Wool Studio: The Knitwear Capsule Collection

Love this knitting pattern book. Normally I shun this type of book as there are only a couple of patterns I'm interested in knitting. This one, on the other hand, has the most interesting patterns. I'd like to knit each and every one of them. This is a great purchase.

The book had a great selection of knitting patterns. Wors great with my stash

Beautiful patterns

I had to look up "capsule" collection to remember that "capsule" is a reused word for items of clothing that frugal women have relied on for centuries – versatile items that never go out of style. The little black dress, or pejoratively "that brown thing".Never mind, what we have here is a book of handknit designs from Interweave Knits Magazine. The designs were originally published in digital form and have now been collected as a print book.First, about the prose. It depends on your taste whether you will like the oh so evolved writing style. Ms Babin, the magazine editor calls it "Slow Fashion", maybe the subtitle should be the Zen of Knitting or some such, but oh, I see that title is taken. Enjoy the text if you can, ignore it otherwise.The garments themselves are lovely, for the most part. Although they are presented here in excessively neutral colors to show off their timelessness, and in yarns that will break the bank, most of them can be done in color using affordable yarns. I would change the gauge on a few. Whether the designs will look nice on someone with curves is a different question. Willowy breastless models show off the designs very well. The two round-faced models are still slender on today's BMI scale. In a couple of photos it almost looks as if these slender women stuff their bodices and bellies to look more ?? what word goes here ?? pregnant ?? You can get an idea of the styles favored by Interweave by going to the website.The instructions are clear with text and charted elements. There are several photos of each garment so you can see how the pattern works.Most of the designs are for a middle to advanced knitter but a couple look hard enough to scare off everyone. I'll try one when the cool weather comes and let you know how it goes.I received a review copy of "Wool Studio: The Knitwear Capsule Collection" by Meghan Babin (F+W Media) through NetGalley.com.

I received a free copy of Wool Studio: The Knitwear Capsule Collection by Meghan Babin in exchange for an honest review. If you do not enjoy tracking sleeve decreases in bottom-up sweater construction, this is the book for you. The bulk of the patterns in this book are drop-shoulder sleeve construction as shown on the cover.There are also five or six less-elaborate top-down patterns with raglan sleeves as well as patterns for scarves, cowls, and an asymmetrical poncho that may make the purchase worth while if you don’t like drop-shoulder sleeves.#WoolStudio #NetGalley

Wool Studio is an inspiring collection of designer knits that in their structure and design, allow the beauty of the yarn speak for itself. The knitting patterns range from adventurous beginner to advanced intermediate in difficulty. There are also several patterns that use short rows for shaping and fit. Brioche stitches are also featured on a few patterns. Those stitch patterns were charted, I did feel that more explanation of Brioche stitches could have been given. The book is beautifully photographed, showing the details that make each sweater, shawl or accessory design special and unique.I am primarily a shawl knitter. However, like Dumbledore, “ I so love reading knitting patterns”. To me, they are little novels and as a designer (for myself at this point) I find it inspiring to get outside of my box to look at the design and structure of amazing garments. This book is as much an enjoyment to read through and be inspired as much as choosing patterns to knit.I did find that I very much want to add the Ruana and the Pismo Beach Sweater (although maybe convert it to a cardigan!) to my que. I am already wondering if I have yarns in my stash that will work!Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book to review.