I spent an hour today photographing this newly finished Tillie. It’s too big on the retro-style wire wig stand I use, so I did some photos of me wearing it. In the photos, I may be smiling, but I am sweating like crazy and really getting a "glow" on. I’d planned to do the photos for Matilda & Tillie while I was in Indiana last month, but it was even hotter there than it was here. When I was working on an earlier version of Matilda last fall in Portland, it was, again, hotter there than here. Maybe someday I’ll get to wear my hats for more than a few overheated minutes!
Ethnic Knitting Discovery is not a hip, funky, not-your-grandma’s knitting book. It’s not much of a pattern book either. I couldn’t be more pleased!
In the tradition of books like Knitting in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and other ethnic/traditional knitting books, Donna gives an overview of specific techniques, motifs, and projects, and examples of how they are used. Unlike some other knitting books on ethnic traditions out there (including Knitting in the Old Way), Ethnic Knitting Discovery is geared more for the basic knitter, who may want a more streamlined, step-by-step approach to a project. There are no line-by-line written patterns in this book, but the instructions are presented and structured in three ways so that the individual knitter can create and knit an original piece without having to start completely from scratch. After the general description for each project comes the visual plan (a schematic with sections labeled to show what happens where, e.g. “work crown decreases, changing to double-pointed needles as needed,” a method for those who want to jump right in. That is followed by a planning worksheet; a table for filling in the numbers in advance, for those who want to have a more specific plan without needing each step detailed. Finally, there are step-by-step project sheets, which take the numbers calculated in the planning worksheet and arrange them into a more detailed set of instructions. These project sheets are not as detailed as line-by-line instructions, but will expand on the planning worksheet in a way that will help you move along faster, e.g. “Work in k1, p1 ribbing as follows: Row 1: K1, *p1, k1. Repeat from * to end of row. Row 2: P1, *k1, p1. Repeat from * to end of row.”
The schematics are very clear and basic, as are the illustrations accompanying the patterns. The only photos of completed projects are on the cover, an intentional choice meant to steer the individual knitter into designing an original (for those who would like to see more of the finished projects, there will be photos added to the website in the future). Motifs and texture patterns are shown as photos accompanied by charts (the texture patterns do have written line-by-line instructions as well).
Overall, this is a book you can keep on your knitting shelf for years to come. It’s a wonderful introduction to traditional knitting, and a good resource in itself. With an MSRP of $21.95, this paperback is an easy investment for the knitter ready to move beyond line-by-line knitting, the knitter with an interest in other traditions, and the knitter who wants to knit something personalized and unique without having to get too wild and crazy (although that’s always an option). Crafters like myself, who find books of folk/ethnic motifs and patterns for cross-stitch and embroidery as well as for knitting and crochet, will appreciate the tips on how to incorporate those motifs and stitch patterns into a self-designed piece. The holiday gift season is coming up, and this book would make a lovely gift, especially with a few skeins of yarn. This is the first in a series, with more traditions from around the world to be featured in at least two future books.
Some of you may recall that my plan was to select a project from the book to work on, and I have. I just haven’t cast on yet (it’s been an interesting week). I have the yarn, and you’ll be seeing the project take shape here as well as on Ravelry (my username there is mkcarroll).
In addition to writing knitting books and patterns, Donna is also interested in charity and activist knitting, and created the Knitting for Change blog, providing free patterns and information about knitting charities. Oh, and that’s a rug she’s knitting in the photo above.
Matilda & Tillie Peace Fleece worsted weight knitting yarn (70% wool, 30% mohair), 4 oz/200 yds, color of your choice XS, S, M, L, XL (18", 20", 22", 24", 26") US 6/4.0mm dpns, 1 set of 5 US 6/4.0mm circular needle (16") US G/4.25 mm crochet hook
Hats for chilly seasons, these close-fitting wool cloche hats are designed to keep out cold and blustery winds. The heather mohair blend yarn enhances the vintage style; the crown and brim colors look subtly different depending on the angle and the light. Tiny flecks of many colors make these wearable with just about any color in your wardrobe. These hats will also travel well, easily stuffed into a coat pocket or a bag, and can be dressed up easily with pins, brooches, and other decorations.
The crown is knit from the top down, ending right above the ears. The brim is worked separately as a long bias strip with increases and decreases to shape it as you go and is sewn to the crown. A simple knit i-cord or crocheted cord trims the hat and covers the seam. Matilda has a plain brim; Tillie has a shaped brim with a knit-in hem, which can be worn with the narrow edge at the back (allowing for jacket and coat collars) or at the side for retro flair.
Left: Matilda, Peace Fleece "Tundra", size medium (22") Right: Tillie, Peace Fleece "Patience Blue", size small (20")
Next week, I’ll be posting my review of Donna Druchunas‘ latest book, Ethnic Knitting: Discovery: The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and The Andes. I’m choosing a small project from the book to knit this week, and I’m excited about getting started! The layout and presentation of the projects is really attractive to me, and I think you’ll be appreciative of it too.
You can learn more about Donna’s books and writing at her website, Sheeptoshawl.com.
I’ll review the book when I can get my hands on it; meanwhile, you can check out Ana Paula Rimoli’s Etsy shop (anapaulaoli.etsy.com) to buy individual patterns, and check out photos and free patterns on her blog, Ana Paula’s Amigurumi Patterns & Random Cuteness. I’ve purchased some of her patterns and have crocheted the Owl Purse. The patterns are easy to follow, quick to crochet, and the results are adorable.
Hippocrates coined the term hysteria, and thought that it was caused by the womb traveling around the body in search of children.
This womb will be doing her traveling outside of my body.
My Indiana trip included visiting with a dear friend of mine, Nicole, who I had not seen for several years. The timing was serendipitous; she was on her way to Kansas and then on to Oaxaca, Mexico, to start a new job. Nicole has traveled quite a bit and is likely to travel quite a bit more, so the Womb has chosen the right companion for global adventuring.
by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts and other ethnic/traditional knitting books, Donna gives an overview of specific techniques, motifs, and projects, and examples of how they are used. Unlike some other knitting books on ethnic traditions out there (including Knitting in the Old Way), 
