The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book: Contemporary and Classic Patterns [Hardcover]

Margaret Klein Wilson (Author), Green Mountain Spinnery Cooperative (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

Gorgeous knitting patterns designed for the colorful natural-fiber yarns produced by the Green Mountain Spinnery of Putney, Vermont.

This inviting, lavishly illustrated book presents 30 of the most popular designs from the famous Green Mountain Spinnery, a collective of highly creative knitters, designers, and craftspeople located in rural Vermont, whose passion for natural fibers, colors, and designs is legendary.

Knitters of all abilities, from beginner to advanced, will find a wealth of designs (and color combinations) from which to choose from appealing sweaters, vests, cardigans, and children's sweaters, to accessories such as hats, scarves, socks, and mittens. Each design is fully illustrated with color photographs, pattern charts, and schematics. A delightful addition to any serious knitter's library. Full-color throughout.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I know I can count on ... beautiful patterns and gorgeous yarns for a product that's satisfying beyond belief."

About the Author

The Green Mountain Spinnery, a worker/owner cooperative, was founded with a distinctly Vermont mission: to produce the highest quality all-natural yarns, to help sustain regional sheep farming, and to develop environmentally sound ways to process natural fibers. Since then the Spinnery has grown and thrived, designing and producing all-natural yarns in alpaca, mohair, wool, and organic cotton that are known and loved by knitters and weavers across the country. Unlike most commercial mills, the yarns they produce with vintage equipment are untouched by bleach or chemicals. New members, new ideas, new product lines, and more continue to spin out from this talented, knowledgeable, devoted collective.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Countryman Press; 1 edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088150579X
• ISBN-13: 978-0881505795
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 10.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,636 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars from Knitter's Review!, May 27, 2004

By 

Clara H. Parkes "Publisher, Knitter's Review" (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book: Contemporary and Classic Patterns (Hardcover)

In a world of super-bulky scarves, knitted cell phone cozies, and make-it-in-a-weekend sweaters (all of which have their place, don't get me wront), this book is a beacon for those looking for a little more meat.

Many of these patterns have been available through GMS for years. On the one hand, this means you don't get hip, trendy, up-to-the-minute innovation. But on the other hand, this means you get tried and tested patterns that are as close to perfection as you can get. The instructions are clearly written, the layout is easy to navigate, and I couldn't find a single confusing element in any pattern.

Stylistically speaking, I'd consider these patterns "nouveau New England." They use Green Mountain Spinnery yarns exclusively, eschewing fringe, fluff, and bouclé for the beauty of a well-turned cable and balanced intarsia.

And the pictures! Don't get me started. Lush and gorgeous from start to finish.

That's why I give this book five stars. It is a fixture on my bedside table. Any time I need sweet knitterly dreams, I just pop it open and start reading.

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone in my family in this book, very nice!, July 30, 2004

By 

Catherine Martin (Sheboygan, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book: Contemporary and Classic Patterns (Hardcover)

I have made several items from this book, mostly substituting less expensive yarns, and the patterns are clear and not at all confusing. I did splurge and buy from the Green Mountain Spinnery (using their website) to make Rosemary's Little Sweater and the Artisan's Vest, and it was well worth it! Beautiful yarn, and the sweaters will last for a long time.

The cover photo depicts one of the most complicated sweaters--I've only been knitting for a year, and wouldn't tackle one like that yet. But there are plenty of easy patterns inside the book, for all ages. I've made sweaters for the whole family from age 4 through 36, and all have loved them.

To me, these are classic patterns and this is a book that won't become dated. I have Stitch N' Bitch and Hot Knits, and they are great too, but I think I'll be knitting things from this book long after the other two books start collecting dust on my shelf. You don't have to be an experienced knitter to make many of these patterns, and the results are very pleasing. I would give the book five stars if the GMS yarn wasn't so expensive! It's not too difficult to substitute yarns--I found out the yardages from the GMS website and then consulted with my local yarn shop staff to come up with suitable substitutions.

As for the book advertising the spinnery, I don't think this is a big deal at all. There are four pages in the beginning of the book which discuss their spinnery, and then four more pages that go into technique, abbreviations used and using the patterns. There are ninety pages of patterns, and then an appendix section where they provide photos and information about their yarns (there is also a page entitled, "What makes Spinnery yarns so special?"). Grand total of spinnery promoting pages: 8.

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book, October 6, 2003

By 

Ruth L. Ticknor (Windsor, Vermont USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book: Contemporary and Classic Patterns (Hardcover)

Another wonderful creation from the folks at Green Mountain Spinnery. This book is a feast for the eyes with beautiful photography and pattern layout. Every knitter will find something to entice them here regardless of level of ability. For those who have been long-time fans of GMS, it's a great addition to their luscious yarns and products. Kudoes to all involved in producing the book!