RIGHTS REVERTED - Alice Starmore's Glamourie (Dover Crafts: Knitting) Hardcover – February 14, 2018

What a gorgeous book! If you're considering purchase, please don't take the sour-grapes reviews too seriously - those who are upset that the costume patterns are not included apparently failed to read the book description before purchase. And they're somewhat missing the point - no, this is not a book of knitting instructions for cosplay garments; it's more of a showcase for the Starmores' art - Alice's high-concept knitting, and Jade's stories, styling and photography. The book itself is beautifully produced, the tales are magical, and the photographs of the costumes in the landscape are breathtaking. It almost seems a bonus that the second half of the book includes knitting patterns for lovely, wearable, everyday garments (NOT costumes) that are based on the costumes.The idea driving this book (as all the advertising will tell you) is that it created an opportunity for Starmore to stretch herself by knitting fantastic garments without having to worry about the constraints of sizing or pattern writing. It's high-octane inspiration for knitters, and shows what can be accomplished by a highly proficient knitter who is willing to adapt, innovate, and cast on thousands of stitches. I understand the frustration of seeing amazing knitted pieces and not being able to reproduce them, but as a previous reviewer pointed out, if you can knit at the level needed to make these costumes, you probably don't need instructions. The good news is that Starmore has given us (literally) volumes of instruction on knitting technique, design and garment construction. In the text of Glamourie she also gives us notes on how she created the costumes, and she's continuing to add content on her Virtual Yarns website that tells more specifically how details and components from the knitting design instructions can be used to create parts of the costumes. (You can also find photographs of every costume and every knitting design in the book there, and it's quite clear which is which.) Starmore has been encouraging us for decades to take and use all this knowledge she's shared to create our own flights of fancy, and Glamourie is an extension of that.So, this book is not falsely-advertised, a "huge bait and switch," or a "high-priced money grab." But it's also not necessarily the kind of book every knitter wants, so read the description, maybe visit her website, and make up your own mind whether it's a book that will inspire and delight you, or not. As far as I'm concerned, it's pure magic, and one I'm excited to have on my bookshelf. I can't wait to see what Starmore does next!

When I first saw a notice that this was coming out, I wasn't sure I needed yet another Starmore book and did not pre-order. I recently checked the reviews and found lots of disappointed people. However, when I saw the photos I was dazzled into ordering a copy. Beautiful, inspiring costumes and photography, and sweater patterns that I'd actually knit and wear (or at least borrow details from to incorporate into something of my own design.)No patterns for the costumes? These are artistic statements, intended to inspire, and full of lovely details to spark the viewer's creativity. They're so complex that to include instructions in even a single size would result in a book as large as an old-fashioned family bible and so expensive that no one could afford it. But the elements are there - that beautiful Raven headpiece is basically layers of feathers on a cap, and the Raven Cardigan pattern tells you how to knit feathers. The pleats in the flounce on Lapwing look like they're made the same way as the pleats in the Eagle Wrap and there are lots of photos throughout to give clues to "how did she DO that?"

I have every Starmore book written. My most ambitious knitting projects have come from Starmore patterns. This book takes me back to my Scots childhood with the fanciful stories and astonishing costumes to accompany them. The photography is brilliant. The first half of the book is theatrical costumes while the back half are lovely and wearable designs of Starmore sophistication.I did note that the largest chest size these patterns can accommodate is a 42”. However there are a few loose wraps that would be plus friendly. I also REALLY want the pattern for the blue Selkie costume sweater. It is in my mind the pinnacle piece and I’d wear it all the time. Just saying, ladies Starmore!I pre-ordered this book and am thrilled to have it with my Starmore collection. And there are several patterns here I will be making. A wonderful, fascinating addition to my knitting library.