Alterknits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises

by Leigh Radford, John Rizzo (Photographer)

Coloring inside the lines, thinking inside the box, knitting the same-old scarf--those days are over. For knitters looking for something new to spark their imaginations, AlterKnits is the answer. Featuring 27 imaginative projects, 10 creativity exercises, and thought-provoking quotes from Albert Einstein, Martha Graham, and many more, AlterKnits inspires knitters to expect the unexpected, to enjoy the rewards of experimentation, and to see the possibilities of knitting with broader vision.

Some projects call for unusual materials-plastic tubing (for a bag handle) or sterling silver wire (for a necklace). Others blend different craft techniques-a pullover with sewn-on velvet cuffs, a baby blanket with painted-on polka dots. Still others apply knitting in unexpected places, such as laptop cases and bulletin boards. The creativity exercises-called AlterExercises-challenge knitters to try out new ideas and to ask provocative, sometimes amusing questions. Tucked into a pocket on the inside front cover is the 32-page AlterKnits notebook, the perfect place for readers to work on their AlterKnits exercises and do their own creative doodling .

With AlterKnits , our concept of what we can knit will be forever altered!

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Leigh Radford is an award-winning author, designer and teacher. Artistic, inventive and resourceful, Leigh frequently explores creative re-use and imaginative application of unusual materials.

Her books include AlterKnits Felt: Imaginative Projects for Knitting and Felting (STC Fall 2008), AlterKnits: Imaginative Projects and Creativity Exercises (STC Fall 2005) and One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit & Crochet (IWP Spring 2006). Winner of the 2006 Craftrends’ Award of Creative Excellence (ACE award), One Skein is the fastest selling title in Interweave Press history. One Skein also won the Western Regional Book Design and Production award for the best How-to Book of 2007 by the Publishers of the West.

In 2006, Leigh created Silk Gelato, offering knitters a fiber with enhanced texture and plays of color for her unique pattern designs. Her enterprising efforts have resulted in a highly successful business collaboration with Lantern Moon, producers of Silk Gelato. Leigh provides artistic, product development and marketing direction.

from http://www.leighradford.com/bio.html

Reviews

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I haven't actually done any of the projects in here ... and I probably won't for a long time. (I need to finish a few simple projects first.) That said, I loved this book! It's definitely one I will buy. I especially want to make the scarf/shawl/wrap that you can lace together with ribbon, and the fingerless, lace-up gloves! This book delivers; the knitting projects really are imaginative. A screen for a door? I won't be taking that project on - ever - but I like that it's in there! The photographs and layout are beautiful. The instructions are clear & concise ... even to a newbie like me.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure whether to give this book a three or a four. There aren't that many patterns in here that I like but the ones I do I really love. Plus, even the ones I'm not fond of are unusual, even unique, and there is a huge variety. For example, there are patterns for knitting a wire necklace made of squares, paper lanterns, recycling old sweaters into totes, a screen door, and even a crown knitted from crepe paper. While I wouldn't waste my energy knitting a screen door, it's an interesting idea. And I definitely would like to tackle the lanterns, although I think I'll use something a little more durable than paper.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a surprise this book was. Lots of interesting projects outside the box: felting old wool sweaters and then cutting them up and zigzaging them together for a blanket; knitting strips of cast off T-shirts into a rug. Then there are your more traditional projects: a scarf and a wrap knitted separately to be worn individually or lace them together with ribbon. Scattered throughout are "creative thinking" exercises and lots of quotes.

I don't know if I'll actually get around to making any of the projects but it got me thinking.

[teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh Radford is one of my favorite knitting writers and designers. She designs unique knitting projects that alas are still a bit beyond my abilities.

I hope to start project #8: lace-up shawl.

The book not only has beautiful patterns but little creativity exercises like come up with your own knitting action hero.

[Gretchen]

Patterns, inspiration and ideas for 'outside-the-box' knitting projects. Many felted wools ideas, plus instructions for knitting jewelry and window screening. Most projects use simple stockinette stitch, so this book is suitable for those with basic knitting skills. Try some of the projects, or read the book as a springboard to launch new ideas of your own.

[Jaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - it's how I approach knitting - and to find someone who shares my vision, it's truly a blessing.

I loved the knitted screen door idea too - it's amazing - and I will try out several of the other patterns.

So innovative, this is not your traditional knitting book and I loved it!

[Chrissy Palko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own this knitting book. It's more of a coffee table book for me. I've only knitted 2 items from this one. Projects are fascinating. The layout is visually appealing to gloss over.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book for great ideas ...

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just knitting - includes patterns and more. Purchased by my husband as a gift - a great selection.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love the paper lanterns in this book. They are beautiful!

And I love the idea of the t-shirt rug. Durable and beautiful.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing for me.

[Jodi G. · Rating 1 out of 5]

These patterns are ridiculous - a knitted screen door? Waste of time.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different and fun projects

[Apryl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those love/hate books. I LOVE the way the designs inspire. When I'm in the mood to think outside the skein, this never fails. But if I were looking for a particular project, this would be the one to fling across the room. 2005, and it's already looking dated. Never mind. At this rate, it'll be so HOT by 2025!

Confession: i switched back & forth between 3 & 4 stars several times, and won't admit which I settled on in case i change my mind again.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another beautiful knitting book! More great eye candy... I've tried a couple of the small patterns in this book and they've worked very well. But it does get a bit extreme. The expensive yarn and time that many of the patterns call for makes the book a bit less functional to the every day knitter. And really, who needs a hand knit screen door anyway!?

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't tend to purchase knitting books often, but this one is such a wonderful source for inspiration rather than just patterns. Interesting use of materials and sites for knitted objects, etc. I didn't find the workshop-type sections as interesting though.

[Amy]

I found shawl thingy in here that I really want to make for myself. Although it's really ambitious, and probably the hardest thing I will have ever attempted. It's got cabling! I'll have to get help, no doubt. Buying all that good yarn will probably cost a fortune too. hmmmm....

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very pretty pictures (and gorgeous models) but no patterns I want to make in here. Also, reading it four years after publication, the patterns don't seem that out of the box to me. Knitting with nontraditional materials has been a trend lately.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that I would do some of the projects in this book, there are several that I really liked. I am currently making the laptop tote, and am dying to try a few of the others.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, funky projects here, some of which look like they'd provide instant gratification (a knit leather cuff with cool button closure) and others which look like more of a commitment.

[Kimberli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.
LOOOOVE this book.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the patterns from this book - but
i haven't knit from it yet.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Everything is so gourgeous. You can't help but want to run to the knitting store and buy all the yarn possible. I have knit 2 patterns and they turned out great.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the cushion and screen a lot. I always expect more from this book, and that's why I keep checking it out from the library even though I never make anything from it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made me do some thinking outside the box when it comes to knitted items. I might even do a project in this book in the future.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book looking at knitting with interesting materials. Radford also gives ideas and exercises to stimulate your creativity. Lovely book.

[yoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of an inspirational collection than actual patterns. Definitely challenges you to think differently about your knitting!

[Minnesinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything by Leigh Radford is good!