Knitting Design Inspirations, Great Books, and links of interest
"Casting Off"
Artist Janet Morton invited knitters to submit a square for her exhibit at the Museum for Textiles called 'Casting Off', on display from March 11, 2000 to July 2, 2000. In her invitation to knitters to participate in her project, Janet Morton wrote "In the language of knitting, to 'cast-off' means to terminate or finish. 'Cast offs' are things we discard. 'Casting off' is the nautical term for leaving land, the beginning of the journey. The purpose of this project is to mark the passage into a new century, using wool to tell stories, to reflect, record and celebrate the events in our lives and to cast off the passing century."
Having recently charted an Egyptian design from a photo of a fragment ( see 'A History of Hand Knitting' by Richard Rutt, pg 35, item # 26), my thoughts about the theme of 'Casting Off' took me back to when hands first cast-off on the journey of knitting, many hundreds of years ago. Though we often think of early historical knitting as being primitive and functional, here is a design that is elaborate and detailed. The original fragment was made in cotton, from the Fatimid Dynasty, AD 1000 - 1200.
Variations on a theme
In this knitting sample the design is knit with the working chart flipped 90 degrees - and is actually the same way as the original fragment sample was knit, and dark/light colours are reversed. Quite a different look! This same approach can easily be applied to many colour pattern samples, and combinations of reverse and sideways knitting used in the same garment for interesting effect.
Isolating Design Elements
There are also several interesting design elements that can be isolated and used either on their own, or as a repeat. The sample on the left shows the 'scroll' design isolated, and the small crosses are repeated around the central 'X' of the scroll. The sample below shows this isolated section repeated for a simple border design.
Note the single stitch in between the repeats results in a design that does not have long floats (as in the original Egyptian knitting sample), and therefore easier to knit and much better tension.
A History of Hand Knitting
This is a must have book for all who enjoy learning more about the history of knitting! Now back in print, Richard Rutt's book is a fascinating read, covering the history of knitting from early Coptic times to medieval Europe, up to the First World War. Fabulous photos!
Andean Folk Knits, Marcia Lewandowski, $28.95 Cdn, $24.95 US
Over 25 projects inspired by the colourful and rich traditional knitting of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
Art of Fair Isle Knitting, Ann Feitelson, $39.95 Cdn, $34.95 US
In this fascinating book, the author delves into the heart of traditional Fair Isle knitting. Through text and wonderful historical photos Fair Isle's history is told; chapters on technique & colour are thorough, and visually enlightening; and there are patterns for 23 original designs to knit.
 Ethnic Socks & Stockings, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, $33.95 Cdn, $28.95 US
Twenty-six pairs of intricately designed socks of Middle Eastern origin are described, beautifully photographed and charted.
Everyday Knitting-Treasures from a Ragpile, Annemor Sundbo, $51.95 Cdn, $44.95 US
When the author purchased a factory which recycled old woolen items, she discovered a treasure of knitting patterns in the old worn out garments. There are dozens of pages of beautifully patterned sweaters, mittens and socks, plus a detailed history of knitting in Norway.
Heirloom Knitting, Sharon Miller, $62.95 Cdn, $54.95 US
Sub-titled A Shetland Lace Knitters' Pattern and Workbook, this comprehensive book details lace knitting design and technique; dozens of charted traditional motifs plus the authors designs; patterns for traditional shawl construction and several heirloom items to knit. For those who want to develop their skill and understanding of Shetland Lace this is a must have!
Knitting Ganseys, Beth Brown-Reinsel, $25.55 Cdn, $21.95 US
From miniature gansey patterns to learn techniques and patterns from, to full size sweaters for women, men or children - the author provides technical help, inspirational photographs, and historical context on ganseys.
Knitting in the Old Way, Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson, $31.95 Cdn, $27.95 US
In this updated version of the original 1995 publication, Knitting in the Old Way has been re-written and updated. With a focus on traditional techniques and styling the author encourages knitters to learn about 'knitting by thinking'. 'Knitting in the old way involves working each sweater from a plan based on proportions, instead of from a line-by-line pattern.'
Knitting out of Africa, Marianne Isager, $28.95 Cdn, $24.95 US
Danish designer Marianne Isager fascination for African designs is interpreted in knitting through 16 inspired garments using a variety of knitting techniques - entrelac, double knitting, intarsia, domino and Fair Isle.
Norsk Strikkedesign, edited by Margaretha Finseth, $51.95 Cdn, $44.95 US
An awe inspiring book of knitwear designs, where Norwegian designers draw on traditional patterning and embellishment, translating it into their personal works of knitting art. The patterning in many of the designs is intricate, from beautiful florals to elaborate geometrics and figures. Gorgeous!!
Patterns for Guernseys Jerseys & Arans, Gladys Thompson, $16.95 Cdn, $14.95 US
In order to preserve the unwritten patterns of Guernseys, Jerseys, and Arans, the author (in the 1950's) compiled this collection of charted knit/purl and cabled patterns, along with their stories and B&W photographs.
Setesdal Sweaters, Annemor Sundbo, $45.95 Cdn, $39.95 US
The simple pattern of 'lice' is used in the main body of sweaters from Setesdal, often bordered with complex 2 colour designs. This pattern has become the most popular design in Norwegian knitting and shows up in sweater designs around the world.
Traditional Fair Isle Knitting, Sheila McGregor, $16.95 Cdn, $14.95 US
A reprint of Complete Book of Traditional Fair Isle Knitting, with lots of history and technique information, plus hundreds! of charted Fair Isle patterns organized by pattern height. Fabulous book for a great price!
Traditional Scandinavian Knitting, Sheila McGregor, $16.95 Cdn, $14.95 US
A reprint of a well-enjoyed favourite knitting resource. Charted designs of Scandinavian patterns now once again available for knitters.
Two-End Knitting, Anne-Maj Ling, $26.95 Cdn, $23.45 US
Two-end or Twined knitting is a fascinating technique that creates textural designs, warm thick fabrics, and unusual colour patterning when used with 2 colours. There are patterns for sweaters, skirts, hats, mittens and stockings plus detailed instructions and charts.
A Brief History of Medieval Egyptian Knitting
This on-line resource has some fascinating information about the early origins of knitting, museums who have Medieval Egyptian Knitting in their collections, as well as traditional colours and types of yarn used.
Hand Knit Hose
A reproduction of an 16th century English stocking, knit by Donna Flood Kenton. Some of the special features of the stocking are pattern clocks, shaping out for the calf, in for the knee, and back out for the thigh (these are stockings that are meant to keep you really warm!). Detailed instructions and charts are given. The gauge is even reasonable at 7 1/2 sts per inch!
Heirloom Knitting
Sharon Miller, well-known in the knitting lace world for her exceptional book Heirloom Knitting, has created a web site that features her current pattern offerings and enough enticing lace photos to make a knitter's knees go weak!
History of the Sanquhar Knitting Pattern
From the Dumfries and Galloway Museum web site, you can learn much about this beautiful patterning, done traditionally in black and white knitting.
Knitting and Crochet Guild
From the UK this extensive web site features images of knitted and crocheted works from the 18th century to today. There are some beautiful works here to see with lots of descriptive commentary.
Knitting History
A listing of historical patterns from 14-15th century Europe up to the 1930's-40's.
Knitting Paintings
Art throughout the ages has been the recorder both that which is beautiful and a social history of the times. About.com has compiled an extensive list of web sites that feature images of knitting in art. Gorgeous works!
Medieval Egyptian Knitting 1
The author, a member of the SCA has knit a medieval sock inspired by an artifact in the Textile Museum, Washington. The original is estimated to have been knit between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Scottish Traditional Knitting
Knitting historian Alyne Jones from the UK wrote a booklet on Sanquhar Pattern Gloves - History and knitting pattern For those fascinated with this traditional black and white knitting, learn more about the history, plus there is a pattern.
Victoria & Albert Museum
Renowned internationally for their textile collection, knitters can now browse through many knitted works in the collection, as wells as knitting tools. Garments from contempory knit designers are also featured.
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