anthropology art crafts crafty dutch fiber-arts historical history knit knitting nonfiction norwegian patterns reference scandinavian

Icelandic knitted garments justly have a worldwide reputation for quality, durability, and style. Simple in cut and decoration, they feature distinctive vertical and horizontal effects and unique imagery. You can make dozens of these beautiful traditional patterns with the more than 100 graphed designs featured here! This pictorial overview not only gives readers patterns to follow, but suggests way of adapting the styles to individual tastes. Every technique is covered. Try purling, openwork, multicolored knitting, and casting. Create narrow and wide ribbing, zigzags, and decorative patterns. Make typical designs, with the fine touches that distinguish Nordic knitwear. Knit sweaters with a stockinette stitch, damask shirts, raglan sweaters, coarse yarn sweaters, and small jackets such as farmhands once wore. Make a Norwegian peasant coat, with its wide yoke, cloth edging, and slanted ribbing. Stay warm all winter with knitted mittens, caps, socks, and leg warmers. For something more delicate, use lacework for pretty blouses, shawls, and scarves. Bonus: details on caring for your handiwork to keep it in great shape! Lark 128 pages (8 in color), 260 b/w illus., 8 x 10 7/8.