Wrap Style (Style series) [Paperback]

Pam Allen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Style series | Publication Date: September 1, 2005

This contemporary collection of wraps showcases the work of 18 knitwear designers that include Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein, and Jo Sharp. The designs for these ponchos, capes, stoles, and capelets vary from simple to challenging and explore shape and silhouette possibilities in a host of techniques, including stitch patterns, color work, lace, beads, crochet, and felt. A glossary is provided, containing all the information necessary for even a novice knitter to successfully create one-of-a-kind fashions. The book also includes an in-depth section on designing and embellishing, making it a companion for future creativity. All knitters and crocheters, from the most demanding to those just embarking upon larger projects, will be inspired by these stylish designs that stretch the definition of a poncho.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Highly recommended." —Library Journal

"Just what knitters and crocheters are hungry for—inspirational, creative patterns that advance our skills and are beautiful to wear." —INKnitters

"A beautiful collection of shawls, ponchos, and capelets...even novice needle crafters can successfully create these." —Knit It!, Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection

"Truly wonderful patterns. The garments are inventive, bright and young." —KnitNet

"What's under the covers: beautiful items that adorn your shoulders." Knitter's Review

"These are not granny's scratchy acrylic wonders, these are soft, shapely styles knit in beautiful yarns." —Knitting.AllInfoAbout.com

"Inspiration...a number of cool-looking cover-ups." —The News & Observer

"'Twisty Turns' by Norah Gaughan is fabulous, as are Nancy Marchant's 'Shadow Dance' and Kathy Zimmerman's 'Cashmere Crossings.' Put this one on your short list."  —Knit 'N Style

About the Author

Pam Allen is the editor in chief of Interweave Knits and the author of Knitting for Dummies and Scarf Style. Her designs have been published in many magazines and were featured in Knitting in America. She lives in Dover, New Hampshire. Ann Budd is a senior editor of Interweave Knits magazine and the author of The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns and The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. In 2000 she received the Master Knitter certificate from the Knitting Guild of America. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499918
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499910
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The publisher listened..., October 1, 2005

By 

Levis_mama (atlanta, ga) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wrap Style (Style series) (Paperback)

and the pictures this time around are clear and show the knitted items in better detail than scarf style, did. Other than that, I was disappointed with the book. It doesn't have half the class or style found in its predecessor - mainly b/c of the large number of ponchos. Ponchos are a trend that will (I pray) die off soon, whereas scarves and (real) wraps will always be chic.

Contrary to the title, most of the items are ponchos or some variant thereof, such as a cape, capelet or ponchette. Call it a wrap all you want, but if the ends are connected, or if it's knit in a tube, then it's a poncho (or some variant, thereof). Here is my test for telling the difference between a wrap and a cape: What would Superman wear? If it ties at the neck, the it's a cape.

I will, however, admit to being fond of the poncho (they call it a wrap) on the cover. If you can get past the whole poncho stigma, then there are some nice items in here. But if you're looking for a book on wraps or shawls, go with Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle or Nancie Wiseman's book on knitted shawls.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Looking For Ponchos or Cape(lets)? Look no further!, October 3, 2005

By 

Jody Pirrello (Philly Suburbs, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wrap Style (Style series) (Paperback)

I anxiously awaited this book after being thoroughly impressed with Scarf Style. After seeing what this editor did with what can be thought of as something for a beginner (the scarf) I was really excited for Wrap Style.

However, this book is really all about the poncho and cape/capelet. When I think of a wrap I think of rectangular and triangular shapes that drape over the shoulders and (silly me) wrap around. Most of this book's patterns fasten together and have a poncho or cape shape. There are a couple that are not in this category -- but they're few.

If this book was called Poncho/Cape Style I would give it 4 or 5 stars. The patterns are nice -- it's the deceiving title that's problematic.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice ideas -- bad editing, September 12, 2006

By 

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing "Up Late Every NIght... (in the dry, hot, dark of the desert) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wrap Style (Style series) (Paperback)

As a newcomer to knitting, I found several starter-level pieces in this book -- all very unusual and well designed. Or so it appeared.... I ended up having to carry the book into my local yarn shop for help deciphering a pattern -- only to find that the pattern really was incomplete. Several steps and notations had been left out, making it confusing for the experienced knitters in the shop that day, and damn near impossible for a newbie to figure out.

Additionally, the photography, while beautiful, is excessive and redundant. How many full page images of the same garment from the same direction do we really need?

I have found cookbooks where key ingredients or instructions were omitted in order to keep the recipe secrets out of print -- and that's what this poorly edited book reminded me of. --As though they wanted others to fail at duplicating their designs.

Too bad.