Book has clever patterns for wraps

Ponchos, shawls and capelets cozied up to the fashion world several seasons ago, but are still being worn here in Maine. Indeed, these garments have an odd staying power and appear in new guises with new generations of knitters and crocheters.

For those who wish to move beyond the Martha Stewart poncho pattern, Interweave Press has published “Wrap Style: Innovative to Traditional, 24 Inspirational Shawls, Ponchos and Capelets to Knit and Crochet.” Here the needleworker will find patterns for clever and innovative wraps that go way beyond the “poncho” genre.

In the book, designers employ stripes, gossamer lace, sleeves, and Argyle, Aran Isle and Scandinavian motifs in their “takes” on wraps, shawls and ponchos. Many of the designs are intricate and geared toward experienced knitters and crocheters, but instructions are clear enough to encourage a beginner to jump right in there and give it a try.

Interweave Knit magazine editors Pam Allen and Ann Budd have rounded up a who’s who of designers for the book. The lineup includes Allen and Budd, of course.

A lavishly photo-illustrated book, “Wrap Style” offers chic designs that encompass the pantheon of knitting techniques. My favorite design in the book, an airy, white mohair poncho, is by Shirley Paden. She uses Shetland lace stitches and delicate lace-weight mohair to create a garment that is elegant and romantic enough for a bride to wear. It has all the charm of a single snowflake – unique, with a fragility that inspires awe. Paden teaches knitting at The New School in New York City.

Kathleen Power Johnson’s garnet-colored poncho also is in the romantic mood and knit in ultrafine yarn. “Decorative yarnover increases in four swirling lines radiate outward from the neck,” and a wide lace ruffle finishes the lower edge. Johnson teaches knitting workshops around the country and is the author of “Plus Size Sweater Wardrobe.”

To create dramatic, intricate elegance, Annie Modesitt adapted the lines of an 1890s evening jacket to create a wrap destined to be worn over one’s prettiest dress. Knit in a rayon-wool chenille yarn, the wrap was felted to give the garment the look of antique velvet. Modesitt is the author of “The Knitting Heretic” and a knitwear designer.

Nicky Epstein’s contribution to “Wrap Style” is a felted capelet. Done in a folk art floral design, it is finished with a purchased fur collar. Epstein is the author of “Knitting on the Edge” and several other books.

Lily Chin contributes one of the two crocheted capelets in the book. Her design is composed of V stitches, edged with frosted beads and may be worn around the shoulders or around the hips over a swimsuit. Chin is the author of “The Urban Knitter” and a frequent guest on daytime TV shows demonstrating knitting and crochet techniques. Chin, the world’s fastest crocheter, recently launched Lily Chin Signature Fashion Yarns and Patterns.

Mari Lynn Patrick’s crocheted capelet has the look of Irish crochet lace without the individual motifs. It is crocheted all in one piece using puff and cluster stitches. Patrick is a frequent design contributor to Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting magazines.

The Design Notebook section in “Wrap Style” aids the adventuresome needleworker in designing her own wrap. It includes information about wrap shapes and styles, and ways to work the design – sideways, lengthwise, bottom up, top down, rectangular, straight tube and shaped tube.

A glossary covers terms, techniques and other useful technical information.

“Wrap Style” is a paperback, sells for $21.95, has 160 pages, 120 color photographs, 30 illustrations and 24 diagrams. It’s a worthy addition to any stitcher’s library.

Snippets

. Readers, if you have clever and tried and true ways of winterizing your homes’ interiors – such as window quilts, for example – let me know so I can consider them for an upcoming story.

. The play “Quilters” will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11; and 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 15-18, at the Opera House in Boothbay Harbor. For ticket information, call 633-5159.

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