Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia

by Marcia Lewandowski

With these attractive ethnic patterns from the Andes, knitters not only expand their design repertoire, they literally knit a connection with other cultures. The fabulous selection of 25 projects includes vibrant bags and other accessories based on the rich traditions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Knit fingerless mittens and a purse from Peru's Ollantaytambo region. A wonderfully functional Argentinean felt bag fits around the waist, and is perfect for holding money and other small belongings; a matching hat makes for an attractive ensemble. Or try making a chic and simple Chilean striped bag and scarf, or an adorable Bolivian purse in the shape of a llama. Every chapter offers interesting facts about the Andean people, history, and culture, too.

Genres: Knitting, Travel, Crafts, Nonfiction, Cultural

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Lara]

This is more a "kitting history" or "knitting reference" sort of book than an actual pattern book for me. It almost feels like a travel book, with all the local information included - much fun. I loved the history of the area, the stories about the knitting culture in the area, the myths and legends associated with it (especially about llamas and alpacas), the meanings of the motifs in the patterns... it was the patterns that didn't really speak to me. Personal taste, I suppose.

The patterns are mostly intermediate, with some easier ones and some harder ones thrown in as well. They are divided up by country of origin/inspiration, which is an interesting touch. Everything is an accessory - mostly bags, with a few mittens and gloves, a hat or two, a couple scarves, a pair of socks, an earwarmer... but mostly bags. And that's part of the problem for me. I don't use this type of bag much, and I definitely don't do much color work, so not really a book with many patterns I'll make. I liked reading it, though, but it just feels more like an 'extra' book in a personal knitting library, rather than an essential.

I haven't made any of the patterns, so can't speak to completeness or clarity. The charts seem clear though (yes, you do have to be comfortable with charts - lots of colorwork to follow). Seems to have a clear reference at the beginning of a lot of the tools and techniques used, which is also a plus.

[Michelle]

Sweet little book with a ton of information about the knitters, their history and folk lore but few patterns that I want to create (they just don't fit the look I'd like to present)

[Jackie]

The ethnic designs and the accessories were a big surprise to me. Very inspiring!

[Mckinley]

Colorwork with interesting motifs.

[Mollie *scoutrmom*]

Though this book is aimed at knitters, with several authentic patterns, the explanations, charts, sidebars, history and geography lessons take up more than half of it. I learned that the locals view bird symbols as bringers of good luck, and trapezoids as symbols of mother earth. I learned the difference between an alpaca and a llama. I read about the fibers of the carawata bromeliad. I learned about the fortune-tellers who use coca leaves. I learned that one can do a lot with coca leaves that does not involve cocaine production. We see photos of spinners, dyers, and learn that in this region men knit as much or more than women do.

Fascinating lore is shared. I think any crafter or designer would enjoy this one.

Judged purely as a knitting book, I did not like it very much. It is so authentic that designs which have little or no use in modern American culture make up most of the patterns. I will probably use the mitten chart and some of the others in my own designs, but I may never make any of the projects in this book unless I make a cap or one day have a granddaughter for whom to knit the doll-form purses. The authentic colors chosen are not my favorites.

I'd recommend checking this out of the public library and seeing whether or not you agree with my review.

[Bettie]

Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia

nonfic> art> kernitting> history

Loved the photos of patterns and charts, yet the thing that other readers were reticent over, I simply loved: the history, mythology and geography of the designs.
4* goodness

[Martine]

I do not like the actual prokects in the book but the andean patterns can be modified!

[Jan]

interesting info, some good charts -