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Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises [Hardcover]

Leigh Radford , John Rizzo
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)


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Book Description

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 (September 1, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1584794550
  • ISBN-13: 978-1584794554
  • Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.9 x 10.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #817,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
91 of 92 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely presentation, innovative ideas September 18, 2005
Format: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.
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84 of 89 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Interesting New Entry September 8, 2005
By cd
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Think outside of your needles! March 15, 2006
Format: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!
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52 of 56 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed Feelings September 26, 2005
Format:Hardcover
I purchased Alterknits after reading some rave reviews here and there (never having looked through the book - my own fault) and was very anxious to receive my copy through the mail.

I must say I was pretty disappointed. The book itself is lovely, beautifully bound and photographed, but many of the patterns are awful...particularly the Crepe Paper Crown, which leaves me asking "why?" and the Unisex Deconstucted Pullover, which though shown on a male model is not at all unisex and is just plain bizarre. A few patterns are very plain garments such as tanks, wrist warmers and shawls gussied up with corset-style laces.

To be fair, there are some interesting projects using felted old sweaters, but those don't really require knitting. My reccommendation would be to REALLY LOOK through the book first before purchasing.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Nice to look at, but eh. March 2, 2006
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I thought the concept of this book sounded really cool, but the patterns themselves were nothing that I would really make like a couple of sweaters which I found ugly, a screen door (??), a knitted necklace, and paper mache crowns. The pictures were pretty, and there were a lot of valuable tips for using materials besides regular yarn to knit things with. Also, there are some cute patterns like a seat cushion cover, and some bags. Overall, I consider it an interesting resource and a pleasant read, but I wouldn't really recommend it.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Innovative and intriguing knitting book October 26, 2005
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Radford provides a great blend of of whimsical (but useful) projects with lovely and more classical pieces with a twist.

She gives instructions on using alternate fibers (or in some cases non-fibers) to make attractive items.

I love her projects that re-use or modify fiber and materials from old clothes. As an environmentalist, her methods of re-use really intrigued me. These project in particular merited a discussion of the book on my knitting blog (Confessions of a Yarn-oholic) because of their eco-friendliness.

That said, this is not a book for people who want simple or easy projects. Many of her innovations require a person to be willing to fail several times before they master techniques, such as knitting with crepe paper. However, if you enjoy a challenge and want to try some truly innovative works this book is a great way to get your feet wet.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Cool Knitting Book October 27, 2005
Format:Hardcover
I was actually quite surprised by this book...I expected it to be a lot like every other "trendy" knitting book out there but ordered it nonetheless. When it arrived, I was surprised by the diversity of patterns and truly creative knitting projects. Some of my personal favorites are the knitted miniature Japanese lanterns and the knit screen door (trust me, very cool!). Sure, it has your usual sweater and scarf patterns in it but they are neat scarves and classic sweaters with a twist. I haven't knit anything from the book yet but the directions seem easy to follow and the writing style is clear and concise. I hope that you find this book as interesting and fun as I do!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars INSPIRATIONAL
THIS IS BOOK IS A CLASSIC OF WHAT YOUR IMAGINATION CAN DO WITH OLD SWEATERS. EACH TIME I LOOK AT THE BOOK, I GET ANOTHER NEW IDEA. MUST HAVE FOR ANY CRAFTER!
Published on February 23, 2009 by Kim M. Charest
4.0 out of 5 stars Alterknits: Imaginative Project Creativity Exercises
I am not a knitter (but I can dream....) This book is definitely for a more experienced knitter. HOWEVER, it is an absolutely beautiful, hip, book for anyone to look thru. Read more
Published on April 4, 2008 by Caitlin CC
5.0 out of 5 stars Imagination rules
The first thing that struck me about this book was its wonderful binding. Once you open it, you find a little notebook that encourages you to write down your own design notes,... Read more
Published on January 30, 2008 by Britta Schellenberg
2.0 out of 5 stars Never judge a book by its cover.
I so wanted this book to be one of those you'll cherish and treasure but it wasn't to be. I consider myself to be an intermediate knitter who loves beautiful clothes and modern... Read more
Published on June 13, 2007 by Ms. Juliana Chow
4.0 out of 5 stars Alterknits; from a beginner
I have been brushing up on my 'new' knitting skills. I saw this book, and from the peek inside, had to have it! I am glad I purchased it. Read more
Published on March 6, 2007 by Stacy Koenig
3.0 out of 5 stars Alterknits
I like this book...but some of the things are impractical. If you are wanting to broaden your mind with yarn and needles...then this is the book for you. Read more
Published on January 9, 2007 by Jocelyn A. Mccullough
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
The beautiful pictures and well thought out format of this book are enough to inspire even the least creative among us to knit. I love this book. Read more
Published on December 10, 2006 by Lucie Peek
4.0 out of 5 stars Opens your mind to all the possibilities...
This book has a ton of great ideas, but even better, it has a ton of ideas for ideas. If you are even remotely creative, you'll take the ideas from this book and knit them into... Read more
Published on May 12, 2006 by L. King
5.0 out of 5 stars knit purl
Great book! Beautiful to just look at and the projects are funky and exciting. Instructions are a bit tricky, so you need to read carefully.
Published on March 28, 2006 by Alyson Bahr
4.0 out of 5 stars super original
I loved this book! It is very inspirational, and beautiful to look at. The projects are all things that I want to knit as soon as I can get my hands on the yarn! Read more
Published on March 15, 2006 by J. Tan
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