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The Celtic Collection: Twenty-Five Knitwear Designs for Men and Women |
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| Author: Alice Starmore Published: 1994-07-01 |
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List price: $22.95 Our price: $15.61 |
Usually ships in 24 hours As of: December 01st, 2008 01:48:06 PM |
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Customer comments on this selection. simplement fantastiquefantastique mais certains modèles ne peuvent plus être tricotés dans leurs laines d'origine, ce qui frustre énormément mais on peut chercher des laines de substitution...petit exercice supplémentaire  like a textbookI got into fair isle knitting in my own sweet time and count this book as a major inspiration. I've never knitted any of the patterns here and never intend to. But who cares? I've spent hours admiring and analyzing how Alice Starmore handles background/foreground color changes and translates color patterns into knit and purl. The models (except for the kids) all look like deathless vampires but that's a small thing. In my life I hope to come up with something as drop-dead gorgeous as "Lindisfarne." You can bury me in it. How do we love thee Alice, let us knit the waysThis book has been available for a long time, and the designs are truly timeless. I've knitted several Alice Starmore sweaters from this and other books, and each is a work of art. The detail, construction, fit and style are always the very best. Don't be afraid to substitute yarns, as Starmore yarns are very difficult to find. Just be careful that you are exactly on gauge, and you'll do fine. I've found that the Aran weight patterns can be worked in worsted using a smaller sized needle and minor adjustments to the pattern, and still achieve a wonderful result. The Fair Isle technique can be a bit daunting if you're not familiar with it. But, don't despair, there are many other books available, including Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting, that will assist you with any questions. My only caveat with any Alice Starmore pattern is to take time, really study the pattern, work out all the gauges and tension matters, and take your time when knitting. These aren't patterns to be rushed. With care and attention to detail, you will achieve greatness. If you need to adjust a pattern, that is also pretty easy. Just plan it out beforehand. As the patterning is based upon repeated motifs, you have plenty of ability to adjust. If you are knitting a cardigan from The Celtic Collection, don't try to save money on buttons either. Only the best will do, for these are sweaters that last a lifetime. Every Starmore pattern I've knitted, and a few of those sweaters are ten years old, yet look as fresh and new as if they'd been designed last week. You simply cannot go wrong. I consider The Celtic Collection a cornerstone of my knitting library. The sweaters are treasures of my wardrobe. So many Sweaters, So Little TimeAlice Starmore is truly a design genius. Don't be fooled by the visual complexity and subtlety of these designs. With few exception, they are all knit with two strands of yarn at a time. She uses between 6 and 20+ various shades in various color palettes and makes tapestry rich sweaters a knockout. Follow her color recommendations or design your own, you won't be disappointed in the results. Stranded on a desert island, I would take this book, my needles and a boatload of yarn! Knit something gloriousI actually have two copies of this book. The first was purchased more than 15 years ago, and is a much loved / slightly tattered hardcover. I recently received the paperback version as a gift to replace my much-used original. I love patterns that have either lots of colorwork, or lots of texture. This is why I learned to knit in the first place. This book is heavily skewed towards color work. I have been making the sweaters from this book for various relatives for many years, and am currently working on a sweater full of celtic creatures for my daughter. You can also transpose some of the designs, such as the entwined dragons from the back of a child's sweater onto other projects as long as you keep the stitches even on either side. If you look at the guages, you can substitute available yarns for the yarns listed in the book. Consider the colors and yarn selections in the photographs as "suggestions" and you will free yourself to make some personalized choices. Warning: In the years since this book was published, some of the patterns have become dated. This is mostly due to the shape of the sweaters and ever changing fashion trends. Have I mentioned that I love this book? I can't imagine not having it to reach for when the urge to knit something glorious strikes. |
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