Shibori Knits: The Art of Exquisite Felted Knits by Gina Wilde, published by Potter Craft (August 26, 2008).

What a gorgeous cover, I was really drawn into this book by the hat that is featured on the cover. And indeed there are some really fabulous projects within the book too. But first up, what is shibori knitting? Shibori is basically a shape resist method from Japan used to dye textiles. This shape resist method has been borrowed to work with knitwear to create new possibilities for 3D design.

The fabulous and scary thing about the shibori shape resist method is the process of chance encounters, even when you follow the directions exactly it will not turn out the same – due to all the variables involved – heat, yarn, washing – but it is this process of chance that makes this method exciting and interesting.

Basically shape resist involves using hard objects such as wooden blocks, marbles or golf balls and tying the fabric/wool up around the objects, then washing/fulling and when the material dries and the objects are removed it leaves an interesting texture and 3D shape. All of this and more is explained in the introduction to this book: Types of yarns, understanding the process, how to swatch etc.

There are some really lovely simple experiments in shape resist with marbles and stones and other resist methods such as sewing in pleats leaving some wonderful organic textures. I found that some of the designs are more successful than others, and the term ’shibori’ has been used quite loosely with many of felted knitwear projects. But over all it is a luscious book with lots to inspire.

Shibori Knitted Felt: 20 Plus Designs to Knit, Bead, and Felt by Alison Crowther-Smith published by Interweave Press (April 1, 2008)

This is a beautiful book, Interweave always do such a great job in presenting their books. Beautiful photography and simple styling that show off the classic designs in their full glory.

The shibori aspect comes in by using the same techniques used in traditional shibori dyeing, tying, folding and scrunching and then applying these techniques when fulling a knitted item to create unusual and interesting effects.

The projects in the book are all suitable for intermediate knitters with some also suited to beginners. Projects include a bobble cushion, a pleated scarf, an artist ‘islands scarf’ which can be made as a shibori felted sampler suitable to experiment with different techniques. There are also some lovely bags, placemats and brooches too. Lots here to experiment with.