These are all quite attractive, and because most of the pieces which use finer/fingering yarns only call for 2-3 skeins, readers can use the most luxurious yarns out there without breaking the bank. The designs are grouped thematically: shawls (6), wraps (7), and scarves (8). They are all feminine, most include lace patterning.
Each of the designs includes a color photo, along with blocking dimensions, materials (yarn & needles/notions), gauge and construction notes. These patterns include step by step written directions, in abbreviated form. The lace patterns do not include 'Japanese' style charts, only the written directions. I would definitely recommend printing out a working copy and marking with a pen or using a magnet board to keep track until the repeats are memorized. My other (slight) quibble with the book is that although the garments are really stylish and well modeled, it's difficult to see the shaping on a lot of them since they're wrapped and tied tightly around the models' neck/shoulders.
Despite the small drawbacks, there are quite a number of these which I really would love to make. Cristana is a phenomenally pretty wrap with lace detailing and beautiful interlocking colorwork cables. I would say that the majority of the patterns are intermediate to advanced. If/when I'm knitting any of these, I will graph the lace patterns to make them easier to read. Most of these could be used for everyday or fancy dress use. I like the versatility.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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