Custom Knits Accessories: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Improvisational Techniques for Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Socks and More, by the lovely Wendy Bernard is a great book for exploring your own sense of style or just grooving off of Wendy's.

I chatted with Wendy way back in Feb., 2011. One of the things we talked about was her desire to come up with knit designs that made sense for everyone, but felt like her location - California.

She nailed it with the patterns in this book. Each one would feel like a summer breeze even if you wore it in the dead of winter in Indiana (although, you might want to choose one of the warmer ones for that).

Wendy's patterns are clear and well-written, with charts and diagrams when needed. Her writing style is relaxed and fun. I especially love her take on ponchos (which I guess must be coming back now?).

"As long as they aren't sporting hippie fringe and they don't squeeze you like a sausage, I think they are versatile, dramatic and jaunty all at the same time."

Amen.

Beyond the patterns, Wendy has a lot of great information about hwo to take the shapes she has presented and customize them for yourself. Don't like slouchy hats? Here's how to take a slouch and turn it into a beanie. While you're at it, why not try a different gauge or yarn?

Overall, a really cute book that is versatile and could be very useful for a very long time.