Legendary
September 20, 2013
It is a pleasure and an honor to be a part of my dear friend Anne's book tour. Anne's Legendary Knits, Vol 1 will take you on a stroll into romance, elegance, and the rich luxuriant textures of the past.
The designs were inspired by mythological legends or by folk and fairy tales. Anne has infused her love of historical clothing and ancient symbols into every stitch.
Legendary Knits isn't just a beautiful picture book, although the photography is of that quality, it is book of very knitable, wearable, and stylish garments.
You had to know one of my favorites would be the fabulous Icarus Socks. It's true, I love red, which happens to be The Woolen Rabbit Sumptuous Sock. I also love the pattern stitch and I can see a pair of Icarus in my future. (Of course, no one said you had to knit red. Knit your heart's desire.)
Another favorite design of mine is the Sleeping Beauty Cowl. The colors Anne uses give the cowl a jewel like quality, as if it were knit with beads, or gemstones. What fun to colorwork pattern would be and the color combinations you could use are endless.
This first volume of Legendary Knits has two pair of socks, a cowl, a shawl and a stole, two women's sweaters, and one men's sweater. Both women's sweaters are elegant, romantic, and chic. Six Swan's is one of my favorite patterns in the book (have you noticed a theme?), as the colorwork design evokes the look of needlework.
I have one last favorite to tell you about (although I could go on) and this one is a shawl. I was unfamiliar with the story of Rappaccini until I read about her in the book. Not only does this shawl have a delicate lace pattern, and an elegant border, it sits on the shoulders and stays, which is my new criteria for a shawl.
May I recommend you try Anne's Wooly Wonka Brigit Lace for this project? (Anne is a multi-talented Renaissance woman.)
Anne pays attention to detail in her designs, as well as, her pattern writing. Detailed, easy to read charts accompany patterns of colorwork, texture, and lace. The charts for colorwork are in color, which include stitch symbols as needed. I found them easy to see and to understand. Every sweater has a schematic of measurements, which for me, is an important feature. Anne has made sure this book has all the information necessary for a knitter to be successful.
The designs in Legendary Knits are available individually on Ravelry or as a complete collection. If you buy the collection you'll not only receive all eight patterns, you will, also, be sent a copy of the book, a beautiful bonus.
Anne sent a copy of the book as a gift for one of my readers and, to be in the running, all you need to do is leave a comment. However, I have one requirement. At the age of six I demanded my mother call me Snow White. Did you also have a fantasy name when you were a child? You have until Monday, September 23rd at 5:00pm MDT to leave your comment on this post. Good luck!
KALs for the patterns, as well as other designs by Anne, are available in the Wooly Wonka Group on Ravelry. You'll want to keep an eye open for the next two volumes of Legendary Knits, as they are certain to be just as fabulous!