Kari Cornell has written another book, Knitting Scarves from around the World. Scarf designs are from the North, East, South and West. You can be all over the map and never leave your knitting chair. 23 patterns in a variety of styles and techniques are shown. Scarf designers include Donna Druchunas who wrote the historical introduction to the book, Nancy Bush, Melissa Leapman and Teva Durham are among them. The clear, enlarged photographs are by Sue Flanders and Janine Kosel.
The scarves shown in the book run the gamut from scarves to cowls and shawls. Some of the designs are traditional while others have been updated. Scarves through history were worn to denote militery rank, as a sweat cloth, for religious purposes as well as a fashion statement for warmth and style. I am glad I live where there are four seasons. That allows me to have a variety of scarves in different weights and textures.
The patterns contain sidebars with pattern notes and special techniques ie; knitting with beads, provisional cast on, crochet bind-off, creating Nupp's, Brioche rib... Some of my favorites are: The shaping on the Bavarian Twisted-Stitches Commuter Scarf by Dawn Brocco is different and I have been on a twisted stitch kick for the past few weeks. The Icelandic Yoke Scarf by Gretchen Funk uses unspun Icelandic. It is the unspun yarn design (I am a spinner) that caught my attention. The tapering of the neck make it a must knit for my other half. Nancy Bush has designed a beautiful Estonian Triangular Lace Shawl. Melissa Wehrle's Celtic Felted-Flower scarf and the Central Park Mobious scarf made with cashmere yarn for "mindless on the go knitting" are all eye catching.
If knitting patterns and history pique your interest, you will also love Knitting Socks from Around the World. Subscribe above, so as not to miss tomorrow's review of Knitting Around the World.
Would you like to learn to spin your own yarn and knit one of these scarves?
Madison Wool is holding spinning classes. The first winter session will be January 15th and 22nd, 1-4 p.m. at Madison Wool. Another, two class session will be scheduled for March/April. This two session workshop will teach: why wool spins into yarn, how to prepare wool for spinning, how to spin on a drop spindle and a spinning wheel. Lesson 1 will teach the basics of fiber preparation, drafting and spinning on a drop spindle. Lesson 2 will teach spinning on a spinning wheel, plying and finishing your skein. Equipment will be provided and studio time is included in the fee. Studio time is time to spin at Madison Wool using their wheels. The fee is $85 ($25.00 deposit holds your space).
The material fee is $10 - 20 for fiber/purchase of drop spindle (optional). Please call reserve your space (203-245-5921)! Maximum of 4 students. The shop is located at Madison Wool 56A Wall Street Madison, CT 06443. Learning to spin adds another dimension to your knitting.
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