First, the facts:
Title: Kirsten Kapur Shawl Book One: Ten Best Loved Shawls from Through the Loops
Author: Kirsten Kapur
Published by: Kirsten Kapur Designs, 2015
Pages: 51
Type: Shawl patterns
Chapters:
No chapters, just patterns
The In-Depth Look:
First, the really encouraging thing about this book is that it’s clearly labled “Shawl Book One,” which implies there’s going to be a shawl book two at some point, and maybe a third and a fourth … all of which is great news, because Kirsten designs some really beautiful shawls.
This book is a collection of ten patterns that she’s already published–so do be aware that it’s possible you might have some of them already–but still take a look at this book anyway, because the designs are well worth it.
I’ll say right now that I love Kirsten’s designs. I’ve knitted at least two of her shawl patterns in the past and own a bunch more that I haven’t gotten to yet. (Okay, for full disclosure, I’m actually at the very end of knitting my second one right now. I’ve got about three rows to go. That’s close enough to count as past-tense for the sake of the review, right?) So, you know, I might be biased, but I was lucky enough to see her display of shawls in person at Trillium Yarns just last week and they look just as good as they should. Kirsten has a really nice touch with combining colors in a shawl which is something I think is tricky to do, but I really I like when it’s done well. Her lace patterns flow nicely with the shaping of her pieces, too. I like her shawls. Lace isn’t something everybody can do well, after all.
The ten patterns gathered here cover the gamut of shawls–in shapes, you’ve got rectangle, triangle, half-pi, and crescent. There are two-color and single-color options. Airy confections sit alongside slightly more substantial, cozier shawls. There are stripes. Garter stitch. Lace. Basically, your basic range of shawl variations, with full-circle and square being about the only regular shapes I can think are not represented.
The patterns are Kirsten’s most-popular, the title says, but the photos in the book are all new, taken by the fabulous Gale Zucker, and beautiful as always. The book is nice and glossy and good to look at, as well as a handy size to tuck into your knitting bag.
You can get this book in digital format, print format, or both, and is sold through Kirsten’s website. Here’s the link at MagCloud.
Want to see bigger pictures? Click here.
This review copy was kindly donated by the author. Thank you!
