Customer Reviews

Wrap Style (Style series)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I recently knit the Swallowtail Shawl, and found the pattern to be clear, simple, and easy to memorize. I will definitely go back to this book again.
Another reviewer noted that there was an error in the pattern- frequently, if there is an error, an 'errata' correction is available somewhere on the web- do a search for 'errata' and the book or pattern or pattern writer's name, and you will find the corrections.

There is no doubt there are beautiful photos in this book, and beautiful patterns, but.....the title says for knit AND crochet and by my count there are TWO crochet patterns in the entire book. For a knitter this is great, but for us crocheters, we are shortchanged once again. It is my constant gripe that almost all books that include the terms "knit and crochet" are knit with a token crochet pattern or two thrown in. With the resurgence of crochet right along with knit, I certainly hope the editors of these lovely books will remedy this. Other than that, I have no complaints. The yarns are yummy, the designs hip and the layout of the book is very nice. But, PLEEZE, balance out the crochet part when it is included in the title!

The patterns in this book run from simple for the advanced beginner to fun for the experts and are well written and easy to understand. For techniques and methods there are pictures - which make sense! - and in the back of the book is section explaining how to design your own wraps. For that section there are drawings and pictures of the different styles and explanations on how they work. Also, the patterns themselves are great and even include a felted capelet.

As a huge fan of Interweave Press I knew this book would be for me! There is a wide variety of patterns, including both knit and crochet, with a focus on cables, colorwork, lace work, or the yarn itself depending on the pattern. There's a great selection for those who prefer smaller projects without the shaping needed for a sweater. I would recommend this as well to the newer knitter ready to try some technique beyond scarves. Happy knitting!

I just got my Wrap Style in the mail today and I love the patterns. There are about five that I want to make for sure and so many more that I'd love to make as well. It's absolutely amazing. Since I haven't knitted anything I can't say much about the directions or anything, but wow, beautiful projects all around, something for everyone.

I have Lace Style by the same authors, and I love it. It's got a variety of innovative, wearable designs. Not every design is for me, but there is enough variety that I found several things I like, and I know my friends will find other things they like, etc.

With this book, the styles mostly seem very similar, and they just don't appeal to me, except for one crochet style and one simple wrap.

I also bought Wrapped in Comfort, which I love, it has light, airy, lovely circular shawls couple with stories I enjoyed reading. Plus I prefer knitting lace vs. intarsia or cables.

I think, however, this might just be a matter of taste. If you think you'd like to make capelets, which are definitely in style right now, take a look at both books and see which suits your tastes better, and your knitting pleasure.

Ann Budd has done it again with patterns for the yarn/gauge of your choice. This time it is ponchos, capelets and shrugs - all in fashion and all tempting. Hard to decide which one I will try first.