30 Knit Ponchos and Capes

Knitwear designer Maassen presents a beautiful collection of patterns capable of inspiring experienced and advanced knitters to take their work to new levels. She features 30 designs deploying lace, cables, colorwork, bell sleeves, and other design techniques that most will find challenging but rewarding. For the experienced knitter, this book is a treasure trove of appealing ideas for one of fashion’s trendiest looks. Examples include intricate lacework in the Ava pattern, cable work for the “delicate and romantic” Mila, and Fair Isle work on the afghan-like Smilla requiring four colors, two different types of needles, and six buttons. Almost all of the patterns require circular or double-pointed needles, sometimes with several sets needed to complete one item. For example, the button-down Jaina cape requires three different sizes of circular needle, a cable needle, and a spare needle to complete the project. Others, such as the Melina and Luna, require multiple strands of different colored yarns knitted into intricate Fair Isle patterns. However, skilled knitters looking for a rewarding challenge will want to pick up this collection of runway-ready stylish garments. (Feb.)