Knitting Counterpanes : Traditional Coverlet Patterns for Contemporary Knitters

By Mary Walker Phillips

Book Overview

Mary Walker Phillips nearly single-handedly brought nineteenth-century counterpanes, or bedspreads, to the attention of modern knitters. This book is the product of her international searches of museums, private collections, and magazines, a quest that yielded a choice selection of 46 counterpane patterns as well as 32 lace edgings and borders. Expanded with dozens of brand-new charts, this revised edition of Phillips' influential work makes the patterns even more accessible to knitters of all levels.
"This is a terrific book," noted Knitter's Magazine, adding that "the directions, photos, and general production are crisp and clean, just like its subject." The patterns are grouped into chapters by design effect. Within each chapter, they proceed logically from simplest to most complex. Each is accompanied by a photo of its component elements, which the author knitted especially for this book. The patterns include assembly diagrams where needed as well as possible variations. Beginners, experts, and everyone in between will find this volume a splendid resource of versatile patterns.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486473082
• ISBN13: 9780486473086
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Dover Publications, Incorporated
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Knitting Counterpanes: Traditional Coverlet Patterns for Contemporary Knitters

I bought this book a number of years ago. I have knit many patterns and projects from this book, to the point of having the book fall apart on me. :) It is a must have for every knitters book shelf.

A classic with a twist

Don't think this book is just for knitting bedspreads in white cotton like Grandmom had on her bed in Topeka. No indeed, though you'd be lucky to own such a heirloom and be even more lucky to decide to make one.You can use these squares and edgings for so much more. For example, the squares can be made into frons of sweaters and tunics for very original textured effects. Of course they also make good afghans from thicker wool. Or pillows. You choose, there are so many options.I like looking at the squares just for the inventiveness and incredible variety. This is one of my all-time favorite knitting books for getting design inspiration.

i haven't started yet...

I haven't started one yet, but I have every intention of knitting a counterpane from this book that I can pass on to my children and grandchildren. Yes, I have every intention of knitting an heirloom. This book is inspiring, and there is no other word for it.The patterns in this book are beautiful, easy to follow (I haven't started my counterpane, but I have knitted singles of a few of these patterns), and full of tradition. And, really, you don't have to knit an entire counterpane. Knit six or eight and have a placemat, or just knit different ones to learn traditonal and beautiful stitches. This book can be fun too, as well as inspiring!

Boy, these are pretty patterns

Want to knit some beautiful things? Only want some unusual edgings? This is your book. The patterns aren't difficult, either. This book makes me dream of the day I can retire and fool around with knitting patterns all the time.

The best of its kind

Knitting counterpanes is a deceptive title; Ms. Phillips has made it possible to learn stitches and patterns that look difficult, but are simple with her charting system. No one needs to knit entire coverlets; the project size is up to the reader. The pattern diversity, with the accompanying historical text (which is fascinating in and of itself), makes for a lot of pleasurable reading/planning. I recommend this book for any knitter who wants to knit new patterns that are stunning.