Echoes of Heather and Stone is a timeless collection of 8 garments and accessory handknits inspired by Ireland’s ancient past. Ireland is a small nation, on a small island, but with a rich history and geography that has inspired artists and crafters for generations. The book uses Stolen Stitches ‘Nua’ yarn that has a subtle palate that allows each design to shine. The designs use different levels of knitwear techniques allowing the knitter to add to their existing toolkit as they work through each exquisite pattern. As an introduction to the collection, each designer describes their thought process and design inspiration in their own words along with supporting essays on Ireland’s heritage and locations by Nadia Seaver and photography by Joseph Feller.
Carol explains “ For this book, I invited seven talented designers to draw inspiration from this deep well of living heritage. I didn’t want to produce just another book of Aran sweaters. I wanted designs inspired by Ireland on a deeper level, combined with each designer’s personality and aesthetic to become something beautifully unique. ”
You will be instantly transported to Ireland with designs such as Lucy Hague’s Newgrange Shawl with its interconnected Neolithic spirals, Jennifer Wood’s Ahenny sweater that has complex cable details inspired by high crosses, Carol Feller’s Epona Cowl with rhythmic spiral colourwork, Isabell Kraemer’s Aine sweater using torc-like yoke colourwork, Justyna Lorkowska’s Shamrock sweater with gentle cable patterns that mimic the fields, Amanda Schwabe’s Talamed cardigan that weaves an interconnected sea of coloured cables almost like the book of Kells, Karie Westermann’s Knowth shawl inspired by prehistoric stone carvings and finally Woolly Wormhead’s Trittico hat that uses 3 connected motifs inspired by religious artefacts.