Review

Kim Werker wrote

on Dec 29, 2005 2:04 PM

I've had a copy of Scarf Style, by Interweave Knits editor Pam Allen (Interweave Press, 2004), sitting on my desk for many weeks. At first I thought I wouldn't review it at all since the vast majority of patterns in it are for knit and not crochet. But when I really sat down with the book last weekend, I found I had no choice but to change my mind. This book is not only relevant to crocheters (who may or may not also be knitters), it's also simply the single most elegant fiber arts book I've seen to date. Stay tuned for our April issue for more book reviews. This time around I'm focusing only on the one.

In Scarf Style, Allen has presented a book that very much speaks to the editorial vision I have for Crochet me. Anyone can be a designer. When it comes to crochet (and knitting), all rules are worth breaking. From this book we learn that creating a scarf is no simple, mindless project. I mean, it can be, but it doesn't have to be. A scarf can be of many shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. It can have sleeves and a turtleneck. It can be lacy or take the form of a gigantic wrap. Really, there just are no rules.

Let's skip to the back of the book first. After 125 pages covering 31 scarf patterns, the Design Notebook at the end of Scarf Style is twelve pages of rare opportunity. It's rare to encounter so succinctly written a commentary on the design process. Allen seized the opportunity afforded by the simplicity of the scarf, and in these pages you will find a friendly, gentle, encouraging introduction to scarf design. For all of us who just know there's some original crochet living deep down inside us, these twelve pages are like the Rosetta Stone of creative release. From choosing yarn and a stitch pattern to sizing and edging, it's all covered.

The only thing I ask is that you overlook that it's written for knitters. I know it can be frustrating to be a crocheter in the world of Stitch 'N *** and Knitty Gritty. But crochet is coming into its own, and Scarf Style's Design Notebook is just as relevant to us as it is to knitters. Just take a deep breath and keep an open mind.

Now, those patterns. Only four out of the 31 are crocheted. “Turkish Treasure,” by Mari Lynn Patrick, is a lively, tasteful colorwork pattern in single crochet. “Blizzard,” by Leigh Radford, is by far my favourite pattern in the book. Mostly, I love it because two versions of the scarf are shown: one crocheted with bulky yarn and an 11.5mm hook, and one crocheted in a much smaller gauge. It's an excellent illustration of the effect your choice of yarn and hook can have on your project. I want to make one of each.

“Retro,” by Lily Chin, is a bit conservative for my taste, but it's lovely all the same, incorporating beads into an openwork pattern. Finally, “Floral Trellis Scarf,” by Ann Budd, involves knitted flowers applied to a chain stitch trellis mesh. Sure, the knitted flowers get all the credit, but you could easily make this scarf using crocheted flowers instead. If you're a knitter you'll find 27 other patterns that will excite you and make you see the scarf in a whole new light. If not, you'll find inspiration on every page, and you may just discover there's a designer in you after all.

I know, I know. What's the point of adding what's obviously a knitting book to your crochet library. I get it. The point is that you'll learn a lot about crochet and you'll grow as a creative individual... If you open your mind and just think about it for a while.

-kpw

Scarf Style
Interweave Press
Paperback
152 pages
$21.95US
Available at Powells.com