Book Review: Margeau Blanc

This is a collection that I’m really surprised more people aren’t talking about, although it is a fairly new release.  Margeau Blanc: A New Perspective on Winter White Knits is the sort of collection that is perfect for knitters who want to knit classic wardrobe basics. And if you are a knitter who wants to knit your favourites over and over again, you would be hard pressed to find a better collection than this. It is also surprisingly beginner-friendly, with the level of difficulty increasing as the patterns go on.

The collection features 13 patterns (view on Ravelry for full details of each): 6 pullovers, 1 cardigan, 3 hats, 1 wrap (rectangular), 1 shawl (square), and 1 cowl.  The sweaters have simple silhouettes but great details, each with a different style of neckline, and far-from-boring hems:

As someone who loves a quick knit, I really appreciated that nine of the patterns are heavier weight yarns: two worsted weight, three Aran, two bulky and two super bulky. None of the sweaters are fingering weight, which I know makes many knitters sigh in relief (two of them are in DK weight, if you are looking for a light weight sweater). There are directions for 6 sizes in each of the pullovers, with every sweater designed to fit a bust range of 32 – 52 inches. Most of the garments are designed to have a fair bit of positive ease, as well.

I really went for the lovely white theme, but you should definitely knit these wardrobe staples in colours that suit your style. And the textured sweaters, like the Deep V Cardigan, Fisherman’s Rib Pullover, or the Waffle Thermal have a great amount of texture and would really make the most of a handpainted or variegated colourway.

The only drawback of this collection was that there are no charts (I love charts). There are only three designs where I was looking for a chart- the cabled hat, the shawl, and the wrap. The line instructions look easy enough, and I suspect that they could probably be memorized, but figured it was worth mentioning in case anyone loves charts. But if you hate charts, this is perfect for you!

I’m swatching broken double rib for the Deep V cardigan. I abslutely love the fabric that is knitting up- it feels like a cardigan in this stitch would be oh-so-cozy for chilly days, and a great layering piece for just about any season.

The good folks at Dover Publications have very kindly offered a coupon code for 25% off of ANY book on their site. So if you missed out the last time, now is your chance! There’s loads of knitting titles to choose from here, and you can click around and check out all their other craft books, if you happen to be multi-craftual.  Here’s the coupon code: WRBG 

And because they are extra awesome, Dover Publications is also giving away one copy of Margeau Blanc: A New Perspective on Winter White Knits. Perfect for building your hand-knit wardrobe, or branching out if you are a beginner knitter! (US and Canada addresses only. I’m sorry international friends!). And if you are already following on the social media channels for bonus entries, you are ahead of the game! Just click the buttons and enter the info for the bonus entries to count.

[promosimple id=”b92c”]

Contest closes May 31st at 10 pm EST.

**This is a sponsored post from Dover Publications. All opinions are entirely my own.

12 comments

  1. Margeau Soboti   â€¢  

    Thank you for the lovely review! You can find more of my designs on my website and my other book – Margeau Chapeau!

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      No problem! I was really happy I chose it, there were so many great patterns!

  2. Stefanie   â€¢  

    I love that ribbing you’re getting in that swatch.

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      Hi Stefanie,

      I love this broken double rib, it’s such a great fabric. Not great for summer, but it’s fall and winter for most of the year here anyway!

      Cheers,

      Julie

  3. Susan   â€¢  

    Gotta love those basics!

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      Hi Susan,

      So true- I want to knit more basics for my wardrobe, I need more easy-to-wear pieces in workhorse colours!

      Cheers,

      Julie

  4. Terri   â€¢  

    Ooh, this looks gorgeous, am off to Rav right now – thanks for the review x

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      Hi Terri,

      I hope you like it! I personally want all of these in my closet, I just need more time to knit!

      Cheers,

      Julie

  5. Kelly J. R.   â€¢  

    I love the ruggedness of the reverse seam turtleneck. I can picture knitting that in olive green.

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      Hi Kelly,

      I agree, and I figure that if someone didn’t want to do the visible seams, they could do them the old fashioned way. So many classic knits here.

      Cheers,

      Julie

  6. miss agnes   â€¢  

    I love the idea of a white theme, and the patterns look lovely. This cardigan loks awesome, can’t wait to see how it progresses. It looks like the perfect cardigan that can be dressed up or down depending what you wear it with, both chic and cozy.
    I entered the giveaway regardless because I can have it sent to a friend in Canada who will visit France this summer.

    • User Avatar Julie   â€¢     Author

      I’ve done that too! When I see giveaways that are only for the UK and Europe, if I really want it I enter anyway and figure I’ll just give my in-laws address int eh UK if I’m lucky enough to win. 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *