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In
Review
Ethnic
Knitting Discovery
The Netherlands, Denmark,
Norway, and The Andes
Reviewed By L'Tanya Durante
Without taking my fearless knitting pill, I would never consider knitting
a traditional Norwegian sweater – with its intricate stranded knitting and
steeks (eek!) – much less design one. After reading Ethnic Knitting
Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes by Donna
Druchunas, I think I can. I think I can.
Donna has created a
workbook designed to help knitters free themselves from patterns
and become comfortable designing beautiful one-of-a-kind ethnic sweaters.
As its title suggests, Ethnic Knitting Discovery teaches knitters
basic sweater construction techniques for traditional sweaters from The
Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes. The writing style is patient
and it’s clear that Donna is expert at making the complex seem simple.
You feel as if you’re having your hand held without feeling like a
4-year-old (aside from my “I think I can, I think I can” chant).
There are several things
that I particularly appreciate about Ethnic Knitting Discovery:
- It recognizes that
there are different learning styles and as a result, outlines three
different approaches to designing – a visual plan, one that uses precise
calculations, and step-by-step instructions. I’ve determined that I
generally fall somewhere between two approaches. Sometimes I just want
to figure it out as I go and at other times, my calculator is my best
friend. So I appreciate having options.
- There is an
understanding that not every knitter wants to knit sweaters. You’re
given a quick-knit project before each sweater project that can be used
as practice, a swatch, or your final project. Again, I love having
options.
- Each chapter gives
some historical background information for each region along with
examples of traditional techniques, motifs, and design ideas.
- The material is
presented in a workbook style with planning worksheets that can be
filled in.
- Drawings and swatches
are in black and white. Color can be so powerful and persuasive. I
believe that if the sweater drawings were in color, it would be
difficult not to want to reproduce the designs exactly. Black and white
forces knitters to play with color choices.
Overall, Ethnic
Knitting Discovery successfully speaks to and challenges knitters of
all levels to create beautiful knitwear without fear.
$21.95, Paperback
7 x 10, 176 pages
October 2007
L'Tanya Durante is the Editor-in-Chief of Black Purl Magazine. She lives in NC
with her husband, two sons and cat.
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