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

Rating:
Summary: A Bibliomanic who loves to Knit!
Review: "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!

Rating:
Summary: New Edition for "Old Way"
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Knitting Textbook
Review: The effectiveness of this book is similar to that of E. Zimmermann's "Knitting Workshop" and B.Walker's "Knitting from the Top."