Lifestyle Book Reviews

Book Review: Color Style

By Sandy Amazeen Dec 27, 2008, 17:20 GMT

From simple stripes to intricate Fair Isle patterns, this resource provides a solid foundation and numerous examples of the best ways to bring knits to life. Full of gorgeous patterns and clear instructions, 15 top knitwear designers—including Véronik Avery, Mags Kandis, Deborah Newton, Kristin Nicholas, and Shirley Paden—provide inspiration and practical projects for the beginning and experienced knitter alike. From an easy-to-knit pullover that alternates narrow stripes of solid and variegated ...more

Unlike others in the Style series, this latest addition exploring the possibilities of color falls flat. The seventeen patterns, some which were published elsewhere, focus more on slip stitches and Fair Isle designs then on innovative techniques or color usage. The Mosaic Yoke Jacket uses the slip stitch to good advantage but for a book on color, is surprisingly subdued. Several patterns like the Harvest Cardigan use simple embroidery stitches for additional accents and most of the designs are cropped at an unflattering length for anyone with a little extra weight around their midriff.

With its careful pattern matching on the body and sleeves, the Cunningsburgh Star Jacket is one of the more interesting designs. The other is the Hooded Scarf is knit as a tube which is then cut, sewn and embroidered to create a bright, folksy piece without having to purl the charted colorwork. All the patterns include a complete materials list, designer notes, clear charts and construction details. Readers looking to expand their color usage will want to look at the Design Notebook which touches on stripes, color stranding and steeks. Considering the many design possibilities to be found in colorwork, including such simple ideas as vertical patterning, this is a disappointing offering.