Contemporary Irish Knits

by Carol Feller

Celebrate the Irish countryside and create one-of-a-kind knitted projects The patterns found in  Contemporary Irish Knits  showcase traditional Aran knitting patterns to create the more fitted and flattering shapes that modern knitters prefer. You'll get 18 patterns for making one-of-a-kind Irish knits, encapsulating projects for women's, children, and men's wardrobe pieces, and accessories like bags, blankets, and shawls. Plus, you'll get easy-to-follow instructions and guidance on how to construct and enhance your knitting experience to make for a more intuitively put-together knitted item. This all-new collection is exactly what today's knitter is looking for, and complemented by inspiring design and photography. If you're a knitter looking for innovative patterns, enhancements to your skill sets, and a chance to broaden your range of knitterly knowledge,  Contemporary Irish Knits  is for you. It contemporary Irish designs created using traditional techniques and stitch patterns implemented in new ways; a broad range of projects; guidance on working with different construction methods; and much more. Whether you're an intermediate or advanced knitter,  Contemporary Irish Knits  gives you the skills, projects, and know-how to create truly gorgeous knitted pieces that celebrate Ireland's living knitted tradition with a modern, contemporary twist.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Ireland, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2011

Reviews

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

In some respects this is a five-star book, and while that may be true for you it was, sadly, not so for me. It's not that the patterns are icky - they're *wonderful* designs, with clever shaping techniques worked into the patterns, and although there is a - to me - over-abundance of chunky cabling design used, still many of the patterns are lovely. And the sizings are quite good; this tends to be a Pet Peeve with me, as I'm "plus-sized" and many of the most beautiful contemporary patterns don't make-up any larger than 42" and I've found in the past that while I'm an extremely experienced knitter, with a complex clothing design you can't often extrapolate upwards more than a couple of sizes, and I need a rather larger size. So many otherwise wonderful pattern books are unworkable for me.

And this book also has two more of my usually most disliked qualities in modern pattern books - the stitch patterns within each design are *only* charted, and don't show detailed stitch-by-stich information within the pattern instructions - something I not only hate, but those of us with low vision may find extremely difficult to use. And the other problem is that the only yarns offered in "materials" descriptions are extremely expensive Irish imports - simply gorgeous stuff, yes, but entirely out of my own, and likely many other knitters' purchasing ability. Hence my seemingly low rating for this otherwise wonderful book! Yes, you can substitute yarns, but I suspect you'll have to be very careful when you do as Irish yarns tend to be a bit unpredictable in their texture and thickness and while that can be an aesthetic plus for some (including me), it means that you will HAVE to swatch before you makeup any design given here, and very carefully too.

If the above qualities aren't daunting for you, then I would consider this a very good book to at least read, and to keep in your own knitting library if you plan to make up several of the designs in the future. Here's an excellent review that describes this book in loving detail and gives a good look at another experienced knitter's view of it:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the book contains a nice history of Irish yarns, and the specific histories of some of the shops there. It covers their wool sources, how the process the wool, spin and dye it, and sell it. It starts with their origins, and how they've progressed to where they are today. It's interesting reading, I really enjoyed it, and I would hope anyone with a passion for yarn would too!

Unfortunately the book didn't discuss the history of patterns like I'd hoped it would, but honestly if it did then the book would probably have had to be about 40+ pages longer, so maybe that's for the best?

It was easy reading, and the book is nicely printed. There are a lot of color pictures in there of the yarns and Irish scenes, as well as multiple pictures for each knit item.

Every pattern in this book I would find a joy to knit, they're gorgeous! I probably won't knit the children's sweaters (because I don't knit for kids), but I am considering trying to upsize the boy's hooded vest for myself! It's a cute pattern. There are three patterns in here that I am definitely going to knit for myself, and I've already been swatching for them. Not only am I getting the right gauge, but that's with the substituted yarns I'm using.

DISCLOSURE: The yarns in this book used on all the patterns are IRISH YARNS! That you have to buy from yarn makers in IRELAND!!! It can get pricey. Be prepared to either pay for those yarns, or to get the substitutable yarns.

Also, the patterns are presented so that you can adjust them for your body type, no Small/Medium/Large here. Be prepared to do some knitting math. The patterns also include charts for most all of them. You'll need to know how to read the charts, but it's easy, and they book explains how to read the charts as well. It's very easy to pick up if you don't already know how to knit from a chart.

Bottomline: Buy this book. I haven't regretted it for a second.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The writing regarding the Irish yarn mills is interesting, but the big draw is the beautiful patterns. The directions are clear, concise and include charts, schematics, and yarn substitution suggestions. I have completed several of the patterns with good success. I especially love how the cables are integrated into the patterns and not just "plopped" down on an otherwise generic pattern as an afterthought. Oh and great photography shows the beautiful location plus the "knitterly" details.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book years ago, and looked through the patterns but didn’t actually read the book. I love Carol Feller’s designs, so I picked it up recently to look for a cable pattern to knit. It turns out that in the intervening years, I have visited two of the yarn mills mentioned in the book - Kerry Woollen Mills and Cushendale Woollen Mills. Her descriptions of both places brought back some lovely memories. A friend and I got a mini-tour of the Kerry mill a couple years ago and got to see some of their equipment in action.

The inclusion of the hand-dyers is also interesting. Hedgehog Fibres has really taken off since the book was published and a couple of my local yarn stores carry their yarns.

The information about the yarns, how they are made, and their texture are helpful for understanding the qualities of the finished products. The yarns from the mills are available in some form in the US and yarn substitution information in included in the book in case you can’t find them.

I think I’m going to start working through a few of these patterns starting with one of the hats. Then work my way up to a sweater or two. Now if I could just get another trip back to one of the mills to buy the yarn in person…..

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uninspiring collection - Oh dear .... again another uninspiring book of knitting patterns. Sadly, despite the title, I found these patterns to be firmly lodged in another time, definitely not in the 21st century - the only thing that is contemporary is the fact that the patterns are chart based. There is only one item in this book that had me rushing out to buy yarn ... the rest of them, well, nothing to inspire at all .... There is an interesting potted history of knitting in Ireland and yarn production from sheep to shop, but as far as the patterns are concerned, as I say, nothing to write home about.

[Elizabeth Cárdenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have made about three items from this book. I like to do cables rather than plain knitting so this was just what I wanted. I'm experienced but I had a little trouble with some instructions - pictures helped me figure those. Not for beginners.

[Jaq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely descriptions of the various woollen mills, I enjoyed both the tales behind the yarns and those beautiful patterns.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of textured patterns and, as expected, a good hand full of cabled designs. I'm mostly a sock and garment knitter so I was drawn more to the men's sweater designs in this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful classic patterns in the arun style. projects that make me want to pick up my needles.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose I should wait to give a five-star review until trying to knit a pattern from this book, but I very much enjoyed the spotlight on the Irish mills and dyers, which is something usually only reserved for periodicals, since the status of any business described can have changed by the time the book is actually published. Related to this is the fact that Feller is careful to include notes on alternate names and yarn substitutions, since Irish yarns are not necessarily commonly available elsewhere. (I've only knitted with Kerry Woollen Mills yarn myself, and I agree with Feller's review of it. Not terribly soft, but perfect for outerwear. Which is what I've made with it.)

[PoligirlReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty neat book. On one hand, it's got the fantastic patterns. On the other, it's got some nice background information yarns (their types and creation), and sizing. I really appreciated the section on knitting for women, and waist shaping. I'd like to give the honeycomb beret and the Killorglin cable rib jacket a try.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked this book. It has a great introduction to Irish Knitting, includes the basic elements of knitting to fit, provides on-line resources for the yarns and substitutes. There is probably only one pattern that I'd actually knit, but I really enjoyed this book.

[Sybylla]

A good specialty resource

Full disclosure: I did not read all the way through these patterns. I did read through them and was impressed with their detail and length. The information about the mills is fascinating and not too long. Most of the patterns are modern classic.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed from READS
Liked:
* Dangan (Cable-and-Lace square blanket/shawl)
* Glengesh (Cable-and-Lace wrap)
* Rathcooney (fingerless mittens and hat) - hat esp.
* Dalkey (cowl and fingerless mittens) - mittens esp.

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely patterns. I really enjoyed the discussion of different mills and indie dyers in Ireland.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

See review on my blog

http://sheilaokeefedesigns.blogspot.c...

[Susinok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has some really interesting patterns in it. I plan to make a few of these.

[Edwina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the history of the yarns, the beautiful projects, but the icing on the cake was the knit stitch glossary. So well written, this book is a keeper.

[Katie Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some stunning patterns in this collection. It is also great how the author utilises some beautiful yarn from Ireland.

[Leslie Jem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing, beautiful book. However, it's well beyond my current skill set, and I chose to return it to the library and not purchase a copy of my own. Sticking to more attainable projects!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately the styles didn't matchup with my own, despite being beautiful patterns.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely patterns.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well photographed, clever patterns, with lots of cables!

[Minnesinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Straboy Men's Aran Hoodie Pullover is a gem! Very handsome.Carol Feller is a great designer.

[Susan Baughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good addition to any library

I would recommend this book to more experienced knitters. Some very nice designs. Carol Feller does not disappoint. Her designs are always well done.