Country weekend knits - Madeline Weston

Fashions come and go, but there are some things that simply never go out of style. Country Weekend Knits features a collection of 25 classic patterns that showcase the rich heritage of traditional British knitwear –cosy jumpers, chunky cardigans, patterned sweater-vests and lightweight lacy cover-ups that all have a timeless appeal.

Divided into four chapters according to origin –‘Gansey’, ‘Fair Isle’, ‘Aran’ and ‘Shetland Lace’– the patterns are drawn from all corners of the British Isles and include multicoloured knitting from Fair Isle; lace knitting from the Shetland Isles; textured fishermen’s ganseys from Cornwall, the east coast of England and Scotland; and chunky Arans from the Isle of Aran, off the west coat of Ireland. Many of the patterns are based on original designs dating as far back as the eighteenth century, which have been passed down through generations of knitters, and some have been reinterpreted with a fresh approach to colour and pattern.

The rich textures of the sumptuous yarns, soft natural colours and intricate patterns of these timeless knits instantly conjure up a host of comforting images –of country walks across windswept hills, besides crashing surf and through the crisp fallen leaves of autumn, of glowing cheeks beside roaring open fires, tankards of ale and traditional cream teas… Whether you’re a country soul through-and-through or an urbanite at heart, you cannot fail to be seduced by the nostalgic appeal of the traditional patterns collected in Country Weekend Knits.