♥ Magpies, Homebodies and Nomads ♥ from Cirilia Rose is a compendium of beautiful patterns designed by Cirilia herself and photographed by the exceptionally talented Jared Flood.  Within it’s tempting cover Cirilia explains that she has split the patterns in the book into three sections, each one accommodating the different parts of our knitterly personalities.

Magpies contains designs to utilise those beautiful small amounts of precious yarn that many of us purchase with no project in mind but know we just have to have.  Like Cirilia, I myself tend to buy a ‘souvenir’ hank or two and find each evokes a memory of a trip somewhere, time inevitably spent with my loved ones and I love the process of finding a worthwhile pattern to knit.

Within the Magpie section there are 8 designs, including one of the main reasons for my purchase and necessary addition to my fibre reference library.

The Isla Cardigan shown here with The Marion Collar is I think, a beautiful classic piece of knitwear.  Cirilia has used Zealana Rimu DK which is a blend of merino and possum fibre.  The deep rib creates an empire waistline whilst the slightly puffed shoulders and three quarter length sleeves add to the vintage look.  The cardigan is completely set off with the addition of the Marion Collar, but I think we could be forgiven for wearing it without.

I’m also rather taken with the Breve Cowl which has been knitted with 2 very different yarns – Noro Silk Garden and Rowan Denim.  The easy 2 row lace pattern can be used effectively with most yarns and because it’s a wraparound cowl, the play with colours and textures of the layers created, is simple but effective.

Homebodies is for comfort, feeding the nester in all of us.  Whether it takes the form of cosy slippers or comfy homewares, it embraces early evenings spent in by the fire.  Within the Homebodies section of 8 patterns there are some lovely designs including Heima Slippers, Borgarnes Pillow and the beautiful Loro Vest.  Heima Slippers to indulge my current sock and slipper knitting fetish and the Borgarnes Pillow appeals to the eco warrior in me as it’s knitted in t-shirt yarn.  The Loro Vest has universal appeal, looking great whatever the weather, layered over a summer dress, jeans or leggings.

It’s the Nomads section that has truly caught my eye and resulted in yet more additions to my ‘must knit’ wish list.  The first temptation comes in the form of the Gezell Coat made in Royalpaca from Schulana which seems to be a aran weight yarn, meaning it won’t take too long to knit 😉 Although hard to see in the photograph , there are little knitted bobbles adorning the hem and sleeve edges to add interest.

Next we have the classically shaped Coterie Cardigan with it’s double breasted, military detail and beautiful I-cord edging.  Once again I can happily say ‘it’s aran weight’ 👍

The kaleidoscope of colour that is the Studio Pullover is pure rainbow pleasure in a jumper, but look past the colourful heart and you’ll notice the jumper is a cleverly constructed, saddle shoulder, aran weight wardrobe staple (for me anyway).  I do love the multicoloured heart and have even had a look at Hippie Chix fibre Art locks  but I’m not convinced it’s me.  Sadly the Rittenhouse yarn from Manos del Uraguay has also been discontinued so I’ll have to look for an alternative.  How bad 😜

Cirilia has included the usual page of abbreviations and a couple of pages dedicated to ‘special techniques’ and this book does contain a few including, provisional cast on, applied I-cord, Kitchener stitch and short row shaping.  Don’t let that put you off though Youtube is a fantastic resource and Craftsy always has fantastic classes on offer and of course there’s always me .  If I don’t know, I’ll want to, so it’ll just be an opportunity waiting to happen.

One of the things I love about Cirilia’s book is that she’s also added a ‘recommended reading’ page or three, which includes several of my favourite books and one or two I hadn’t heard of.  Me thinks further investigation might be in order 😉

Happy Knitting!

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