Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads: A Modern Knitter's Guide to Discovering and Exploring Style

by Cirilia Rose

Cirilia Rose is the epitome of the new knitwear designer—young, educated, curious, and excited to share her passion for all ideas knit and purl. Her attitude toward curating her own collection of designs is informed as much by travel, cultural history, and tried-and-true sourcebooks as it is by modern media and technology. In Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads , Rose takes readers behind the scenes of her design process, showing them how she curates and organizes ideas and translates them into knitwear designs. Through 25 projects that fall into three categories—Magpies (accessories for the small amounts of precious yarns that knitters inevitably collect), Homebodies (garments for time spent close to home), and Nomads (garments to wear when venturing out into the world)—Rose shares her modern aesthetic and invites readers to develop their own.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

144 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2014

Reviews

[Nyxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this book five stars.
I love a knitting book with written patterns that includes the line, "I admire this maverick approach to knitting" (referring to knitters who take a pattern as a starting point, a place from which to riff, or explore) because this is how I knit. I almost never knit a garment to pattern specifications. In fact, I don't think I would be lying if I said that I never do. I at least substitute yarn, add in stripes, or change a border.
And yet...the size grading is sadly lacking. The inspirational quotes from artists with problematic histories, and just, too many cowls. It saddened me that the portion of the book I was most excited about (Magpies patterns for those random pretty skeins we all collect) was full of patterns I was bored by. I know that is personal taste, but still. I've read enough knitting books to know when it's more of the same rather than real ingenuity.
There are some gems in here, though. I loved the Coterie pattern and the Style Inspiration pages are very much worth reading for inspiration and encouragement in forming your own particular sense of style. I especially found her ideas for collecting colour combinations re-invigorating. Read it for the style inspiration more than the knitting projects in my opinion.

[Artemisia Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite knitting book. This fun, eclectic, quirky take on knitting combines tradition and modernity into a great mix of knitting know-how, style savvy and love of the craft. Did I mention that the patterns included are some of the most interesting and creative ones I've seen in a while? Definitely a great read for any intelligent knitter wanting to up the ante with their knitting practice in a big way.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photography. Maybe one pattern I'd make, though. Simply not my style! Remember - you can always browse Ravelry if you want to see what patterns exist before making the jump to purchase the book!

[Natalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this actually becoming a knitting account? Whoops! Okay, since it’s fall there will be more knitting content, but let’s focus on the bookish side. Cool? Cool.

“Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads” by Cirilia Rose is the coolest book for all the moods a knitter finds themselves in. I especially love her focus on the spare yarn everyone acquires at the end of a project. -I am looking at you, box of yarn ends and leftovers. You will be used eventually-

I love the variety of patterns this book offers. The patterns are well written and use a variety of styles, yarn types, and those little items that we all tend to pick up in shops because whatever it is happens to be unique and cool.

The book is broken into three sections: Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads. Each section focus on a specific kinds of knitting whether it’s functional or fun, or just plain cozy. The idea of knitting based on mood makes a lot of sense to me, so this structure is fun compared to other books I’ve read.

In the end, I gave this book 4 stars. Realistically, this book only has a couple of patterns I would actually cast on. While I think it’s beautiful and structurally well put together, I wish there would have been a little more that I could see myself making. BUT if you’re more creative and outgoing compared to my style, I think this book would be a perfect add to any collection.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book from the library. There are a couple patterns I'm interested in now. Some of the essays are good too. But there's a tension between what appears to be the thesis of the book, which is coming up with your own style and using patterns as a starting point, and how the patterns are written... There's not a lot of information on alternative yarns. The sizing is limited. Still, a pleasant read!

[Adrienne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the execution of the subtitle that wins my stars, although this may be the first book I’ve read on the concept of “style.” Even though the patterns themselves weren’t really to my taste, I enjoyed reading her perspective on and experience with knitting with style in mind. And you can never go wrong including a list of recommended reads at the end.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book, and it was made very well. But the patterns were sometimes underwhelming, and were always made only for small sizes, so a lot of what they wanted to bring in this book is unfortunately lost.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the ideas around style and remaking garments and style
Overall the patterns did not inspire me.

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ladies and gentlemen, stop looking. We've found it!

The most pretentious fibre craft book ever made.

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Youthful and fun.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very middle of the road book. Along with Jared Flood and Stephen West, Cirilia is one of the "trendy" new knitters - kind of like the hipsters of the knitting world (although I don't think there's any way Stephen West could be called a hipster anymore! I not even sure what category could describe him). This book reflects that aesthetic - there's a section on styling and on thrift shopping; both very instagrammy hipster things. So, if you're thinking of becoming a knitwear designer or stylist, this book would be a useful resource for you.

As a knitting book, it's not very good. The patterns are very meh and, although the photos are very pretty, they don't show you how the garments would look on a non-posed person (case in point is the model on the front cover). Plus I find the whole "knitters are..." thing really annoying - there's literally millions of knitters across the world. The only commonality between all of them is they knit. Who, what, when, where and why they knit varies dramatically across the world and different cultural groups.

So, worth a borrow from the library but not good value for money to purchase.

[Autumn Shuler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography, helpful styling tips, and stunning patterns make Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads worth checking out. I grabbed a copy from my library to see if I liked it and I saw enough patterns that I want to make that I plan on buying a copy.

Though I haven't made any of the patterns, they all appear well written, and there's no argument that the finished objects are show stoppers. Even if you aren't interested in the patterns, Rose offers some great style advice in a fun, down-to-earth way. And if that doesn't interest you, you at least have to flip through and take a look and Jared Flood's stunning (as usual) photography. That in and of itself makes the book worth your time.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing combination of patterns and essays. The patterns are beautiful, although most are aimed at a much younger demographic than the one I am in. I really enjoyed reading the essays, which focus on ways to develop one's personal style. Definitely worth reading, even if you don't plan to the knit the patterns. My advice: get it from the library first, as I did.

[Brooke Vertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely, beautiful, full of great ideas and patterns

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't actually read the book but loved, loved, loved 2 of the patterns. The others are super cute too.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay knitting pattern book, but mostly not to my taste.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really like any of these.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to make a lot of these patterns!

[Rose Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous projects, beautiful yarns. The projects are beautifully executed and styled.

[Vanessa Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book five more stars if I could. Brilliant, insightful, and inspiring.

[Emilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a quick look through this one. Some good advice on creating knits you’ll love and finding places to look for inspiration. Really like some of the patterns.