Celtic Collection Twenty Five Knit

by Alice Starmore, Mike Bunn (Photographs)

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Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Alice Starmore (née Matheson) was raised in a traditional, Gaelic-speaking Scottish fishing village. She began knitting as a child, studying the folk knitting traditions of her native Scotland. Starmore later expanded her textile studies, traveling in Scandinavia in the late 1970s on a Winston Churchill Fellowship.

Broadly recognized as one of the world's authorities on Fair Isle and other folk knitting traditions, Starmore founded Windfall Press in 1991. Windfall produces knitting patterns and instructional manuals as well as a large number of Scottish Gaelic titles.

Starmore expanded her career beyond knitting in the 1990s, focusing on fine art and photography. She held her first major solo exhibition in 2008 on the Isle of Lewis.

Reviews

[Mette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The feel of these is definitely slightly 1980s, especially when it comes to the color choices, however I think they can be translated to a more modern interpretation by a skilled knitter. I mainly have this for inspiration purposes but there are a few designs that I would give a go in the future.

[Kajin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the colors and textures are very very nice and inspiring, the garments are a bit outdated in their "shape" - all remind me of the 80s.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovley... if only I could knit with 2+ colors

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

such beautiful sweatsersnot for the faint of heart

[Sparrow Alden · Rating 4 out of 5]

i will use it over and over... Starmore's in no way a designer for beginners.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some beautiful pieces (and photography) in this, but the sizing was terrible.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Starmore. What can I say???!!! If you like "that sort of thing", then you know she's one of the very, very best at it - complex designs, absolutely scrumptous color usage, beautiful photography and entertaining writing. What's not to love?

Well, the sizes available for the designs, for one thing, but that's an old Pet Peeve for me. And this is an extremely large hardbound book, extremely awkward to handle. But these are minor quibbles.

However, most unfortunately, although I adore her work, I am pretty much unable to make up any of her designs simply because I cannot manage to knit in the round, and most of her designs are worked thus, with large circular needles and/or double pointed needles. BUT if you are no larger than 40" around the chest, love fair-isle-type colorwork and celtic design strategies (yes, there are several beautiful cabled designs too, AND several ganseys) and are able to, or even enjoy/prefer working in the round, then this is a must-have for you. Four-and-one-half stars, highly recommended, as are almost all her books.

[Minnesinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem--just full of outstanding, gorgeous patterns.
It's difficult to say which I like the best. My favorites include the LINDISFARNE Celtic Key Sweater, especially like the TARA Celtic Knot pullover and the CASHEL child's Celtic Knot pullover.

The only problem with this book is that the women's size range is too small. I realize that this book was written 20 years ago, and that Britons are generally smaller overall than Americans, but surely Starmore did not intend that her book sell only in the UK. She has had plenty of time to revise designs and add sizes in 20 years. Knitters would clamor for copies if she would republish this and her other, older books.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, inspirational knits with informative commentary about the history and technique of Celtic knitting.

[Cayenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Celtic-style sweaters. I have yet to knit anything designed by Starmore, but several of her sweaters are definitely in my knitting qeue.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fabulous patterns, but they are designed for rather small people.

[Lobstergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never made any of these, but the pictures are very pretty.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the patterns are beautiful, they are not for me. I would love to see completed versions in person.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

i know it is dated now, but it still has some interesting designs

[Suzie Sugrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

We call this knitting porn. View and drool, ladies.

[Maylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irrespective of whether I will ever make any of these the photos are inspiring and beautiful