What a gorgeous book. I love the concept – patterns based on and inspired by the women of the Tudor dynasty, along with quotes from or about the women and with extraordinary photographs. The patterns are every one stunning (and probably far beyond my ability), color and style and pattern harking back to the Renaissance without being RenFaire garb. I want at least half the garments shown here – and even if, as I suspect, the patterns are beyond my capabilities, the book itself is simply lovely to look at.

The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review. ( )

For slender women with eclectic taste

The knitted garments presented in this book are for slender women with straight spines and long necks and whose long necks don't get cold. While a few patterns enclose the neck, I am reading on a dank winter day and feel the chill, even from the substantial jacket on the cover.

Ms Starmore presents 14 designs: one shawl and 13 knitted jackets and sweaters. The designs and patterns spring from Ms Starmore's interpretation of the lives and interests of 14 Tudor women. Most of the designs are multicolored, with a few in a single color but with intricate knitted patterns. Each knitting pattern is stretched across several pages and each garment is presented in several views. There are no reverse side views to show how the garments, and particularly the shawl, are finished.

The instructions are very detailed and are a combination of text and charted designs. Ms Starmore recommends a few of them for advanced beginners, but I suspect the patterns would be daunting to anyone who is not confident. Only a couple of these designs would forgive weak technique.

This is a book that I would like to own but I doubt if I would find useful. I like two of the sweater designs and a few of the motifs, but no one I knit for is shaped for these jackets.

I received a review copy of "Tudor Roses" by Alice Starmore (Dover) through NetGalley.com. It was originally published in 1998 and has been revised and updated for this edition. Some of the designs in the original have been dropped. ( )

I have the first Tudor Roses by Alice Starmore and it is a favorite of mine. I have knitted some of the patterns. But even if you don't want to knit, the pictures and text are well worth checking this book out. This new Tudor Roses is the same. There are some new patterns and more modern interpretations of some of the original patterns. The patterns are mostly very challenging and for the advanced knitter. However, I would recommend it for any knitter's library. One can dream after all. ( )

14 designs for stranded colorwork, inspired by the women of the Tudor dynasty. The designs are beautiful and challenging, and this reprinting was eagerly anticipated. The hardcover book is huge and very heavy. Designs will need to be photocopied in order to be portable.

Pre-order from Amazon.com