Outlander knitting The official book of 20 knits inspired by the hit series

The television series Outlander, based on the best-selling historical novels by Diana Gabaldon, features a World War II nurse who finds herself transported back to mid-eighteeth century Scotland, where she meets handsome Highlander warrior, Jamie. Fans of the series love not just the romance, but also, as it soon became clear to the costume staff, the knitwear. This handsome book will satisfy the show's avid knitting audience, offering a number of patterns that run the gamut of difficulty from tams to Fair Isle sweaters, cowls to capelets, socks to arm warmers. Besides the selection of enticing projects, the book is notable for its handsome color photographs and its interesting and informative introduction and project notes, which discuss such topics as the authenticity of the knitwear in the show (hard to determine because so few knit goods from the 1700s have survived); how the knits were created for a show on a fast production schedule; and the show's inspirations for all the patterns. Even those unfamiliar with the series will find something here to like.

Introduction There are so many gorgeous things to enjoy in the Outlander TV series--including beautiful scenery, beautiful people, and a truly remarkable amount of beautiful knitwear. The crafters who have been watching the series have responded with such enthusiasm for the knits (and a few sneaky crocheted pieces) that many have created their own interpretations of the pieces they've seen on-screen. Well, this book is our love letter to the fans. We're right there with you, knitting in front of the TV, wishing we were in the Highlands instead. The projects in this book were created by expert knitting designers and are a mix of homages to the costumes worn in the show and items inspired by characters or scenes. After all, even if we don't see one on-screen, we know that expert tea-leaf reader Mrs. Graham would need a cozy for her teapot. There's also something here for every skill level and knitting interest. If you're a beginner knitter--or you're just looking for a relaxing knit to work on while catching up on missed episodes--you'll easily be able to tackle the Sassenach Capelet Cowl or the simplified version of the Rent Shawl; and if you're up for a wee bit of adventure, try Mrs. Fitz's Armwarmers. If you'd like to dip your toe into stranded colorwork, the Lovat Mitts and Cowl are the perfect projects. A more experienced stranded colorwork knitter will relish the Targe Tam. If you enjoy lacework, both the River Run Shawl and the Lace Fichu are satisfying projects, engaging but not too challenging. There are two sock designs that we didn't see on-screen, but we know very well indeed that you'd need warm socks while roaming the Highlands or tending your homestead in the New World. If you're looking for an heirloom-quality project using traditional techniques, consider the stranded colorwork and steeked The Man I Left Behind Vest. Each pattern lists Skills Required so you'll know what techniques are needed that go above and beyond the basics of casting on, binding off, increasing and decreasing; this list will give you a sense of the complexity of each pattern. The Glossary and Techniques section at the back of the book is there to help you out with terms and techniques you might not know. If there's a special term for a particular pattern, we've listed that in the pattern instructions. All swatches should be blocked for determining gauge. We hope you enjoy making (and wearing) these projects and that they transport you through the stones. Excerpted from Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.