Aran Knitting, Expanded Edition

Like all of Starmore's books, this one is invaluable for designing knitwear. Starmore's books are the only knitting books comparable to Elizabeth Zimmerman's books, but the style is very different. I would say EZ's books are written in a casual, chatty style and leads the beginning knitter into understanding the construction of a knitted garment. Starmore's books take that basic knowledge to the next level. The style is not as chatty as EZ's but conveys a friendly, helpful and confident tone. Starmore has done so much of the work in designing the sweaters in this book that you could easily copy them step for step, if you can get the yarn, but more importantly, you can design your own sweaters with any suitable yarn you have available.There is a new preface to the book, and the first chapter deals with the history of Aran knitting. The second chapter describes Aran knitting patterns in general terms, how to read the charts, and goes into specific cables, patterns etc. The third chapter shows Starmore's design approach to the older-style Aran patterns and the fourth chapter has "Celtic" patterns, which are those patterns Starmore has designed based on the Aran style, but with her own twist.Chapter five is the most important chapter in this book. It shows how to design your own Aran sweater, using the body measurements you plug in, the yarn you choose, etc. If you've ever had the experience of knitting a sweater by the pattern and then being frustrated because it doesn't fit, you need to learn to design the sweater to fit before you begin knitting. Like sewing patterns, knitting patterns are designed to fit a particular model, which probably doesn't have the same shape as you. If you are big-busted, very tall, very short, have wide hips, etc., you need to design the sweater for your body and don't just go by a bust size.Starmore does tout her own yarns in her books and I don't blame her at all for it, but... as far as I know, you either have to order the yarn directly from her or substitute something more readily available.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to knit an Aran sweater. It is so much more than a set of patterns. The photographs are beautiful and the only drawback I see to buying the book is that it is made in paperback. Even that is better than the current hardback bindings, though. I take all my fave softbound books to one of the office supply stores and have them remove the binding and insert a spiral binding.This is one of the best knitting books for the money. I actually own a first edition of this book which is hardback, but chose to buy this book again when it was reprinted. Starmore's books retain their value for many years, because the patterns are so classical and beautiful, which is so appropriate, because a well-made and well cared for Aran sweater is going to last for many years, too.

Outstanding Book for Authentic Aran Sweater Knitting! Yes, I did buy her yarns, both in Bainin and her Hebrides 3-Ply. I hate to say this to any naysayers on her yarn, BUT! Her yarns are exquisite! The Hebrides 3-Ply color choices are beautiful. Many actually change overall colors due to ambiant lighting. They hold the cable designs perfectly. I have fallen in love with the yarns and free shipping to US via Royal Mail. I live in Alaska! To get yarns so quickly! I receive the yarns within 2 weeks beautifully wrapped. I am working on two sweaters right now: " Na Craga", her cover sweater in the color she chose- Selkie. The other sweater, knit in Baini yarn color Culmor, a purple, pattern is "St Kilda", from her book, "In the Hebrides" that is also chock full of stunning designs! I have the original hardbound book of Aran Knitting that was released in the 90s. For me, to have an exact sweater made of her outstanding unique yarns from the Hebrides is a priceless feeling. Her yarns are hand dyed and dried outdoors. Her website goes into the process. Waiting for a particular shade that is out of stock IS worth waiting for. It is another reason I find her yarn so precious. This book is a beautiful educational book that shares so much history and technique. Some reviewers have stated she is smug or full of herself. She might be. BUT.....she IS a legend and history will be kind to her with her body of exceptional work in knitting, needlepoint and more. For anyone who doubts buying her yarn....just try it. I showed my husband swatches of her yarns last night. For a man who has seen me knitting for decades and has been blasé about looking at yarns in the past, this time he took time feeling and looking at the choices. In the past with other yarns, he could care less. His reaction last night confirmed my suspicions. To even a novice, her designs and sweaters ARE exceptional. Buy the book. Order some swatches. Watch the magic from your needles. Enjoy!

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!

This book is wonderful for beginners and expert knitters alike. The patterns are beautiful, and there are some for males and children. I live in Maine where it is cold and wool is the sweater of choice.

Not just patterns - but history and interest. A beautifully crafted book as lovely as the patterns inside it. Something to really READ and not just use occasionally. Patterns are intricate and incredibly detailed. Charts are a little small, however, photographing and enlarging them will help. Delighted with it.

Libro interessante e completo per lavori Aran. Consigliato

Ich habe den Pullover von der Titelseite nachgestrickt, hat gut geklappt, nur die Ärmel waren ein bisschen lang. Aber die Aranärmel sehen klasse aus. Bisschen was zum Angeben... Tolle Modelle, naja, vielleicht nicht jedes, aber das ist ja auch nicht zu erwarten. Und durch die einzeln noch mal vorgestellten Zopfmuster auch eine gute Basis für Eigenkreationen. Habe den Kauf nicht bereut.

I own several books of Alice Starmore and her designs are gorgeous!I have bought her yarns, a bit expensive yes but top quality.And although she gives the instructions for her yarns I have successfully substituted them for other top quality yarns such as Cascade. The trick: basic maths. Just learn the length of each skein in her website, multiply it by the total grams and do the same for the substitute yarn. Maybe not for beginners but Mrs. Starmore’s designs are worth it!

Specific pattern in this recommended from friend in Ireland so just had to get the book. At least two patterns have been added to my "must do now" list and more on my "future to dos". Patterns probably not for beginners in Aran Knitting. Beautiful website and lovely wools too.