New Twists on Twined Knitting: A Fresh Look at a Traditional Technique [Paperback]

Laura Farson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 2009

This book helps you create stylish knitted garments and accessories with this wonderfully versatile traditional technique. It also helps you rediscover the wonderful traditional Swedish technique of twined knitting with more than 20 stylish projects - including hats, mittens, socks, purses, and a scarf. "New Twists" teaches readers everything they need to know to start using this versatile technique with confidence.

Editorial Reviews

Review

New Twists on Twined Knitting by Laura Farson includes over 20 patterns for accessories, using the Swedish technique of twined knitting. "Twined knitting" utilizes two strands of yarn (can be of varying color and weight). Stitches are made by alternating the strands, causing a twisted look to the yarn. The projects are small, simple, and easy, making it perfect for beginners. "Traditional Swedish Sail Hat" ... really shows how beautiful this technique can be, by twisting a strand of black and a strand of white to create a twisty pattern. --Knitting Book Roundup by Alyse Wax

About the Author

Laura Farson is the author of several books and numerous articles on quilting, knitting, and weaving. She has taught extensively at shops and conventions. She makes checked bags, which are handcrafted purses and totes made from recycled seat belts. Under the name One Quirky Quilter, Laura has authored three folded-flower quilt books. In her spare time, Laura bikes, hikes, skis, and sews. She lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, Russ, with whom she loves to travel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 94 pages
• Publisher: Martingale & Co Inc (July 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564778703
• ISBN-13: 978-1564778703
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinarily Beautiful Patterns, August 2, 2009

By 

Bonnie Brody "Book Lover and Knitter" (Port St. Lucie, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: New Twists on Twined Knitting: A Fresh Look at a Traditional Technique (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book about a traditional knitting method called twined knitting. It provides detailed instructions for learning this technique but I think the book is best for intermediate to advanced knitters.

I can't say enough about how beautiful the projects are. There are hats, mittens and socks to die for. The colors and patterns are extraordinarily beautiful. I don't know which pattern to tackle first. Looking through this book when I'm feeling a little manic, I think I'll try them all.

The three tweedy scarves are beautiful and reminiscent of shadow knitting. The hat in variegated yarns looks like a beautiful stained glass window. The traditional textured hat in off-whit looks thick and warm, something to wear in the Alaskan winter. The traditional Swedish Sail Hat in black, white and red will be one of the first projects I undertake. It is stunning. The frosty morning mittens remind me of Latvian mittens with cuffs. The multi-colored pattern with a black background is gorgeous. The green striped mittens look warm and any knitter would be proud to say they'd made them. The traditional mittens in an off-white color have a celtic/aran feel to them. I'm perusing my stash and also planning an outing to my local knitting store. Meanwhile, I'm looking at this book over and over because of the beautiful patterns, along with trying to learn the technique of twined knitting.

When I buy a knitting book I ask myself three questions.

1) Does this book contain patterns that I like and that I'm likely to knit?

2) Are the patterns clear?

3) Is the book a good resource?

The answer to all three questions is a resounding yes.

I would buy this book if for no other reason than inspiration. It is a book to look at again and again and envision making so many of the beautiful projects it contains.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New twists: yes, August 14, 2009

By 

Alison Kent (Davis, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New Twists on Twined Knitting: A Fresh Look at a Traditional Technique (Paperback)

I became intrigued with twined knitting earlier this year. This Swedish technique twists two strands for every stitch, resulting in a fabric that is strong, hardwearing, very warm, almost weatherproof, with a bit of give (think Lycra). In my limited experience this fabric also produces very little pill.

Farson's book adds to the traditional repertoire of hats and gloves with socks, iPod holders, bags... she also uses bulky yarn, a deviation from the tradition, as well as variegated yarns which work well with solids in this technique. I want to make the socks which I think will be great hiking socks, and very warm.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Offers avid knitters a different approach to traditional techniques, November 15, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New Twists on Twined Knitting: A Fresh Look at a Traditional Technique (Paperback)

Laura Farson's NEW TWISTS ON TWINED KNITTING; A FRESH LOOK AT A TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE offers avid knitters a different approach to traditional techniques, offering a Swedish technique that produces richly textured fabrics. Over 20 accessories using this technique ranging from socks and hats to bags and blend contemporary designs with an old technique. Any knitter's library will find this a popular lend.