Knitting patterns as charts and directions both. Background history and period photographs. ( )

Thompson's book on knitting patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys, & Arans is the result of hundreds of hours of research around the coasts of the British Isles, where each seaport had its own traditional sweater pattern. While this was useful in recognizing drowned sailors, it also is part of the British Folk tradition, which is rapidly vanishing in the face of modern day pursuits, where the young have no time for the old ways. This book preserves many of the traditional patterns of knitting sweaters, called Guernseys, Jerseys, and Arans for the islands on which they originated, so modern knitters can make sweaters in the old patterns, before they are lost forever. A great pattern book for the dedicated knitter, it also preserves these traditional patterns for the time when these sweaters are no longer commonly worn, and stands as an archaeological work of preservation.

Exactly what it says: a book of stitch patterns. There is too little about technique for a complete novice to knit a completed sweater from the book without a great deal of doubt and frustration. However, for those seeking background information about the the craft, or looking for handsome, authentic patterns to use in their own knitting, it is invaluable and worth twice the price.

Lending

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