Knitting Friday

Shawls Two On The Go! book review

Publisher: Sixth & Spring Books, NY, 2008

Pages: 92

Size of Book: 6" x 7.5"

Number of Patterns: 22

Errata Page: http://www.sixthandspringbooks.com/

Extras: 9 pages of instructions ranging from needle and yarn weight charts to illustrations for stitches and procedures.

Types of Patterns: lace, short row, cable, drop-stitch, garter, etc. from shawlettes to shawls, triangles and rectangles

Lace Charts: clear and easy to read

Extra Skills Needed: crocheting and I-Cord but good instructions are given

Bonus: wherever possible, the stitch multiple is given for the pattern

Drawbacks: as with all knitting books, I wish it were spiral bound

Available at, among others: Amazon and Knit Picks

Review: I really enjoy this little book. Its size makes it portable and it contains a diversity of patterns to interest the new to experienced knitter. I’m an experienced knitter so I was happy to count over 15 shawls listed in the Intermediate to Experienced Skills range. This is probably a book for new knitters to grow into though Midas Touch, the Garter Stitch Triangle shawl, would be easy for them.

Lace charts have always spooked me since some seem to go on forever. However, these charts are short, clear and easy to read with the stitch key explained in the pattern text. I didn’t work any of the charts but, to the eye, they look error-free.

I did work the following patterns:
Teal’s Good, the Afghan Shawl, the pattern would serve as a winter shawl or a lap robe. It knits into a thick texture and slipping elongated stitches back and forth in groups keeps you interested.
Red Hot, the Tango Shawl, looks plainer in the picture than the pattern works up. It’s an interesting stitch and only a two row pattern.
Amazing Grays, the Scallop-Stitch Wrap, is a four row pattern (two rows are P) with the pattern rows being easy enough for an advanced novice. It’s the I-Cord edging which makes this shawl pop.
Bermuda Triangle, the Seed-Stitch Shawl, sounds simple but the CO 3, BO 3 every other row keeps you alert.

Recommend/Not Recommend: Highly recommended.