I’ve never read any of the Outlander books or watched the television series based on them, but I know the time-traveling romance set in the Scottish highlands is appealing to a lot of people for a lot of reasons. Knitters swoon at the storyline as well as the knits worn by the characters, which inspired designers to take on some of the garments shown in the series or projects inspired by the show and books in the book Highland Knits: Knitwear Inspired by the Highlander Series.
Even if you’re not a fan of the series, there are lots of lovely patterns here, starting with the super-bulky, long, reversible, shape-shifting Time Traveler Reversible Vest by Karen Clements. Jennifer Jackson’s triangular Rent Collection Shawl is inspired by Clare’s shawl and uses intarsia to make the striped edging.
Clements’ Lallybrough Shrug is another easy, super bulky project that can be customized to fit, while the Sassenach Cowl by Kristin Brooks is another classic from the show that couldn’t be easier — it’s a Garter Stitch cowl worked with super bulky yarn held double (get the pattern free from Amazon through the end of April 2016). And Kalurah Hudson’s cabled, knee-high Standing Stones Socks are perfect for keeping toes warm on the moor or anywhere else. Check out all the patterns on Ravelry.
Classic Scottish style combines with easy modern elements like large scale and simple stitch patterns to make an evocative collection that’s also easy to fit into everyday life, which is great regardless of whether you’re a fan of the series.
About the book: 112 pages, paperback, 16 patterns (skill level is not given, but most are good for beginner to advanced beginner knitters comfortable with cables and a bit of shaping). Published by Interweave/F+W, April 2016. Suggested retail $22.99. Use code OUTLANDER20 at Interweave to get 20 percent off if ordered before the end of April 2016.
I purchased the book a few weeks ago. I just finished the sassanach cowl, and I came very close to running out of yarn on my 50th row. It said to knit 78 rows! And had I knitted all of those without running out of yarn, it would have been way to long and not fit right. So I stopped at 50. And I have a question for you or anyone else that has made the time travelers vest, how many stands of yarn do you use, all 3? Just wondering because it didn’t say.