A Good Yarn

A Good Yarn by Katherine Poulton

Published by Kyle Books

18th September 2014

Hardback Edition

 

From the co-founder of the fashion industries favourite ethical knitwear brand, The North Circular, comes a collection of 30 beautiful and stylish knitted projects, including gloves, snoods, scarves and hats. With clear instructions and beautiful photography, A Good Yarn is perfect for first-time and experienced knitters alike. Katherine's keen eye for style means that you'll be knitting eye-catching and fashionable accessories for yourself and loved ones. From Classic Bobble, Rib Beanie to cosy Knee Socks and Moss Eternity Scarf, the 30 projects in this book show you how to knit your own timeless pieces. The book also includes advice on choosing the right yarn, explanations of knitting abbreviations and step-by-step instructions as to how to get started. There is also advice on ethical buying and sourcing local, sustainable wool Handmade doesn't have to mean compromising on style or quality.

Oh the irony of posting a review of a knitting book for hats and scarves etc on what is forcast to be the hottest day of the year, but then there is nothing like being prepared for the forthcoming seasons and planning your accessories for the autumn/winter to come.

A Good Yarn is by Katherine Poulton, model and knitter.  Alongside her friend (and also top model) Lily Cole, they have founded The North Circular which aims to change the way that ethical knitting is seen.  Between them, they have produced A Good Yarn, a book with 30 patterns for hats, scarves, socks and gloves, knitted, in dare I say it, gorgeous (but pricey) wool.

Chunky Stripe Hat

Lily perfectly captures the ethos behind A Good Yarn. 'We are all so increasingly obsessed and addicted to the new...that there's a danger of us forgetting to look back, appreciate and hold onto the amazing things, values, skills and traditions that previous generations and the past offer us. I'm really interested in marrying the old and the new...wearing a modern sleek designed hat, hand knitted old-school style in real wool!'

Aaron Gloves

It's definitely a coffee table book this one.  The photographs are gorgeous, as are the models, of which Lily Cole plays a staring role, and with the exception of just one pattern (the balaclava - don't even go there), the others are all really nice, and makeable; which makes a nice change from getting a book in which you find yourself only wanting to make a handful of the patterns included.

Moss Eternity Scarf

I have to say, I thought the layout of the book was great, because everything is actually very well laid out and spaced out.  Nothing has been squashed up, and there are lots of great photos accompanying every project.  I like that.  There is also a section at the end on yarn choice, and knitting techniques, should you require them.

Narwhal blanket

My biggest dilemma is actually which project to begin first, and then, of course, will I look as adorable as Lily in any of my creations?  Only time, and the coming autumn, will tell!

G x