The Children's Collection [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

~ A. Starmore (Author), J. Starmore (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Alice and Jade Starmore are a mother-and-daughter knitwear design team from Scotland. Alice has to her credit more than half a dozen knitting books, including the popular Aran Knitting (LJ 8/97). This latest book is an enchanting collection of designs for ten hand-knitted garments for children aged two to nine. Each pattern includes an introductory excerpt from a classic of children's literature, full-page photographs of a child wearing the finished garment, and a clearly presented pattern with written instructions, a schematic, and charted designs. Interspersed with the patterns are tips and techniques illustrated with large line drawings. Warmly recommended for public libraries where demand for children's patterns warrants.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Featuring 10 heirloom knitwear patterns for children, this glorious collection celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of two of the knitting community's most prominent designers. The intricately designed patterns, suitable for children from their toddler years to their preteens, include cardigans and vests, cable pullovers, and adorable dresses. Each pattern provides detailed instructions and easy-to-follow charts, including information about yarn specifications, such as ply, wraps per inch, meters to the gram and kilogram, and yards to the ounce and pound. The exquisite fashion photography of finished garments shows off the creations worked in rich, glowing colors. In addition to patterns, short excerpts from beloved children's books are interspersed throughout.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press; illustrated edition edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883010802
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010805
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #484,312 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid knitting designs for children, July 4, 2000

By A Customer

As a mother of two daughters and a passionate knitter, I am very glad I bought this book. There are splendid designs for boys, for girls and some which are wearable for both.The knitting instructions are easy to understand, though average knitting experience is needed. Some difficult techniques are explained, f.e. the "vertical double decrease". I think it's particular good to have four sizes with each design, so you can knit the same design for two different-aged children. Each design is photographed in detail, not only to make a beautiful picture but to give the knitter an impression of what's awaiting him. What seems to be a bit of a problem if you want exactly the same knitting as in the book is that they have used Alice Starmore yarns only. Nevertheless an inspiring book! If you want to knit something special for your child, buy this book.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Add to Your Knitting Library!, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

First off, I'll admit to significant bias, as I am a huge Starmore fan. That aside, this pattern book is one of the Starmore team's best, and is a worthy addition to a knitting library (even one, like mine, already stocked with every Debbie Bliss book). I won't begin to confess how many projects' worth of yarn I have stockpiled already, and yet it was all I could do not to run out TODAY and acquire more for several projects in this book. Some knitters will recognize a few previously published patterns for grown-ups, resized for children highly successfully (Sand Dollar from the now out-of-print Pacific Coast Highway, for example, finally makes sense as a young girl's sweater dress). Others are wholly new and as exquisite as anything we've ever seen from these designers. (Secret Garden is next on my "yarn to buy" list.) As a mother of two boys and aunt of two nieces, I also was pleased to see a nice balance between feminine, masculine and unisex patterns. All in all, a fabulous treat for knitters with children anywhere in their life!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Beautiful Knitting Book from Alice and Jade Starmore, March 1, 2009

By	Bonnie Brody "Fairbanks Reader" (Fairbanks, Alaska) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Every book I have by Alice or Jade Starmore is beautiful. This is no exception. The book itself is luscious and the patterns are to die for.

Most of the patterns are for arans and Fair Isles but there are some simpler knits for beginners. This makes it a great book for knitters of all levels.

When I purchase a knitting book I ask myself three questions:

1) Does the book contain patterns that I want to knit?

2) Are the patterns easy to read?

3) Is the book a good resource.

The answer to all of these questions is 'Yes'. If I had the time I would knit every pattern in this book!

Alice Starmore yarn is no longer made but good substitutions are Jamieson, Simply Knit or Rowan.

This book is one you'll want to look at again and again. It provides beauty and inspiration each time you open it up.