Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Marcia Lewandowski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With these attractive ethnic patterns from the Andes, knitters not only expand their design repertoire, they literally knit a connection with other cultures. The fabulous selection of 25 projects includes vibrant bags and other accessories based on the rich traditions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Knit fingerless mittens and a purse from Peru's Ollantaytambo region. A wonderfully functional Argentinean felt bag fits around the waist, and is perfect for holding money and other small belongings; a matching hat makes for an attractive ensemble. Or try making a chic and simple Chilean striped bag and scarf, or an adorable Bolivian purse in the shape of a llama. Every chapter offers interesting facts about the Andean people, history, and culture, too.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books; illustrated edition edition (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157990582X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579905828
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book!, August 27, 2005

By	Aimee J. Nemeth (Cody, WY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book about a month ago and still have not put it on the shelf -- I can't resist picking it up and looking through it every now and then. It is full of colorful and charming projects, all of which are beautifully photographed. The author also provides plenty of background information on the various regions and cultures represented along with photographs of the people and countryside. Most of the patterns are for small bags, but also included are several patterns for accessories such as scarves, gloves and mittens, and socks. The multi-colored designs are ideal for using up leftover bits of yarn. The instructions and charts are very clear, and special techniques are thoroughly discussed. This book is, without a doubt, one of the most attractive and enjoyable knitting books I've ever seen. Any knitter is sure to find inspiration in its pages. Very highly recommended!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!, June 20, 2005

By	Fiber Nut (NY United States) - See all my reviews

This is a beautiful book full of history and gorgeous photos. The designs are fantastic and explained well. A must have for any knitting library.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit disappointed, November 12, 2006

By	AuntieDepression "Auntie Depression" (NYC) - See all my reviews

I wanted to like this book: the author has such obvious affection for the hand-knits of Peru, Chile, et al., and her designs, which are based on Andean themes and motifs, are, for the most part, charming. But the emphasis is on folkloric purses and bags that look as though they might have come from one of the better South American airport shops. They'd be fun to make but not very functional for actually carrying your stuff (unless you happen to be an Andean shepherd). The introductory section has the feel of a personal travelogue, snapshots and all. But I wanted to learn more about the origins and techniques of indigenous knitting, and in these areas the coverage was, to my mind, superficial.

At the same time I bought this book I also purchased Marianne Isager's "Knitting Out of Africa," and found it much more satisfying. Inspired by African patterns, Isager used them in creative ways to design knitwear that is immensely original, beautiful and wearable. Wish I could say the same for the Andean book.