If you enjoy doing colourwork then this book has a wealth of ideas from single animal motifs to overall ideas for designs for bigger projects. It would be easy to mix and match the patterns to create your own designs.
The charts are colour coded to the swatches and there is a second colourway suggestion to get ones imagination going. There are great ideas for adding bits of fair isle to a garment, hat or cushion cover.
I like the fact that the photographed swatches are real in size. An added extra are some simple patterns for a beginner who is new to fair isle to follow.
The book also contains helpful hints for a knitter including different cast ons, how to steek and blocking and finishing techniques.
I would highly recommend this book to add to your library.
Knit Today
Jan 14
Scandi-style is more popular than ever and now you can incorporate the traditional designs into your knits with the patterns in Mary Jane's book. It's a veritable feast, packed with (yes, you guessed it) 150 different designs to use on winter sweaters, yokes, hats, gloves and more. Four patterns, for a hat, cowl, mittens and a pincushion, are also given. Helpfully, the swatches are all printed at actual size and essential instructions are given for those who are unfamiliar with colour knitting.
sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com
Oct 13
This is such a great resource book for those looking for fairisle knitting designs. However, it's not just a dictionary of design but also a guide to more advanced knitting, such as steeking and designing garments. It's so accessible but gently stretching too. There are 29 pages on increasing, decreasing, working in the round and holding the yarn with heaps of tips for working with two or more colours. I've always loved going at my own pace with knitting, gradually teaching myself all the techniques one at a time, then coasting for a while until I get bored. I do feel as if I want to try the hat above, maybe in my favourite colour combo - white and red. There are four projects at the back of the book to knit - a cowl, a hat, mittens and a pincushion. The rest of the book is comprised of 168 design charts with an example swatch to show you what it looks like. There are black and white charts as well as colour charts and alternative colourway charts to inspire you. I love the Scandinavian look. The jumpers have really come back into fashion again, so maybe now is the time to knit your own? http://sewingisforgirls.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/150-scandinavian-knitting-designs-by.html
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
Sept 13
Following on from 200 Fair-Isle Designs, Mary is back with colourful Scandinavian knitting. Some of the designs will strike you as more obviously Scandinavian than others. Actual size swatches are shown together with charts and alternative colourways for the designs. The charts are easy to use. For all levels of knitters used to working with more than one colour of yarn, this is a useful book. Essential techniques are given for those unfamiliar with colour knitting. It includes symbols and motifs, animals, flowers and traditional geometric patterns. You can combine the designs to make your own unique patterns. There are also four projects included for you to make a cowl, hat, mittens and pincushion. Great for those who like to design their own knitwear.
Craft Business
Aug 13
The Scandinavian vibe continues to be a huge trend heading into summer, as it still reels from its winter success. This book certainly taps into the fashion with 100 authentic designs found in the traditional knitting of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Suitable for both beginner and advanced knitters, it is a collection of inspirational patterns and charming motifs, including flowers, hearts and stars. Each motif is shown as a hand-knitted swatch, illustrated with clear, life-sized photographs and accompanied by easy to read colour charts and a reverse colourway suggestion. With clear details on reading colour charts and a full review of techniques for two-colour knitting, the book also gives advice on incorporating the Scandinavian motifs into a variety of different projects, allowing readers to create their own designs. The techniques and information are basic enough to appeal to knitters and those needing a refresher too.
