Member Reviews

This a book of four beautiful patterns, all well worth knitting. Sheltered Scandinavian hat and scarf. An Aran sweater and Hugged in a Honeycomb shawl. Beautiful book.

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All the patterns in the book are beautiful. The charts won't load properly, but I think that's a problem on my end. The written descriptions would be enough to follow these patterns. They look easy enough to follow, and super cozy.

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NB: This book downloads as only a dozen pages, which is not useful for reviewing. But any NetGalley member who asks can have the full book but downloaded into tiny pdf chunks (supposedly because of the new size limits for NetGalley Shelf). If you have pdf management software you can put them together, save as a size minimized pdf and end up with a readable book,

I have lots of knitting books that I like better than this one. The book intends to highlight different knitting techniques and looks from different parts of Northern Europe including Scotland, but seems to me to be a mishmash. It's not exactly a book for beginners because there is a lot of colorwork, but several of the designs are worked in overly bulky yarn that make them look like beginner's work. Same with wrist warmers and fingerless mtits..

The twenty projects are not 20 individual designs. Some are multiple pieces of a set, like a hat, scarf and mittens in the same design.

I doubt if you will be satisfied with this book.

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I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a beautifully presented book, and a joy to look through. I love that there are both written instructions as well as charted- as a lefty, it’s so much easier when you can see the chart and adjust as needed. I fell in love with the Mira mhor cowl, and plan to make one for myself and another as a gift. There are several other projects I can’t wait to make, and look forward to busting my stashes with these patterns.

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This collection of beautiful patterns includes complex cables and color work. The patterns are written out line by line in traditional terms, which is great for experienced knitters. They also includes charts.

The projects in the sample are all for experienced knitters, but the book does include a few beginner projects. The 20 projects call for a wide variety of weights of yarn, from fine to super bulky. They are written clearly, and there are line drawings showing exactly how to do the various stitches.

The book itself is beautiful, with lots of gorgeous photos.

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I reviewed the ARC provided by NetGalley as a preview of this knitting book. This included 5 patterns (out of 20 total in the book). Thanks to them and Penguin Random House. Knitting is a life long passion for me and it's always great to see a new intriguing knitting pattern book come out.
What I liked about the sampling:
1. Beautiful photography, especially the scenes in nature of beautiful cold settings.
2. The patterns contained graphs and printed line by line directions where feasible.
3. The variety of projects and knitting techniques.
4. Patterns are well written and very logically presented on the page.
What I questioned:
1. Would prefer to see yardages needed given specifically to better allow yarn substitution.
2. The patterns presented have generally thicker gauge yarns knit on needles smaller than usual for that yarn weight, not always the most comfortable to knit but would certainly be dense and warm.
This is a book that would be on interest to experienced knitters and a great display book as well.

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Imagine a roaring fire, warming your hands over a hot drink, curling up with a blanket you made…and the perfect knitted blanket is found in the patterns in Knits from Northern Lands. The In the Company of Cables Blanket is a cabled masterpiece. It’s complicated and designed for the experienced knitter but the directions, in both written and charted form, are easy to read and follow. Other patterns are perfect for cold weather. A technique for doubling protection and warmth is found in the Scandinavian hat pattern with a matching scarf. The Aran sweater pattern includes the history of cabled Aran sweaters.

Knits from Northern Lands is a beautifully photographed collection of patterns and photographs. The patterns are complicated but can be handled by any knitter who has mastered color work and cables. These patterns will keep you busy on a cold winter’s night. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House and Jenny Fennell for this ARC.

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Nice patterns with well written instructions. I was only able to see a small sample of the technique instructions but the pictures and directions seemed clear. It seems like a nice collection

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With 13 pages provided for review from the publisher, I found the patterns both in aran and colour work well written and detail being good both in written pattern and graph. Typically very warm, heavy knits for cold living.

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A beautiful knitting book featuring 20 designs by Jenny Fennell. The patterns are inspired by the Scandinavian and Celtic designs.
The designs are mostly for accessories, scarves, hats, mittens, cushion covers, with one pattern for a pullover.
Each pattern comes with a short introduction linking it to the northern knitting traditions, together with the usual information on yarn requirements. The majority of the patterns are in thicker yarns, bulky or super bulky. This makes them very quick knits with a modern feel. There was only one design for colourwork using fingering weight yarn which I found a bit disappointing, although it was my favourite design in the book. Many of the patterns are accompanied by charts for the colourwork or cabling designs and there are also helpful illustrations for some technical aspects of certain patterns. There is a brief section on tools and materials which follows the standard knitting book format. The final section of the book is a refresher course and covers, joining to knit in the round and various cabling stitches.
The photography that accompanies this book is the most impressive thing about the book. I just love the atmospheric pictures that show off the designs to their best.
This is a book for reasonably confident knitters. There is an assumption that you can already knit and are comfortable with the more advanced techniques of colourwork and cabling.
Overall, this is a beautiful book that would make a lovely gift.

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Knits From Northern Lands 20 Projects Inspired by Traditional Knitting Techniques from the Scottish Isles to Scandinavia by Jenny Fennell
Sample of 5 projects I received due to huge download of the total book contained a small section of the book.
Each pattern starts with a title and a brief paragraph of the item or facts about the area.
Color full page photos are included along with more detailed photos of the design work.
Each pattern starts with a skill level, gauge, items you need: yarn and needles and what the model is made with.
Notions are also listed.
Charted patterns are included. Pieces are sketched showing sizes as per size of the item..
Directions are given as how to start the project with detailed row by row instructions.
Abbreviations used in some projects are included in a chart format where they also tell you how to make specific stitches.
Stitch guide explaining how to make certain stitches are also included.
Diagrams showing these and other stitches are also included.
Charted instructions are included.
I am a knitter for about 50 years now but would still practice the stitches in a trial run to make sure I was doing them right and to get into a comfortable rhythm.
Love the combinations of stitches telling a story on their own.
A KEEPER!
Received this sample review copy from Penguin Random House, Interweave via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#KnitsFromNorthernLands #NetGalley.

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Love it!
This book will get you out of the funk of: what I am going to do next?
Beautiful patterns that really seems difficult if you see the finish item, but the author gives instructions clearly and with charts, that will make you want to stop your current project and start one of these.
Perfect for the winter season arriving, and a great gift for someone who loves knitting.
Definitely recommend it!

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I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Only a part of the book is available so I can only speak to a few of the patterns. The patterns seem in-depth and helpful. There is certainly some knitting skill required going into this book, which includes patterns for hats, scarves, and sweaters.

Overall an interesting find.

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I am in love with the patterns in this book. I need to step up my knitting game to be able to do any of these, but I want to so badly right now! They are beautiful!

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This book has some beautiful and easy to understand patterns. I was delighted by the variety and loved the detail.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from netgally

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This pictures of projects in this book are absolutely stunning! This sample only includes five projects in the arc but they are very well organized and presented. I can only imagine that all 20 projects will be just as beautiful and captivating as the five presented in my sample.

Thr five projects presented were a wonderful collection of a wide range of projects includeding a cabled blanket, a Scandinavian hat with a matching scarf, a beautiful winter sweater, and an incredible honeycomb shawl. I truly recommend this book from what I can tell it's absolutely worth getting if you love knitting.

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I just reviewed Knits From Northern Lands by Jenny Fennell. #KnitsFromNorthernLands #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL
The knits in this book are stunning. They will be a challenge to my knitting skills and I can't wait to make them.

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Thank you for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for honest feedback. I am approaching Knits From Northern Lands as a beginner to the craft. Despite this arc featuring only a selection of the included projects in this book, I think that the skill level is a bit more than beginner, but readable, straightforward, and interesting. The pictures are lovely. I like the concept/theme as well, with the "northern land" knits also including some different types of knitted winter wear.

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4 stars

Though there are only a 5 projects in the arc I received they were well laid out, the instructions and materials clearly depicted and explained, and the projects themselves are really gorgeous so I can only imagine that all 20 will follow the 5 I viewed. Those five projects I saw included: a large cabled blanket, a Scandinavian color-worked hat with a matching scarf, a beautiful bulky winter sweater, and a really cozy looking honeycomb shawl. I'm really excited to get started on the sweater and cable blanket.

ARC given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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I was privileged to see part of an Advance Reader Copy of this book, that included five patterns. Beautiful pictures showed each garments details and included a schematic drawing and charted pattern. The font is easy to read and the pages were not overcrowded making it easy to find your place in each pattern.
Since I only saw a handful of patterns, I can't attest to the introduction, pattern support or stitch and technique explanation. This means I can't say if a beginning cable or color work knitter would have difficulty following the patterns.
The five patterns included in my ARC included, a cabled blanket, Scandanavian color work hat and matching scarf, bulky cabled sweater, and an Aran weight shawl. Each pattern was beautiful and will make dressing for the winter weather easier to take. Each item would make a beautiful and treasured gift for a loved one.
On the whole, this is a beautiful book and the patterns are timeless classics .

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