September 2014
With all things Scandinavian more popular than ever, here is a whole book dedicated to knitting projects in this style. Popular knitwear designers Arne and Carlos have filled this handsome book with lovely pieces taken from traditional motifs from Setesdal in Southern Norway. As with all the Arne and Carlos series you can expect a beautifully illustrated book with pictures of more than just the projects. The inspiration behind this collection is Arne's grandmother who came from this area, and her house that was filled with items to inspire designs. There are lots of pictures of traditional items like Christmas cards and knitting patterns as well as the authors and others wearing the clothes and interesting snippets about Setesdal motifs. This is the home of what we think of as the classic Scandinavian sweater, and there are patterns for several in here along with socks, hats, mittens, blankets, pillows, a tea cozy and more. Patterns include written instructions and charts, many in color along with large full page photographs and notes about the inspiration behind the design. The yarns used are all as Scandinavian as the projects and there is a short but handy list of UK and US stockists and substitutes along with websites. This is a book aimed at intermediate and upwards knitters with no information about actual knitting, just the patterns but at this level this should be enough. Something for less proficient knitters to aspire to and a lovely book in all respects. If you cannot find a good range of knitting materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
* Myshelf.com *
Christmas 2014
New from knitting's favourite double-act is this beautiful collection of Scandinavian inspired clothes, accessories and homewares. Arne & Carlos took inspiration from the colourwork patterns from books, postcards and old knitting patterns found stashed away in dusty attics in the Setesdal Valley of southern Norway, and conjured up 33 stunning all-ability designs for men, women and children - including hats, teddy bears, wristwarmers and cushions.
* Knit Today *
Issue 77
There's something irresistible about Nordic knitwear designs when the weather starts to turn chilly - and just in time for winter, Scandinavian design duo Arne and Carlos have released this colourful collection of garments and accessories.
Design influences have been drawn from their collection of vintage Norwegian patterns, textiles, books and even Christmas card, discovered in the attic of Arne's grandmother in Setesdal.
We especially love the elegance of the two-tone stranded colourwork jumpers for men and women, and the exuberant colours of the cosy stockings taken from vintage Setesdal sweaters.
You can bring Scandi-style into your home, too, with Arne and Carlos's colourwork pillows, draft excluders and tea cosy. Quick knits include 'Five Wise Virgins' wristwarmers and hats, a sweet little teddy bear, and mittens inspired by traditional Norwegian weaving. There's also a beautiful heirloom lace baby blanket.
* Knitter, The *
This book is inspirational for a fair isle knitter who is looking for ideas for a new project. The complexity of patterns varies from a simple first colour work potholder project, to a complex jumper pattern that involves the advanced technique of steeking. I believe that there is something there for everyone. I like the fact that there are also lace projects which are not too complex and the neck warmer would be a great simple piece of knitting for a weekend.
The colour ranges shown are excellent and give the reader great ideas of how colours can be mixed and also how photography can enhance the piece with carefully chosen backgrounds.
The photos are great and they also bring in humour and a sense of history. The patterns are laid out clearly and charts are a great size to follow. I believe that the patterns within them can be transferred to other projects, if you wanted to use them more than once.
-- Monica Russel * theknitknacks.co.uk *
