Icelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques and Projects

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Iceland boasts a rich heritage of knitting, and Icelandic Handknits collects 25 patterns for folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, mittens, wristers, handbags, knapsacks, and sweaters inspired by traditional knits. An introduction reflecting on the history of Icelandic-style knitting and the stories behind the vintage handknits that inspired the patterns will be included. Iceland boasts a rich heritage of knitting. Thanks in equal parts to the island's special wool, harsh climate, and the need to battle the elements, Icelandic knitters have developed unique traditions of both needlework techniques, handknit styles, and Scandinavian patterns. Icelandic Handknits collects 25 patterns for folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, mittens, wristers, handbags, knapsacks, and sweaters inspired by traditional knits. An introduction reflecting on the history of Icelandic-style knitting and the stories behind the vintage handknits that inspired the patterns will be included. But this is more than just a book of knitting.Vintage photographs of Icelandic fisherman, knitters, and other inhabitants proudly displaying their knitwear; classic recipes; and photos of the artifacts that inspired the designs crown this collection.

Reviews

Sept 13 At last, the long-awaited book from Helene Magnusson to follow Rosepatterns. She has amended the omission in that book, and given a pattern for the humble insole (the start of all her research, and unique to Iceland) that creates thousands of possibilities. The layout of the book is part history, part recipe, part patterns, and is thus very good value for money. Some of the recipes are practical, some perhaps are not for the modern urban dweller such as a dessert made with cows colostrum, known as beestings in the UK or the first milk after giving birth. These sort of things desperately need to be recorded before they are lost out of folk memory. You may argue they have no place in an ostensibly knitting book, but I love these little asides. The patterns are once again inspirational, items to cover the body from top to toe, with really good hints and techniques at the back of the book. As a knitter of some 60 years' experience, I appreciate having my eyes opened to new ideas. The only idea I find less than 100% successful is when she departs from garter stitch intarsia into stocking stitch. Tiny niggling errors have already been addressed for the second edition. More power to Helene's elbow. SlipKnot

Author Bio

Helene Magnusson (Luxembourg) has lived in Iceland for two decades, where she's studied textile and fashion design. She is the author of Icelandic Color Knitting: Rose Pattern Insert Knitting in a New Light. Helene is also the cofounder of Knitting Iceland, a company that promotes Icelandic knitting heritage by teaching knitting, publishing Icelandic patterns, and organizing knitting tours in Iceland.