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Tudor Roses
Book by Starmore, Alice
128 pages, Hardback
First published September 1, 1998
1 person is currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Alice Starmore
29 books67 followersAlice 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 1, 2017
What a gorgeous book. I love the concept – patterns based on and inspired by the women of the Tudor dynasty, along with quotes from or about the women and with extraordinary photographs. The patterns are every one stunning (and probably far beyond my ability), color and style and pattern harking back to the Renaissance without being RenFaire garb. I want at least half the garments shown here – and even if, as I suspect, the patterns are beyond my capabilities, the book itself is simply lovely to look at.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
March 2, 2017
I love history. Especially English history. I’m a first-generation American. My mother was born in England and moved to the US when she was 8 years old. I grew up in a house steeped in British culture. I grew up eating British food and watching British TV shows, and now that I’ve gotten into crafting, I like to work on English-style and inspired projects. So when I got an email from Dover Publications about maybe reviewing a knitting book called Tudor Roses, I was intrigued. And man…I’m in love. This book was made for me.
This book includes 14 knitting pattern inspired by the women of the Tudor era. Starmore drew inspiration from Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, Margaret Tudor, Katherine of Aragon, Mary Tudor, Lady Mary, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, Catherine Parr, Elizabeth the First, and Mary Queen of Scots to create these amazing historically inspired knits.
Each pattern section starts with a writing attributed to the woman who inspired the piece and is a great way to set the mood for the sections. All patterns are accompanied with several photographs that show each piece to great detail. All the patterns are clear and easy to read, even for someone like me who is relatively inexperienced knitter. The end of the book includes a great section where Alice Starmore talks more in detail about how she drew inspiration from each woman and how the designs and their details represent the subject in question.
If you like historically inspired crafting, definitely check this one out. It just came out in paperback, so you can get it at a very reasonable price. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
**I received this copy via Dover Publications in exchange for an honest review**
This book includes 14 knitting pattern inspired by the women of the Tudor era. Starmore drew inspiration from Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, Margaret Tudor, Katherine of Aragon, Mary Tudor, Lady Mary, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, Catherine Parr, Elizabeth the First, and Mary Queen of Scots to create these amazing historically inspired knits.
Each pattern section starts with a writing attributed to the woman who inspired the piece and is a great way to set the mood for the sections. All patterns are accompanied with several photographs that show each piece to great detail. All the patterns are clear and easy to read, even for someone like me who is relatively inexperienced knitter. The end of the book includes a great section where Alice Starmore talks more in detail about how she drew inspiration from each woman and how the designs and their details represent the subject in question.
If you like historically inspired crafting, definitely check this one out. It just came out in paperback, so you can get it at a very reasonable price. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
**I received this copy via Dover Publications in exchange for an honest review**
April 3, 2014
All I can say is, WOW! This is simply a gorgeous book, and an excellent refresher course in the history of the Wars of the Roses and the Tudor Dynasty, which I originally studied as a history major in college. I love all of the beautiful knitted garments in the book, but I won't be knitting any of them, as my skills can't even come close to what is needed for even the simplest of these patterns. I had to laugh when I saw pattern notes that referred to a couple of the patterns as "easy". Maybe in Alice and Jade Starmore's world that is true, but not in mine!
I am very thankful that my local public library had a copy of this on the shelf, because I doubt I would have had an opportunity to see it otherwise.
I am very thankful that my local public library had a copy of this on the shelf, because I doubt I would have had an opportunity to see it otherwise.
September 15, 2015
You wouldn't believe it, but these are designs for knitted wear mirroring the days of Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Anne of Cleves, Mary Tudor and Jane Seymour. Although these pieces are knitted, the designs are exquisite. They would be a real challenge, unless one is very experienced. Great book for those with experience, though.
March 14, 2017
I was delighted to get the opportunity to read this new edition of Tudor Roses featuring new and reimagined items based on the original edition. 14 different garments for 14 different Tudor women from Alice Starmore and her daughter Jade, it is not just a book of knitting patterns, it is a book giving you a unique insight into each woman with absolutely stunning photographs and a new model for each woman. The patterns are gorgeous and intricately detailed, as you would expect from Alice Starmore. My one big criticism is that several of the pictures featured dark clothes shot on a black background and it was impossible to truly see the details in them, however, that was the exception rather than the rule.
*I received an ARC from Netgalley, the review is my own opinion.*
*I received an ARC from Netgalley, the review is my own opinion.*
January 9, 2017
This is a very beautiful and interesting book of knitting patterns. These patterns match historical people and what they might have worn modernized for today’s woman. The patterns look gorgeous, and the layout of the book is fantastic. Overall I want to give this book 4 stars, but I have to knock it down to 3.
Dover Publications is probably ready to revoke my galley privileges because I tend to harp on the same problems I see throughout their books. The pictures in this book are gorgeous, and I would love them, if I was reading Vogue. They are high quality artistic pictures. That being said they are too dark to show off the sweaters well. Let me pick on specific pages. Pages 27, 33, 34, 36, and 37 the reader has no idea of what that sweater looks like. The sweater is either black or dark blue and you see nothing. On page 37 you can almost see a row of buttons down the back which makes me really want to see what this sweater looks like. If you like floating heads behind a bright blue fence, check out pages 119, 128, 129. I bet this is an awesome sweater, but the black yarn mixes with the black background. Lastly, I love the sweater on pages 149-159. Or at least I think I do. But I can barely see it. Plus I would have loved to see the entire look that was created. I was just as interested in what appears to be a blue plaid lined skirt as I was in the sweater.
This book is just a little bit away from dynamite. I love that Dover had fancy photos done, but they are too artistic and make the projects invisible. Like Goldilocks, I am looking for something that is just right.
Dover Publications is probably ready to revoke my galley privileges because I tend to harp on the same problems I see throughout their books. The pictures in this book are gorgeous, and I would love them, if I was reading Vogue. They are high quality artistic pictures. That being said they are too dark to show off the sweaters well. Let me pick on specific pages. Pages 27, 33, 34, 36, and 37 the reader has no idea of what that sweater looks like. The sweater is either black or dark blue and you see nothing. On page 37 you can almost see a row of buttons down the back which makes me really want to see what this sweater looks like. If you like floating heads behind a bright blue fence, check out pages 119, 128, 129. I bet this is an awesome sweater, but the black yarn mixes with the black background. Lastly, I love the sweater on pages 149-159. Or at least I think I do. But I can barely see it. Plus I would have loved to see the entire look that was created. I was just as interested in what appears to be a blue plaid lined skirt as I was in the sweater.
This book is just a little bit away from dynamite. I love that Dover had fancy photos done, but they are too artistic and make the projects invisible. Like Goldilocks, I am looking for something that is just right.
January 30, 2015
This is a beautiful book, no doubt but too many pages are lengthy written pattern directions that don't deserve the price or quality. While the knitting world expected a reprint of Starmore's original Tudor Roses, we were betrayed to find the patterns to be new and somewhat unwearable costume-ish. Photographs of dark sweaters on dark backgrounds make it impossible to enjoy the knitting detail which is critical if this was to be nothing more than a coffee table book. Speaking of that, no knitter could knit from a book this size so one must photocopy several pages in order to make the patterns usable. and doing so verges on making Alice even more cranky over copyright rules.
Update: I finally found a copy of the 1998 version of this book at a reasonable price (ebay bids usually exceed $200). I compared the old patterns with those in the new book and find it interesting to see the more updated colors of those patterns that were in the original. Still, the new designs don't make we want to keep the 2014 version.
Update: I finally found a copy of the 1998 version of this book at a reasonable price (ebay bids usually exceed $200). I compared the old patterns with those in the new book and find it interesting to see the more updated colors of those patterns that were in the original. Still, the new designs don't make we want to keep the 2014 version.
May 15, 2019
Alice Starmore's designs are some of the most unique and artistic in the knitting world. I was just blown away when I was introduced to her work. The pieces in Todor Roses are true works of wearable art.
This is a review of the 2013 edition:
Alice and Jade Starmore updated the earlier book. The patterns were re-worked to better fit today's more figure-hugging styles. Some patterns were taken out and others added, but for the most part, the pattern-lineup is the same. The photography, as always, is stunning with an added touch of eccentricity. Overall it is a stunning book.
This is a review of the 2013 edition:
Alice and Jade Starmore updated the earlier book. The patterns were re-worked to better fit today's more figure-hugging styles. Some patterns were taken out and others added, but for the most part, the pattern-lineup is the same. The photography, as always, is stunning with an added touch of eccentricity. Overall it is a stunning book.
February 8, 2017
One of my favorite pattern books of all time. I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review the new edition. Just as wonderful as the 1998 original with some new patterns and "reinterpretations" of the original patterns. A must for every knitter's library. IMHO
Read
January 5, 2009I knitted a sweater out of this book for my daugher. Took two years and was worth all the effort.
February 20, 2018
I first heard about Alice Starmore in a book whose title I can't remember. There was a whole chapter devoted to Ms. Starmore, especially about her book titled, "Tudor Roses." Apparently, Ms. Starmore's book contained gorgeous sweater designs, and was out of print. The thing that caught my attention was that because it was so rare, the price for a copy of this book was over $200. I wanted to see this book for myself, because it had grown into a legend in my mind. I believe that my local library had a copy of it; but, alas! It had gone missing from the shelves, or maybe that was someone else's story from what I had read from reviews of Amazon customers who were also trying to find copies of this book. In any case, I thought that I would never see the book for myself, because I didn't have the budget to spend $200 on a knitting book.
So, when I found out that, "Tudor Roses," was going to be republished in 2017, I was very excited. Even better yet, I was able to find an advanced copy through NetGalley. I looked at the galley when I first received it, but because I am not an experienced knitter, I got a bit overwhelmed when I looked at the text. What I can tell you is that the republished version of, "Tudor Roses," is not exactly the same book that had been published in 1998. The knitwear designs that appear in the 2017 version of this title have been altered and updated from those that appeared in the 1998 version. I was able to confirm this by comparing the photos in the newer version of the book to photographs of sweaters made from patterns in the older book that other knitters had uploaded onto Ravelry, a social network for knitters and crocheters. The back of the book also spells it out quite clearly; this new version is a "Reimagined Edition of the Groundbreaking Classic."
I have read other people's opinions of the changes, and some people like them, while others do not. There was a design that had appeared in the older book that did not appear in the newer one. Some people had been upset by this omission, and perhaps would have preferred to have had an updated design even if they had disliked the idea of updated designs. For the most part, I like the newer designs because I think that they are more wearable for today; however, there were a few designs in the older book that I prefer over the ones in the newer version.
In general, the designs are inspired by various historical figures of the Tudor Dynasty, such as Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, and Margaret Tudor. At the introduction of each design, there is a brief first person narrative about each woman that the design is based upon. There are lovely photographs of the garment modeled by different women for each historical figure that is portrayed. There's a coffee table book quality to the photos; each model is staged and dressed in a way that gives a historical feel to the presentation.
As I mentioned before, I got a bit overwhelmed when I first looked at the instructions in the text, but I would now attribute that to my own lack of experience in reading a pattern. Although I have not actually knit any of these patterns (I cannot, because the galley does not include the charts for the designs), I think that I could probably tackle these designs as an intermediate knitter. The designs include fair isle and cable work. I especially like the knitwear designs for the Margaret Beaufort, Anne Boleyn, and Katherine Howard models.
At first, after viewing the book, I was not sure if I was going to add this book to my library, but after letting the designs sit with me for a while, I think that I will add this title to my collection. The designs have definitely grown on me. I'm pretty sure that the designs will challenge my knitting skills, but I would like to try because they are really lovely.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Tudor Roses," by Alice Starmore from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review also appears on my blog at:
https://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
So, when I found out that, "Tudor Roses," was going to be republished in 2017, I was very excited. Even better yet, I was able to find an advanced copy through NetGalley. I looked at the galley when I first received it, but because I am not an experienced knitter, I got a bit overwhelmed when I looked at the text. What I can tell you is that the republished version of, "Tudor Roses," is not exactly the same book that had been published in 1998. The knitwear designs that appear in the 2017 version of this title have been altered and updated from those that appeared in the 1998 version. I was able to confirm this by comparing the photos in the newer version of the book to photographs of sweaters made from patterns in the older book that other knitters had uploaded onto Ravelry, a social network for knitters and crocheters. The back of the book also spells it out quite clearly; this new version is a "Reimagined Edition of the Groundbreaking Classic."
I have read other people's opinions of the changes, and some people like them, while others do not. There was a design that had appeared in the older book that did not appear in the newer one. Some people had been upset by this omission, and perhaps would have preferred to have had an updated design even if they had disliked the idea of updated designs. For the most part, I like the newer designs because I think that they are more wearable for today; however, there were a few designs in the older book that I prefer over the ones in the newer version.
In general, the designs are inspired by various historical figures of the Tudor Dynasty, such as Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, and Margaret Tudor. At the introduction of each design, there is a brief first person narrative about each woman that the design is based upon. There are lovely photographs of the garment modeled by different women for each historical figure that is portrayed. There's a coffee table book quality to the photos; each model is staged and dressed in a way that gives a historical feel to the presentation.
As I mentioned before, I got a bit overwhelmed when I first looked at the instructions in the text, but I would now attribute that to my own lack of experience in reading a pattern. Although I have not actually knit any of these patterns (I cannot, because the galley does not include the charts for the designs), I think that I could probably tackle these designs as an intermediate knitter. The designs include fair isle and cable work. I especially like the knitwear designs for the Margaret Beaufort, Anne Boleyn, and Katherine Howard models.
At first, after viewing the book, I was not sure if I was going to add this book to my library, but after letting the designs sit with me for a while, I think that I will add this title to my collection. The designs have definitely grown on me. I'm pretty sure that the designs will challenge my knitting skills, but I would like to try because they are really lovely.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of "Tudor Roses," by Alice Starmore from NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
This review also appears on my blog at:
https://whatiscbreading.blogspot.ca
November 6, 2023
I saw some of these patterns on Ravelry and checked it out from the library. I will never knit any of these, unless I become much more adept at colorwork, but it was fun to browse through. Each pattern was named for a different Tudor woman, from Margaret Beaufort to Elizabeth Woodville to Henry VIII's wives and daughters. Each pattern contained a short essay purportedly in the words of each woman. Unfortunately, it does advance the anti-Richard III slander of murdering the young princes in the tower.
The patterns appear to be detailed and well written as well as somewhat size inclusive, although I did not study them closely. The construction of most of the garments is in sewn together pieces, with difficult construction features like peplums and intricate colorwork. The photos are quite lovely.
The patterns appear to be detailed and well written as well as somewhat size inclusive, although I did not study them closely. The construction of most of the garments is in sewn together pieces, with difficult construction features like peplums and intricate colorwork. The photos are quite lovely.
January 28, 2024
In typical fashion, this Alice Starmore pattern book is filled with gorgeous photos and interesting details regarding the inspiration behind the patterns. In this case it is the Tudor family, mainly surrounding Henry VIII and his wives. They selected specific members of the Tudor family, researched and discuss their history and then used historical motifs or something related to that subject’s personality to inspire the designs. These are generally not beginner patterns, and some are intended, as noted by the author herself, to be for experienced knitters only. Definitely there would need to be some work at yarn substitution as this book is not new and the specific yarns may now be difficult to source. If you are interested in historically influenced knitting or want a challenge, this book is for you.
February 15, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, I want to stay that this a beautifully put together book, detailing knitting projects based on clothing worn by Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and other unfortunate Tudor women. I did find the photographs a little dark, with the details being difficult to see, but overall this is an amazing achievement. I realize these patterns are not for beginners, but they are a stunning form of art.
Firstly, I want to stay that this a beautifully put together book, detailing knitting projects based on clothing worn by Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and other unfortunate Tudor women. I did find the photographs a little dark, with the details being difficult to see, but overall this is an amazing achievement. I realize these patterns are not for beginners, but they are a stunning form of art.
September 22, 2017
Wow! The patterns in this book are stunning, the history interesting, and the photos beautiful. All of that said, I was only able to give three stars to Tudor Roses because while the pictures are beautiful, from a knitting perspective, they are hard to read. The patterns seem to be well written, but as I have an e-book, they also are hard to read. Hopefully the print version is better. I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2019
My review is for the 2013 edition. The designs are really impressive with interesting and period evoking combinations of structure and colorwork. The historical introductions are also easy to read and enjoyable. Alice and her team put a lot of thought into evoking each Tudor woman. Her daughter also wrote very entertaining historical fiction diary entries for each woman. I think they could be real.
June 30, 2019
Starmore is the apex of brilliant knitwork. This book succeeds on many levels, the reimagined patterns perfectly apt for their historical time and their places in the royal lineage, the historical points of view for each woman spotlighted, and the thoughtful discussion regarding the creation of each pattern. The work includes a number of pieces, not only historically apt, but also appropriate for modern day wear.
Want to read
December 1, 2017Very cool book, beautiful patterns and pictures. Unfortunately, it's well above my knitting ability. I passed the book on to my friend who is an advanced knitter and she seems to be really enjoying it.
September 26, 2021
One of the best knitting collection books out there. I was lucky enough to buy the black-and-golf edition. Every pattern is a piece of art, and I love the texts adding context to the Tudor women's history.
September 23, 2017
These are truly works of art.
March 11, 2018
love these patterns of sweaters and the history that goes into each one.
Definitely some projects to add to my wardrobe.
Definitely some projects to add to my wardrobe.
June 12, 2019
Gorgeous, makes me I wish I had more need of knitwear.
August 18, 2021
Utterly stunning photography and beautiful patterns which bring the Tudor women to life.
April 14, 2025
What a beautiful book. The details associated with the artists interpretation of each of the wives of King Henry are amazing. From the simplistic to the Devine.
March 7, 2017
I reviewed this book for NetGalley and Dover Publications.
Alice Starmore is one of the premier knitwear designers of the modern knitwear era. She has a keen sense of color and style and transforms yarn into something divinely inspired. I have read a number of her books and this one is as well written and produced as any of the others.
The design inspiration for this collection is the women of the Tudor dynasty, beginning with Elizabeth Woodville and ending with Mary, Queen of Scots. A beautiful collection of patterns, each introduced with a description of the woman who inspired the pattern and some of her writing.
These patterns range from challenging for an intermediate knitter to "I have been knitting for fifty-one years and this is beautiful but I will die before I finish it" kind of pattern. These are lovely and well designed garments, but some of them require a lot of experience, skill, patience and time.
This is an impressive book for any knitter's library. It is well worth reading since it contains a wide range of Starmore's many interests in knitting - fair isle, intarsia, lace, cables, and other fun knitting things (I am serious - I enjoy colorwork and cables). I found it to be inspirational for design ideas since I write my own knitting patterns. And she has some great ideas here.
Well worth reading even if you are a knitting novice. Alice Starmore is an icon, and this is an excellent introduction to her impressive body of work. Have fun!
Alice Starmore is one of the premier knitwear designers of the modern knitwear era. She has a keen sense of color and style and transforms yarn into something divinely inspired. I have read a number of her books and this one is as well written and produced as any of the others.
The design inspiration for this collection is the women of the Tudor dynasty, beginning with Elizabeth Woodville and ending with Mary, Queen of Scots. A beautiful collection of patterns, each introduced with a description of the woman who inspired the pattern and some of her writing.
These patterns range from challenging for an intermediate knitter to "I have been knitting for fifty-one years and this is beautiful but I will die before I finish it" kind of pattern. These are lovely and well designed garments, but some of them require a lot of experience, skill, patience and time.
This is an impressive book for any knitter's library. It is well worth reading since it contains a wide range of Starmore's many interests in knitting - fair isle, intarsia, lace, cables, and other fun knitting things (I am serious - I enjoy colorwork and cables). I found it to be inspirational for design ideas since I write my own knitting patterns. And she has some great ideas here.
Well worth reading even if you are a knitting novice. Alice Starmore is an icon, and this is an excellent introduction to her impressive body of work. Have fun!
January 10, 2017
Full of beautiful and intricate patterns that knitters have come to expect from designer Alice Starmore, "Tudor Roses" does not disappoint. The rich colors and the detailed patterns will make these patterns easier to read, though the skill to complete them is up to the readers. It isn’t simply a pattern book, each pattern is based off one of the Tudor women who formed that part of English history. Starmore has added diary entries to each pattern to give a bit of a personal attachment to each historical character. She also has included not only her personal decisions for each piece but a bit of history, should the knitters wish to know more. I also enjoyed the use of modern day jewelry designed by students of design to bring what may be seen as costumey pieces into a more modern feel.
This would not be a book for beginners. The patterns themselves are intense and time consuming. While they leave you with an absolutely beautiful finished project, I fear that anyone who attempts one of these as a first project may feel a bit burned out. The book also would make a wonderful coffee table book, though for that I would recommend the hardback version. All together a wonderful achievement by Alice Starmore.
*This eBook was provided by NetGalley and Dover Publications in exchange for honest feedback.*
This would not be a book for beginners. The patterns themselves are intense and time consuming. While they leave you with an absolutely beautiful finished project, I fear that anyone who attempts one of these as a first project may feel a bit burned out. The book also would make a wonderful coffee table book, though for that I would recommend the hardback version. All together a wonderful achievement by Alice Starmore.
*This eBook was provided by NetGalley and Dover Publications in exchange for honest feedback.*
February 23, 2017
One word: Wow!
This book is a real tour de force that in many ways defies expectations. More than simply a book of patterns, Tudor Roses also serves as a kind of primer on the history of the Tudor dynasty; after a brief summary of the period at the introduction of the book, fictional sketches written in the voice of each historical character accompany the pattern for that woman (or in many cases, girl) and give a sense of her time and struggles. I am intrigued by this concept and think it is well-executed; I would love to see more works like this in which the patterns selected pay homage to a particular figure from history and give us a glimpse into their moment in time.
The patterns themselves are exquisite and seem to be well written. A quibble I have is that the colorwork charts are in black and white, and because this is evidently a British publication, the measurements given are in centimeters. For an American audience, it would be nice to have the measurements also listed in inches. Yes, I know we are the only weirdos that don't use the metric system. But it would still be helpful.
A quick flip through the book is enough to ascertain that these are very advanced patterns. I am an ambitious and experienced knitter, and I believe that is the audience for this book. Anyone wanting to tackle one or more of these projects will be looking at a significant time investment, but that is the price to pay for the depth of attention to detail. I would like to see more tips given for seaming pieces together (rather than just "sew fronts to back"), but I'm sure the author assumes that if you're making these pieces, you already know a thing or two about seaming.
The "About the Knitting" section at the end of the book is an interesting look at the designer's thought process in creating each piece, and provides some helpful notes (e.g. if you are a "competent knitter, then [Mary Tudor] is well within your reach," or, "Good sewing skills are required in the finishing"). I would have liked to have seen these notes along with the patterns themselves, as many people may not think to flip to the back of the book, and the information provided therein may be very helpful for the user in deciding which patterns to tackle.
An ambitious work, Tudor Roses was clearly a labor of love and is largely a success. Skilled knitters who are also history lovers will delight in this book; while I don't think there is likely to be a huge audience for this particular work given how advanced the patterns are, it is truly remarkable for the niche market is represents.
This book is a real tour de force that in many ways defies expectations. More than simply a book of patterns, Tudor Roses also serves as a kind of primer on the history of the Tudor dynasty; after a brief summary of the period at the introduction of the book, fictional sketches written in the voice of each historical character accompany the pattern for that woman (or in many cases, girl) and give a sense of her time and struggles. I am intrigued by this concept and think it is well-executed; I would love to see more works like this in which the patterns selected pay homage to a particular figure from history and give us a glimpse into their moment in time.
The patterns themselves are exquisite and seem to be well written. A quibble I have is that the colorwork charts are in black and white, and because this is evidently a British publication, the measurements given are in centimeters. For an American audience, it would be nice to have the measurements also listed in inches. Yes, I know we are the only weirdos that don't use the metric system. But it would still be helpful.
A quick flip through the book is enough to ascertain that these are very advanced patterns. I am an ambitious and experienced knitter, and I believe that is the audience for this book. Anyone wanting to tackle one or more of these projects will be looking at a significant time investment, but that is the price to pay for the depth of attention to detail. I would like to see more tips given for seaming pieces together (rather than just "sew fronts to back"), but I'm sure the author assumes that if you're making these pieces, you already know a thing or two about seaming.
The "About the Knitting" section at the end of the book is an interesting look at the designer's thought process in creating each piece, and provides some helpful notes (e.g. if you are a "competent knitter, then [Mary Tudor] is well within your reach," or, "Good sewing skills are required in the finishing"). I would have liked to have seen these notes along with the patterns themselves, as many people may not think to flip to the back of the book, and the information provided therein may be very helpful for the user in deciding which patterns to tackle.
An ambitious work, Tudor Roses was clearly a labor of love and is largely a success. Skilled knitters who are also history lovers will delight in this book; while I don't think there is likely to be a huge audience for this particular work given how advanced the patterns are, it is truly remarkable for the niche market is represents.
January 5, 2017
Read: 5/1/17
To be published: 15/2/17
I would like to thank netgalley and Dover Publications for the opportunity to read this book.
This is stunningly beautiful and clever. The patterns are all carefully researched and are a magnificent way of representing theese strong women. The photographs are beautiful and I love the addition of the fictional diary extracts.
To be published: 15/2/17
I would like to thank netgalley and Dover Publications for the opportunity to read this book.
This is stunningly beautiful and clever. The patterns are all carefully researched and are a magnificent way of representing theese strong women. The photographs are beautiful and I love the addition of the fictional diary extracts.
January 24, 2017
If you were to look at my knitting book shelves it would be easy to spot that I am a bit of a fan of Alice Starmore.
I have been since my mum bought me a copy of The Celtic Collection for Christmas many moons ago.
Mum had an ulterior motive, she wanted her own Donegal jumper (it was her home county). So among other patterns from the book did make this almost infamous piece of colourwork (long before I learn two handed stranded knitting making it even more of an achievement). And I still have my Armagh jumper which is coming up on 25 years old. I was a poor student when I made it but it looked great in poundshop acrylic and is a great reminder of my first goes at "fair isle".
Over the years I have gathered a little collection of Starmore works - some bought new, some second-hand - but there is a notable gap. I don't have a copy of Tudor Roses. Copies of the original tended to be as rare as solid gold hen's teeth, then when Starmore released the updated version in a sumptuous hardback in 2014 I was mid shift to freelancing and couldn't justify buying it. So it has been on my to buy list ever since.
Now the updated version is being released in paperback (Feb 2017) and thanks to Netgalley and Dover Publications I have a review copy in e-book.
The book contains 14 patterns inspired by the women of the Tudor dynasty accompanied by an explanation of their influence.
For a knitter who is interested in history, this is a perfect addition to my collection. Starmore and her daughter Jade have researched each of the 14 Tudor women in terms of their life, knowledge and influence presenting us with a pen portrait and later an explanation of how the research influenced the designs. So we see the plain beginning of Elizabeth Woodvile (a founder of the dynasty) in her simple sweater, the sumptuous colours of Spanish embroidery in Katherine of Aragon's coat and regal colours in the garments of some of the queen's garments. The shaping of the period reflected in many of the sweaters.
The photography and styling by Jade Starmore creates "portraits" of each woman, emphasising the art of these pieces.
I can imagine gaining a lot of pleasure from knitting many of these pieces, but there is also much joy in reading the patterns and enjoying the clever use of colour, stitches and construction to create a stunning collection.
This book definitely shows the art and artifice of knitting and what can be achieved by simply looping yarn round needles one stitch at a time.
I will be adding a physical copy of this book to my shelves before long and hope it will inspire me for many years to come.
I have been since my mum bought me a copy of The Celtic Collection for Christmas many moons ago.
Mum had an ulterior motive, she wanted her own Donegal jumper (it was her home county). So among other patterns from the book did make this almost infamous piece of colourwork (long before I learn two handed stranded knitting making it even more of an achievement). And I still have my Armagh jumper which is coming up on 25 years old. I was a poor student when I made it but it looked great in poundshop acrylic and is a great reminder of my first goes at "fair isle".
Over the years I have gathered a little collection of Starmore works - some bought new, some second-hand - but there is a notable gap. I don't have a copy of Tudor Roses. Copies of the original tended to be as rare as solid gold hen's teeth, then when Starmore released the updated version in a sumptuous hardback in 2014 I was mid shift to freelancing and couldn't justify buying it. So it has been on my to buy list ever since.
Now the updated version is being released in paperback (Feb 2017) and thanks to Netgalley and Dover Publications I have a review copy in e-book.
The book contains 14 patterns inspired by the women of the Tudor dynasty accompanied by an explanation of their influence.
For a knitter who is interested in history, this is a perfect addition to my collection. Starmore and her daughter Jade have researched each of the 14 Tudor women in terms of their life, knowledge and influence presenting us with a pen portrait and later an explanation of how the research influenced the designs. So we see the plain beginning of Elizabeth Woodvile (a founder of the dynasty) in her simple sweater, the sumptuous colours of Spanish embroidery in Katherine of Aragon's coat and regal colours in the garments of some of the queen's garments. The shaping of the period reflected in many of the sweaters.
The photography and styling by Jade Starmore creates "portraits" of each woman, emphasising the art of these pieces.
I can imagine gaining a lot of pleasure from knitting many of these pieces, but there is also much joy in reading the patterns and enjoying the clever use of colour, stitches and construction to create a stunning collection.
This book definitely shows the art and artifice of knitting and what can be achieved by simply looping yarn round needles one stitch at a time.
I will be adding a physical copy of this book to my shelves before long and hope it will inspire me for many years to come.
October 10, 2024
WOW and OVERWROUGHT! As a knitting book, this has the obvious plus of being by the Starmores (Alice and Jade) but has many problems regarding layout and design: Many photos are far too dark to see detail, the large bound format and artistic generous margin layout means you must photocopy the multipage directions, and there is no technical information so this book assumes you know how to knit - and for most of the 14 designs - really, really, really well.
As a historical book about the Tudor women - uh, really?
Don't get me wrong, (most of) the patterns are very beautiful, but I found the tone of the book quite humorless, even the models look dour. I do like the jackets of Mary, Queen of Scots (and am thinking to replicate the model's hairdo for Halloween), Katherine Howard, and Jane Seymour.
As a historical book about the Tudor women - uh, really?
Don't get me wrong, (most of) the patterns are very beautiful, but I found the tone of the book quite humorless, even the models look dour. I do like the jackets of Mary, Queen of Scots (and am thinking to replicate the model's hairdo for Halloween), Katherine Howard, and Jane Seymour.
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