Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises [Hardcover]

Leigh Radford (Author), John Rizzo (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

Coloring inside the lines, thinking inside the box, knitting the same-old scarf--those days are over. For knitters looking for something new to spark their imaginations, AlterKnits is the answer. Featuring 27 imaginative projects, 10 creativity exercises, and thought-provoking quotes from Albert Einstein, Martha Graham, and many more, AlterKnits inspires knitters to expect the unexpected, to enjoy the rewards of experimentation, and to see the possibilities of knitting with broader vision.

Some projects call for unusual materials-plastic tubing (for a bag handle) or sterling silver wire (for a necklace). Others blend different craft techniques-a pullover with sewn-on velvet cuffs, a baby blanket with painted-on polka dots. Still others apply knitting in unexpected places, such as laptop cases and bulletin boards. The creativity exercises-called AlterExercises-challenge knitters to try out new ideas and to ask provocative, sometimes amusing questions. Tucked into a pocket on the inside front cover is the 32-page AlterKnits notebook, the perfect place for readers to work on their AlterKnits exercises and do their own creative doodling .

With AlterKnits, our concept of what we can knit will be forever altered!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Leigh Radford is the art director of Interweave Knits magazine and an award-winning graphic designer. A lifelong crafter, she designs knitwear for Interweave Knits as well as knitting pattern and yarn companies. Her designs also appear in Weekend Knitting and Handknit Holidays (both STC). She lives in Portland, Oregon.

John Rizzo, a photographer based in Portland, Oregon, has done work for corporate, advertising, and editorial clients. He has won many awards and was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang; 1st Printing edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584794550
• ISBN-13: 978-1584794554
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,336 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely presentation, innovative ideas, September 18, 2005

By 

Michelle (Watertown, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises (Hardcover)

One of the reasons I love this book is its gorgeous presentation. Let's face it, at least 50% of a book's appeal is how it is photographed and laid out - this book gets an A from me. There are a few projects that are quite "Meh" (like the knitted crowns - though I think my daughter will love one) but the ideas are wonderful. It is worth a look. A small "notebook" is included inside the front cover, it is just knitter's graph paper but a cute idea even if I won't be using it. Knit a window/door screen with nylon thread? Why not? I also love the armchair cushion - I am inspired to find an old leather chair just to make that cushion. Another favorite is the little knitted "lanterns" meant for adding to a string of lights. Wrist warmers have been done to death, but here they are photographed on a model holding a guinea pig - I have to admit, I am charmed :^) A lot of luxury yarns and new ideas for knitting.

82 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Interesting New Entry, September 8, 2005

By 

A Reader of Variety (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises (Hardcover)

There are a lot of very new, modern knitting books coming out as of late and this is one of them. The approach is away from the ordinary - the knitting most of us grew up with in the 1960-1980's. This book has some great patterns with versatility and it also includes ideas which are following the popular "salvaging" trend - using up old knitted items in new ways. Very nice addition to any knitting book collection. Also, the book itself is pleasing to hold and look at. Very lushly designed. Comes with a notebook for your ideas in a pocket attached to the front cover.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Think outside of your needles!, March 15, 2006

By 

A. Batchelor "A. Batchelor" (Somewhere, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises (Hardcover)

The more I look through this book the more I realize 2 things. 1. If you need the traditional, stick to a pattern, don't try anything new kind of knitting you will not enjoy this book. 2. If you like to be creative, but are timid with creating, this book will help you move out of your knitting comfort zone. Always wanted to try felting but were too afraid you'd "mess it up"? Try the felted sweater purse. Looking for something unique that you can change to fit your style? Try the chair cushion or the modern bustier. Have a princess in your life? Try the crepe paper crown. Best of all READ the exercises and maybe try a few "out of the bag" experiments! That is what this book is really about. Changing your view point just enough that you will be a kid with your knitting. Willing to try new stitches, styles or just create something adults may see as frivolous or silly. Ok, so maybe I wouldn't take the time and effort needed to knit the complete screen door, but I might try a window!
And I LOVE the lace up wristlets/fingerless gloves....so think outside of the info on your yarn wrappers and give Alterknits a try!