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Maggie’s Ireland by Maggie Jackson Magnificent new designs abound in Maggie’s Ireland, a fashion experience on location. Strolling through Maggie’s book is like being in Ireland, page after lavish page of not only the model wearing Maggie’s designs, but a background of Ireland’s scenic surroundings. Maggie puts you in a mood of the past and provides you the patterns to make your own romantic Irish wearables. Her designs are like no others I have ever seen; they are a crossover between contemporary and knights in shining armor time period. The fiber colors are earth tones, blending in with nature. There are blouses and sweaters that drape below the hips; embellished skirts and sleeves; blouses with off the shoulder sleeves and eyelash edgings; jackets with bobbles and layers of pleating; hats that caress; full length jackets and head adornments. All Maggie’s patterns are lavish and yet she uses basic stitches such as seed, stockinette, bobble, ladder, basket weave and ridge stitch, rather than the more complex stitches. Her garments are worked with additions of little swatches of color, tabs, stripes, tassel sprigs and inserts for contrast and interest. Many of the garments have uneven hems, unique edges and contrasting elements that which catch one’s eye There are too many patterns to count; women’s garments - teen through adult, two men’s sweaters, children’s jackets, pillows, and a doggy coat. I was sold on Maggie’s book the minute I saw the Connemara sweater, headband and full length rib skirt in the advertisements for the book. I love the wheat color fibers and the simplicity of design. At the other end of the spectrum, The Kilkenny top, skirt, hat and scarf are dramatic and racy for the young and young at heart. As an added bonus, you will find Chef Stevie’s creative recipes for oysters, salmon, wild fowl, veggies and fruit combinations along with Maggie’s narrative of her experiences while in Ireland. Maggie’s Ireland is a book of patterns, a journey through time, a visual treat and a good read even if you are not a knitter. Thanks Maggie for all your efforts and time to create a gourmet collage of delights. Review by Lydia F Borin |
