Color Style: Review

Color Style by Pam Allen and Ann Budd

Softcover, 143 pages

List price $24.95, currently available on Amazon for $16.47.

Like many of you, I look forward to each new installment in the Style series.  Ever since Scarf Style transformed how we looked at the lowly scarf, I can’t wait to see the new twists the editors will bring to the next volume.

Color Style is no exception.  The book has a classic Interweave Press aesthetic — updated classics, great photo styling and creative accessories.

The book has 17 projects:

7 pullovers

3 cardigans / jackets

3 mittens / mitts

1 of each – pair of socks, scarf, bag and pillow

The contributor list reads like a “best of” IK, including — Pam Allen, Veronik Avery, Ann Budd, Chrissy Gardiner, Deborad Newton, Shirley Paden, Robin Melanson, Mary Jane Mucklestone, and Mari Lynn Patrick.  And of course, there’s our favorite IK Girl on the cover again.  Now if only they could bring back the red head too — all would be right with the world.

The designs range from classic stripes and intaria, to slip stitch patterns, to stranded colorwork, to texture combined with color.  The first time I thumbed through the book I was struck by how wearable they are — the garments incorporate set-in sleeves, body shaping, belted waists, and notched and shawl collars.

I’ve selected a few of my favorites below.

Left – An updated argyle vest in one of my favorite yarns — Rowan Felted Tweed.

Center – A selection of projects from the inside cover.

Right – Go bold and combine several colors in this great stranded colorwork bag.

Center – Stash bust your sock yarn — combine several bright shades of single skeins for these indian-inspired mitts.

Right – These knee highs are both fun and functional — knit the colorwork band, work calf shaping in the simple ribbed section, turn the heel and dot the toes with a coordinating shade.

Accessories really spoke to me — they’re quicker to knit, and in just about all cases, stash yarns will do the trick.  If I could only pick one garment out of the book, it would be the argyle vest.  It’s the perfect way to work a little color in my wardrobe without going over the top.  If I could pick a second, it would be the coral mohair with the colorwork top.  Those sleeves are to die for, and if I added a slit or V neck in the colorwork section I think the silhouette would suit me and my clothing preferences — great lines and shaping, with just enough color to make it something special.

In my opinion that’s what makes this book stand out.  The designers didn’t just take 10 colors and throw them all into their designs.  They found clever ways of using color while balancing a modern classic style.  If you’re looking for a way to bring a little color into your knitting, this is your book.