Book review: folk style

Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More by Mags Kandis (ed). Published by Interweave Press (October 1, 2007) – make sure you check out the knitalong and images of the book are available here.

The designs in this book are contributed by many different designers – all with the theme of “ethnic knitting traditions with a twist”, like the other books in the “STYLE” series, this one looks to become a classic. Each book in the STYLE series has a ‘design notebook’ at the back – this is a great resource section, with ideas on how to design, using colour and stitch pattern. There are tips on techniques and style choices, extra information on how to work with intarsia and fair isle knitting and adding embellishments – all important aspects in this book. And a good resource are the illustrations of how to do a few of the tricky embroidery stitches.

The designers who have contributed patterns to this book are a heady mix – including Mags Kandis herself, Annie Modesitt, Leigh Radford, Pam Allen, Gayle Bunn and many more…

This book celebrates the diversity of knitting around the world – the patterns are inspired by traditional folk designs from around the world – one downside though is that the patterns are for women, children and the home – no patterns in here for men – which I found to be a great disappointment. There quite a few patterns in here that I really like, in fact there are no duds in here at all – and how much of the decoration and embellishments you do are up to your personal taste.

A very cute cropped ‘vest’ jacket, designed by Gayle Bunn, is reminiscent of faded patchwork, with a tweedy herringbone pattern on the slightly flared sleeves – with Fair Isle and intarsia techniques used. The charts for these are incredibly detailed but not too difficult to follow. The ‘modern quilt wrap’ by Mags Kandis, is a gorgeous lightweight over sized scarf. It is knit in mitered square – achieving a modern patchwork look. There is an excellent and beautiful diagram of the placement for knitted blocks of colour. Another design I really like is the ‘grand tour waistcoat’ by Di Gilpin. A bolero style vest with colour and design inspired from traditional French wallpaper. The shape and patterning of the ‘Appalachian gathering basket’ by Gina Wilde is inspired by the traditions of basket weaving of North American Indians. It is knitted then felted to achieve a very sturdy result. One of my absolute favourite designs in this book is the Chinese inspired ‘Shanghai surplice’ by Annie Modesit. Using the shape of the traditional Cheongsam with European French Knot embroidery, this design speaks of the clash of cultures of early Century Shanghai grandeur. I can’t describe every single pattern in this book – but one I can’t miss out is the ‘tribal baby carrier’ by Lisa B Evans. A traditional baby sling/carrier with the design inspired by Middle Eastern Kilim rugs and African cloth. A real merging of cultural inspiration with warm colours and textured stitch, result in a very sturdy and rich looking carrier.

One good thing about a book with a mix of designers is the diversity of ideas – its a great mix. Other designs I did not mention were also good, although the two kids jackets that were in there I did not dig so much, a little too loose fitting with square shoulders – but they are jackets not sweaters so are meant to worn over layers. Also I found some of the embroidery a mix over done at times – just a little too much – trying a little too hard to be folksy. Also some of the designs I was not really sure what they were doing in here. Sometimes the term ‘folk’ has been very loosely translated. And I mentioned early the lack of designs for men – I am not sure why this was missed out – perhaps there were just no contributions? But on the positive side – apart from the gorgeous patterns and the clear organised way the book is laid out, the patterns are very detailed with clear illustrations and charts for the stitch patterns and embellishments. I also really like how the yarn is specified in generic size and weight as well as the specific yarn that it is knitted with in the photograph. There are also detailed notes about any tricky aspects to the pattern as well as the detailed guide to sizing.