Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) [Paperback]

Alice Starmore (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace | Publication Date: September 24, 2010

The definitive guide to the ever-popular Irish Aran sweater, Starmore's highly sought after book returns in a revised and expanded version. It encompasses a history of Aran knitting; a complete workshop in technique, pattern, and design; 60 charted patterns including the original edition's 14 designs, plus a new garment. Color photographs depict finished caps, sweaters, and shawls.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; New Exp edition (September 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486478424
• ISBN-13: 978-0486478425
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good as the original and then some, September 13, 2010

By 

Loves to Knit "BB" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

Ah, the original! Commands breath-taking prices on Amazon and other sites. Knitters everywhere cheered when they heard this precious volume would be reprinted. Not just re-printed, republished in a new edition. Many if not most of the sweaters were re-photographed- and once again, the photos are gorgeous. The beginning part on the history of Aran knitting has a retrospective that may, or may not, add to your knitting experience. The one additional project is a decidedly non-Aran cardigan with set-in sleeves and waist shaping. It is lovely and I may make it for myself.
That's not to say the book is perfect. What I didn't like about it (why I gave it 4 in place of 5) stars:
1) the new introduction is a bit too smug for me. Not only that, the author lays claim to an anchor cable pattern- and criticizes others for using it. Yet I found the same cable pattern in a much older (predating the first edition of Aran Knitting) stitch dictionary.
2) the format is smaller than the original, so the charts are smaller too. The binding makes me afraid to lay it flat enough to enlarge the charts. The hard-bound book with sewn pages can lie flat enough to scan or photocopy.
3) the most beautiful sweater, the new one, comes in the most limited sizes. The largest size would fit my size 4 daughter. Most knitters will look, sigh, and knit elsewhere.

Summary: if you are a knitter, you need this book on your shelf.

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expanded Edition Has New Preface, New Pattern, More Pattern Sizes, September 16, 2010

By 

Lynne E. (California) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

This eagerly-awaited paperback edition of Alice Starmore's beautifully photographed, definitive work on the history and techniques of Aran knitting includes all of the text, charts, and patterns of the original 1997 hardcover book, and nearly all of the original photos (a few swatch photos have been replaced by new garment photos). The revised and expanded edition also contains a brand-new Preface, and one entirely new pattern (Eala Bahn) that incorporates Celtic knotwork motifs into a cardigan with precise body shaping.

The new Preface (The Infinite Line) discusses how well the author has succeeded in demolishing the myths surrounding Aran knitting, which was her reason for writing and publishing the original Aran Knitting. The Preface also talks about the author's three modern contributions to the recognized motifs of "Aran knitting": the anchor, the heart, and the knotwork motif from her Sigil design (included in this book). All three of these personally designed motifs use the author's unique technique for knitting the unbroken, continuous line that characterizes all interwoven Celtic knotwork patterns.

The extremely popular St. Brigid pullover design, with all its complex cables and knotwork, has shed its fringe, been rephotographed, and been rewritten for a slimmer small (32-34") figure, as well as the previous medium (36-38") and large (40-42") figures. Aranmor is now written in four sizes (32-35", 36-39", 40-44", 45-48"); Na Craga, in five sizes (32-34", 35-37", 38-40", 41-44", 45-48"); Irish Moss, in four sizes (32-34", 36-38", 40-42", 44-46"); and Boudicca's Braid, in two sizes (32-36", 38-44"). All of the patterns call for Alice Starmore yarns, which are available from the author's online yarn shop.

Knitters who already own the Interweave Press hardcover edition of ARAN KNITTING will want to purchase this Dover paperback edition if they (1) collect Alice Starmore books and patterns, (2) are interested in the author's latest thoughts about the origins and continuing popularity of Aran knitting, (3) would like to knit the original designs in smaller sizes, or (4) are adventurous enough to want to try their hand at knitting an Aran sweater with body shaping.

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful!, September 8, 2010

By 

MiniLaura (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace) (Paperback)

The reprint of this book is a lovely as the original! At first glace, the content appears to be essentially the same as the original with some wonderful changes:
* Some of the men's sweaters have been sized down for women.
* Gorgeous new photos in addition to some of the original photos.
* A beautiful new women's sweater that has set-in sleeves and waist shaping. I cannot wait to make one for myself.

A must for every knitter's library!