Alterknits
Leigh Radford
(Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
AUD$39.95/ISBN 1584794550
Alterknits is aimed at those who want to knit outside of the square but may not know where to begin. Projects include non-traditional interpretations of traditionally knitted items (such as a cardigan in three different weights of yarn), as well as innovative ideas for using knitting to make things more often produced by other means (such as a chair cushion). Several projects call for the use of unusual materials (fabric strips, paper, nylon upholstery thread, sterling silver wire, and leather lacing, to name a few).
Radford's patterns encourage knitters to mix their crafty media by felting, embroidering, painting and machine-sewing the finishing touches onto hand-knits. Some of the projects do not actually require knitting at all but instead transform op-shop jumpers into totes and blankets. Alterknits is also peppered with quotes on creative thinking from a variety of luminaries as well as suggestions for creativity exercises (most of which are geared toward groups). A graph-paper notebook is provided to enable readers to record their own thoughts on knitting and design.
Those knitters wishing to flex their creative muscles will find some inspiration here, but Radford's own forays into alternative knitting are the showpiece here, and Alterknits is really a pattern book beckoning knitters to follow in her footsteps.
—Ingrid Summers