"The Best of Jane Austen Knits" - A Review

As part of Hamlette's "I Love Austen" week, I'm here today to share my review of "The Best of Jane Austen Knits," edited by Amy Clarke Moore.

This book is a lovely collection of 27 knitting patterns, all inspired by Regency-era fashions and designed with a certain Jane Austen character in mind. So as you can imagine, the projects are absolutely beautiful! They range in difficulty from beginner-level to very complicated, so there's something in here for every knitter, no matter how much experience.

And even if you aren't a knitter, I think you'll still enjoy taking a peek inside this book, as the photography is gorgeous! When I got this book a couple of Christmases ago, I hadn't a clue how to knit yet, but I still enjoyed flipping through it and admiring all of the delightful patterns. :)

See, even the table of contents is pretty! Most of the projects in the book are for women, but there are also a few for little girls, men, and even patterns for a book cover, a tea cozy, a pin ball, and a couple of bags. For this review, I'll just share some of my personal favorites from the book. :)

The first pattern in the book is for a very iconic clothing item from the Regency era: a spencer!

So for each project in the book, the author made sure to include all the information you'll need before beginning: a brief overview of the design and the inspiration behind it, a list of all the supplies you'll need, what the size of the finished project will be, and any other notes about the project. The pattern (instructions) are on the following pages.

This adorable little bag was inspired by Northanger Abbey! I love the description of it: "Could a reticule serve more than one purpose? Perhaps Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey carried such a bag--the heart-shaped vine entertwined with leaves and flowers carrying a subtle message of one looking for love. Who will notice? Certainly not someone as boorish as Mr. Thorpe, but perhaps the observant Mr. Tilney?" ;)

I'm actually working on this project right now! (However, being the inexperienced knitter that I am, I've had to restart over and over because I keep messing up!) This is called the Margaret Dashwood Shawl, and I just think it's so pretty. As for the pattern itself, the instructions are easy to read once you understand what all of the terms mean; thankfully there are a few pages at the back which explain them!

There are also a few interesting articles scattered throughout the book, such as this one, that talk about things like where Jane Austen lived, knitting in Regency-era England, and dressmaking during Jane Austen's lifetime.

How pretty is this cardigan? I love all of the pretty details to it, like the puffed sleeves. :)

A very fancy lace shawl named after Georgiana Darcy! Here's the description: "Georgiana Darcy of Pride and Prejudice was a lovely young woman just on the brink of adulthood--at an age when she should be preparing to attend her first ball. Along with a beautiful gown, what could be more appropriate than a demure lacy wrap edged with tiny pearls?" I just love how the descriptions help you picture Jane Austen's characters actually wearing the designs in this book!

This tea cozy is SO adorable!! 

Some lovely stockings with the cutest little details, inspired by Marianne Dashwood.

And because a knitting book inspired by Jane Austen's novels simply wouldn't be complete without it: a pattern for some lovely evening gloves!

Well, I really hope that you've enjoyed this peek inside The Best of Jane Austen Knits! This book truly is such a delight to flip through, and I'd highly recommend it. :)

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Molly