Jane Austen Knits 2011

I have been knitting for over 40 years, and generally use Vogue, Starmore, Fassett, Leapman and Interweave patterns. While the garments in this book are lovely, the pattern directions are obfuscatory. There is no reason for this, unless the designers think that it makes them seem to be above most knitters. The designs are not complicated, but the directions are, and that is silly.

(Posted on 2/3/12)

I do not usually like knitting magazines. They are quite pricey for a flimsy magazine printing and most of the time you are lucky if there is one pattern you would actually want to knit. When you find a pattern you like, the type and charts are so tiny they are almost unusable. I took a chance on this Jane Austen magazine in digital form because the subject and era are both intriguing and was very surprised. There are many patterns here that I am tempted to try. The photos are terrific and the patterns and charts appear to be clear and workable. This special magazine is well worth purchasing and I am looking forward to future issues that are planned. I can definitely recommend this one.

(Posted on 1/21/12)

Although I've only read one of Austen's books so far (Northanger Abbey) I still love her as an author and I love the romantic style of clothing that was present in her day. I feel that "Jane Austen Knits" does a wonderful job of translating these styles into the modern era. One of my favorite patterns is the Fiori Pullover which I can completely picture myself wearing. The only thing I would have liked to see that was missing would be some kind of scale on which the difficulty of each pattern could be shown. Otherwise, I loved it!

(Posted on 1/5/12)

Book looks lovely but pattern I am working on is impossible and cannot work - I am an experienced knitter but this has left me frustrated in the extreme! The lace pattern on the wrist warmers - if it is a continuous rolling pattern cannot work as there are not enough stitches on tow 8 to start again at 1 also it was not clear AT ALL that the lace pattern should be worked at the same time as the bead pattern - heaven help those starting out who attempt this one!

(Posted on 12/27/11)

It's a beautiful collection, but though I've been knitting for many years, apparently everything I've done has been pretty basic stuff. I can't make heads or tails of this. I'm going to have to find a book to translate this book for me. Ah well . . . any suggestions? ***Interweave Comment: We would recommend A Handknit Romance which will be released in January. It may be just the style and level you're looking for. ****

(Posted on 12/14/11)

Insightful, well-photographed and non-biased look at Jane Austen's continued artistic influence, which for this case, particularly in carefully designed Jane Austen-inspired knitting patterns. I think all the patterns are outstanding examples of great design and actually capture the essence of Austen's writings, as opposed to a publication produced with some Regency era-inspired patterns and the "Austen" name stamp on the cover for sales. I highly recommend Jane Austen Knits for Jane Austen fans that happen to be knitters also (as myself!) and for ANY knitter that wants elegant accessories and garments with a special distinct touch. I am absolutely inspired by the patterns: I already have some selected for my que and one that I would like to tinker with :D. Only flaw of the magazine is the arrangement of the Interweave Press' ads; they were throughout the magazine, instead of limited to a particular section, which would have much better suited the format. Despite such, I am impressed, Interweave! Keep up the great work!

(Posted on 11/19/11)

Stunning magazine! Even if you never knit from it, it is one to have!

(Posted on 11/11/11)

I think this magazine is so inspiring for anyone, not just Jane Austen fans. What a beautiful and eclectic selection of projects, from top to toe, and beyond.

(Posted on 11/8/11)