World wide knitting traditions – rediscovered, renewed, embraced
Knitting Vintage Socks
Nancy Bush's newest book is already one of my best friends. Her "remakes" of the classic Weldon's patterns are so wearably wonderful that my first impulse was to take off for a cave in the Himalayas with nothing but her book, yarn and, of course, a reasonable collection of needles. There, I was sure of it, I would have the time to do nothing but recreate these socks. Of course, reality intervened, I think in the form of Bob asking for dinner, and so I'm still here without all the socks knit (yet!). However, I'm working on it -- and know you'll want to do the same. This is a delicious book, one where knitting ideas intersect with history and stories of times past. I should add that Nancy, in her usual fashion, gives us all sorts of information about more sock construction techniques than most of us would have thought existed. Most important, to me at any rate, is that when she brought the patterns up-to-date, she in no way dumbed them down (unless you call changing the needle size from 00000 US to 1 US dumbing down -- I call it lifesaving, myself). You'll love this book, I'm sure of it.
Folk Vests
I just love this book! The patterns are beautiful, the textures and colors tantalizing, and the instructions clear and easy-to-follow. As with her
Folk Shawls books, Cheryl Oberle has done a magnificent job of gathering traditional designs, translating some from weaving into knitting, and using them to create garments we all want to wear. Whether your cup of tea is a Japanese Sakiori or a Peruvian Bayeta or even Prince Edward's Fair Isle, I predict you'll find a nearly endless supply of designs to love. I have made vests from this book that are among my favorite things to wear; you will, too.