Wrap Style: Innovative to Traditional, 24 Inspirational Shawls, Ponchos & Capelets to Knit & Crochet

by Pam Allen

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.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Crochet, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Vanessa Opal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only love this book for the Chanson en Crochet pattern. I hate books that only offer 2 crochet patterns out of 20 and label the book for knitters and crocheters.

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm editing my bookshelf and, unfortunately, this one doesn't make the cut. There was nothing in here that I wanted but there is a wide variety of wraps, ponchos, shrugs, and capelets and a wide variety of techniques (cables, lace, Fair Isle). Photography is good. Organization and design of the book is good, as well. I can't speak to the accuracy of the directions, though.

[Bree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Notes:
most of the patterns are for knit, only a couple crochet. misleading subtitle in book.

[Nellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #12 from the library in my quest to find the missing poncho pattern.
No the pattern is not here either.
A lovely collection of 24 shawls, ponchos, and caplets to knit and crochet.

[B · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the title, this pattern book is not for crocheters.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I checked this one out from the library recently. While I don’t like very many wrap patterns I see — the truth is, a lot of them look pretty dorky to me, including the one on the cover of the book — there are some lovely ones in this book.

I’d seen the Shetland Triangle on many blogs (including Grumperina’s) and I think I might like to try something like that… after I test my teeth on a more basic lace project. The Tapestry Garden looks like a lovely felted fair isle project which I’d prefer sans faux fur collar. Lastly, I just might have to knit up the Shoulder Cozy for a quick little item to throw over on cool evenings. (I couldn’t find any links on these latter two; is anyone working on it?

Wrap Style also features a section called “Design Notebook,” with handy tips and instructions for designing your own wrap, in case you want to alter some of the patterns in the book or start entirely from scratch.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am assuming that this book is the sequel to "Scarf Style" which I liked a lot. There were plenty of imaginative and creative patterns in this book that caught my eye. I counted 6 patterns that I would one day aspire to knit. I love the way this book was put together as well, the photographs are amazing and the layout is set in a very pleasing manner. I would definitely recommend this book of patterns to any knitter.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very pleased with this book and will use it often. I enjoy making shawls and wraps; this book comes with 24 patterns, and I immediately wanted to try out about half of them. The instructions are clear, and there are plenty of helpful images to refer to while working on all the projects included. For me, one of the best chapters included in this book is the knit from the top down capelets. I haven't tried any of those before, but the ones included are all very functional and stylish.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have almost completed the arrowhead lace cardigan capelet. I have to pickup and work the collar and then I will have a beautiful new capelet. The book gave easy to follow instructions. The only issue I have found with the book and patterns is that sizing information is difficult to find. It would help to have measurement information for sizing purposes. Not all shoulders and busts are the same!

[Brixton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A "purchased fur collar" for the felted cape (and I looked everywhere for the word "faux" but it wasn't to be found), what year is this? And I don't even want to know how possum fur is collected for yarn.

Pluses for decent designs, including schematics, and for encouraging even new knitters to strike out on their own; subtraction for being pro on pelting.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved some of the books in this Interweave Press series, but unfortunately, not this particular book. There are some cute patterns that would look good in a hat or sweater and the editing looks good with the pretty photos. I just don't and won't be wearing a wrap anytime soon.
128 pages and borrowed from the library
3 stars
128 pages

[Joshua Gage · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very disappointing book. Of the 24 patterns, only four were crochet. Clearly this is designed for knitters. I gave two stars because Shirley Padden's "Wrapped in Tradition" is a gorgeous poncho that I might try to make. Outside of that, no patterns worth pursuing for crocheters here.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit better than the Scarves Style book from the same author. It had better pictures.

However it still only had a few crochet patterns. This book is also not for beginners so if you are a novice like me get some practice in before trying these few patterns.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

so many cool patterns so little time, or money, or something... This one is another keeper. I keep checking it out from the library over and overI'm gonna have to buy it.

[Rodeo El-Sabae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found THE perfect wrap. It's called Green Sleeves. Now I need to make it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must make everything in this book!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good patterns and lots of direction to 'make it your own'.

[BookMouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in Pam Allen's 'Style' series. Some really pretty patterns.

[Ann Johnson Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought I wanted this book. Ponchos and capes have seen their day in fashion, and although full of creative projects, they'll be outdated soon, if they already aren't.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with chic patterns.

[Dharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a number of patterns I intend to try!

[Lindsey Weisman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute stuff, but I don't need to own it.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

top-down FirConeLace triangle, lots of capelets and wrappy/drapey shrugs

[Deb]

Not as enamored of the patterns in this book as others in the "Style" series, but there are a few goodies and it's a nicely done book like the others.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some eh stuff but a lot of pretty and wearable designs as well. Just not sure if I would wear a wrap if I knitted one. A library book so I may come back to it and re-check it out at some point.

[anita]

Actually I am working on Spiral Shell out of this book - instead of wool I am using a Cotton/Linen mixture which is working up quite nicely.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Library Book

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great design tips sections!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good variety of patterns for wraps and a chapter on the basics of designing your own.

I have made:
Fluted ribs
Grand plan top down capelet
Rap on stripes

Still a few on the wishlist too.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tzarina wrap, Grand Plan top-down capelets, Wandering Aran Fields, Off-Center Argyle, Guinevere, Tailored Froth were interesting, but nothing I just had to do now.