May/June 2016
This enchanting collection of knitting patterns provides instructions for making a host of Jane Austen characters, along with their clothes (exquisite gowns for the ladies, breeches or trousers and billowy romantic shirts for the gentlemen) , bonnets and top hats, boots, shoes, cravats and parasols, And then, joy of joys, all the bits and pieces to makle up various scenes from the novels: the picnic rug, basket and cake for Emma's Box Hil picnic, duelling swords for Colonel Brand and Wiloughby, Anne Elliott's pianoforte. The figures and their accountrements are so beautifully designed and executed that I was inspired to try and knit Lizzie Bennet (with her pale-blue afternoon dress and parasol), and can report that progress has been made with the help of a knitter friend. The patterns are intricate and dainty but straightforward to follow, and accompanied by plenty of photographs - and to be honest if I can turn a tiny heel and knit shapelu body on four needles, anyone can.
* Jane Austen's Regency World *
Now, thanks to the author Trixie Von Purl, there's a way I can combine my two hobbies of knitting and literature ... by knitting scenes from Austen's novels. Yes, really. Mr Darcy's second proposal to Elizabeth; Emma's infamous picnic; Willoughby rescuing Marianne in the rain - they're all here, complete with attention to period dress and, my favourite, a knitted piano.
Von Purl's book is great fun and lovingly produced with artistic care. Each scene has a introduction to the relevant story and there are suggestions on how to pose your knitted characters. I particularly like the different outfits, including Mr Darcy's breeches, there are to knit.
Jane Austen fans will enjoy flicking through this book with a smile on their face. The characters are a fun way to use up odds and ends of yarn and the finished versions will be great to introduce young children to Austen's characters and storylines. That's if you don't keep them all for yourself.
Full Review: http://awoollyyarn.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/review-of-pride-preju-knits.html
* A Wolly Yarn *
Trixie's book contain's patterns to knit your favourite characters from Jane Austen's novels, including gentle Anne from Persausion, rakish Mr Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility and of course from Pride and Prejudice, dashing Mr Darcy. There are also patterns for top hats, fans, bonnets, period gowns and even a bible, a bouquet and the vicar's surplice for a wedding. The patterns are small but charming and require a little patience. Jane herself wrote in Emma that success supposes endeavour. For you that can only mean one thing... get your needles out!
* Knitting & Crochet *
Squuueeee!!!!!!!!! I love Jane Austen and this book has brought her story to life. The book has twelve knitting projects for you to recreate the story in your house. It's an adult toy to knit. They are truly inspirational and they bring a smile to your face. Each of the knits brings the story to you and is very easy to see which part of the story is recreated. Each of the basic techniques are used to make the basic items and these are then added to so that you can create each of the characters and the scenes. Not only do you get patterns for the characters you also get items to set the scene. You even get a pattern for the cat! The patterns are all in written format and are easy to follow. At the front of the book the techniques are explained to make the process easier for you. A beautiful collection of patterns that bring something special to life.
* Crochet Addict UK *
As fans of both Jane Austen and knitting, we found this book an absolute delight. It is packed full of thoughtful and ingenious knitting projects and every time you look through its pages you will stumble across something you haven't spotted before - whether it's a pianoforte or a picnic basket. If the idea appeals, you'll be pleased to find that this isn't something that will only occupy you for a weekend. There's so much detail, and so many projects, that you could probably keep yourself busy for a year,
The temptation is to dive straight in - but be warned: this is not a book for the faint-hearted and is likely to leave the novice knitter stumped. You'll need a lot of technical skill, especially for the dolls themselves, and a lot of equipment. For the skilled knitter, this is a book that will offer you many enjoyable and rewarding projects but is challenging enough to last a long time.Nevertheless, whatever the outcome, this is still a book that's full of delights and we can see ourselves, even if not working through from cover to cover, at least having a few of the characters by our side when we re-read the books.
* Artbookreview.net *
Calling all Jane Austen and knitting fans! This book will enable you to bring the books to life by recreating some of the famous scenes via the medium of knitting. Suitable for experienced knitters looking for an absorbing challenge this is a new type of project that ties in with much-loved literature. Featuring a basic body for male and female dolls this is then customized and dressed in a variety of Regency outfits before being arranged in tableaux with knitted props such as a picnic blanket, piano, cakes, armchair etc. Each chapter has all the costumes, character adjustments, props and more for a scene from a chosen book plus a reminder at the beginning of what is going on. Mr Darcy proposes to Lizzie, Sir Thomas interrupts rehearsals at Mansfield Park, Emma marries Mr Knightley and Colonel Brandon duels with Willoughby among other scenes, twelve in all. These are not dolls for young children but poseable ornaments for display complete with chenille skeletons or card interiors in the case of some larger props. Each project is listed in words in quite small print, as this is a fairly small format book together with a small photograph of the finished item on its own. More photographs show the items worn and displayed, rather like the fun of arranging a dolls house without the need for the large building. This is a book of themed patterns not a knitting primer but at the back is a handy list of abbreviations plus a few "extra techniques" such as making a pompom, Kitchener stitch, I-cords and finishing. If you are an experienced knitter who enjoys the challenge of small, detailed projects then this is sure to appeal.
* Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *