Alpine & Bavarian

Twisted-Stitch Knitting

I feel as though we have all been gifted by the return of this collection - this time in English. For far, far too long this classic and unparalled collection of patterns from the countrysides of Bavaria and Austria has languished out of print. As knitter's we owe a debt of gratitude to Schoolhouse Press for bringing it back to life and also for translating it into English.

Originally, Twisted-Stitch Knitting was a trio of Austrian books (originally titled, Überlieferte Strickmuster ) created by Maria Erlbacher to continue the preservation of folk knitting in Austria. Her three little books (now in this single volume) were always my favorite sources for this style of knitting. There is a warmth, a heart to them that no other such books convey in quite the same way.
And they are packed with everything a knitter could want: 174 intriguing twisted-stitch designs plus instructions for a number of jackets/cardigans, vests and elegant stockings with separate motifs in the calf-shaping. Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen have expanded the technique section for this English edition, explaining more fully things that had stymied them and other English-speaking knitters.

Pure joy!

PS The perfect yarn for this style of knitting is Edelweiss - its spring and life are perfect for the tight knit of the twisted-stitch. We carry it here at www.euronaturayarn.com.

Knitting Lace

Learn everything you've ever wanted to know about lace knitting, and discover and learn about LOTS of things that most of us, prior to reading this amazing book, didn't know enough to know we wanted, yea, needed to know. Susanna Lewis has given us the most comprehensive, detailed account of what knit lace is, how its many fabrics work, how to make it by hand or machine, and which techniques make the difference between merely lovely and heirloom quality lace.

Her method of approach is fascinating - she analyzed, charted, and fully explains a 15 foot long 19th century sampler (held by the Brooklyn Museum's Department of Costumes and Textiles, probably knit in southern Germany or in Austria) that boasts 91 patterns, 83 of which are lace. It is perhaps that living quality that comes from studying the actual work of another knitter that gives Knitting Lace its riveting power. I have seldom felt so intensely interested in a book of knitting instruction as I have been in this one. Captivating and inspiring are the two words that come to mind.

After the sampler, she offers up what I'll call "keystone clothing patterns" - patterns that use lace in ways that convey not only its beauty, but also manage to show how to use lace in a more universal way. I predict that many of us will plunge into adding lace to sweaters, socks and more just because we saw what Susanna Lewis did with it.

This book is powerful and beckoning. You'll want to read it and revisit it often.