Customer Reviews

The Alchemy of Color Knitting: The Art and Technique of Mastering Exquisite Palettes

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I thought the patterns in this book were very beautiful. The cover picture is a nice example. Did the book go in depth on color theory? Maybe not as much as the other reviewer would have liked but there is some. There are approximately 15 pages devoted to color theory and then a color lesson in each pattern as well. Perhaps the word alchemy is misleading to some because they do not realize that Alchemy is the company name of the author Gina Wilde's yarn brand. I only wish there were a larger size range on the patterns as some go up to a 48" bust whereas some stop at 42". The 25 designs were mostly beautiful and Alchemy yarns have a rich and saturated color palette. But the patterns seem very brand specific to me although there is a section in the end for substitutions. Beware that Alchemy yarns are high-end, gourmet (read expensive) yarns and not widely available.
Designs included shawls, wraps, gloves, socks, cardigans, pullovers, a skirt, a baby sweater, and some home decor.

Ordered this book, hoping it would fulfill the title: The Alchemy of Color Knitting. The title is very misleading. It is not a book about how to use color. Of the 144 pages 11 pages are devoted to "color" the remaining pages are patterns of items I would never knit, much less wear. They are really "over the top". When I order a book about color or patterns or techniques, I expect the author to cover those subjects exclusively. Perhaps throw in a pattern or two. This is a book of patterns and very little about the use of color in our knitting. Learned absolutely nothing new, you can get this information from any color wheel...Save your money.

First Flower Baby Cardigan runs into trouble early on. This pattern needs serious proofing. Sent a note to Alchemy Yarns who published the book, but no response. Errata for one pattern published, but needs more work.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307393550/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_img

This is a beautiful book with beautiful patterns. Lots of good ideas on the use of color in knitting

You can get so wrapped-up in the pictures and descriptions in "The Alchemy of Color in knitting" by Gina Wilde that you will forget you bought this to work with. The book itself of course is softer covered that it has those unique flaps on the front and the back that allow you to use them as bookmarks or placeholders. My copy is the beautiful fresh ink aroma of new books.

Some of the patterns are exotic however I bought this book to understand more about color and possibly work with some of the simpler shawls. Looking at the 100 page 43 named "Month of Sundays" that highlights lace and switch definitions by knitting a neutral and symbolic color. I'm thinking of replacing the mohair with silk so it will be less scratchy.

Gina Wilde is the co-owner of creative directions of alchemy yarns of transformation. She holds an MF a N. arts and consciousness and is an acclaimed teacher on the topic of color and transformation.

The book itself is published by Potter craft and you can get on the Potter craft free pattern newsletter at www.Potter craft.com

Knits from the North Sea: Lace in the Shetland Tradition

Harrisville Floor Loom 22/4 22" 4 Harness "Little Workhorse" 6 Treadles

The content of this book is more pattern than the technique of mastering palettes ! But it is pretty nice!