🧶 Andean Folk Knits: Exceptional Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia Review

I bought it with high hopes! I wanted a book for ethical reasons, but it turns out there actually isn't one. I bought it (used) because it was on the read more list in Craftsy's Peruvian knitting classes. This is a book with attractive photographs. Not just what I was looking for though. Per. Nothing about the history and meaning of motifs. There really isn't much I would like to knit. If you want a book that is almost entirely about small knitted bags then that's probably great, otherwise not.

I really liked this book: the author is so obviously interested in hand knitting from Peru, Chile, etc. and her designs, based on Andean themes and motifs, are mostly charming . However, the focus is on folklore purses and bags that look like they came from one of South America's best airport shops. They would be fun to make, but not very practical for carrying your stuff (unless you are an Andean Shepherd). The introductory part is reminiscent of a personal travelogue, pictures and so on. But…

This is a great book in every way! Marcia not only gives us, dedicated knitters, a wonderful selection of completely original knitting patterns, but also tells a lot of interesting things about the countries she has traveled to. There are interesting explanations about the symbolism of the motifs and their origins, and gives a lot of information about the materials and the different animals they came from. The book is very attractively designed and also interesting for non-knitters thanks to…