Jen Lucas is a prolific knit and crochet designer with over 217 designs listed in Ravelry. Many of her patterns can be found within her five books, three of which I’m reviewing today. Why only three? Jen graciously sent me a signed copy of her newest title after TNNA, and my local library system doesn’t have all the others!
Sock-Yarn Shawls: 15 Lacy Knitted Shawl Patterns
Published 2013
Often sock yarn sings its siren song and the knitter is faced with the dilemna of wanting to share its beauty not by utilitarian socks, but in a beautiful lace shawl. Lucas has gathered three types of her designs into this collection– from lace-edged, to all-over lace, and beyond the triangle. She includes tips on choosing the right yarn, reminding the knitter to check fiber, yardage, and if the colour is a good match for the chosen stitch pattern and design. The patterns include both charted and written instructions. The photos are clear and show styling ideas and include detailed shots of the stitches to help you check your work.
This a great resource for those looking to try lace shawl knitting and are intimidated by trying to match yarns and stitch patterns into shawls. The patterns are straightforward and look complex to non-knitters and could make stunning gifts. There are even instructions as to how to make the shawls larger if you have additional yardage.
(A pdf download of errata is also available.)
Cozy Stash-Busting Knits: 22 Patterns for Hats, Scarves, Cowls & More
Published 2016
It happens. We say we’ll only buy a skein of yarn for a certain project, then come home with an extra because it just looked so nice (or lonely). Then it sits and becomes part of a stash and wonders how to become something more. This book provides 22 projects for DK, worsted, and bulkier yarn weights. Not only lace, this collection features cables and other texture stitches to make these smaller skein projects shine.
This is a book I love to turn to when trying to work out gifts. Stash busting projects always make me happy and this book is sure to bring joy.
(A pdf download of errata is also available.)
Stunning Stitches: 21 Shawls, Scarves, and Cowls You’ll Love to Knit
Published 2017.
I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know. In this title, Jen tries something new, she takes the same stitch pattern and applies it three different ways with different yarns for different accessories. This is one of those I wish I thought of it ideas and it’s a great way for a knitter to fall in love with a stitch pattern and find several ways it can be applied. The stitches range from simple textures with different impact in solid or variegated yarns to laces used as an edging or a panel design.
With this title I see Jen’s growth as a designer and the details to every design whether a simple knit and purl texture featured in a cowl or a more sophisticated cable enhances a hooded scarf. She includes simple details to customize many of the items for a larger or smaller size.
Still on my to read list
Still on my reading list are two titles published in 2015, Sock-Yarn Shawls II: 16 Patterns for Lace Knitting</em> and Sock-Yarn Accessories: 20 Knitted Designs with Style and Savvy. Not sure why my library skipped them!
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