Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Lori Aguirre photo
1 Level
9540 Review
6166 Karma

Review on Stylish Nordic Knit Accessories: 20 Modern Designs Adapting 4 Classic Sweater Patterns by Lori Aguirre

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Traditional stitches, modern clothing and accessories

Knit Nordic is a collection of 20 designs using one of four traditional Norwegian patterns. These are patterns scattered across Norwegian ski patterns or mitten patterns that many knitters have come to know and love. The book begins with a brief history and introduction to each of the four stitch patterns; Setesdal, Fana Voss and Marius. The first three templates are assigned to specific regions in Norway. Marius is a new derivative of Setesdal, an oxo pattern. The pattern section of the book is organized around these stitch patterns. The first section is Marius and includes a handbag, teddy bear, racing jersey, shorts and Christmas stocking. Setesdal includes tie, fingerless gloves, iPad case and beanie hat. The Fana pattern set contains a French coffee maker, a round hat, a half sweater with warm shoulder and cup covers. Voss' patterns include an oven mitt, toilet paper holder, snood, throw pillow and iPhone case. After reading this list you will understand if this book interests you. It's basically a collection of items you may or may not want, all with very traditional Norwegian stitch patterns. I personally think the idea of having a cozy French coffee maker is awesome as the presses make good coffee but cool down too quickly. I love the coffee press with some of my favorite knitting patterns. On the other hand, there are patterns like toilet paper roll covers and knitted cup covers. It seems to me that this is one of those things that someone will knit either as a joke gift or because they have an over-obsession with knitting. I can think of much more attractive and useful places to place Norwegian stitch patterns than a toilet paper holder or a handy glass for cold drinks. At first I was very repelled by knitted shorts. Oftedal points out that shorts might not be what your grandma would knit, but they're great over tights on the weekends. I tried hard to imagine sitting at home in winter with these shorts over leggings and opening the front door to an unexpected guest in shorts. Not for me! I then showed a photo of my 13-year-old daughter's shorts and asked if she would ever wear them. and she told me she wanted me to knit them for her - so this could be a generation's thing. Patterns that I'm particularly interested in include cozy coffee presses, knitted teddy bear and Christmas stocking. Each of these patterns looks very traditional and timeless. The teddy bear has a plain tough face and patterned body as if wearing a timeless ski sweater. The Christmas stocking is similar in size to a Norwegian sock knitted with a Christmas stocking. At the end of the book you will find a brief explanation of the techniques involved in knitting Scandinavian patterns. Knitting in the round has a brief explanation, how to use double needles and circular needles. Stranded knitting explains how to keep two colors and what pitfalls occur when changing thickness and color. Usage diagrams and finishing tips are also included. None of these methods come with step-by-step photo instructions. So I think the book is suitable for intermediate knitters who are already familiar with double row circular knitting, using charts and completing projects. It is good to have this material in the book, but it is more suitable as a reference for those who are already familiar than for those trying it for the first time. If you like these patterns and want to use this book for your first introduction to Nordic 2-thread knitting, find some online tutorials or trustworthy experienced knitters who can show you what you need to know. Worsted yarn and double knitting yarn (DK). These are common yarn weights and are easy to find in many price ranges. Each required quantity is in grams, not meters or yards. So be prepared to look up the weight of yarn you are buying for these projects. Each pattern is assigned a skill level, from basic to advanced. These levels do not meet American Needlework Yarn Council standards - each of these patterns requires you to be able to knit two-tone threads. All designs are beautifully photographed and show stitch patterns well. Intermediate to Intermediate, Those who really love traditional Norwegian stitch patterns and want to create more modern projects using these stitches will find what they are looking for in this book. Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to review my knitting page on BellaOnline.com. All my reviews are my honest opinion. All designs are beautifully photographed and show stitch patterns well. Intermediate to advanced learners who really love traditional Norwegian stitch patterns and want to create more modern projects using these stitches will find what they are looking for in this book. Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to review my knitting page on BellaOnline.com. All my reviews are my honest opinion. All designs are beautifully photographed and show stitch patterns well. Intermediate to advanced learners who really love traditional Norwegian stitch patterns and want to create more modern projects using these stitches will find what they are looking for in this book. Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher to review my knitting page on BellaOnline.com. All my reviews are my honest opinion.

Pros
  • This is Awesome
Cons
  • Some Mistakes