Absolutely gorgeous in every single aspect--the designs, the stories, the photographs, the styling, I loved it all. It was so pretty to look though, as well as to read, and I got some serious Vikings vibes from a few of the styled costumes which just made it all the more awesome.

While I was disappointed that the costumes pieces themselves were not the patterns (nor were most of the accessories, like the Sea Anemone's purse, kerchief, and kelp or the Cailleach's needle sheath), the designs that were inspired by them took most of the main elements from the costumes pieces and incorporated them nicely into garments that would be practical for everyday wear. I do wish there had been the pattern for the Sea Anemone skirt, because with a few mods, I could see it making the perfect Morticia Addams skirt; the pattern for the shawl/wings for the Damselfly also would have been welcomed.

Each tale is relatively short, but is a great introduction to the legends of the Scottish area, and they provide an excellent segue to the designs and costumes. The stories have a designers note at the end, discussing the inspiration for the elements incorporated into the costumes. And did I mention the photography and styling and settings are AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS, it's so beautiful and does a perfect job of transporting you to the Scottish moors and lochs. If this just consisted of the pictures, I would be just as happy.

The patterns themselves are extensive and very well written, and many of the patterns have multiple color and/or style variations. I loved that the embroidery instructions were extensively detailed--colors, centered placement, order--but also completely optional. The designers notes provide many helpful pointers on how to understand some of the more complex parts of the design, as well as giving brief background on how the elements of the costume are incorporated into the garments,.

Very, very, very highly recommended, even if you might not ever make any of the garments in it--it's definitely worth the price!

There is nothing about this that wasn't amazing. The photography, the designs and the design inspired patterns at the end. I can't knit. I'll say that straight up. But this book made me wish I could. I've been a fan of Alice Starmore for as long as I can remember, and every time she creates something new, she just astounds me with how creative she is. Nos, to make friends with someone who does knit who can make me one of every single thing this book has a pattern for!

This an amazing book of knitting design and stories. Costumes and Alice Starmore

I am enchanted by the magical masterpieces Alice Starmore created with her double wands, aka knitting needles. I cannot decide what I like more: the fantastic costumes or their wearable counterparts? I believe this is a book that all fans of Alice Starmore have to have on their shelf. Every single model in this book is a true masterpiece. I absolutely love the Raven costume and the Sea Anemone Costume. While the stunning costumes are eccentric, their wearable counterparts are very elegant. They have many unusual details on the fronts and backs, the collars, and the sleeves. Hats off also to Alice Starmore's daughter, Jade Starmore, who artfully put the models on stage. This book is for advanced knitters who want to bring their knitting to the next level. I can only recommend this book.

While these are beautiful creations, they aren't anything I would ever make for myself. If you're into a more whimsical over practical style, this is for you!

Alice Starmore's Glamourie by Alice Starmore
Book starts out with a table of contents: projects and notes, then patterns, techniques and abbreviations.
Introduction where the author talks about where she grew up, story behind the stories and patterns.
Love what Glamourie is and how she weaves her stories and dreams into her knitting.
Have read other works by this author and this one I found so inspiring, no rules and so adjustable for any size.
Not only is this book about knitting but she weaves a story in the background so I feel like I'm getting two books in one.
Very high quality photos showing not only the designs but the landscape where they meld into one but have enough contrast to show off the designs and patterns in the garment. Super photography!
So many different types of animals, my favorite would be one of the birds, Like a bit of everything from each one.
Each of the costume patterns start out with designer notes, about the animal they are representing in the knitted garment and a bit about them.
Pattern starts out with color photos from various angles showing the angles and flare. Sizes are given, knitted garment measurements, materials: yarn and needles, tension measurements and then the start of the actual knitting. Easy to work on, as each row is described. Love chart where it has the decreases marked out in cell form that you can check mark off once you've completed them.
Diagrams show finished dimensions so you can line them up to finish the final seams.
One thing I did not notice was the level of experience you'd need. I'd suggest high rating as it's going to take a bit of time to do and keep everything straight.
Some of the patterns are using charts for color changes so be sure to read through at least once before making them.
Credits and resources close out this book. What a treasure.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy via Dover Publications via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

I initially thought these patterns would be folklore-inspired but easy to knit, but as soon as I opened the first page I knew immediately just how wrong I was. Jaw. Drop. These costumes are intricate pieces of art that tell stories, whether or not you read the words from the pages. My brain can barely wrap around the construction of a single feather, let alone the fine crest or ruff of one of these jackets. This is the kind of book that inspires you to buy up $400 of handspun yarn at MDSW and the nicest knitting needles you've ever had, then spend the next two years hoping to do the pattern even a sliver of justice. And you know what? No time will have been wasted, no frustration of tinking out rows of colorwork will be too much. Because each piece tells a story, and those of us who try to tell it will gain something priceless in the retelling.

This is a knitting book with a difference. It focuses on costuming and has pictures of some incredible creations the author has designed. The big difference, however, is that the costumes also have stories attached, so it's more than a craft book.

The author also explains much about how she made each of the costumes and the inspiration behind them.

There is one disappointment though. The patterns in the back are not for the elaborate costumes pictured with the stories. We don't get those. They are for items more for everyday wear, with some elements of the costumes. For example, the Raven costume that drew my attention to the book is truly magnificent, but the related pattern given is for a basic poncho with some of the feather design that was incorporated into the more intricate costume.

Looking at the sale price of the book, I do feel let down that the actual costuming patterns were not included. While someone walking around in something like the Raven costume would be immediately perceived as a nutter in ordinary circumstances, there are events where costuming is appropriate and I would love to make this one for such events.

Having said that, the everyday wear patterns are unusual in their own right and the book is certainly attractive for someone who wants to add some unique items to their wardrobe. Details about stitches are given and I think any fairly experienced knitter could easily follow the patterns.

Alice Starmore's work is, in the knitting world, legendary. As a knitter, this means I went into this book completely biased and super excited.

"While the first half of this book is an unrestrained flight of fancy, the second half contains full instructions for knitting beautiful garments based upon each costume, all written with Alice Starmore's trademark accuracy and precision."

The collection of stories truly are wonderful, and the costumes to go with each are beautiful. The book has breathtaking photography of not only these costumes, but also the patterns that were inspired by them. To many knitters, just starting knitting is to knitting a Starmore pattern as walking up a hill is to climbing Mount Everst. That being said, there were several patterns in the book that are not AS complex as one normally thinks of when they think of Starmore (though I'm still not sure I have the courage to tackle them).

Alice Starmore, what is there to say about this wonderful designer? I am amazed at the costumes she designed & a little sad she didn't include the patterns for the actual costumes, but the patterns that are in the book live up to her wonderful explanations & designs. I have already seen about six of them that I want to make. My only issue is that I wish she would make some of her sweaters & clothing plus size.

The story that was written to go along with the costumes were well worth the cost of the book itself. It kept you enthralled & well written. I love mythology style writing so I adored it. I read the entire thing in one night cause I could not put it down.

Alice Starmore is a creator of fantastic, beautiful, and ambitious knitting patterns. I myself have been knitting for many years, and will have to practice for many more before I can tackle her projects. This book is beautifully photographed and provides a wonderful story.

*I received an ARC from netgalley*

I loved this book. I'm a knitter, so the patterns appealed to me, but so did the whimsy & fantasy expressed in the amazing photography. I would most definitely buy this book!

Beautiful pictures, combined with enchanting stories. A nice book for the coffee table, but the patterns are a but unusual. I'm not sure I'll be making a lot of them, but it is fun to just enjoy the beauty of the book-

I have every Starmore book written. My most ambitious knitting projects have come from Starmore patterns. This book takes me back to my Scots childhood with the fanciful stories and astonishing costumes to accompany them. The photography is brilliant. The first half of the book is theatrical costumes while the back half are lovely and wearable designs of Starmore sophistication.

I did note that the largest chest size these patterns can accommodate is a 42”. However there are a few loose wraps that would be plus friendly. I also REALLY want the pattern for the blue Selkie costume sweater. It is in my mind the pinnacle piece and I’d wear it all the time. Just saying, ladies Starmore!

I have pre-ordered this book and can’t wait to have it with my Starmore collection. And there are several patterns here I will be making. A wonderful , fascinating addition to my knitting library.

What a beautiful book! The images are gorgeous and evoke a style akin to "Outlander"
The patterns are well written and concise and the accompanying images are perfect for referring to. I love the touches of the little stories that go with each costume. This is such a wonderful book that is just as lovely to look through as it is to use the patterns.

This is not for the faint of heart. I might attempt one of these patterns after I’ve been knitting for another ten years. They are beautiful and dramatic. It would be a beautiful coffee table book.

Starmore combines the myths and legends of Scotland with her amazing knitting skills to create a book as unique as it is beautiful. She shares a legend, then shares photographs of the incredible clothing/costume she has made to illustrate it. With the wild beauty of Scotland as a backdrop, I found myself mesmerized by both the stories and some of the most beautiful knit wear I have ever seen.