Our favourite knitting books
A new paperback version is bringing this sumptuous book of Tudor-inspired knitting patterns to a wider audience
stunning book, Tudor Roses, first came out in 1998; a revised version appeared in 2013, but hardback copies are now hard to find. So it’s good to know that a paperback edition of this pattern book is now available.
When creating the designs in her book, Alice was inspired by historical female figures of the Tudor dynasty, from 1485 to 1603, and ranging from Elizabeth Woodville, grandmother of Henry VIII, to Mary Queen of Scots.
The 14 exquisitely beautiful projects in the book are showcased with stunning photography and styling by Alice’s daughter, Jade Starmore, using a mix of contemporary and antique clothes. Each image has the feel of a medieval portrait, with models having been carefully chosen to capture the spirit of each woman.
The patterns are accompanied by ‘word-sketches’, written by Jade, which imagine the thoughts, hopes and fears of each woman represented in the book at a single pivotal moment in her life.
Alice Starmore brings all her expertise in Fair Isle and Aran knitting traditions to this collection. The projects, suitable for more experienced knitters, feature fascinating details and tailoring. Among our favourites are ‘Elizabeth of York’, a fitted waistcoat with a square neckline and Fair Isle patterning that brings to mind antique textiles. ‘Margaret Tudor’ is a longer-length jumper with an intricate pattern of cables, knots and thistle motifs, like fine Tudor embroidery.
The design representing Katherine of Aragon is a long jacket with brocade-like stranded colourwork in glowing hues; ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, meanwhile, is a fitted cardigan with ruffled edges, cuffs and collar, and textured vertical stripes.
‘Elizabeth the First’ is a particularly elegant jumper with a deep, V-shaped panel of textured on the front, evoking Elizabethan bodices. We love the rich trellis cables on the ‘Catherine Parr’ sweater, which are complemented by delicate bands of colourwork, and the richly cabled fabric of the ‘Anne of Cleves’ high-necked jumper.
This is such a breathtaking book that you’ll want to linger over the photographs for hours, and explore the knitting challenges it offers to create wonderful garments for yourself. The patterns are written for four sizes, from small to extra-large. Individual patterns from the book are also available as knitting kits from Alice Starmore’s website, Virtual Yarns.