I published an interview with Cirilia Rose the other day. It was a fun way to get to know the author – what’s behind her designs and her approach to knitting. It gave me a new way to look at the book.
Magpies, Homebodies, and Nomads: A Modern Knitter’s Guide to Discovering and Exploring Style
26 designs
- 5 cowl/hats/scarves
- 4 hats
- 3 tanks/camisoles/tees
- 2 pullovers
- 2 cardigans
- 2 coats/capes
- 2 home decor
- 1 vest
- 1 bag
- 1 pair of mitts
- 1 pair of slippers
True to the title, Cirilia has amassed an eclectic collection of designs – cozy coats and cowls, sexy tanks and camisoles, playful hats and embellishments. There’s something here for everyone.
The Reyka pullover had me looking at sheepy, rustic wool again. I love the “just enough” stranded knitting on the top and the lack of sleeves makes it more appropriate for wear indoors (and an excuse for another color!)
Then we have those slippers – THOSE SLIPPERS! I’m not sure if I’m more in love with the slippers or the pic. The slippers look comfy – easy to make, easy to wear. The bow on the top and the leggings really make it though. Now I don’t plan to walk around the house with those on but the memory of that pic would make for a little bounce in my step as I walk around in my PJs.
The L’arbre mitts and hat use a simple stitch pattern to great effect. I love the matching look of the duo, and after reading her article on color I love how her lipstick coordinates with her top – it’s a great contrast for the teal and a great look for her.
The Tisane tank and Garance Cami both have Cirilia written all over them. Simple stitch patterns, interesting shapes and great details – love the use of the ribbons in both of them.
She gives plenty of details such as construction, special instructions, close up pics and detailed schematics. It’s clear that she and other knitters were a part of creating this book.
At a time where there are SO MANY knitting pattern books, the real gem for me is in the articles (I know, it surprised me too). The tag line “A Modern Knitter’s Guide to Discovering and Exploring Style” is apropos. Cirilia includes 26 beautiful designs, and it would be a good book if she just stopped there. But she didn’t, and you should read the articles too. Really.
Articles
- Color Me Brave – teaches us how to see beyond those colors that always draw our attention
- Think Like a Stylist – ways to get more oomph in our dressing
- Surround Yourself – be close to smarter, more creative, more energetic people to learn from them
- Substituting Yarns – she goes beyond the classic “find another yarn in a similar gauge” and talks about drape, gauge and needle sizes
- Finding Myself in Iceland – Cirilia has a thing for Iceland and her description of it made me curious about this country I hadn’t thought about much before this
- Looking For a Come-Up – thrift store shopping and finding that awesome piece – you can even use it for inspiration for your knitting
Do yourself a favor – take a look at the book, the designs AND the articles. I’ve had the book for a few weeks now and have referred to it many times – adding color to my wardrobe, having more fun with my garments, and looking at my stash in new ways.
The Giveaway
Interested in getting a copy? Leave a comment with your favorite design or article and I’ll randomly select one for the giveaway.
Give it a look and I’ll catch you on the purl side…
What a lovely collection! It’s difficult to choose a favorite design, but I’ll start with Reyka–so refined and wearable. Great giveaway!
thanks for entering and good luck!
I’m tempted to make Reyka during my time off over the holidays. maybe even in a new-to-me color!
I’m really digging those slippers, and could use a pair for myself!
i’ve only made one pair of slippers and i didn’t love them – they were SO slippery to walk on with hardwood floors! i’ve been looking at soles to make them less-deathtrappy
love love love those slippers ~ it’s 28 degrees right now and oh, how I would love to have those on my chilly toes!!
thanks for hosting a giveaway, Jody!
i swear i’d look at them a lot less if it wasn’t for that pic. it almost makes me want to look at patterned leggings too. almost.
now I’d BUY some patterned leggings but I’d never make those ~ way out of my league
omg i’d NEVER make them but i don’t think i’d wear them either – they wouldn’t look good on me .
…but in private don’t we all look *fantastic* in the things we’d like to wear in public but are too afraid…
I would totally wear these…at home…every night…maybe I need a dozen or so?
Love the L’arbre hat/ mitten set! Beautiful!
Jabella on rav
the slipped sts are great, right? in a handdyed? beautiful.
These are all so unique and beautiful…but I think the Loro vest would be a piece that I would live in!
Loro is a lovely piece too – i think it’d be a lot of fun to knit as well with those big cables and eyelets
It looks like a great pattern book – I like the L’abre mitts and hat – it looks like a fun knit and would make a great Christmas present
Another vote for Reyka. I like to wear layering pieces and am just starting to move into colourwork.
The slippers remind me of ballerina slippers. I would love to make them.
I love those slippers, look like they’d be grand for using some of my handspun.
I love Reyka…perfect for cold Wisconsin winters. But I think I’d start with L’arbre hat and mitts, just so lovely and feminine and cozy!
I totally heart those slippers!
Love many of the designs–but, my favorites are the L’arbre mitts and hat.
I want those tights/ leggings in the worst way!
I think the Isla Cardigan is my fav. I love the look of the set in but slightly puffed sleeve.
This looks like such a wonderful book. I like all of the designs you’ve shown, but I love, love, love those L’arbre mitts!
Reyka is lovely, and the Surround Yourself article sounds like just what I need right now!
Interesting review and thank you for the giveaway!
I won’t enter in the giveaway though, I really have to focus on my Christmas knitting! Good luck everyone!
I love so many of the patterns! The article on Substituting Yarns really speaks to me right now, though. I’ve had mixed results with substitutions so far and an in depth look at how to do it would be lovely. Thanks for the chance to win!
Oh the slippers…..they look like a good obsessive knit. You know the one, the pattern you knit twelve times over and give to everyone who comes to your house in December.
I have a lot of handspun stash that would look great as slippers.
(PS…..for the slip/hardwood issue, I got a tube of clear 100% silicone from the hardware and make little squiggly lines on the bottom of slippers. They wear off eventually but are easy to reapply. You can even write the recipient’s name or do flowery doodles with the silicone!)
Looks like a good read ! I’d go for the Isla Cardigan – looks lovely..
What great designs! My favorite is the Framboise Cardigan, with those tabs to hold a knitted or fabric scarf. Fab idea!
The slippers are neat, too, but I’ll pass on the leggings. I don’t need anything to make my legs look fattter
I’d love to knit (and wear!) those slippers.
Reyka is cute but those slippers are talking to me!
Even though I am not usually a vest person, the Loro Vest is calling to me. The whole book looks fantastic!
I loved reading the article by Cirilia ‘Finding Myself in Iceland’ the pattern ‘Reyka’ is just perfect for some of the yarn in my stash!
I popped over here for your Curls Review (I’m a longtime Hunter Hammersen fan. : ) ) – I’m smitten with the Loro Vest. Love the textures! : ) and I quite like your blog. I’ll be back. : )
I love everything in this book. My fave might be the Loro vest – so versatile!
Beside being an avid knitter I am also a Thrift Store shopper. I would love to be able to shop for a come up such as sweaters, to recycle the yarn and knit Reyka. Then use the leftovers for colorful slippers! What a delightful, creative book. You have given me the opportunity of a Christmas wish…dreaming…
love the patterns would really enjoy this book . Happy Thanksgiving!
What a great book! Thanks for the chance, and Happy Thanksgiving!
-Nancy N (n2n on Rav)
I am very interested in reading the “Color Me Brave” article…her design and color choices are fascinating. Great review!