Member Reviews
This turned out to not be my style but the patterns are clear and this would be a great addition to a knitter's collection if it suits your style.
I had to look up "capsule" collection to remember that "capsule" is a reused word for items of clothing that frugal women have relied on for centuries – versatile items that never go out of style. The little black dress, or pejoratively "that brown thing".
Never mind, what we have here is a book of handknit designs from Interweave Knits Magazine. The designs were originally published in digital form and have now been collected as a print book.
First, about the prose. It depends on your taste whether you will like the oh so evolved writing style. Ms Babin, the magazine editor calls it "Slow Fashion", maybe the subtitle should be the Zen of Knitting or some such, but oh, I see that title is taken. Enjoy the text if you can, ignore it otherwise.
The patterns themselves are lovely, for the most part. Although they are presented here in excessively neutral colors to show off their timelessness, and in yarns that will break the bank, most of them can be done in color using affordable yarns. I would change the gauge on a few. Whether the designs will look nice on someone with curves is a different question. Willowy breastless women models show off the designs very well. The two round-faced models are still slender on today's BMI scale. In a couple of photos it almost looks as if these slender women stuff their bodices and bellies to look more ?? what word goes here ?? pregnant? You can get an idea of the styles favored by Interweave by going to the website.
The patterns are well written with written and graphed elements. There are several photos of each garment so you can see how the pattern works.
Most of the designs are for a middle to advanced knitter but a couple look hard enough to scare off everyone. I'll try one when the cool weather comes and let you know how it goes.
I received a review copy of "Wool Studio: The Knitwear Capsule Collection" by Meghan Babin (F+W Media) through NetGalley.com.
This book has wonderful photographs. All of the garments are in very neutral colors to show the details better. Most of the patterns are fairly advanced but there are a few garments that an intermediate knitter can do. Most of the cable patterns have charts instead of written out. There are some really interesting sweaters and a few ponchos in this book. There are many well know designers in this book like Norah Gaughan, Kate Gagnon Osborn, Bristol Ivy. There are about 21 patterns of sweaters, cowls, ponchos etc.
A beautiful book published by Interweave, compiling two volumes of the digital publication Wool Studio into one print volume. The goal of the book is to curate a classic collection of womens' knitwear, timeless essential pieces that will always be wearable. The chosen yarns are luxurious, in neutral tones to truly allow the fiber to shine. The sweaters trend toward boxy, oversized garments, the wraps and cowls look warm and inviting. A lovely book to look at, perfect for larger knitting collections.
Beautiful knitting patterns in this book. The finished products are simple and chic, and the patterns are well-written and easy to follow. Lovely little book!
The pictures are really beauiful Not many of the patterns are garments I personally would want to wear, but I guess that depends on your taste. The instructions are clear. Overall a nice book.
Easy to follow instructions with a large catalog of patterns from scarf to sweeter. The catalog contains item that can be used for from winter to spring with a modern look. This book can be an excellent gift for mother's day
This is a compilation of 21 simple yet sophisticated designs for the modern woman. The featured yarns and designers combine to celebrate one of my favourite maxims, less is more. This knit.wear collection celebrates slow fashion and timeless design. The resulting patterns show possibility between stockinette and complex lace to highlight the beauty of wool and knitted stitches. The choices of yarns and stitches cover the seasonal spectrum, making it possible for to work through all the designs to build a wardrobe that encompasses the year. While many of the designs are not to my style, Bristol Ivy’s Hyannis Port Pullover and the Avila Tee by Amanda Bell, are both toward the top of my to-knit list. This is an interesting collection with a stunning group of designers.
Typically when scanning through a knitting pattern book, I find that maybe only one or two patterns interest me. The Wool Studio book has many patterns that look like something I'd like to try knitting. All look very classy, yet unique--something I've not seen elsewhere. They're all done in neutral colors, so one can see the knitting work very clearly. The instructions are nicely organized, with diagrams and pattern grids when necessary. I'd say the patterns are for the intermediate to advanced knitter. The only suggestion I'd make would be to cut back just a bit on the photos (there are at least 3-4 of each item) to be able to include maybe a few more patterns.
I always judge a knitting book by how many of the designs I’d make. I did see a few I’d consider making. Many had extreme design features ( huge drapey cowls, large open areas) that I won’t venture as they are impractical. My ability to review this was hindered by the choppy photos on the kindle download. However the written instructions were very thorough. The book could have used more color and full photos of each design.
Full of modern, stylish knitted tops, scarves, cardigans, wraps, sweaters, and much more, this is a beautiful work for, in my opinion, the intermediate knitter. Photography is stunning, instructions very well presented, providing many ideas for knitters.
Patterns and photography were well-written and well=presented, but there was little variety in style. Almost all of the sweaters were drop shoulder, a style I have no interest in knitting. Good book, just the wrong collection for me.
Wonderful patterns, it is a hard decision as to which one to make first. Very detailed patterns and instructions.
This is one of the few times I may write this. This book of sweater patterns is just not a good candidate for an ebook. I am an avid knitter but the formatting, design, and presentation on my kindle does not enable proper viewing of the finished works. So my interest just is not sparked.
Wool Studio is a print copy of 21 patterns originally included in Wool Studio 2016 and Wool Studio Volume II. It contains an impressive collection of garments by some of my favorite designers, including Bristol Ivy and Veronik Avery. The yarn weights span fine to worsted, mostly luxury wool blends, and the designs include a range of very interesting details. One particular feature that I appreciate is that all patterns note the amount of ease shown in the modeled test garment.
While some of the photography choices were a little puzzling (a lacy linen poncho modeled over a hooded sweatshirt?), I found many designs to knit in this volume, and even more ideas for design features to incorporate into other projects.
This is one of the most beautiful and creative knitting books I've seen recently. The styles included are so beautiful. I would love to knit more than half the patterns in the book, which is a rarity! My favorites were the Pismo Beach pullover, Malibu Cowl, Topanga Canyon cardigan, and Avila Tee, which just shows the spectrum of patterns included. The designers included are all big names, so you know their patterns are trustworthy too. And the photography is gorgeous! I especially appreciate that while the pictures are clearly stylized, they also included enough detail shots so you know what you are getting without having to read every detail of the pattern before starting. In these days of moody photos, that is definitely worth noting.
This is an absolutely first rate knitting book Definitely one that i would be proud to own. The photography is beautiful. the patterns are great. I can easily see myself knitting several of the items from this book. The patterns are well written and the use of yarns is excellent You will love this book!!
Nice collection of modern sweaters from a great selection of knitting designers!
Most of the garments had positive ease, featured drop shoulders, and relied on the yarn or simple texture and shape for impact. A few pieces featured cables or lace. Cabled and lace designs were charted. Garment patterns included clear schematics and enough good-quality photos to have an idea of what the finished object would look like. Garment sizing ranged from XS or S to 2X.
Highlights for me included the Ojai top, a simple unstructured layering piece with novel, loose cables, and the cable-y goodness of the Topanga Canyon Cardigan.
Woolstudio - The Capsule Collection captured my attention with its knitting designs that look modern, uncomplicated, comfortable, and elegant at the same time. The two models I am very interested in knitting are Monterey Tee with its airy lace pattern and the Chatam Pullover with its simple pattern that makes the yarn shine. I also love the Malibu Cowl for which I already have a yarn I could use.
This may be described as a capsule collection of knitted clothing, but for me it would be everyday wear. I am a little sad to see the sizes are mostly smaller sizes. For a plus size woman, I would really have to determine if I wanted to modify the pattern enough to make them fit me, but I did not expect to find any plus clothing in the book. I love the choices in this book and if you want some basic knitted clothing and shawls then this would be a good book for you. Though from reading the patterns I do recommend that you have a intermediate knowledge of knitting before trying these patterns.
This would make a wonderful gift for any knitter and would make a wonderful start to create their own capsule collection of knit wear.