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Icelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques And Projects

Icelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques and Projects is a rich and varied collection of patterns for folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, wrist warmers, sweaters, shoe inserts, and more, all inspired by traditional handknitted artifacts from the Textile Museum in Blönduós, Iceland. Iceland boasts a rich heritage of knitting; thanks in equal parts to the island’s special wool, the harsh climate, and the need to battle the elements, Icelandic knitters have developed unique traditions of needlework techniques and handknit styles. In the pages of this book, renowned Icelandic knitwear designer Hélène Magnùsson delivers an array of beautiful patterns that reflect the depth of the country’sknitting traditions. You’ll appreciate the fully illustrated techniques section, the ample color photographs, and the detailed list of resources for Icelandic and Scandinavian knitting. More than just a book of knitting, this book is infused with bits of Icelandic folklore and culture, vintage photographs, and classic Icelandic recipes. Magnùsson believes that the best way to preserve traditions is to continue using them, giving them new life. And with this definitive collection of patterns, she has done just that.

Hardcover: 144 pages

Publisher: Voyageur Press; First edition (March 28, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 076034244X

ISBN-13: 978-0760342442

Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 0.6 x 10.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #336,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Folkcrafts #559 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Fashion #798 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Knitting

The first time I glanced through this book I was not impressed but as I went through it page by page, I was delighted with what I saw. The patterns look very Icelandish and there are skirts, hats, scarves, mittens, socks and traditional Icelandic items. The author writes about the Icelandic items impressively and even includes some recipes, mostly bread. There is a beautiful white lace shawl which I am dying to knit and there are some hats that I know will keep my Alaskan friends warm. There is only one Lopi sweater which surprised me because we all know that Lopi=Iceland. All in all, I enjoyed this book and plan to reread the sections that go through the history of textiles in Iceland. The last section is a technique section that looks like it will come in very handy.

Icelandic Handknits is a treat for the eyes. Hardbound, with beautiful photography, this is a book to enjoy as well as a book that will be easy for knitters to use. Heavy paper means that the book stays open at the page you've selected.There's something in this book to delight any knitter: mittens, wristlets, hats, tote bag, sweaters, a skirt, socks, shoes (we'd probably call these slippers), and a beautiful shawl shown on the cover. The modern designs are complemented by the photographs of the antique Icelandic pieces, many of which would still be a perfect complement for today's clothing.Included in this book and in her other newer book, Icelandic Knitting, are shoe inserts. Although I've never before seen shoe inserts, they serve a very useful function for cold climates. Worn between the shoe and a heavy woolen sock, I'm sure these would help keep feet warm in a very cold environment. I'll probably never make a pair since we seldom have such cold weather in Texas, but I may adapt some of the graphic patterns for other uses.Where to start? The broken rose blanket is gorgeous and would be a fabulous gift for a special someone. The cardigan is lovely and well suited to spring or fall weather. The socks are appealing and unusual with their ties at the top of the socks. In a few more reads, I'll make up my mind.Overall, this book is a great delight for those of us who enjoy looking at historical knit pieces and those of us who can't wait to pick up our needles. I'm so happy to have it!Five Stars!

I really like this book because I enjoy Icelandic knitting! This is a thoughtful look at Icelandic knitting designs and techniques through the last hundred years or so. The author takes you on a journey through time when knitting was not just a pastime but also a necessity. There is extreme beauty in the shawl patterns included in this book which are whisper-thin and look like something from the faerie-world. Also of note are recipes for Icelandic sweets and other treats.

At first glance, this book didn't seem very interesting. It only had one sweater pattern, and that was for a man. However, a closer look revealed a treasure trove of information about Icelandic culture and the Icelandic textile museum. While there are some patterns in this book that I would never make, like the shoe inserts, there are others that I will make. There are lots of little projects like socks and mittens. There is even an embroidered bag. I am getting a lot of pleasure from reading this book, and expect to enjoy knitting several of the smaller projects.

This is a wonderful book, full of beautiful pictures and historical references. It's as much a reference book as it is a knitting pattern book and it has great knitting patterns as well.The charts are oversized and very easy to read and done with helpful colors as well. The instructions are easy to follow but are not necessarily for beginners as some experience is helpful with some of the details.She explains things about the actual Icelandic sheep and the whys and how's of the wool and adds in some tasty looking recipes as well. Every time I look at the book,I get sidetracked by one of the fascinating stories. There are many practical patterns- socks, mittens, sweaters; beautiful patterns- a lace hood, a throw blanket with a Broken Rose pattern on it, a lacy shawl or two, and I must make this Now patterns- an elbow length capelet with a traditional pattern knitted into it and some traditional soft shoes with inserts for them.Can't wait, must gather my wool and start knitting.

This is a stunning, high quality publication with a great variety of patterns. Since we raise Icelandic sheep I am always on the lookout for patterns specifically suited to their wool. I have a small collection of knitting books for Nordic knits and primitive breed sheep, and this will be central to it. In addition to liking the book very much, I want to thank the publisher, or , or whoever designs the "look inside" feature for doing such a nice job with this book. Table of contents, photographs of the projects, yarn requirements, introductions and explanations shared freely - these are the things you want to know when you are choosing a reference book. There have been times that I would purchase a book for a single project if there were enough information provided, and you will never lose sales by letting us see everything but the pattern. Other publishers should take note of this.

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