Myshelf.com
June 13
Knitting has been with us since the Middle Ages and is currently enjoying a revival. This is not just another book of projects, nor an encyclopedia but a book looking at the origins of knitting and how traditional patterns can be used today to make many attractive and useful items. Starting with a brief potted history this book is divided into sections on stitches. These are sensibly arranged mostly in order of difficulty with textured stitches such as plain and purl first, through twisted stitches (i.e. cable), lacework and intarsia methods. Each chapter starts with the history of the stitch type and has pages of traditional patterns to practice and use in your own designs. Each pattern is short and there are usually three to a page, with a photograph of the finished work, color key, written instructions and charts. At the end of each chapter are a couple of projects, ranging from clothes and accessories for adults and children to items such as a hot water bottle cover, cushion cover and baby blanket. You can even knit your own raspberry beret! Finally at the end of the book there is a brief section with staged photographs on how to knit, although this is to remind those who already know but are rusty as this is very much a book for the intermediate knitter, or at least the improver. Overall it is a handsome book well illustrated with old photographs and archive pictures as well as all the projects and would make a great gift for anybody with an interest in the history of knitting.
Knitter, The
Issue 56
This book offers an inspiring collection of traditional stitch patterns from Europe and beyond. Its organised into key sections textured knit and purl stitches, twisted stitches, cables, lace, raised stitches and colourwork which are guaranteed to inspire your own designs. Each chapter presents large photographs of knitted swatches accompanied by both written and charted nstructions. Original knitting patterns appear throughout the book, demonstrating some of the stitch patterns featured. These range from simple textured bags, cowls and slippers to more complex heirloom blankets, cabled cardigans and stranded colourwork mittens. Each section also includes a look at the history of knitting styles, from fishermens ganseys to fine lace and Fair Isle. This will be a great resource for anyone keen to explore the potential of the knitted stitch.
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
Feb 13
Traditional knitting skills are still used in practically every garment that's made. Discover 150 stitch patterns with 12 knitting patterns to hone your skills. Excellent information is provided on all aspects of knitting. The book begins with textured stitches it then moves onto twisted stitches, raised stitches, cable, lace and colour work. The introduction to each section includes interesting historical information.Each stitch has an image of a finished sample and the pattern is written in longhand as well as on a chart. Some of the photographs of the knitted samples are unfortunately poor quality. This is a useful book not only for those who wish to carry on the tradition of knitting, but also for those interested in contemporary knitting as the stitches can easily be used in any project.
