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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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").... Read more ›
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").... Read more ›
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!
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Beautiful designs, knitting history, clear charts, and eye-candy photos. Ahhhh. I love this book! I've wanted a copy for a while but the original editions were priced like gold bricks. I am perfectly happy with the updated version of the book and the price made it impossible to pass up.
The only thing I found annoying was Alice Starmore's shameless promotion of herself and her yarn. (There are no guides for yarn substitutes.) She often refers to "my yarn" and touts the greatness and timeless popularity of her patterns. It seemed inappropriate. The work speaks for itself.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Aran knitting and in owning some of the loveliest patterns out there. I am sure these sweaters, shawls, and hats can be knitted up beautifully in any number of yarns...but if you want "my yarn" by Alice, there is an ad that will direct you to the exclusive online dealer. HAPPY KNITTING!
The only thing I found annoying was Alice Starmore's shameless promotion of herself and her yarn. (There are no guides for yarn substitutes.) She often refers to "my yarn" and touts the greatness and timeless popularity of her patterns. It seemed inappropriate. The work speaks for itself.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Aran knitting and in owning some of the loveliest patterns out there. I am sure these sweaters, shawls, and hats can be knitted up beautifully in any number of yarns...but if you want "my yarn" by Alice, there is an ad that will direct you to the exclusive online dealer. HAPPY KNITTING!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By K. Milani
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
After drooling over the original Aran Knitting (and moaning over the price) for years, I now have the New and Expanded Edition happily in my clutches! The patterns are absolutely lovely!
About forty pages are dedicated to the history of aran knitting, and the next 50 pages to aran designs that acts almost like a stitch dictionary or design workshop, with thorough explanations and stitch manipulation tips and clear diagrams (very important!). The pattern collection follows: fifteen absolutely breathtaking designs. The patterns are by nature somewhat boxy in shape (but a clever knitter could easily add shaping to nip in the waist, if desired) and suitable for men and women, some are designed for children. There are also a pair of wraps. The cables themselves appear are complex, but her workshop really demystifies them and makes them less daunting.
The pattern section is followed by a six-page "how-to" section on making your own design. This portion was perhaps a bit brief compared with the other sections, but with all of the sweaters incorporating these techniques, it is more of a tool to help us step back and recognize the details that make an aran sweater just that.
My only grump about the book is very minor: the sweaters are all knit in the Alice Starmore yarn collection. I'd prefer to see some variation.
All in all, I am still holding the book on my lap and keeping it near my chair to peruse to my hearts content. This is the first book in some time to really make my day. I'm not sure if it will ever make my knitting shelf, as it will likely stay next to my chair. Great job, Alice Starmore! And, thank you very much!
About forty pages are dedicated to the history of aran knitting, and the next 50 pages to aran designs that acts almost like a stitch dictionary or design workshop, with thorough explanations and stitch manipulation tips and clear diagrams (very important!). The pattern collection follows: fifteen absolutely breathtaking designs. The patterns are by nature somewhat boxy in shape (but a clever knitter could easily add shaping to nip in the waist, if desired) and suitable for men and women, some are designed for children. There are also a pair of wraps. The cables themselves appear are complex, but her workshop really demystifies them and makes them less daunting.
The pattern section is followed by a six-page "how-to" section on making your own design. This portion was perhaps a bit brief compared with the other sections, but with all of the sweaters incorporating these techniques, it is more of a tool to help us step back and recognize the details that make an aran sweater just that.
My only grump about the book is very minor: the sweaters are all knit in the Alice Starmore yarn collection. I'd prefer to see some variation.
All in all, I am still holding the book on my lap and keeping it near my chair to peruse to my hearts content. This is the first book in some time to really make my day. I'm not sure if it will ever make my knitting shelf, as it will likely stay next to my chair. Great job, Alice Starmore! And, thank you very much!
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 1 month 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 3 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 3 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 4 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 4 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 5 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 6 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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