The Children's Collection: Knitting Paperback – September 1, 2000

A superb collection by Alice Starmore and her daughter Jade of children's sweaters in a wide range of sizes (generally ages 2 - 9) sporting very playful Fair Isle designs, as well as some in just a single-color with cables or other easy stitch patterns. A book definitely for the experienced knitter - or for a person very motivated to learn how to knit Fair Isle and make steeks, etc, as all multi-colored sweaters are worked in the round. I bought this book mainly for the charted designs, as I initially plan to use heavier yarn to make an elephant afghan and pillow (directions for sweater chart only!). Some of the designs were adapted from successful adult patterns that Alice had written. All the designs are works of art and include the many details which define an Alice Starmore creation. They might serve as a good introduction to knitting one of her full-sized sweaters.Fair Isle designs include:Fish and Anchors - unisex pulloverOriental Flower - unisex cardiganCats & Mice - unisex pullover vestMagic Carpet - pullover with intarsia and some duplicate stitch; unisexElephants - buttoned sleeveless vest; unisexSingle color designs include:Child's Mendocino - easy to knit cardigan: cables in bodice, plus a collar; charming oversized for a girl's coat!Western Seas - traditional fisherman's gansey with collar & underarm gussets; unisexSand Dollar - elegant dress for ages 6 - 9; knit/purl designs overall with travelling cables added in bodiceClassic Aran - ages 2 - 7 unisexSecret Garden - ages 2 - 7; feminine lightweight coat, single button at neckVery clear, large illustrations showing how to knit multi-color ribbing, make steeks, pick up for knitting after a steek is cut; grafting shoulders in color work, all stitches used in each design - even M1This very charming book is lavishly illustrated, and each design chapter begins with a selection from such authors as Robert Louis Stevenson, Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, Edward Lear, Frances Hodgson Burnett and others. When I first received the book, I immediately sat down and read all these one-page (generally!) selections evoking childhood memories.A precious book indeed!

Besides a whole range of beautiful children's patterns for knitters of all different skill levels, find here a variety of timeless designs which can be adapted for adults too. Some of the dresses and long cardigans were originally created for adults and were adapted to fit children for this book. If you are handy with a calculator and able to use your gauge swatch to determine the correct number of stitches for an adult-size, you can adjust the pattern to make some of these designs for yourself. I am looking forward to adding several of these pieces to my wardrobe.

I knew nothing of legendary Alice Starmore until I read about her in Adrienne Martini's book Sweater Quest. About the same time, I had gone to a girlfriend gathering where we all sat around together and finished our recent sewing projects, talked, and snacked. Two of the girls brought knitting projects and I became inspired to relearn the knitting process I had been taught as a child. Gradually I became fascinated with the craft and can't seem to get enough history, blogs, shared information. Starmore's patterns are beautiful, colorful, and very detailed. Starmore's designs are in the expert level of the knitting universe, but to take in her work and her ideas, is very satisfying. I haven't tried any of her designs, I'm at the contemplating stage. Her books are out of print, so they must be sought on resale sites. The Children's Collection is charmingly written, each project introduced with a poem and showcased with photos shot in breathtaking scenery. Love it!

This book is full of timeless designs for children's sweaters and vests. I'm planninng on adapting the elephant pattern to a nursery blanket. As beautiful as the colors in the book are, I think I might upsize the yarn a bit and maybe try one of the color changing yarns like Kauni for the background. Anyway, I would love to make every pattern in this beautiful book!

Lots to choose from as far as styles. Plenty of detail to keep the project interesting yet easy to complete. Since I am fairly small I plan on doing a couple for myself with adjustments of course. Definately worth it before its gone and no longer in print.

The designs pictured in this book appear to be very ill fitting. I have not made any of the items because the designs seem too complicated for my skills (intermediate knitter). I don't want to waste my time or money on a sweater my grand won't love to wear or one that doesn't fit well.

I bought this for future projects. She has the most amazing pattern work with such detail. I hope I do justice to her work when my projects are complete.

A beautiful book.

シンプルなセーターから凝った地模様・ビビッドな編込み模様のセーターまで、どれも元気あふれる子供らしいセーター・カーディガンなどが満載。編み方のポイントとなる箇所は綺麗な絵付きで説明があり、多少英語ができれば理解できると思います。モデルの子供達の生き生きとした表情も可愛い。アリス･スターモアの毛糸使用。派手なデザインもありますが、子供なら似合いそう。対応年齢も２～９歳と幅が広いので、長く使えそうな一冊です。