Name of Book: the Art of Knitting
Author Eve Harlow edited
Any other info: Collins, 1983, 0004643017




Types of patterns: Garments and accessories

Number of Patterns: 35: Caftan (1); Dress (1); Jumper (6); Cardigan (4); Sleeveless top (2); Baby Dress (1 and cut out); Baby Jacket (1); Baby Hat (1); Girl's Dress (1); Child's Cardigan (2); hat (2); Scarf (2); Gloves (1); Socks (2); Jacket (1); child's hooded jumper (2); mittens (2); Child's Hat (1); Skirt (1); Waistcoat or sleeveless top (2)

Split of patterns: mostly women with some mens and childrens

Size Range: Women's 32-36 (a few 38); Men's 38-44

Colour/Black & White: Mostly colour illustrations with a few black and white, particularly for the older patterns

Schematics: No

Target Audience: Some pretty simple pieces and a few intermediate. One of the kids sweaters would be perfect if you wanted to learn how to do basic aran knitting and cables, it has only three patterns on the front.

How to knit guide: No

This one was modern for it's time but it's also experimental

Comments: Yes it was originally published in the 70's and it shows. However once you look closer at some of the patterns (ignore the caftan and some of the men's garments) and past some of the garish colour choices this is actually quite a good book of patterns. Many of the pieces rely on simple knit and purl designs to create interest in otherwise sedate patterns. That being said some of the designs are quite classic and in fact wouldn't take me much to be convinced to try them. Several of the designs are for a knitting machine.

The opening section that looks at knitting over the ages also has some interesting illustrations of early knitting and some of the surviving samples.


Buy/Borrow: Borrow this one before going hunting for it. It's interesting in ways for some of the implications rather than the patterns. Still they're not bad patterns and the illustrations of early knitting is interesting.

Where found: Dublin City Public Libraries has a copy. As noted the heirloom baby robe is missing for which the perprator deserves flogging.