I agree with many of the comments from previous reviewers that the photos are focused on the models rather than the scarves themselves, so there is often not a particularly clear visual image of the finished product. However, I have found that the instructions themselves are fine, and the photos add to the gorgeous presentation of the book.

Many of the designs are certainly complex and extremely creatively designed – not for the faint hearted or novice knitter. However, there are many simpler patterns included, and discussion at the back of the book on how to design simple, basic scarves starting from the most basic garter stitch scarf- where many new knitters first start out. Many of the patterns are amazingly creative, and push the boundaries at to what constitues the definition of a ’scarf’. There really is something for everyone in this book.

This book really is inspirational, and I keep finding myself picking it up off the shelf just to look through, even when I don’t have time to knit! It has quickly become a classic among knitters, and certainly deserves a spot on every knitter’s bookshelf.
Rating: 4 / 5

As with any collection like this, you can’t please everybody. Some scarves seemed weird to me- a scarf with paper yarn and stainless steel yarn? Er, Japanese or not, a bit too outrageous. I think none of the scarves are for the beginner knitter. Several are intimidatingly complex. So what? You might buy the book and your skills might grow with it. Certainly scarves themselves will never go out of style. You can afford to splurge on some expensive yarn for a scarf if not for a sweater (a case in point, the Vintage Velvet Scarf, $75 for 5 balls of Muench Touch Me, oh but what a yarn!)

I like the fact that Pam Allen took scarves (which are ubiquitous in novelty yarns and garter stitch) and took them to the next level. This book is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 4 / 5

There are funky scarves with fringe in the middle instead of the ends (like a serape), there are chenille scarves, intricate intarsia dragons, plain garter, you name it. If you were a knitter who wanted to start with scarves and grow into knitting techniques, this book would take you from relatively simple knitting to magnificent advanced technique. All while making your Christmas presents for friends and family. My particular favorite was a weird but wonderful shrug; it’s two arms and a turtleneck and NOTHING else–like a body-less sweater. I love it–if you want your shoulders and wrists warm, but are too hot in a conventional turtleneck, this may be for you. If you don’t want to face questions about where the rest of the sweater went (moths?) then you can wrap the arms around your neck as if it were a standard scarf. Is that fun or what? I’m knitting one for me, for sure.

I’m going on record saying I like the photography. This is a fun, fun book and really changed my mind about scarves. Not boring anymore, no way. Highly recommended for almost any knitter, but especially those who are familiar with colorwork, texture, intarsia and cabling. And there are a few crochet patterns as well. Highly recommended if you want to knit a scarf.
Rating: 5 / 5

My problem is with the photography. While they are great photos they often focus more on the model’s face than on the scarves. Many of the photos either don’t show all of the scarf or have a soft-focus so that your eyes get bleary trying to see the how the stitch pattern hangs at the bottom of the scarf. You get great impressions of the scarf but not a good look at them. I would definitely want this photographer to take pictures at my wedding or of my kids, but I found her style very frustrating when trying to get a picture of what the knitted item looks like.
Rating: 3 / 5

The information is very basic – you could find out just as much from the free websites and forums. It wasn’t a bad book, just not what I was expecting from the sample. Save your $2 for something else.
Rating: 3 / 5