The first is often the best

When  we first brought Elsebeth Lavold designs and yarn into the shop, the decision was based largely on a small collection of books - but most especially her first, The Viking Knits Collection.  This is a classic first book, with a wonderful array of really beautiful designs.  It begins with a simple and basic pullover in sizes for the whole family.  She includes several lovely cardigans with a flattering A-line silhouette, and a few hat and mittens patterns.  Gyrid is a perfect summer knit and one of my favorites, but that's not really fair, because so many of these are my favorites. 

In addition to these and other beautiful patterns, Book One gives you an excellent primer on not only the basics, but other techniques such as increases, seaming, short rows,and more.  She also goes over how to read a chart and provides an excellent key.  You can really see the careful consideration she gave to each element that might interest knitters at all levels.

Tomorrow I'll post details on the various yarns you might choose for Gyrid, or any of these designs, as I'm sure you'll knit many designs from this classic book.