Sweet Shawlettes - Knitting BookI love Fridays.  They usher in weekends filled with possibilities for adventure, relaxation, exploration, and self-fulfillment.  This particular Friday is extra special:  my copy of Sweet Shawlettes by knitwear designer Jean Moss has arrived.  I received this little treasure courtesy of Jean and her publicist, Janèl Noblin in Public Relations at Taunton Press.

 

Authors traditionally go on tour to promote their newly published books.  Jean and Taunton Press took this one step further by conducting a blog tour in which prominent knitters and knitwear designers featured Sweet Shawlettes in consecutive blog posts, offering their readers an opportunity to win a copy of the book.  In reading about Sweet Shawlettes on Rachael Herron‘s blog, Yarn-A-Go-G0, I immediately knew that I wanted this book.  It wasn’t until the book arrived, however, that I was able to appreciate its full appeal.

 

Sweet Shawlettes - Enigma Knitting Pattern

Sweet Shawlettes is a collection of 25 knitting patterns for delightful, innovative neckwear.  The designs range from full-sized shawls and capelets to cowls and decorative necklaces, representing four distinct style aesthetics.  The offerings in the Country collection derive their inspiration from nature.  Techniques such as cables, intarsia, and appliqué make their way into the Country shawlettes.  The Couture collection reveals fashion that is sophisticated and forward-thinking.  Here, knitters are treated to color-blocking, entrelac, and shadow knitting.  A nod to long-standing cultural influences in knitting is seen in the Folk collection.  These pieces incorporate traditions and techniques such as Guernsey, Fair Isle, Möbius, patchwork, and plaid.  Rounding out the patterns are the exquisite designs in the Vintage collection.  Lace, dropped stitch, ruching, and beading are but a few of the techniques awaiting the knitter of the Vintage designs.

 

Sweet Shawlettes - Miss Garricks Knitting Pattern

Each pattern is fully described with charts, schematics, written instructions, yarn recommendations, and a list of notions.  Many of the designs incorporate beads, buckles, buttons, and other fasteners.  Jean encourages us to exercise our creativity in selecting our notions, looking to recycled clothing, heirloom jewelry, and flea market finds in addition to new items.  Every design is presented with the associated skill level required to knit the project.  There are ample intriguing designs for beginning, intermediate, and experienced knitters with instructional materials included in appendices.  The number and variety of designs packed into this single publication is staggering and speaks to Jean’s immense creative talent and sensitivity to the needs of the knitting community.

 

Sweet Shawlettes - Mantilla Knitting Pattern

In browsing through the book, I was struck by the images, which far surpass those rendered online.  The designs are beautifully photographed by Alexandra Grablewski.  The models are impeccably styled and situated in just the right setting to perfectly complement the shawls.  To whet your appetite, you can view all of the shawls in the Photo Gallery.

 

Sweet Shawlettes - Evergreen Knitting Pattern

Those of you who are new to knitting may not be familiar with Jean and her body of work.  She began her journey into the realm of fashion by teaching herself to knit.  From there, Jean went on to designing and producing collections of handknits.  Over the past 20 years, she has designed for numerous fashion houses such as Laura Ashley, Benneton, and Ralph Lauren, as well as for Rowan Yarns.  Today, Jean is recognized as one of Britain’s foremost knitwear designers.

 

 Sweet Shawlettes - Knitwear Designer Jean Moss

In addition to her design work, Jean lectures and teaches workshops throughout Europe and the UK.  Each year, she plays host to a select group of knitters in get-away tours that feature knitting with notable designers and relaxation amidst fragrant gardens, visually inspiring landscapes, and impressive architecture.  This year, Jean’s tours include visits to Ireland and to Lakes & York.  The Ireland tour is already closed to new participants, but you can still snag a 20% discount on the Lakes & York tour if you book within the next few days (the discount is valid through January 31, 2012).  If you are able to take advantage of this spectacular trip, please be sure to post lots of photos and descriptions of your adventures.

Until then, grab your copy of Sweet Shawlettes before the few remaining copies fly off the bookshelves – and happy knitting!

. . . Linda, the well-rounded knitter

 

Filed under: Knitting on Circular Needles

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