Review: Among Stones

On the cover: Dacite

I was fortunate to spend a few moments chatting with Carol Feller in her booth on the last day of TNNA; she graciously took the time to show me pieces from her new collection, Among Stones, and even let me take home a copy for myself!

Fans of Feller's style can expect the same flattering knits with lots of texture, cables and other thoughtful details. At the beginning of the book, Carol writes, "This book is filled with some of my favourite kinds of knits: simple, interesting, wearable. All photographed in some of my favourite places: secret, beautiful, tranquil. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do."

That is definitely a good introduction to this collection of ten new designs, which is comprised of five sweaters and five accessories.

The collection opens with Dacite, a top-down, seamless cardigan knit with Donegal Tweed; when worn closed, the cardigan has a draped front detail, which I love! A gorgeous cabled hoody, Liathite, is knit in one of my favorite machine-washable yarns (Berroco Vintage Chunky) and has already jumped to the beginning of my queue. There is an adorable children's version (appropriately named Liathite Jr.) using the same yarn that I'm sure I'll be making for my nephews - it's so hard to find a good unisex children's pattern. Carol told me that her son, who models the sweater in the book, keeps asking to wear the sweater, too!

Liathite & Liathite Jr.

Gabbro

The sweater I fell in love with at the show was Gabbro, a fingering weight pullover with flattering lace and short row hem details. The yarn used for the model, Coolree Merino Silk, is absolutely gorgeous in person. Ever since returning home from TNNA, I have become obsessed with finding the perfect yarn for this project that's within my budget (but if you can afford it, I definitely recommend checking out some of Coolree's yarns here). The final pattern in the book is Dolmite (I admit, I keep wanting to write dolomite), a simple stockinette pullover with a funnel neck and flared shaping at hips for a relaxed fit. I have to admit, as I get older, I am appreciating design elements such as these more and more!

Aside from women's garments, there are a few other projects that will be great for everyone on your gift knitting list this year. The Pyrite socks are sized for men, women and children and are designed for variegated yarns using a simple slip-stitch design. Tourmalite is a two-color shaped shawl that would be great for somebody special; the model pairs Noro Silk Garden Lite with Cascade 220 Sport to achieve a stunning multi-color effect. For a fast knit, the Basanite Hat and Fingerless Mitts each use 1 skein of Quince & Co. Puffin to make warm, snuggly accessories just about anyone would love to wear. Serpentinite is a scarf that cleverly solves the problem I continually have: how do I keep it on? I admit, when it comes to wearing the scarves and shawls I knit, I am often clueless about how to stylishly wear them. This lacy scarf has a beaded loop that will hold the scarf in place, plus it's a great introduction to knitting with beads (something I have yet to attempt).

Pyrite

Throughout the book, Carol's instructions are clear and complete, with charts included as appropriate and a list of abbreviations and explanation of techniques included at the back. Sweater sizes are generous, coming in a range of sizes from about 32"-53" bust. Featured yarns range from indie dyers such as Miss Babs or Alisha Goes Around to larger companies such as Berroco, Blue Sky and Quince & Co.

This book is hot off the presses; print copies are available here on the Stolen Stitches website, or you can purchase a digital download here on Ravelry!

All images © Joseph Feller.