Customer Reviews

Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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?

It is original to offer three ways to knit each pattern - using a visual plan (most basic), using planning worskeets (more detailed), or using step-by-step project sheets (most detailed. There are no complete instructions to knit any of the patterns. This might encourage the insecure knitter who follows patterns completely to eventually be able to knit without following a pattern (the more traditional/ethnic method of knitting, we are told). I could not get the book to lie flat, so it will have to be spiral-bound.

The 8 master patterns are all for pullovers with drop shoulder sleeves which is standard for peasant style sweaters. Three different designing ways are given throughout the book: 1, by the seat of your pants designing, 2, planned worksheets, 3, step by step. The book is very much reminiscent of the Gibson-Roberts, Knitting in the old way. That book had many more examples and types. Donna mentions the EZ percentage system and says she has never read her books! One of her advisors was Zimmerman's daughter Meg. There are no color pictures or illustrations included in the book. Three of the illustrations which you can see above in the photo section are on the front and back covers. I am sorry I bought this book
and recommend it only to knitters who have yet to design their own and don't have anything on the subject. And, I have read all the EZ books except her final one. The only section I find different and new for me is the purling the Andean way discussion.

I have been knitting for a few years but until now I have been terrified of knitting on my own without depending on a pattern for my every stitch. I even try to stick with the exact yarn (and color) as the designer used. It would NEVER have crossed my mind to use a different yarn weight than the pattern called for! This book was written for me and knitters like me. It is written in an easy to follow, no nonsense way to ease the fears of venturing on your own to create a sweater that is made for you! I can see the advantage now of knitting a sweater that is customized to my size and my preferences in color and style. And I can now use just about any weight I want.
Now, not only am I ready to make the Norwegian sweater I have envisioned since I 1st picked up the needles, but I will be more confident in my abilities to make changes in any pattern I choose to make in the future. Can you tell I'm a little excited?
A few reviewers commented on the lack of photographs...I think the author did this on purpose so that we don't have to rely, compare or try to imitate what we see. She wants us to make the sweater that we want to make and not copy what someone else made.
If you buy this book, you get more than another book full of someone else's designs. You will be able to knit more confidently by being able to venture on your own to design and create sweaters from several other regions. Happy knitting!

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.

I received my book a couple of days ago and immediately read it cover to cover. I'm looking forward to getting some yarn and start knitting a custom sweater.

Donna Druchunas' book is very thorough and organized and gives the reader the confidence to make a very special garment. It's interesting to learn what elements go into the sweaters from each area.

Based on this book, I'll buy the next one in the series, sight unseen.

I just received this book and can't put it down. Not only are the patterns interesting, but the illustrations are incredible. Just because a book has full color images doesn't make it a great knitting book. This book is filled with delightful illustrations of the garments and detailed schematics. There is a worksheet for every pattern, so you can make it fit and apply your own design. Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes

The goal of Donna's new book "Ethnic Knitting Discovery" is to free knitters from following patterns and be able to "create unique garments that reflect both historical cultures and your own design senbibility." (p.8)

Here are a few things I love about Donna's new book "Ethnic Knitting Discovery":

-Clear language
-fun and helpful illustrations and pull-quotes/boxes
-practical tips to free the knitter within by giving rules of thumb to follow and create from.

I love the approach because it reminds me of how I make art, cook, and play violin by ear. It's an intuitive approach that's ageless because it's human. It's an example of how ancient (and sometimes tribal) societies contribute to our contemporary knowledge of a more direct and sensible way to live. I call it "knitting by ear."

--Janet Grace Riehl, author, "Sightlines: A Poet's Diary"