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.
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105 of 109 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
48 of 52 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
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
41 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By MiniLaura
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
* 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!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like this book very much
I found several sweater patterns that I will make. For anyone who is into cables, this is a great book.
Published 11 days ago by M. Moya
4.0 out of 5 stars
Whatever Aran knitting is...
My wife wanted to learn it; so I bought her this book for her birthday. She thinks it is a great resource for learning to do Aran knitting. She's working on the St. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steven Adamczyk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Want to knit cables? You need this book!
This book is an absolute gem for history, technique, patterns and inspiration! The history of Aran knitting is fascinating, the patterns are a knitters dream. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Gary Fay
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well done!
Very nice sweaters and good knowledge regarding the 'history' of aran knitting. I would consider getting more of Alice Starmore's books.
Published 2 months ago by Aileen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aran Knitting
I like the Aran patterns and the many suggestions Ms. Starmore offers in the book. It is an excellent tutorial for Aran Knitting.
Published 2 months ago by Judith Smart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aran Knitting
A classic, no surprises as i own the hard cover, 1st printing, but i am am a fan. And, the new pattern is my next project. Again, what is not to like?
Published 3 months ago by Martha Jaye Rieser
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for Cable knitters
Cables beyond cables and a wonderful history make this book a MUST for advanced knitters. Instructions are clear and precise and the history behind the sweaters makes for a good... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Rosie Lucitt
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great historical and pattern book
A must have for anyone who loves to knit cables and is interested in the history and evolution of Aran Knitting.
Published 4 months ago by Higlaud
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great
Beautifully presented book-informative
I am yet to do a project from the patterns but they appear to be easy to follow-looking forward to getting started!!
I am yet to do a project from the patterns but they appear to be easy to follow-looking forward to getting started!!
Published 5 months ago by gypsy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Book
This book is exactly what I was looking for. Recently returned from Ireland, and wanted to make a Celtic (Aran) sweater. Great directions and wonderful pictures. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Maureen O'connor
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