Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book, February 24, 2008
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh new fun ideas!, October 11, 2007
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?
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed feelings, November 2, 2007
To start with I do not regret buying this book.
My mixed feelings are because I pre-ordered it mostly for the Dutch section. However I already have the superb Knitting from the Netherlands, Traditional Dutch Fishermen's Sweaterswhich is far superior- it is the best book I have seen in English on knitting in the Netherlands. This book was a disappointment from that angle - but it was only a personal one.
As a concept book it is an interesting read. I would recommend it for techniques etc but if interested in one of the countries it covers would recommend getting a book exclusively related to that.
While the pictures were clear a few colour ones would have added to the enjoyment of this book for me.
I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could as it deserves more than a 3 but not quite a 4 (I'm a harsh critic). It is definitely a good addition to my library.
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