Review: Curls: Versatile, Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge

Behold: the project that solidified the fact I'm a process knitter, not a project one.

I was looking for something extra special to knit with my newly acquired KnitCircus yarn in the Kaylee colorway. I'd been dying to dip into said yarn since returning from VKL a couple weeks before, but didn't want to "waste" it on something too simple or boring.

Looking through projects made using the Greatest of Ease base, I stumbled upon this particular Filemot, a lacey pattern that accomplishes its look using only yarn-overs and twisted stitches (believe me, it appears more complicated than it is). I knew at that moment I had to have it. And when you see it, I think you'll agree.

Published in Curls: Versatile, Wearable Wraps to Knit at Any Gauge by Hunter Hammersen, Filemot is only available in book form, as opposed to a single, downloadable pattern. But that's not a detriment:

The book contains 14 astronomically gorgeous patterns designed to be knit at any gauge. That means you can use any yarn and any needle, knitting each chart for as long as you need to accomplish the look you want. Want some extra drape? Use fingering weight and larger needles. Want a more defined pattern? Drop down to a size US4. Bulkier fashions can be obtained by using your favorite worsteds. It's really up to you.

What's great about this method is you don't have room for untidy, space-consuming scraps. Because you can keep going for as long as you like, you really have the opportunity to use up all the yarn you've chosen for the project.

Which is why Filemot is perfect for slow-forming gradients like those dyed by KnitCircus.

If you're interested in buying the book so you can knit your own Filemot (or one of the other drool-worthy patterns), here's some fair warning: each pattern is charted. The charts work best for these type of patterns because of how the rows repeat; it's easier to see what you're doing, so I can't entirely complain. But I have to gripe about some of the charts being on the opposite page of the stitch definitions. I find myself flipping back and forth constantly to remember how certain twisted stitch decreases are done, which is more than a bit tedious. So although the charts are clear and easily explained, I wouldn't recommend this book for the novice chart knitter. That said, you can easily photocopy the special stitches and keep them handy; don't let it stop you! Just be prepared.

Full disclosure: I was not prompted in any way to write this review, nor was I compensated by the publisher. I found the Filemot pattern on Ravelry and purchased the book from Amazon using my own money because the patterns were gorgeous and the price was right!