Customer Reviews

Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques from Ethnic Sweaters

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For years and years I've returned to my copy of Knitting in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. It's a terrific book and explains how to knit the sweater _you_ want as opposed to a cookbook approach to replicate the sweater in a magazine.

Priscilla explains how to modify your pattern for the yarn you have, how to make it fit _you_, and then teaches you the tricks you need to successfully knit the sweater. She teaches you how to make sweaters from all over the world: Irish fisherman sweaters, Fair Isles, Norwegian, ... As a hand spinner, I love that she often works with handspun yarn, but her sweaters work just fine with commercial yarns too.

So, the bad news is that this wonderful, marvelous book is out-of-print. The really good news is that she's currently working with Deb Menz (previous editor of Interweave Press's SpinOff magazine) to revamp the book and will release it in the Spring'03. I understand that they're adding new bits and it looks quite exciting.

This means that I'll be able to get a copy to loan to friends and won't have to worry about my copy disappearing.

"And it's amazing what YOU can do with a loop of yarn, if you take one loop, one idea, one technique at a time. Start where you are--beginner of adept--and add one new possibility at a time." This is a quote from the beginning of "Knitting in the Old Way."

Regardless of a knitters experience or expertise, this book has a lot to offer. I have been knitting for 59 years and am thrilled to find authors who teach from the standpoint of common sense. No "Knitting Bullies" here but rather a validation of all that I have learned, along with scores of methods and techniques to make my knitting even better. The organization of material is outstanding!

I really feel that the authors' approach takes all of the "mystery and scariness" out of knitting. One can plan and knit any kind of sweater whether it is very basic or adorned with beautiful color stranding, intarsia, or any number of classic ethnic designs, without being overwhelmed by complicated Patterns. You determine the size, the shape, the style, the texture and become your own designer.

It's the way my mother and grandmothers learned to knit; it's the way they taught me to knit; it's the way I teach others to knit. This book deserves a special place in every knitters reference library.

Having said all of that I will share one more quote from this wonderful "tome." This one is credited to a 'Nineteenth-century rhyme.'

"Life is a stocking," grandma says,"And yours has just begun. But I am knitting the toe of mine, And my work is almost done."

Every knitter deserves to have this book!

"Knitting in the old way" is not just great patterns for ethnic sweaters, but is an excellent reference for knitting free from dependence upon a particular pattern with its precise numbers and gauge to be matched and counted. It is perfect for all of us who have a sweater pictured in our minds that we would love to design, knit, and wear; but are afraid to try because of our dependence on "knit a swatch until you have the exact gauge," etc.

The "old way" is to use the percentage system, a method whereby YOU pick the yarn YOU want (there are suggestions for which type of yarn goes best with the type of sweater you want to knit), and which size needles go best with that yarn. Then pick out a sweater or sweatshirt that you love wearing - that one you reach for most - your "comfort sweater." Measure its circumference. Then knit your 4" - 6" swatch and determine YOUR gauge. Now comes the fun. With the circumference you want, do the simple math of how many of YOUR OWN stitches it will take to get that measurement. Voila! You are now ready to figure out the rest of your sweater. No more bondage to someone else's gauge.

That basic circumference is 100%. You are now given a percentage of that number for other parts of the sweater: neck, armholes, gussets, saddles, wrists, etc. Use simple math. For example,let's say the plan shows the armhole at the shoulder being 40% of the 100% circumference. If the body has 120 stitches, then you will pick up and knit 48 stitches at the armhole. (You could also start at the cuff - and there are percentages for that, too.) There are 12 basic sweater styles to plan from, each with its own fine-tuned percentages. For length of the arms and the body, you simply use your own arms and the lengths from that favorite sweater.

Another thing: the authors encourage "knitting in the round" which is also part of the "old way." Use circular needles and double-pointed needles. Now that I've done so, I can't imagine going back to straight needles except for a few things. Sweaters are completed with only a couple of seams at the most, and I find circular needles much easier to handle than straight needles.

And it works! I'm just now finishing a sweater I've had pictured in my mind for years. It fits perfectly. I am so excited - from now on I'll be knitting MY sweaters, using MY gauges, with yarns that _I_ have chosen, and with patterns - colors or textures - that _I_ have in mind. Freedom!

If you are already an experienced knitter, you can use this book with ease. If you are a beginner with some successes under your belt, I would get something like "Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book" (tried and true!) which gives you all of the techniques for knitting in clear language and excellent photos. It would make a great companion to "Knitting in the Old Way," and will have you feeling very comfortable as you grow in experience.

Priscilla Gibson-Roberts is a top-notch knitter, spinner and scholar as well. Her classic spiral-bound volume "Knitting in the Old Way" was a coveted book on knitters' shelves.

Thankfully, it's been reissued and revised in print so that new generations of knitters can take advantage of her knowledge and skill. Here is where you can learn all about the traditional method of Norwegian knitting, where you knit a multicolor tube and essentially cut and sew, and then knit in sleeves and neck finishing. Traditional Scandinavian patterns and Eastern European techniques are featured but there is a lot more. If you like the craft of knitting mixed with ethnic history and lore, this is unparalleled. Fun to read, and yet useful as a guide to designing and knitting your own garments.

This is a great text book to be used as a guide for the more experienced knitters who are interested in designing their own unique cardigans and pullovers or vests knitted either in the round using several different steeking methods or knitted flat - various considerations of either method depending on the wool type/thickness and sweater design are discussed. Many different design options and considerations are discussed and quite a few different traditional models are explained. These methods can be taken as is or combined in a multitude of ways that is only limited by your imagination!
I would not recommend this book for a beginner! But it is a fabulous addition to my library!

This book discusses knitting traditional ethnic sweaters and manages to incorporate many divergent ideas and theories about knitting. This is not a novice book, but while the the author would have you believe that her concepts are to return to older ways of knitting, the overall effect is almost as radical as Knitting From the Top Down. If you believe that knitting is inherently different from sewing this book will validate your thoughts. For those of you who require patterns, this book may open your mind. The author is dangerous and exciting. Theformat usable and simple but not simplistic. An essential book for serious sweater knitters. Sets the bar very high for this years knitting books very early.

I recently borrowed the updated version of this book from the library and quickly realized I needed a copy of my own. I'm not the most experienced knitter, but have been designing crocheted patterns since my early 20's and the idea of creating my own knitted sweaters appeals to me. As one reviewer wrote, this is not the book for fashion knitters, but therein lies its worth- this is not a book that will become outdated in a year or two, something that greatly appeals to my practical side.
I also own one of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books, there are some similarities, but Gibson-Roberts takes things a step further. Her historical background is fascinating and reflects recent findings in the history of knitting.

The team effort of Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson has produced what can only be termed a fabulous feast for the fingers, the eyes, the mind, and the psyche. The drawings are impeccable, the directions are coherent, the charts clear, easy to follow, and sane. The history of each type of sweater is mind-expanding, as you learn the slight differences that make up national pride in knitting all over the world.

The hardest part of the entire book is trying to figure out what to knit first. While you consider, read over the beginning chapters, and revel in the fact that finally, entrelac is understandable, there are 5 ways to cast on, short rows become coherent. Even intarsia becomes not a terrifying technique!

My favorite chart? That's hard, but I'll have to say the one on page 208...

The collaborative project of needlecraft experts Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson, this new and expanded edition of Knitting In The Old Way: Designs & Techniques From Ethnic Sweaters aptly teaches hand crafted knitting strategies and techniques that revolve around watching the fabric on one's needles; creating one's own designs; problem solving for difficulties with patterns; and diverse tips, tricks, and techniques for creating clothing that fits well. 15 master plans, 85 sweater examples, and over 230 charts for color, texture, and inspiration enhance this detailed, illustrated, and easy-to-follow reference. A welcome addition to any needlecraft reference shelf, the very simple diagrams in particular are a crowning touch to this guide brimming from cover to cover with classic and time-tested techniques.

If you are more than a scarf knitter and want to tailor or design your own sweaters, quit wasting your time reading reviews, and buy this book. You need it and you will enjoy it!

If you have ever picked up a pattern and wanted to change a sleeve or a neckline, this could be the book for you. If you have a pattern and the perfect yarn but you can't get the gauge no matter what you do, this could be the book for you. If you want to design your own sweater and are challenged by the fit at the armhole, this is your salvation. If you are a size 14 and the perfect pattern goes up to a size 8, this could be what you are seeking. Remember however, that this is an older book and it is not the answer to "how can I make this 32" bust on the Teva Durham pattern fit my 40" figure?" A lot of the innovative new designers use techniques that this book does not address. But what it does address, it does well. You could learn a thing or two; I did.