Member Reviews
*this is a review of the preview*
I'm new to knitting, and I love things with cables on them. So knits from northern lands is perfect for me. Although I only have a sample, all of the patterns are well photographed attractive and intriguing. First up, there is a beautiful cable blanket pattern. I like that there are various cables that work together to make an appealing whole. The pictures are clear the instructions are thorough and not confusing, which I appreciate. I think next up I will make the gorgeous cabled scarf!
One day, when I'm feeling very ambitious, I'll try the color work hat and scarf. The traditional Scandinavian details are lovely.
I loved the designs in this book. The pictures are amazing too! Invoking a sense of simplicity and beauty that makes me want to pick up needles and wool and make a gorgeously carved piece of fabric to wrap around myself for the coming winter.
I thought the patterns were beautiful, and can't wait to try some. The photographs are also lovely. The leaves of birch blanket looks challenging but stunning.
This turned out to be a little too complicated for me, but if you're into this style, this is a great pattern book to have on your shelf!
4 Stars for Knits From Northern Lands
I loved this book and the beautiful knitting patterns. Every pattern gives you the knowing feeling that no matter what you end up knitting, it will be beautiful and warm. I would recommend this book for any knitter. I think the patterns are good for advance beginner knitters.
Absolutely stunning photography and well-described patterns, but definitely not a book for absolute beginners. I'll definitely be picking this book up after I've got the basics down, because even though I only received about 13 pages to review, the projects definitely whetted my appetite.
*** I received a copy of this book from Penguin Random House/Interweave care of NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. This title was released to the public on 02 Nov 2021 #HelloGoodbyeRituals #Netgalley
I am considering a family trip to Scotland in the future, so this book's cover and title spoke to me. The photography's soft white tones made me want to curl up and knit by a fire with a view of the sea somewhere along the 59th parallel.
The selection of patterns is so well curated. The projects start with easier patterns for the beginner in a ribbed knit that looks luscious in bulky yarn. There is a good selection of inspiring lacework, colorwork, cables, and projects that are heirloom-worthy. I am going to file the In the Company of Cables blanket as a great wedding gift (especially someone with Celtic heritage) and the Leaves of Birch blanket as a beautiful baby gift. I am only starting on colorwork, but I love the Skies of Sweden pillow and the Selbu mittens.
The patterns are illustrated beautifully, with clear font and detailed illustrations that are easier for older eyes to see. I knit and sew, and my husband is a wood worker, and Interweave publications set a high bar for clarity and illustrations in all their craft publications.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Knits From Northern Lands
20 Projects Inspired by Traditional Knitting Techniques from the Scottish Isles to Scandanavia
by Jenny Fennell
I received a digital arc of a portion of this book from NetGalley and later a physical copy (due to file size) from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a knitting mom of younger kids this book makes me want to snuggle into the couch with my knitting, a mug of hot chocolate and Frozen playing on Disney + while the kiddos play.
I loved all the scenic pictures as well as the photography of the knitting itself. It gives one a feel for the scope and essence of the place these patterns originate from. Likewise I enjoyed the background information about the patterns, styles and methods. This book is unique in that it allows one to appreciate the knitting not only as the art form that it is but also as an integral part of the local culture.
Many of the patterns involve significant color and pattern work that lends itself to the more experienced knitter but there are a few patterns in rob stitch that are more accessible and it never hurts to be aspirational.
An enjoyable and unique knitting book with clear diagrams. 5/5
Knitters will enjoy the variety of patterns in this book. The designs are stunningly beautiful with an assortment of stitches that will surely turn heads when worn. This book is not for beginners, although some designs are easier to make than others. In addition to being a nice addition to a crafter's home library, this book would make a great gift for knitters.
I enjoyed this book because of it's unique topic, and the fact that it really provided a creative experience. Recommended for readers who want to read slowly so as to take time to process.
This review is based on the NetGalley ARC I received for free, in exchange for an honest review.
The book I have received only has 5 patterns, so I can only base my review on this. The 5 patterns I have seen (In The Company of Cables Blanket; Sheltered in Scandinavia Hat and Scarf; Stories in Stitches Aran Sweater; Hugged in Honeycomb Shawl) are beautiful. Unfortunately for me, there is a majority of cable knit and I haven’t mastered this yet, but the Nordic pattern of the hat and scarf are beautiful.
If you love heavy, cable knits, this looks like a good book for you.
My ARC of this book of very cozy knitting patterns inspired by Scandinavian, Nordic, and Celtic regions included written instructions and charts to create five original knitted objects. The patterns I looked at include the only sweater in the book, a couple of shawls, a companion hat knit to match one of the shawls, and a beautiful cabled blanket.
Many of the patterns in this book feature cables, and one of the areas where this book shines is in explaining how these are incorporated. Written pattern instructions are accompanied by charts and also careful drawings that show how to create cables of all degrees of skill. I believe this level of instruction would be suitable for an adventurous beginner. Additionally, all patterns I looked at (and apparently most of the patterns in this book) are designed for chunky (or larger!) yarns, meaning that these objects will knit up fast. However, a wider variety of yarn weights, and thoughts on using different fiber options, might have been a draw for more advanced knitters who are interested in incorporating more sustainable or nontraditional yarns into these (fairly traditional) cabled and colorwork patterns.
On the whole, I found the patterns included to have an interesting variety and to be well-described. While it was not included in the ARC, I believe the "Wrapped in Rib" hat, scarf, and mitts set would be a draw for me to knit and give as a gift. The inclusion of drawings alongside charts and written directions was particularly helpful, and I would be excited to use them to try out some of the intricate cables, for example, on the blanket, which was my favorite of the patterns included for review. I had the hardest time following along with the instructions for the sweater, which makes sense, as it is the most complicated pattern included.
My thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and the author for providing an e-arc for review.
Some really lovely patterns here, I love the nordic influence on the garments and designs.
Although these projects are a far jump from my skill level, they would look amazing knitted up.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The patterns look very nice, although my skill level is nowhere near the level to create these. Very well written and laid out, and the accompanying photographs display the pieces very well.
With inspiration from the Scandinavian and Nordic countries, these projects are designed for their warmth and attractiveness. The honeycomb shawl is on my works for 2022.
This is a beautifully illustrated book, with twenty intriguing knitting patterns. The patterns look well designed, with Interweave’s typical attention to tech editing.
Designed for a range of yarn weights, the patterns tend towards the heavier gauges (Worsted to Super Bulky). Most of the twenty patterns are for accessories, with a sweater and a few home decor items as well. The patterns offer both traditional Nordic color work and cables for a range of knitting skills.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beautiful patterns. Inspiring yet approachable! Rib stitch and knitting in the round could be done by relative beginner knitters.
Even though I don't often make bulky projects I always find myself drawn to "winter" knitting books. While the patterns are relatively simple, they are nice and warm and would definitely be good for colder climates or those wanting to knit up some quick gifts. This boo would be a nice addition to a gift for a knitter: bulky yarn and a copy of this book :)
The patterns in this book are gorgeous! Highly detailed with both charts and row-by-row directions, these patterns will please any advance knitter. The decorative designs are classy and classic which makes for a nice collection of regional knits. I really enjoyed the ARC version of this lovely book!
I can't pass up a book of cabled knits! Very pretty collection of winter knits. I already have several on my list to make. I only wish there were more.
Thank you to Penguin Random House, Interweave and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.