Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

THis is one of the best-written knitting books on the market. The explanations are very clear, and the illustrations support the text well. The projects are enticing, both from their photos and their descriptions. I look forward to the classes I will be taking from the author at STitches West 2010.