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(Paperback)
Scarves are often the first garments beginning knitters try. Then, when they feel ready for a greater creative thrill, they move on to other types of garments. In Knitting New Scarves, Lynne Barr beckons all levels of knitters back to their humble beginnings and then wows them with 27 spectacularly modern designs, each created using an innovative new technique or a unique take on a traditional one.
This novel approach, which dares knitters to rethink what is possible by simply manipulating knits and purls, leads to a collection of flattering, functional, and fun-to-make accessories. Imagine a scarf that looks like a strand of black pearls or unfolds like an accordion, one that playfully draws inspiration from the famed Chanel jacket or a twisting futuristic high-rise.
Every scarf is shown in its finished form in beautiful still-lifes by photographer Tyllie Barbosa, and, when unusual techniques are called for, up-close step-by-step photos are provided as well. This means every scarf in this masterful collection is both captivating and accessible for all levels of knitters.
Knitters who think of a scarf as a boring beginner's project may rethink their aversion to knitting this handy garmant when they see this collection of 27 imaginative patterns. Employing optical illusion, inventive structures, and clever shaping, Barr (Sweaterscapes of the American West) expands the definition of scarf to include knitting techniques (such as short-row shaping and knitting around on two double-point needles) that may be new to even experienced knitters. She emphasizes structure more than color with designs-some of which are based on architectural detail-that will appeal to knitters of all levels of expertise. An excellent choice for large public libraries.
More Reviews and RecommendationsLYNNE BARR has led hand-knitting workshops in the U.S., taught machine knitting to factory workers in Haiti, and designed sweaters for upscale boutiques. With her husband she designed and produced a commemorative sweater for L.L. Bean and co-authored two books: Sweaterscapes of the North Country and Sweaterscapes of the American West. Barr lives in Maine.
TYLLIE BARBOSA is a Chicago-based photographer specializing in food and product photography.
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April 27, 2009: The scarves in this book are lovely, but I found many of them to be virtually unwearable for the average person. For the knitter wishing to explore complex construction, invaluable book. There are a few scarves that are simple based on others in the book - though I would not label even the simple ones as beginner friendly.
These patterns require some concentration, many require some needle acrobatics, imagination and a sense of humor. These scarves are more art than garment, more creativity than wearability.