[.ca] Knitted Shawls, Stoles, and Scarves (ISBN 1564773310)

Emphasis on challenging techniques.:
This is a book for knitters who want short projects that teach new and challenging techniques without the added problems of how to make the garment fit. The following techniques are showcased: sideways knitting and shaping, diagonal knitting, textured squares, slip stitch pattern, cables, short rows, lace, garter stitch squares, interlocking diamonds, entrelac and intarsia. The major plus of the book is that before each pattern, the technique to be used is discussed in some detail, boosting the knitter's understanding before attempting to follow the directions. In most of the patterns, the knitter can chose between making a scarf or making a stole or shawl (which would obviously take more time). Line-by-line directions are given, as well as a line drawing of the finished piece. Charts are provided for the more difficult techniques, i.e. textured squares, cables, lace and intarsia. Colored diagrams are provided for the garter stitch squares, the interlocking diamonds and the entrelac. If you are knitter looking for short projects to teach yourself a new technique, this book may be just what you are looking for. For myself, I personally was not interested in making any of the projects because the finished items didn't appeal to me. Cheryl Oberle's "Folk Shawls" was much more my cup of tea. But the knitting world is huge and growing and there is room for all.

Techniques Great But Exclusively Luxury Yarns Are Used:
I agree with the previous reviewer. The techniques in this book are great. And most of the designs are to my taste -- none of them look as if they are really for old hippies with their hair up in buns, too often the image presented by shawls. The caveat with this book is that all the yarns called for are extemely expensive. I am not sorry I bought this book but I don't think I will be knitting anything in the yarn specified.

good:
There are several nice patterns in this book, and pictures for every project which is nice. Most of the yarns called for are expensive, and hard to find. I'm sure you could use similar yarns for a similar effect. The directions are good.