Yokes

by Kate Davies

"Eleven signature designs, with stories of the sweater that changed the shape of modern knitting" --Cover.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Kate Davies taught at the University of Sheffield and at the University of York from 1999. She specialises in American and British women's writing, and the literature of the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Atlantic.

Kate also writes about and designs knitwear.

Reviews

[AcidGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although partly overselling too much for my taste in the essays, a wonderful collection of beautiful patterns from around the North Atlantic with essays highlighting the origins of yoke designs. The patterns are well worked and workable (so far - just started with Ásta Sóllilja :D). Maybe not for absolute beginners, but for rather experienced knitters who like to get down to details and get more in-depth knowledge on yoke jumpers. The essays add a nice amount of historic perspective and background. I now have a couple of patterns more on my to-knit list.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a pattern book with essays. This one had lots of essays, historic photos, and interviews.

All the patterns were set up intelligently, with lots of helpful notes and measurements. I intend to refer to it when I'm writing my own yoke sweaters.

I had a bit of trouble keeping the book in my possession, the photos are so pretty even my non-knitting family wanted turns looking at it. My husband wants to visit the Hebrideas now.

[Infamous Sphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I did actually read this! In addition to the knitting patterns there are also some lovely essays about the history of stranded yoke knitting. I'm also looking forward to knitting most of the patterns, as I think Kate's designs are absolutely lovely. Very pleasantly surprised my library had this!

BTW I'd probably give this 5 stars but I haven't knitted the designs yet. I've knitted one of Kate's designs before and the instructions were good, so I have high hopes.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book on Shetland and Nordic yoke making. There are wonderful essays about this style of knitting as well as beautiful Kate Davies patterns (which are always wonderful). It's a beautiful read with highly evocative pictures as well.

[Camilla Bringsaas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like books that gives something more than only knitting patterns. This books gives a good overview and in depth writing about the history of the yoked sweaters in different countries and times. Apart from that there's beautiful patterns which are very well written. I highly recommend this book!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could knit, because these designs are beautiful! Great photography along with nice background on yoke sweaters and knitting.

[Asdis Gudmundsdottir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with many great knitting designs, I already have chosen one design to knit. Love the colours!