Customer Reviews

Knitting In The Nordic Tradition

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I like this book a great deal, and I reference it frequently. It has information, photos, pattern charts, and drawings that deal with the Scandinavian knitting tradions. Some of it is very different from American or English traditions. HOWEVER, do not expect to find stitch by stitch mitten or sweater patterns. There are none! This book is more about technique; for example, there is a very good section on socks. This includes details for turning the heel, etc, but no exact pattern for the whole sock. Instead you create your own, and now you can knit a sock to any size or with any yarn you might have lying around. This is not a book for a timid knitter who likes to have everything laid out for him/her in the instructions; it does not offer that kind of information. It is still an interesting read and a good reference for those who like traditional and/or ethnic knitting. (And as far as I am concerned, this is the only kind of knitting.)

I sure do wish the publisher would consider reprinting this book. I've checked it out from my library a zillion times. What an inspiration. The coloring on my ballband dishcloths got really crazy after looking at this book.

There are some real patterns in this book, but they are balanced with a more creative approach that demonstrates how to think about patterns, yarns and colors in order to create one's own personal pieces. The author does this in a way that doesn't seem difficult and seems playful and improvisational. The "Gauge" lesson shows how to make an interesting fabric using all sorts of different size needles, for example.

There is an introductory chapter on Scandinavian knitting and then chapters on making different types of clothing, like sweaters, caps, socks, mittens, shawls.