Shawls, Wraps, and Scarves is a well curated collection of 21 patterns designed by Louisa Harding. Due out 15th Jan 2020 from Dover, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

These are all quite attractive, and because most of the pieces which use finer/fingering yarns only call for 2-3 skeins, readers can use the most luxurious yarns out there without breaking the bank. The designs are grouped thematically: shawls (6), wraps (7), and scarves (8). They are all feminine, most include lace patterning.

Each of the designs includes a color photo, along with blocking dimensions, materials (yarn & needles/notions), gauge and construction notes. These patterns include step by step written directions, in abbreviated form. The lace patterns do not include 'Japanese' style charts, only the written directions. I would definitely recommend printing out a working copy and marking with a pen or using a magnet board to keep track until the repeats are memorized. My other (slight) quibble with the book is that although the garments are really stylish and well modeled, it's difficult to see the shaping on a lot of them since they're wrapped and tied tightly around the models' neck/shoulders.

Despite the small drawbacks, there are quite a number of these which I really would love to make. Cristana is a phenomenally pretty wrap with lace detailing and beautiful interlocking colorwork cables. I would say that the majority of the patterns are intermediate to advanced. If/when I'm knitting any of these, I will graph the lace patterns to make them easier to read. Most of these could be used for everyday or fancy dress use. I like the versatility.

Four stars.

I recently completed two lace projects and have begun a third marked advanced and so, in picking up this book, I hoped to find new and interesting patterns which would expand my knowledge. The back cover copy indicates it is for beginners, intermediate and advanced knitters. You can imagine my disappointment when I couldn’t find one pattern which I could confidently begin. The majority include techniques I’ve never heard of as well as having row upon row of lace pattern with no “relief” row of just knit or purl as well as hundreds of stitches per row. The chance of going awry is huge! The designs are beautiful and the explanation behind each interesting. I picked up several tips in techniques from the last few pages. But, none of this makes up for how incredibly complex the patterns are. There are no close ups of the techniques just modelled photos of the finished garments. If you are are an experienced advanced knitter looking for a challenge, this is for you. For me, it’s a two out of five on the enJOYment scale sadly.

I received a free copy of Louisa Harding’s SHAWLS, WRAPS, AND SCARVES: 21 Elegant and Graceful Hand-Knit Patterns in exchange for an honest review. The positive: This book contains beautiful photographs rich in color. The patterns seem simply and clearly written. That being said, the photographs focus more on the beauty of the models than the details of the items displayed. In most of the images, the garment is twisted up and wrapped so tightly around the model’s throat that I began to suspect some fetish on the photographer’s part. Where there is what would be a clear view of the pattern details, the designer layered the item over a dress the same color. Thus, it’s really hard to discern exactly what you’d be knitting if you select a pattern - I really only got a vague impression of what the item was and would look like. The book also lacks diagrams showing the shape of each the piece. The book would further benefit from having more charts - they are few. I’m sure the accessories are as beautiful as the models, but I found it really hard to tell. As I said, this would be a great coffee-table book. Also, it might be fun to knit mystery projects. A knitting group could divvy up the patterns, and do a mystery knit/swap.

#ShawlsWrapsandScarves #NetGalley

A beautifully curated book with patterns that any lace and/or shawl knitter would enjoy. Most of the patterns are concise and only fill up a page or 2 (the color work and lace heavy shawls may take up 3 pages). I find that the designs would also be budget friendly as most designs are only 1 to 2 skein put ups with the heavier weight designs (DK and above) requiring 3 skeins.

The instructions are clear and no experienced knitter would have any problems making any of these pieces. I find the deigns fill that bridge of being appropriate for both casual days as well as form evening wear, depending on your color choices and how you style it. I think any shawl knitter would enjoy this book.

These light and airy wraps are very feminine and classic--something you would wear to a wedding or other special event.

I cant open the file on my Mac so unfortunately I can't review it. Please tell me how to open it. How on earth can I write 100 characters about a book that I'm unable to open and review?

Disclaimer: I was given an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found the layout of the book to be beautiful and I generally love Louisa Harding's designs. With that said, the way that this book is put together makes it very hard to actually see what the designs fully look like. The pictures are more of style shots rather than design shots. There are also no charts for these patterns, which would make it much easier to knit these. The way that the patterns are written could make it very easy to get lost even for an experienced knitter.

I would not recommend this book for anyone but the most diligent knitters.

This book is for experienced knitters. I received an advanced reading copy of this book and it had no pictures of the projects. I hope the finished book will be illustrated. There are 21 knitting patterns, 6 Shawls, 7 Wraps and 8 Scarves. I would recommend that experienced knitters take a look but the newbie should get some experience before tackling these projects. It could be overwhelming. There are some instructions for blocking and stretching at the end of the book.