Knitting wraps in the round 21 inspired shawls, scarves, and stoles

The handsome English-language debut from designer Brauneis shows how to knit using steeking, a Norwegian technique for cutting through pieces knitted in the round to create new openings, transforming, say, a sweater into a cardigan or a sleeve into a scarf. Brauneis touts the benefits of steeking, which avoids "annoying purl rows" and complicated stitch patterns, and provides instruction to help get readers started, recommending they use wool yarn and create samples to determine the right needle gauge before beginning a wrap. Each project is categorized according to difficulty, with "easy" designs including a purple and gray triangular shawl and a fuchsia mixed-pattern stole. The bulk are designated "requires some practice," such as the blue lace stole and the gray and purple shoulder plaid, while projects "for experienced knitters" include an apricot-colored shawl that makes use of a Japanese stitch pattern. Though Brauneis provides an illustrated rundown of the basics of knitting with double-pointed needles, advanced knitters will likely get the most out of these sometimes complicated designs. But the reward is worth the effort, as the colorwork on display in such projects as the yellow and white "fair-isle shawl with eyelet bands" delights. This stylish primer on steeking will please experienced knitters. (Dec.)

Brauneis, a designer and model knitter for various yarn labels and private clients, has produced a gorgeous book of shawls, scarves, and stoles, all knitted with the "steeking" method used in Norwegian sweaters, which allows flat objects to be knitted in the round. What would be two edges of a piece are joined together by a section of stockinette, allowing for continuous knitting without turning one's work back and forth. The steek is then cut apart and finished, and Brauneis has very clear directions for doing so, by hand or by machine. Knitting basics are well illustrated, and abbreviations and symbols are defined and explained. This is not a book for the novice, however, or the faint of heart. Many of the shawls are triangular, requiring both double-pointed and circular needles. Others are lacy patterns, requiring a great variety of stitches, with some patterns given as charts. VERDICT Confident experienced knitters will likely have great fun with this.--Debbie Bogenschutz