Vintage Modern Knits: Contemporary Designs Using Classic Techniques [Paperback]

Kate Gagnon Osborn (Author), Courtney Kelley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 2011

Looking for classic and romantic knits with current style?

Inspired by traditional knits, up-and-coming designers Courtney Kelley and Kate Gagnon Osborn put their own contemporary spin on knitting in Vintage Modern Knits, offering designs that you will simply want to wear! From classic designs with fashion-forward color combinations to funky cable sweaters for weekend living, each pattern takes its inspiration from classic silhouettes and adds a a modern spin for an irresistible combination.

Vintage Modern Knits features several different traditional techniques—cables, Fair Isle, lace, colorwork, and more— all showcased in modern, luxurious projects that are fun to knit and lovely to wear. Divided into three sections (Vintage Feminine, Rustic Weekend, and Winter Harbor), Vintage Modern Knits features pieces with tailored lines, close fit, and easy-to-wear, stylish classics. Projects range from quick accessories to garments in a variety of knitting techniques. Packed with perfect weekend wear, Vintage Modern Knits puts a contemporary twist on classic knits you’ll love wearing!

Editorial Reviews

Review

Finalist in the About.com Reader's Choice Awards for Best Knitting Book of 2011.

“20 gorgeous patterns that are full of WIN. This book is truly worth its weight in qivuit.” – Margaux Hufnagel, Tenten Knits

“Lovely projects. Courtney and Kate both possess a keen eye for modern styling and fit.” – Lauren Weinhold, Lolly Knitting Around

“I finally got my hands on a copy and whoa, amazing it is!” – Melissa LaBarre, co-author, Hats 2.0

“Each design has roots in a vintage style or technique, and then is given a modern twist. Each piece is thus very thoughtful, and it’s interesting to read the history behind each one.” – Hannah Fetig, Knitbot.com

“Although I would consider most of the patterns intermediate in difficulty, it looks like any would be a good first project of the given technique.” – Stephannie Tallent, Sunset Cat Designs

“It’s so amazing. There are plenty of vintage patterns floating around out there. There are plenty of modern patterns...But there is a real dearth of not only lovingly-designed but effective, well-fitted patterns out there in vintage style. Kate and Courtney’s book solves this problem times one million zillion billion.” – Shannon Okey, author, The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design

“What's not to love about this book is what I would like to know.” – Miranda Walker, Narrating Life

“I really liked the designs in here. I like vintage techniques. I like the craftsmanship that evolved over centuries. I like getting to try them out, and perhaps most important, I like being able to wear them when I’m done.” – Knitting Scholar

“Absolutely stunning, fantastically wonderful...Kate and Courtney are two immensely talented, smart, fun and very hard working women; this book is yet another of their amazing contributions to the knitting world and I am truly in awe.” – Cecily Glowik MacDonald, co-author, New England Knits

“Gorgeous. The projects, the photographs, the styling. All of it, gorgeous.” – Melissa Wherle , NeoKnits.com

“The thing I like most about this book are the introductions to the various traditional, vintage knitting techniques that have been used throughout the years.” – Wendy Bernard, author, Custom Knits

“Beautifully photographed, it's an inspiring collection of patterns.” – Yarn Lounge

"One major pitfall of many vintage–style knitting books is that the garments and accessories make wearers look like they’re going to a retro costume party. Kelley and Osborn, co–owners of the yarn company Kelbourne Woolens, avoid this by taking aspects of vintage style—classic tailoring, delicate details, and feminine touches—and incorporating them into garments and accessories that look contemporary. The majority of the patterns are best approached by intermediate to advanced knitters, but adventurous beginners will find exciting challenges as well. A classic, accessible collection." – Library Journal

“Knitters of a certain age will take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while the younger set will love the fresh take on classic styles and techniques. The patterns are a mix of quick accessories and challenging garments. Romantic and luxurious, all pay homage to traditional sources for inspiration, while incorporating a thoroughly modern color palette.” - Knit 'n Style

"I love the way Interweave has the books on their site set up so you can see the projects in them. In scrolling through some of the projects I found a few that I really liked." - Knitting

"The core idea in this book of lovely designs is a contemporary twist on traditional patterns and techniques. The designs are shaped and detailed with techniques and time not usually given in modern patterns and all knit from the Fibre Company’s luxurious yarn. That’s not to say that the designs are dated and stiff, knit at a tiny gauge, no. These designers know exactly what they are doing. The patterns are wearable and you won’t have to quit your job to have the time to knit them." - Knitty.com

“Gorgeous. The projects, the photographs, the styling. All of it, gorgeous.” - Neoknits

"Although I would consider most of the patterns intermediate in difficulty, it looks like any would be a good first project of the given technique.” - Sunset Cat Designs

About the Author

Courtney Kelley co-owns Kelbourne Woolens, distributors of the Fibre Company’s unique artisan yarns, with Kate Gagnon Osborn. Their popular patterns have appeared in Knitscene, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, and Vogue Knitting. She lives in Philadelphia.

Kate Gagnon Osborn co-owns Kelbourne Woolens, distributors of the Fibre Company’s unique artisan yarns with Courtney Kelley. Their popular patterns have appeared in Knitscene, Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet, and Vogue Knitting. She lives in Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (February 22, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159668240X
• ISBN-13: 978-1596682405
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT knitting book February 12, 2011

By book + project lover

Format:Paperback

I have been a knitter all my life, and am looking forward to branching out a bit and learning some new techniques. This is the perfect book as it blends old and new, has small and large projects, and great illustrations and glossary in the back. There is a variety of styles and I love the way older knitting techniques are incorporated. This is also a substantial book, full of photographs, written directions, as well as graphs, and wonderful, colorful descriptions of each pattern, cleverly named. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone! It would make a wonderful present for any friend who is a knitter or thinking of becoming one. Why not track down some of the beautiful yarns used in the book, distributed by Kelbourne Woolens, and include a few skeins to make one of the berets - a perfect present. I am off to my yarn store now, as the snow continues to fall in New England. The authors sound so nice and enthusiastic about their craft that I am sure I can email them if I have a question.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Old style, new approach February 24, 2011

By AmerAussie

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I waited for this book to come out because I had seen previews of a couple of the patterns. I am glad I got it! Though I am not likely to make everything, I do like most of the patterns. I especially like the two shawls and the cardigans. The yarns are beautiful and are sold by the shop that the authors' own. Both are on ravelry.com and are willing to answer questions regarding the patterns by e-mail.
Considering that individual patterns now run $5-8 each, a book at this price is a bargain if you plan to make 2 or 3 of the items in the book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the better recently published knitting books May 12, 2011

By P. Joan Gavigan

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sick of schlock when it comes to knitting? Don't want to show your belly or wear fun fur for your cameo role in a Jon Waters film? Then this is the book for you! These patterns really are very nice - classic shapes and designs with just enough of a twist to keep you from being a total nerd. Relatively speaking, this reviewer is an old fart when it comes to knitting and, though I LOVE that younger people are really getting into it, there are times when I want something I can actually wear to work without looking on the outside like the wild woman I am on the inside.
Well done Ms. Kelley and Ms. Osborn! BTW, there is one cropped sweater, but because I can simply lengthen it, I forgive you!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Patterns December 28, 2012

By Annemarie Boehnlein

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've made several items from this book already. Lovely patterns, great instructions and lots of interesting and helpful knitting hints.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Vintage Modern Knits July 2, 2012

By SKidzarela

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A lot of books like to call their patterns "Vintage" without really seeming to understand the word. The patterns in this book are truly vintage, classic designs often with a modern twist but things you will be able to wear for a long time afterwards. I have done two of the patterns so far, one shawl and the faire isle yoke sweater on the cover and they turned out great! The instructions are concise and well worded. Very easy to understand. The explanation of short rows in the yoke sweater is the best one I've seen yet. I had bought this for the Brigid Jacket pattern but liked so many things in here I still have that one in my queue. Definitely a book with many appealing workable patterns to expand your wardrobe for years to come. I've already bought it for a friend and she's still raving about it! If I have any complaint it is that there are no men's patterns in here. Not that I think there should be one in every knitting book, but I like the patterns so much in here I would love to see what these ladies could do with a nice guy's cardigan or pullover. Other than that, this book is absolutely perfect! You need to buy it! :)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book August 16, 2011

By Linda Reis

Format:Paperback

This well-written book should be in every knitters library. It contains careful directions for beautiful garments and accessories that will appeal to many age groups and look and feel extremely current (hence the name).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So much variety! June 19, 2011

By D. Boyken

Format:Paperback

This book covers a LOT of different techniques. Color-work, cables, lace, two-end knitting, Bohus ... lots of variety, and all inspired by classic techniques. The tvaandsstickning-inspired mittens for example look more modern with their texture and the buttons on the cuffs. Norwegian colorwork is used in leg-warmers. Estonian inlay colorwork appears in a beret. It's like a smorgasbord of techniques.

There are lots of helpful sidebars to ease the learning curve. Tips covering fairly basic things (mirrored increases and decreases), to not so familiar (how to graft two garter-stitch edges), to things that may be entirely new (like that Estonian Roositud technique). There might not be enough detail given there to make you a full-blown expert, but there should certainly be enough to help you make the patterns in the book ... and whet your appetite for more.

I really liked the designs in here. I like vintage techniques. I like the craftsmanship that evolved over centuries. I like getting to try them out, and perhaps most important, I like being able to wear them when I'm done. I live and work in a centrally-heated world and spend most of my time in front of a computer. Seriously warm ganseys and fisherman knits aren't really at the top of my list for wardrobe necessities ... but that doesn't make me want to make them any less. But-why not an Icelandic yoke sweater in a lighter weight yarn? Or pair of Tyrolean gloves and leg warmers?

There is a nice variety of pattern types, too. Sweaters, shawls, mittens, socks... all for adult women, though. No patterns for the kids and menfolk.