| Cowlgirls: The Neck's Big Thing to Do |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Author: Cathy Carron Date Published: October 2010 Review Date: August 24, 2010
Who is this book for? Cathy Carron’s Hattitude introduced knitters to fun and sometimes outlandish hats with attitude. Now she brings that same sass to the knitted “dickey” in her new book, Cowlgirls: The Neck’s Big Thing to Knit. Knitters have been turning from scarves to cowl collars, and Cathy Carron’s designs give this movement a big push forward. These are big, bold, “look at me” cowls that are worn for show and fashion. From the clever title on, there are enough wordplays in the book to keep you entertained while you read and ponder your “neck’s big thing to knit.”
What Yarn Does it Feature? Favoring no one in particular and using over 20 yarn manufacturers for the 40 designs in this book, Cathy Carron’s designs are filled with fiber variety. Most of the cowl collars are knit using the season’s trendsetting big, bold and chunky yarns, but a few lighter weight versions appear for those who prefer a finer gauge. Whether by mixing colors or using yarns in creative combination with others, Cathy pulls off remarkable results. Her “wrapsody in blue” combines a luxurious cashmere-blend with “beaver fur” and the “world’s fair” gaiter is a splendid display of color. Cathy provides helpful suggestions on how to choose yarns for cowls and collars in a section called “fiber facts.”
What's Inside These cowls are a creatively inspired alternative to wrapping an 8-foot long scarf around your neck. Cathy introduces a number of alternatives to the scarf: cowl, gaiter, snood, balaclava, infinity scarf, donut, necklace and even the dickey. Depending on the stitch pattern and other considerations, the styles can be constructed using a flat and seamed method, knit in the round, or knit as at tube that is later seamed. Each method is used in the book, and the results are as divergent as the construction methods. These are not “one skein” knit-in-an-hour strips or tubes, but are well designed little accessories that serve an important function – keeping the winter winds away from your neck and face. Further, they will add a touch of fun and a lot of fashion to your wardrobe. If you’re a little timid about wearable art like this, read over the tips on how to wear the designs in the book. These common sense tips will help you leap over any hurdles to becoming a cowl girl.
Using It Fashion shots fill the book. There being an art to wearing such a bold garment, you can study the photographs to get an idea of which style is best for you and, once knit, how to wear it with confidence. Otherwise, the book follows standard conventions of presenting each pattern with a brief description and suggestion of how to wear it, lots of color photographs and knitting directions. The background color changes as you move from design to design; a visual cue that a new pattern is before you. You won’t be able to read the small font from your lap or across the coffee table, but the instructions are not very complicated. Since there is minimal shaping in these accessories, you won’t need to go line by line through the directions anyway. The layout is appealing and helps build a sense of drama and excitement around the jazzy designs.
Best Pattern (or Best Advice) There are enough choices among the 40 designs in this book to suit any taste. Cathy Carron includes a classic lace snood, a metallic mohair collar, a woven necklace studded with Swarovski crystals, a couple of ultra-feminine ruffs, a preppy school colors tie, a really off-beat necklace of knitted balls, and even a cowl with a built-in iPod holder. Perhaps the lesson to take from this broad a selection is that this book would make a great resource for your gift knitting. Find a pattern that you love for yourself and chances are you will find several more for your friends and family.
Recommendation Cowlgirls will give you lots of knitting pleasure with ideas for trying out new yarns, stitches and style with only a small investment. You can make most of the cowls and collars with just a few skeins of yarn and a few hours knitting time. If you are rushed for time or just want to feel the satisfaction of finishing something before you start that heirloom project, pick up this book and become a cowlgirl. Overall Recommendation If you are daring, young at heart, or just a “cowl girl," this book will keep you in stitches and in knitting. I recommend this creative look at cowl collars and rate it #8.
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