Classic Elite Shawls, Wraps & Scarves: 20 Ideas * 3 Ways

Yarn manufacturers like Classic Elite publish knitting pattern books to sell yarn, but this usually means that the knitting patterns are highly "commercial"--meaning that the designs are above-average in attractiveness, and that the patterns are clearly written with relatively few errors. With this book, Classic Elite adds a new level of technical or educational interest, by taking 20 ideas (e.g., a lace pattern, a short row technique, a Fair Isle star design, a "fun and funky" theme, an eyelet stripe, a jewel tones color scheme, a cable pattern, a textured stitch pattern) and then developing each idea into three variations.Sometimes the variations will be for three different scarves; sometimes for a wrap, a scarf, and a cowl; sometimes for three different wraps. The variations use different weights or types of yarn (e.g., lace weight, mohair, worsted weight, chunky). For the technical knitter or the emerging knitwear designer, it's particularly interesting to look at and compare the photos of the variations, to see exactly how a single idea can be developed into quite different looks, depending on the choice of yarn fiber, weight, and color.CLASSIC ELITE SHAWLS, WRAPS & SCARVES is a book for the intermediate (or more experienced) knitter, because so many of the designs incorporate charted lace patterns or complicated multi-row stitch patterns. Other than that, the patterns do not appear difficult to knit. Although the patterns specify various Classic Elite yarns, the book includes complete gauge information, so that a moderately experienced knitter can easily substitute other similar yarns in making the designs.With 60 total variations to choose from, it's hard to imagine not finding something worth knitting in this book! However, because the patterns strike me as "traditional", without any one pattern standing out as particularly new or exciting, I rate this pattern book at 4 stars ("I like it" on the official Amazon scale).

I'm an avid knitter who loves to knit shawls, wraps and scarves. I also love Classic Elite yarn. This book contains projects in lace, stripes, cable, ruffles, and more. Most of the book is centered on the projects which are clearly written out, easy on the eyes, tempting to knit and a great resource for knitters.I love the Buttoned Neck Wrap which has a bit of aran and is done up in a bright green or teal colorway using Magnolia yarn - half silk and half merino. The swirl-edged stole is very feminine and can be used for a number of things - think dressy or dress down. Knit with silky alpaca lace, it is light but warm. The block and garter scarf is a classic and great for a windy winter day. This example is a bright cobalt blue in a combination of linen, wool and baby alpaca. Yum! The Cabled Wrap is my favorite pattern in the book. It is knit with mohair/bamboo/viscose and is done up in a light blue colorway. My second favorite pattern in the book is the Patchwork Scarf in a rich rose color. It has a South American feel to it.There are so many patterns I love that I could go on and on. Thankfully, except for Fair Isle, the book utilizes no charts and is all written out which is my preference. If you like to knit shawls, wraps or scarves, this is a must-have book. It will give you ideas, actual patterns you will want to use, and lots of eye candy to keep looking at over and over again. This is a great release from Classic Elite.

This book is easily one of the very best "pattern" books I've ever had bar none - especially as I didn't check it out first at a b&m. Usually there are only 1 or 2 items out of the whole book I would actually make, but this has so many - I especially can't wait to make the ruffled, buttoned coat scarf - WHAT a great idea! - I can't wait to get started. The book is full of really beautiful and creative ideas that inspire me not only to make a bunch of their patterns but venture off into making up my own. (Already I'm busy plotting and planning stitch alterations one one, two sleeves instead of one on the asymmetrical wrap, inspired to try colors I wouldn't have thought I'd like, etc., etc., etc.) Most of the patterns call for only 2-4 skeins, so really good stash buster (so I can justify buying more yarn, of course). While I, too, could wish she had charted everything, charts are dead easy to make from written instructions, so no biggie for me and definitely not worth taking off a star - in fact I'd give this ten stars if it was possible. Don't hesitate on this one...I really don't think you'll be sorry!

I am an intermediate knitter, and bought this book when I was a beginner about 2 months ago.First of all most of the patterns are really beautiful, and the fact that you can make a project 3 ways gives you the opportunity to get really familiar with a pattern. The book is laid out nicely, with difficulty for each pattern listed. Directions are pretty good and the charts and keys are easy to follow.However, some of these patterns are way too complicated for my brain. It isn't that I can't knit them (for example the cable scarves shown on the cover) it's just that I don't have the attention span to do such complex patterns for a scarf when there are so many easier options out there.That being said, there are some lovely ideas--I have made a couple of them, and there are a couple more that I want to make that don't appear to be too complicated.

Some really attractive projects here. Each one has 3 different versions using the same design from a basic scarf to shawls, cowls and even a very interesting poncho and varying from easy to ones requiring a certain degree of skill or concentration. The lay-out is beautifully clear and the photographs are useful and not just pretty.The book is American and uses American knitting terms but it's not rocket science to interpret them with a little thought. In any case, the internet provides English equivalents. There is a useful chart at the back of the book showing yarn types, gauge/tension and needle equivalents.

I chose this because the book uploads and everything around it is safe and fast and good handling. I would sincerely recommend this to my friends.

I love it!

Lovely patterns would recommend

This is a wonderful book and worth every penny. Well written with lovely options for the same pattern. I will be using this book again and again, what more could you ask for........