Knit Ponchos, Wraps & Scarves

I have purchased yarn over the years and I am actually not a hoarder. This book has so many projects that helped me use the yarn I have collected and saved time with needle sizes and combining yarns. I had never used the casting on (long tail) technique and this book gave great instructions so I found it to be a perfect reference book as well as a fun project book.

As an experienced "beginner" this book is full of delightful patterns. There are certainly advanced patterns also. The color of the photographed work is exceptional. Love the close-ups. Our knitting/crocheting club refer to the patterns by color. Many great scarf patterns for gift giving. Quick, inexpensive, using only 1 or 2 skeins of yarn, and best of all, perfectly beautiful finished product. This book would be one for anyone who enjoys a fun new twist on scarves, wraps or ponchos. Check finished length on the scarves. I have found a few to be too short...I just add to the middle rows of the pattern when working in horizontal or cast on more stitches when working in vertical. (allow accordingly when purchasing yarn)

This is the latest in my collection of pattern books, just published in 2005. I bought this volume because of the new ideas it contains. Ways of incorporating beadwork, unusual edgings, use of yarns such as roving - these designs go beyond the ubiquitous "fun fur" stuff and offers a number of new looks and styles. Fun, inventive, not at all boring or routine.

The book was very well organized and easy to follow. The pictures were clear and instructions were well written. I liked the variety of yarns used, the creativity of the author, and the overall layout. Thumbs up.

While some reviewers have said there are only "three" poncho projects in the entire book, that statement is simply not accurate. There are three projects with "poncho" in the project name, plus five other projects with instructions for how to create a "Poncho Variation" so you can make either the main shawl/wrap/scarf or the poncho variation of that project (pages 33, 51, 62, 104, 111). Further, pages 9-10 provide a comprehensive overview, complete with illustrations, of how to create four different types of ponchos simply by starting with knitted rectangles or triangles ("Anatomy of a Poncho"), followed by another section specifically instructing readers on "Making Scarves into Ponchos." It is unfair to make statements about the lack of poncho projects in this book when clearly some reviewers have not looked beyond the Table of Contents. A savvy knitter, using author Jane Davis' thorough instructions, can convert all 44 of the projects in this book into ponchos! And let's not forget the 150+ full-color photos and 75 how-to charts/illustrations to enhance anyone's ability to create anything from easy novelty yarn projects or knit and purl projects to cables and lace to beaded or embroidered pieces. There's something here--ponchos, wraps and scarves--for everyone!

Jane Davis has written several fine books on beading and knitting and she doesn't disappoint with her newest one. Lots of beaded projects but also beginner projects and good explanations. There are only 3 ponchos and mainly the patterns are for scarves or wraps. Lots of techniques: cables, lace, etc. Everything is well explained and the book is beautifully produced with 150 color photos and 75 charts and illustrations for over 40 items. Each item lists the original yarn used and also uses the number guide to type of yarn weight and indicates the skill level for the project.