Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes [Paperback]

Donna Druchunas (Author), Joyce Mihran Turley (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2007 | Series: Ethnic Knitting Discovery

Donna Druchunas presents traditional knitting designs and techniques from across the globe in step-by-step fashion. She begins with what ethnic knitting is, what you don't need to know, and color tips. For each location, she offers brief knitting-specific history, key techniques, and a handful of versatile patterns (texture or color). An introductory project lets the reader practice new skills, which are then applied to the knitting of individually designed pullover sweaters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Nomad Press (September 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966828933
• ISBN-13: 978-0966828931
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #322,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Donna Druchunas escaped a corporate cubicle to honor her passions for knitting, world travel, research, and writing. She is the author of six knitting books including Arctic Lace, Successful Lace Knitting, Kitty Knits, and Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania, Iceland, and Ireland. Donna has just finished writing a book about knitting in Lithuania. She lives in Colorado with her husband, mother, and three cats who all help her test the usability and comfort of her finished knitted items.

Website: http://www.sheeptoshawl.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaDruchunas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, February 24, 2008

By 

ReadsALot "book-a-holic" (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes (Paperback)

I've been knitting for 18 years, have read both Elizabeth Zimmerman and Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, not to mention Maggie Righetti and "The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns". I've done my own sweaters. So why, then am I so glad I picked up this book? And why will I happily buy her next volume in this series, which will introduce more sweater shapes and ethnic styles?

Well, for starters, the section on Andean knitting techniques (hard to find in the states) has vastly speeded up my knitting, which is important in getting things off the needles. But more to the point, as the publisher (Deb Robson) explains, this book is meant to be a good introduction (or reintroduction, and inspirational kick in the pants) for those of us who may want to get into/back into ethnic knitting. It's Ethnic Knitting DISCOVERY, not the grad-level course! The author has done a great job of pulling together the essentials of what you need to know to get started knitting folk style, doing it your own way. It does not replace such classics as PRiscilla Gibson Roberts "Knitting in the Old Way". But it makes it easier, even for someone like myself, to "catch" the mindset behind ethnic knitting. It's not just the math, it's the attitude that the author imparts, that is important.

Recently I realized that I'd fallen off the wagon on knitting, mainly due to lack of time to do my own patterns (I'm in naturopathic medical school). Furthermore, over the years of knitting, I'd gotten lost in the details... fifty kazillion ways to design a couture sweater. Most of which frankly require a background in fashion design. I was down to knitting things in pieces, from others' patterns, which usually never quite got through. I realized I had to begin again. If I had to go back and pull all my other books off the shelves to figure out how to get a sweater going again, ethnic style, it wouldn't happen (I've got more studying to do after I write this.) So yesterday I got this book, some new wool yarn, and got something back on the needles... and progressing. That fast.

After you read this, yes of course you'll want to check out "Knitting in the Old Way" and all the fabulous books out there on the history and details of ethnic styling, and maybe even start a tradition of your own. But start with this. You'll learn something. I did.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book seems a little over-rated. . ., December 10, 2008

By 

Chicago Reader (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes (Paperback)

I'm a little puzzled by all the five-star reviews. The author includes a very brief overview of the history of knitting in each of the four countries (or regions). Three projects are included for each country, starting with a simple pattern to learn the stitch techniques such as a headband, purse or scarf.

Oddly enough, no traditional chullo (cap with earflaps) is included in the Andean section although she discusses their popularity. Instead she includes two sweater patterns after explaining that the Andean people don't traditionally knit sweaters.

The author does provide a lot of information about how to come up with your own sweater-pattern based on the format and style of knitting used in each country. I was disappointed by some of the illustrations which seemed dated, however the technical drawings of how to do stitches were fine.

If you are particularly interested in the knitting of one of regions covered by the book (the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, or the Andes) you will be better of getting a book that focuses on that country or region. However, if you want a brief overview how how these styles of knitting differ and are interested in in designing your own sweaters and eventually being free from charts while you knit, you'll probably enjoy this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh new fun ideas!, October 11, 2007

By 

K. Paige "llamamom" (Livermore, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes (Paperback)

This is wonderful--great explanations of new techniques, some esoteric, some that have previously just been puzzling. The explanation of how to make the Puntas is wonderful--and it creates a great beginning edge!

The small projects are an incredible way to learn the techniques in the larger ones, and the presentation of 3 different ways to make each item <visual plan, planning worksheets, and step by step worksheets> allow all levels of knitters to accomplish the finished project beautifully. I've already done a hat, a headband, and that adorable tiny purse, and I'm working on one of the sweaters for a present. Did I mention I'm hooked on this book?