who doesn’t like sweets?

Posted on Posted in book reviews/events

sweet shawlettes is a new book by veteran knitwear designer jean moss, published by taunton press. many long-time knitters may be familiar with ms. moss’s beautifully tailored jackets and classic sweaters, designed with thoughtful attention to detail.

this book is a bit of a departure from those chapters of her work, the focus here being on smaller accessory pieces to add and subtract from daily outfits, possibly extending the use of a few good sweaters. while a few of the pieces bear the earmarks of her signature tailoring, many more are much simpler, both in design and execution.

the book actually includes a variety of accessory types, including a number of cowls, scarves, ponchos, stoles, and collars.

while maybe not what comes to mind for many of us when we hear the word “shawlette”, some of these pieces are nevertheless quite clever—small and quick to knit, they are great for stash busting, gifting, and travel knitting.

this cowl for instance looks to be a very simple striped piece, but when viewed in full profile, one can see that a shadow knit pattern has been incorporated.

the projects range in difficulty from simple, one-stitch concoctions that show off a special yarn really well

to some that are much more fiddly, but worthwhile for their effective results.

many of these designs will work very well for those who live in temperate climates or who like to continue wearing knits through the summer

it’s easy to see from the book’s styling how the pieces will look with lightweight fabrics and clothing.

there are a few heavier pieces however and those are among my favorites

though i can’t see myself wearing it, i am loving the fabric and color choices for this little shoulder poncho— i want something made from that plaid.

click here for a complete view of all the projects included in the book and click here to see a complete schedule of stops on this blog tour.

the nice folks at taunton press have offered one copy of sweet shawlettes as a giveaway for us. if you would like to win it, please leave a comment at the end of this post by 9pm EST on sunday, 22 january, 2012. we will announce the winner in the blog post following that date.

199 thoughts on “who doesn’t like sweets?

  1. I love the variety of projects! A very nice book, and I would certainly put it to good use. I love the choices of big and small projects.

  2. Very cute book! I like the variety of items in it – it seems that there is quite the range of projects. Thanks for having the giveaway!

  3. I am such a fan of small shawls and see several patterns I would like to make. This is an adorable book and I would love a copy of it. Thanks for offering us a chance to own a copy.

  4. Sweet is right! I would love to own this book. I may just have to make a purchase if I don’t happen to win this one ;0)

  5. I love some of the designs in this book. Love the idea of blog tours and giveaways are always popular.

    Thanks

  6. Sweet! Every project brings something different to the table, what a variety! Love the plaid, too! Thanks!

  7. I love the little plaid ‘ponchette’, and I’m itching to try my had at some colorwork ~ I need this book!

  8. Hi Anne, thanks for the giveaway! I worked as an intern at Taunton Press when we first signed this book, and it brings back great memories of working on knitting books like these with the great people at Taunton. I’d love to win this book, just so I could have it on my shelf! … Although being able to knit Jean’s lovely designs would be an added plus! Thanks again!

  9. I’m in pursuit of this book – have been following the blog tour trail – enjoying everyone’s review/offering of this book. Such a great giveaway.

  10. I saw an interview with her in a webcast last week and fell in love with the book – lovely projects and it would be difficult to know where to start!

  11. What wonderful projects – they would certainly cheer up my convalescence. I’m pushing my walker into the ring!! Thanks for the chance to win.

  12. What a great variety of shawlettes! I found several that had me thinking of possibilities for stashed yarn.

  13. Gorgeous! You are right…that plaid is AMAZING. I might have to buy the book just for that one thing.

  14. I would love to win a copy of this book. I really fancy making the black and white colourwork choker. 😉

  15. I agree that the plaid was interesting and it would be fun to make something out of it. Thanks for the opportunity!

  16. Please throw my name in the hat as well. Several of the projects shown are very intriguing and I will be definitely checking this book out. thanks

  17. The book looks like it has a wonderful range of interesting projects – would love to have a go. Thanks

  18. Since I have had to seriously limit my sweets, this would definitely satisfy my “sweet tooth”.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

  19. There are so many designs that I absolutely adore here, especially miss garricks and green at heart!! love.love.love!
    fowlervillesdeb (ravelry tag)

  20. Every one of the “shawlettes” is so cute. If i don’t win a copy i am going to go out and buy one.

  21. This book looks really fantastic. There’s something loveable about every one of the patterns shown! Stretch the skills without straining the wallet!

  22. Every new picture I’ve seen from this book makes me want it more! Please enter me in the drawing!

  23. I have a feeling that there might be quite a few designs in that book that would help me put my handspun to good use… Thanks, Anne, for offering us a chance at winning a copy.

  24. Lovely book…I am drawn to the plaid as well, and I would definitely wear it as is. Thanks for sharing some wonderful inspiration as always!

  25. Perfect for my New Year’s resolution to knit down the stash… and I am focused on the small bits in the stash for early success. This would be perfect and I love Jean Moss’ other books.

    Please give me a chance to win!

  26. What an interesting, innovative take on shawlettes. This would be a fun, inspiring addition to a knitting library!

  27. What wonderful variety. I could see five or six in my wardrobe. Please enter me in the contest.

  28. I am so into shawls/shawletts right now. I have decided to work on stash with small projects to put away for special occasion gifts. These patterns are great and unique.

  29. Ooh me, pretty please. These are beautiful patterns and I just learned Entrelac at Vogue Knitting this past weekend so the cover shawl just cried out to me.

  30. Yeah I would love to win this book!! beautiful,gorgeous patterns and guess what Jan 22nd is my 56th birthday!!

  31. Beautiful collection – truly something for everyone!
    Thanks for offering the chance to win.

  32. It’s a lovely book with a great variety of styles to suit everyone. I’d love to be in the running for it please.

  33. Can a person really have too many little knit dollops to wear?! They are always such a comfort really.

  34. Thanks so much for reviewing this book. It is indeed an interesting departure for Jean Moss and I see several wearable/giftable projects.

    Also love that plaid but not particularly that shape. Can’t wait to see what you would do with a plaid.

  35. What a sweet offer, Anne, and such beautiful designs! I would be delighted to win a copy.

  36. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely book. Hope you are having a great vacation!

  37. Such fun and wonderful out-of-the-box creations. Would love to have a copy of this book. Thanks, Anne, for offering the chance to win it!

  38. Would love to have the shawl book – shawls may be my favorite kind of project. I would love to do the plaid one…. Thanks!

  39. Wow! They are such gorgeous, challenging, and unique knits! Thanks Taunton and Anne for the chance to win!

  40. Beautiful images…I’d love the chance to win. Thank you for making this give away possible.

  41. What a beautiful collection of projects. I can’t decide my favourite. Love that plaid, the purple cowl would make my daughter really happy and i love the idea of a shawlette made out of smaller squares.

    Pick me please.

    I love reading your blog and the nice little bonus of a giveaway makes it all that much more fun.

  42. Ooo, I would love to win it! The tough part will be deciding which one to make first. It might bring on a terminal case of startitis…

  43. It is fascinating to me that with each stop on the blog tour I learn something different about the book and Jean. One of the projects that I thought would not be my cup of tea now is when brought to light by your post Anne. So thanks!

  44. I would love to win. Since we rv full time and we try to stay where it is warmer this is the perfect solution for my knitting adventures.

  45. I need to make a shawlette or cowl for my 96 year old aunt. Would love to have the book!

  46. Terrific peek at a wonderful book. I’d love to have a copy! Thanks so much for the chance to win it.

  47. Interesting patterns. They are very unique. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

  48. Oh, I would LOVE a copy of this book – there are so many patterns I want to make!
    Thanks for the chance to win it!

  49. Thanks for the review! I love the collar “Frost”, I never felt inspired to learn the braided stitch technique before now. Into the queue! I can’t wait to tell my B(knitting)FF about this book.
    P.S. Love the pics in the last post!

  50. What a great variety of styles. Wouldn’t mind trying some of these to accent my wardrobe. This book would be a wonderful addition to my library.

  51. they are a great way to try out new yarns and new techniques too – I’ve become a firm fan of shawls and shawlettes lately.
    Happy knitting. Sue x

  52. What a useful book. I am totally smitten with Miss Garricks, and I love that clever shadow-knitting design in Penumbra. Thanks, Anne, for sharing this. Best wishes, Gabi

  53. Those are some awfully beautiful and unique patterns, which I’d love to win! I like the plaid, too. And the stranded choker and cowl!

  54. This looks like a great book! Thanks to Taunton Press for offering it to us! and thanks as well to you, Anne!

  55. This book has caught my attention every time I’ve seen it mentioned since its release. Great concept!

  56. Thanks Anne, for sharing some of the designs in her new book- I’m particularly drawn to the green one with little leaves dangling….

  57. Such an interesting collection of possibilities! The book would be a great source for gift ideas ( for friends, sisters and self).

  58. It’s Jean Moss – what’s not to like? Thanks for showing so many and varied examples of what is in this fine book.

  59. I am always on the lookout for new shawl patterns! Thanks for sharing a preview of this book.

  60. I really need to find a copy of this to flip through. I think I need to add it to my library.

  61. I love shawls!!! I have several, and yet this is what I always want to knit! I also live in a warm climate (AZ) where big shawls aren’t really that necessary….. 😀

  62. Thanks so much for sharing this creative book with us. Lots of unique
    designs for making and inspiration. I’m sure whoever wins it will be
    thrilled.

  63. Oh! The plaid shoulder poncho in a Black Watch colourway! Or maybe Royal Stewart…

    Thank you. From just the cover, I never thought this book contained those wonders.

  64. Checking the patterns through, I like the book a lot more than I expected on first glance. This book would be a nice addition to my library. Thanks for participating in the blog tour and the giveaway!

  65. The whole book is beautiful! I particularly like the shadow knit pattern.

    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

  66. Those are really sweet little pieces of knitting. Thank you for letting me the readers know about the book.

  67. So many cuuuuute patterns! That little black and white cowl with the quilt-type design looks like a good colorwork starter project. Lots of other very knot table designs! I’d love to win it. Thanks for holding the giveaway, Anne.
    Betsy

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