Northern Knits: Designs Inspired by the Knitting Traditions of Scandinavia Iceland and the Shetland Isles

Autumn 10

A collection of women's sweaters and tops with socks, hats, gloves and mittens and a bag all beautifully photographed and using yarns from the individual countries: Alafoss, Istex, Dale of Norway, Lodband, Jamieson & Smith and Ullcentrum Oland. A good excuse for an internet shopping spree?

Aug 12

Presented in a contemporary format the 20 projects in this book have been inspired by the knitting traditions of Iceland, Shetland, Norway and Sweden. The section for each country commences with a brief overview of that region's knitting history and provides an insight into the influences that have shaped its textile tradition. These traditions are closely linked to the local sheep and the distinctive yarns spun from their wool. Projects throughout the book use these traditional yarns, giving an authentic look and feel to the author's take on traditional designs. The designs in many weights and styles are for a range of garments and accessories from socks, hats, bags and shawls to jumpers and jackets. Each project's instructions, including finishing, are clearly laid out over several pages; they are accompanied by colour charts and large clear photographs of the finished item. The glossary and an illustrated technique section will help to achieve a successful result. Though not a beginner's book, some projects are easier than others, it will interest anyone with an interest in practical knitting history and regional knitting techniques. The original yarns, whose specialised properties are highlighted in each section, can be sourced using the suppliers list. As a hand spinner I felt that it would be an interesting challenge to attempt to replicate these yarns, and Lucinda's timeless designs feel worth spinning for.

May 10

Northern Knits opens with an introduction that explores the traditions of quintessential European knitting cultures, from the wool and yarns to the history of the garments traditionally made from them. Accompanying the information is a breathtaking montage of photos showing vintage traditional garments and landscapes. The collection of 20 women's garments and accessories uses traditional knitting techniques and folk motifs inspired by these regions to showcase these classic wool yarns. The projects explore a range of techniques and knitwear construction ideas that are both interesting to knit and very wearable. Featured techniques include: Knitting in the round Lace Fair Isle Twined knitting Embroidery Lucinda Guy's newest collection includes the best of new and old in knitwear: the inspiration of folk traditions, the wholesome purity of natural wool yarns, and the styles of today's knitter.

Dec 10

A collection of women's sweaters and tops with socks, hats, gloves and mittens and a bag all beautifully photographed and using yarns from the individual countries: Alafoss, Istex, Dale of Norway, Looband, Jamieson & Smith and Ullcentrum Oland. A good excuse for an internet shopping spree?

Jan 11

Even if you're not a fan of cold weather you'll find yourself eager to head north to discover the lands that inspired these designs. The book is divided into four sections by country: Iceland, Shetland, Norway and Sweden. Each section begins with a beautiful two-page overview of that place, providing a sense of the setting as well as some interesting details of that location's knitting heritage. The photography by Joe Hancock is exquisite throughout, offsetting Lucinda Guy's designs against soft-focused scenes bathed in clear northern light. The designs are generally very traditional in style, with colourful geometric motifs. We love the `Marta' embroidered bag in the Swedish section, which embodies the practical yet useful ethos Guy talks about in her introduction. Each item is knitted in Scandinavian yarn of some variety, adding to the authenticity of finished garments like the `Annemor' pullover in Dale of Norway's pure wool Heilo, and the lovely Shetland-inspired `Hester' chevron lace pullover in Jamieson & Smith's 2ply jumper yarn.

The stitches used are just as important as the yarns. In the case of the chevron lace pullover, that's dimple shale and rib stitch, and Guy's description of it is positively poetic: This stitch is reminiscent of foamy, gently breaking waves on a beach. There are also quick knits, including the cute Icelandic inspired `Yrsa' mitts - perfect for chilly days.