Scarves ideal for rookies, vets alike

Many new knitters start by knitting scarves before progressing to more ambitious projects. But for those who want to linger in the scarf mode while advancing one’s knitting skills, “Scarf Style” by Pam Allen just might be the way to get a wrap on things. “A scarf on the needles is the comfort food of knitting,” she writes. “A scarf always fits the one it’s knit for.” She describes scarves as a virtual hug from knitter to recipient.

The book, published by Interweave Knits, offers 31 styles by as many designers to knit and crochet. Although you will find a “recipe” for a basic garter stitch scarf in the book, it’s far from the main event.

What you will find in “Scarf Style” is allover cables, bobbles, Fair Isle, lace and ripple patterns. You also will find a dragon, rosebud and geometric designs.

The suggested yarn colors in the book range from bright and lively to muted and earthy. Many of the designs are clever and intricate. Some, like Stripes and Bobbles, are downright whimsical.

My favorite design in the book is by Kathryn Alexander. Her scarf is knit of Paternayan Persian yarn – in 48 different colors – the kind used for crewel embroidery and needlepoint. But this pattern is not for the impatient or the unskilled. While the scarf is not difficult to knit, the instructions span 12 pages.

Amanda Blair Brown’s Ruffles pattern, consisting of only four rows, also is intriguing. It creates a lovely continuous ruffle and, when wound around one’s neck, creates a very organic-looking drape reminiscent of the lime rock formations one might find in a cave.

“Scarf Style” includes a Design Notebook section with ideas for inventing your own scarf. It offers advice on choosing a stitch pattern, directions for knitting a garter stitch scarf on the diagonal, and suggestions for choosing colors for striped patterns.

The 152-page softcover book sells for $21.95.

British designer Kaffe Fassett has been knitting and designing since the 1960s, long before the current knitting renaissance began. In his book, “Kaffe Fassett’s Pattern Library,” veteran knitters will find plenty to jump-start their imaginations. Knitters new to the craft will find much to aspire to.

The first half of the book is composed of color photographs of Kaffe Fassett designs, which are gorgeous and intricate. The design influences he draws on include oriental carpets, formal gardens, mosaic tiles and South American stripes.

The second half of the book contains knitting charts for Fassett’s designs and information on how to use the charts.

Even if you don’t knit, this is a good book to have in your needlework library because the charts may be used for counted cross-stitch and needlepoint projects. The book also is a wonderful source of inspiration for color use.

I was quite taken by several designs that feature stars, one that sports patchwork blocks with little flowers knitted into each one, and a stylized horse pattern.

The hardcover book has 160 pages and sells for $34.95.

Visit your local bookstore or library for information about how to obtain these books.

Snippets

. The Bear Paws Quilters have sold all its copies of “Quilts Have a Story to Tell” by Persis Messer. A second printing of the book is being contemplated.

. For a free pattern for a Father Christmas knitted doll pattern, visit www.interweave.com/rd/pwprojects. Advanced knitters will find this pattern challenging.

. The Web site www.lmntl.com specializes in Hungarian folk art, including rugs, table runners, pottery and blue-dyed fabric. Embroidery kits printed with Hungarian designs also are available.

. Those who want to learn about dyeing and decorating Easter eggs should check the current issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.

Ardeana Hamlin can be reached at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.