KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects From Knitting's New Wave [Audiobook, Abridged] [Audio CD]

Sabrina Gschwandtner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 2008

KnitKnit tells the stories of twenty-six men and women (and one group!) in the forefront of contemporary knitting: Lisa Anne Auerbach, Anna Bell, Isabel Berglund, Risto Bimbiloski, Wenlan Chia, Dave Cole, Liz Collins, Jim Drain, Teva Durham, Norah Gaughan, David Gentzsch, Aimee Hagerty Johnson, Joelle Hoverson, Erika Knight, Knitta, Catherine Lowe, Bridget Marrin, Tina Marrin, Rachel Matthews, Cat Mazza, Mandy McIntosh, Althea Merback, Annie Modesitt, Debbie New, Eugene Ong, Freddie Robbins and Beryl Tsang.

Editorial Reviews

Review

…readers are guaranteed to be inspired, no matter where their interests lie. (HC edition) --American Craft magazine

KnitKnit gets across that knitting has power as a social force and a political one, but no one represented here forgets that most importantly of all knitting is beautiful. (HC ed.) --Crafts magazine

About the Author

Sabrina Gschwandtner is a New York City based artist who works with film, video, photography, performance, sewing, crochet and knitting. She has a BA from Brown University, and an MFA from Bard College. In 2002, Sabrina founded KnitKnit, a limited edition arts journal dedicated to the intersection of fine art and handcraft. She has curated numerous exhibitions including: The Handmade Goes Digital at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, and the Workmanship of Risk at St. Lawrence University. Sabrina's writing has appeared in Rowan, Interweave Knits, Fiberarts and Cabinet magazines.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Knitting Out Loud; Abridged edition (August 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097960737X
• ISBN-13: 978-0979607370
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,449,657 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love KnitKnit!, September 21, 2007

By 

Maura M (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave (Hardcover)

KnitKnit is a gorgeous and inspiring book! Sabrina Gschwandtner profiles an eclectic group of artists and communities who are creating an electric new form of knitting. While most of the artists are avant-garde, the book feels completely accessible. Each artist has contributed a pattern for a knit garment or object, and the projects vary greatly in scope. Some of the knitters use their knitting to create political statements, while others are simply interested in exploring new methods and materials. The design of the book is beautiful, and the photographs by Kiriko Shirobayashi capture the personalities of the artists and their work. I have only had this book for a week, but I already treasure it. It will make a fantastic addition to any library!

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Your Grandma's yarn, September 22, 2007

By 

LB Gschwandtner "LB" (FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave (Hardcover)

Anyone who's ever been to an art show and thought "Huh?" will take one look at this book on knitting that goes way beyond sweater sets and say "Yes! I get it."

What an amazing foray into the world of knitting as more than either art, craft or design. To say that these fiber artists are way ahead of their time is to understate what this fabulous book provides -- a window into what's possible in knitting. Colorful, joyous, incredible projects that make you want to get out a pair of knitting needles and see how far they can take you.

This is THE perfect gift for every knitter in the world.

Oh, and the patterns? Yes, you CAN make these artful creations too.

Give it a try.

I give KnitKnit raves...

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Historical project in itself., February 4, 2008

By 

D. Matlack "Guidedog" (in Wild Wyoming) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave (Hardcover)

First of all if you are looking for a book that places emphasis on patterns than this is not the book for you. Knit Knit is more of a social commentary and historical time capsule of current trend-setters and artists who just happen to work in knitting the way others work in paints and sculpture.

One reviewer remarked that this book is more of a coffee table book, a fair assessment in that it is a beautifully constructed art book that ALSO has very considerable bios on the artist's. And quite frankly no one in this book leads a dull life, so it might be surprising to many that a book that centers on knitting could be such an engaging read.

As a knitter I was intrigued and amazed as well as daunted by how imaginative and to what extremes these artists go to achieve their "vision". As a history-buff I thought it was brilliant that Ms. Gschwandtner had the foresight to capture the lives as well as the product of these individuals for posterity. (Ms. Gschwandtner's intro which includes her account of starting her own zine, KnitKnit, is also a great read on finding inspiration in/on the most unlikeliest of ways.)

Patterns are included as each artist contributes one as an example of their work. It is more of a fun invite to emulate their work rather than a typical "practical" knit pattern.

There is much to discover and enjoy in Knit Knit and you will most likely find yourself doing a lot of re-reads as well as accepting the occasional challenge to knit one on.