Books
New and Noteworthy for February
Dear Ann,
I love to while away an afternoon gazing upon newly published knitting books (aka “working”). This cuts into my knitting time, but even I can’t always be knitting.
In deep winter, the stream of knitting books has slowed from what it was last fall, but here are four of the latest and greatest.
Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book
The 2002 original is one of the most beloved reference books in all of knitterdom, especially in the United States. As it turns out, it was not literally the ultimate (meaning, last) Knitting Book. The book is newly revised, with 70 additional pages and a lovely new look. We got a glimpse of it at Vogue Knitting Live, where it was the subject of much excited, admiring discussion. I’ve always found the original to be more accessible than some of the other compendiums of knitting knowledge, so it’s very good news indeed that it’s been given a refresh.
Alice Starmore’s Glamourie
At Vogue Knitting Live last month, we also got a preview of this long-awaited new book by the legendary Alice Starmore. The author’s collaborator and photographer, her daughter Jade Starmore, narrated a slide show of images from the book. Models walked through the audience wearing over-the-top, imaginative and theatrical pieces from the collection. It was magical.
Glamourie was inspired by Gaelic folklore, and photographed on the Scotland coast. An unfathomable amount of intricate knitting went into this book. These are museum-worthy knits that show the workings of one of the most creative minds knitting has ever known. Clearly, the Starmores’ legions of fans and collectors must have this book on our shelves and in our lives.
Tuck Stitches: Sophistication in Handknitting
Confession: I don’t know what a “tuck stitch” really is. THIS MUST CHANGE. I do know that the fabrics created with these stitches are beautiful. In this book from Schoolhouse Press, Nancy Marchant, the reigning Queen of Brioche, gives knitters 90 tuck stitch patterns, plus scarf, cowl and blanket designs to take them out for a spin. (You can preview the 8 projects over on Ravelry. Do not miss the Retro Check blanket!)
Plain & Simple: 11 Knits to Wear Everyday
Pam Allen really knows how to get my attention. This collection–a wardrobe, really–of elegant, clean-lined knits, is right up my alley. There are 11 pieces, mostly sweaters, of which 2 are yoked pullovers, with some accessories in the mix. All are in Quince & Co.’s Owl, a worsted-weight blend of wool and alpaca. Effortless style, unless you count knitting as effort (which I don’t).
Now, back to your knitting. Knit easy, knowing that I am keeping an eye on forthcoming new releases.
Love,
Kay
Well, thanks. I’ve just ordered Plain & Simple: 11 Knits to Wear Every Day – and thanks to Amazon Prime, I’ll get it today! Just in time to take to the cottage for a long weekend!
Well, dang!!! That blanket…I mean, if COURSE we count on Kay to find knitted blankets. But she sure is a beaut.
My Glamourie is on its way – must not sneak peeks at the designs. I always look forward to a new Starmore book!
Let me put it this way: I pre-ordered Glamourie last May, sight unseen. Amazon says my copy will arrive next week, and it had better, because after viewing the images now on the Virtual Yarns website I’m running at fever pitch. Btw, the 2002 edition of VK The Ultimate is the second edition; the original was published in 1989. I bought that volume pre-publication too, direct from VK, in my early years of knitting. Still on my shelves, much consulted.
Oh! Thanks for the correction on the 1989 original. That’s getting to be vintage!
Speaking of vintage, I also have my mother’s 1947 edition of The Good Housekeeping Needlecraft Encyclopedia, from which I sort-of learned basic crochet in my early teens. Chapters on simple sewing, advanced sewing and tailoring, quilting, knitting, crochet, hairpin lace, tatting, needlepoint, rug making, weaving, sewing for the home, and miscellaneous, all in 460 pages in a 6.5″ by 8.5″ format. That’s what I call an encyclopedia!
That Retro Check Blanket is a must-do!
Starmore book looks beautiful but according to reviews on Amazon none of the patterns for the theatrical designs are included in the book.