Book Review: Country Weekend Knits - 25 Classic Patterns for Timeless Knitwear by Madeline Weston

Country Weekend Knits by Madeline Weston is a collection of 25 traditional knitting patterns. The book is divided into four chapters, depending on style and origin: Ganseys, Fair Isle, Aran, and Shetland Lace. While the patterns are steeped in tradition, they don’t feel too old-fashioned or out of date. Most patterns are unisex. Each chapter opens with an explanation and history of each style.

Gansey patterns include: “Polperro Pattern Jacket,” a bulky jacket patterned with seed stitch and chevrons; “Newbiggin Pattern Sweater” is a pullover with a subtle diamond pattern; “Short-Sleeve Cotton Shirt,” a polo-styled shirt with a traditional gansey stitch called Broken Diamonds, created simply with strategic purl stitches; “Jacob’s Ladder Sweater,” with saddle shoulders and textured stripes accented with tiny cables; “Sanguhar Gansey,” a pullover with a geometric intarsia design that originated in Scotland; and the intricately textured “Eriskay Gansey.”

Fair isle patterns include: “Cross and Flower Fair Isle Crewneck,” a traditional, largely geometric pattern in bold colors; “Cross and Square Fair Isle Vest” with a repeating pattern of rows and rows of crosses within diamonds; “Katie’s Fair Isle Vest,” a traditional pattern including rows of OXO and the Armada cross; and “OXO Fair Isle Crewneck,” a masculine and traditional pattern with striped cuffs.

Aran patterns include: “Cable and Moss Aran Tunic,” a pullover that alternates vertical columns of moss stitch and medallion cables, and adds roomy front pockets; “Chevron Aran Crewneck,” another pullover with columns of moss stitch and chevron cables; “Tree of Life Aran Jacket,” a button-front completely done in bulbous “chain” cables; “Wheat Cable Cotton Sweater,” with it’s Henley-style neckline and braided cables that split into honeycomb-shaped cables; and “Fountain Lace Short-Sleeve Sweater” features columns of simple braided cables and fountain lace, topped off with a high neck that splits, preventing it from being too severe.

Shetland lace patterns include: “New Shell Pattern Lace Sweater,” shell lace in undulating colors and chevron points that resembles couture from Missoni; “Old Shell Shetland Shawl,” an oversized shawl/blanket to match; “Lace Cardigan in Eyelet Pattern,” a delicate cardigan perfect for spring; and “Fern Motif Sweater,” a V-neck pullover with a large, open-lace fern pattern that travels awkwardly down the front.

Article Author: Alyse Wax

Alyse is both a television producer and writer. Her TV credits include Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, and Penn & Teller: Off the Deep End. Her articles have appeared in Teen People Magazine, the Weekly World News, 100 Magazine in the Philippines, SporkFashion.com, FEARnet.com, and Hollywood.com. …

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