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.
Copyright © 2020 by Kate Atherley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
