Customer Reviews

Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this book about a month ago and still have not put it on the shelf -- I can't resist picking it up and looking through it every now and then. It is full of colorful and charming projects, all of which are beautifully photographed. The author also provides plenty of background information on the various regions and cultures represented along with photographs of the people and countryside. Most of the patterns are for small bags, but also included are several patterns for accessories such as scarves, gloves and mittens, and socks. The multi-colored designs are ideal for using up leftover bits of yarn. The instructions and charts are very clear, and special techniques are thoroughly discussed. This book is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive and enjoyable knitting books I've ever seen. Any knitter is sure to find inspiration in its pages. Very highly recommended!

I wanted to like this book: the author has such obvious affection for the hand-knits of Peru, Chile, et al., and her designs, which are based on Andean themes and motifs, are, for the most part, charming. But the emphasis is on folkloric purses and bags that look as though they might have come from one of the better South American airport shops. They'd be fun to make but not very functional for actually carrying your stuff (unless you happen to be an Andean shepherd). The introductory section has the feel of a personal travelogue, snapshots and all. But I wanted to learn more about the origins and techniques of indigenous knitting, and in these areas the coverage was, to my mind, superficial.

At the same time I bought this book I also purchased Marianne Isager's "Knitting Out of Africa," and found it much more satisfying. Inspired by African patterns, Isager used them in creative ways to design knitwear that is immensely original, beautiful and wearable. Wish I could say the same for the Andean book.

This is a beautiful book full of history and gorgeous photos. The designs are fantastic and explained well. A must have for any knitting library.

I am very impressed by the book. Its mainly pieces are purses and mittens.
There are also socks, a scarf, leg warmers, a belt pocket, a men's cap and a Llama Purse (in the shape of a Llama)

The one that I adore is a purse in the form of a peasant girl doll with two children.
There is also a purse in the form of a peasant man complete with his chullo or cap.
Lots of fun!!!!

There is a wonderful book on Andean Knitting (LeCount's worthy volume) that is now out of print, so Marcia Lewandowski's book is long overdue on the knitting scene.

The Andean knitters, some of them, well a lot of them men, do patternwork of fine detail in glorious colors. They use a lot of embellishment. Typical garments are the well-known chullo hat but they also make wonderful wrist bands and leggings. For pure colorwork and inspiration for the knitting designer, this is a must-have in your library.

The knitting projects in this book can expand your knitting horizons beyond sweaters and socks to interesting bags and purses. The designs shown are all derived from the author's observations of objects knitted by men and women of the Andes. The beautifully designed book describes the role of these knitted objects in the lives and customs of the Andean peoples.

I was an exchange student in Colombia and I will always remember a trip we took to Sylvia, a mountain village of Sylvian Indians sharing their crafts. I was very excited about this book and have enjoyed reading it. HOWEVER, I am now working on my first project (mittens) and I have already found an error in the chart. Please be careful. This is not a beginners book. Go over your pattern make sure the math is right. I plan on knitting the llama purse next! It is just too cute for words!

I love this book. Information is great, and the patterns are unique and well-written.

Found this book of great interest about south America and will definitely make some of the projects. I have just recently retired and love different knitting crafts.

This is such al lovely book in all aspects! Marcia gives us, devoted knitters, not only a lovely range of completely original knitting patterns, but also she tells al lot of really interesting things about the countries she visited. She gives interesting explanations about the symbolism of the motivs and their background and gives a lot of information about the materials and the various animals they come from. The book has a very appealing layout and the many foto's and explanations makes it interesting even to people who don't knit. One of my daughters (no knitter) spent a whole evening reading and enjoying it.
But if you are a knitter, this is a must have. There is a tradition of making intricate pouches (all with their own symbols and meanings) in Northern South America that is thouroughly explained and there are many lovely challenging projects in this book. It's great to use leftovers in your stash. And it's inspiring to try variations on the themes that Marcia Lewandowski presents.
It's certainly the best book with knitting patterns I bought in a long time.