards an intermediate knitter, but there are plenty of easy projects to help develop an adventurous beginner. Although the patterns are, in a sense, limited because they are all neck coverings, there is such a range of projects (from scarves, to shawls, to capelets, to cowls, etc.) that the book feels quite varied.

I give the book 5 out of 5 stars for any intermediate knitter who is interested in learning new techniques, or enjoys making items for women.

I usually offer a giveaway for my review copy, but I'm not quite ready to part with Sweet Shawlettes, so for now the book will remain in my collection...