[Knitting Architecture: 20 Patterns Exploring Form, Function, and Detail] [By: Gray, Tanis] [August, 2013]

by Tanis Gray

INTERWEAVE PRESS-Knitting Architecture. Explore twenty patterns that reveal the foundations of knitting form following function; details of construction; and the special relationship between raw materials and a finished product. There are many parallels between knitting a sweater and constructing a both of these processes rely on an idea; a blueprint or schematic; math; materials; and a little bit of inspiration. Choices made in constructing a garment; such as creating yokes; shaping; and hems; mimic the choices made as a building is constructed. In both cases; these elements come together for a striking effect. Tanis Gray. Softcover; 160 pages. Published 2013. Imported.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published August 7, 2013

Reviews

[Anne Hawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this knitting book by accident and was curious about the premise that knitting and architecture could go together. Amazingly, they do. There are 20 patterns in the book, all related to an iconic example of various architectural periods. There are pictures of famous buildings like the Sydney Opera House and a pattern which it inspired. My favorite was the beautiful King's College pullover with a yoke that evokes "the vaults, buttresses, and ancient archways of Gothic buildings..."

Another favorite is the Porticus socks which are inspired by Romanesque architecture with curved archways (used in a unique heel), towers, and columns. This is a toe-up pattern and the effect is as if one is moving into a building through the curved arch with towers and columns in the background.

There is an arts & crafts cardigan I'd love to make and an Art Nouveau Mucha cardigan I can see my granddaughters going off to college with. It has a comfortable loose fit but some great patterns on the sleeves and back. A more elegant sweater is the beaux-arts cardigan with a lace pattern on the front, a slightly stand-up neckline and two tabs at the top. It's easy to see a recent college grad auditioning for her first job in this.

I also fell in love with some wonderful rococo mittens with designs taken from the Fisher Building in Detroit and some of the more ornate stone and metalwork. Once you start looking at buildings it is easy to find more ideas than there is time to knit.

8/12/2020

I had hoped to have gotten some of the things I noted in my first review but didn't get any of them done. It's hard to knit with wool when you live in Florida! Hopefully, my granddaughters will be going to Florida State next year and it is cold enough in the winter to wear at least a hat and mitts, and maybe a sweater. After their gap year, thanks to Covid 19, both of my granddaughters will be going there or UFL

[Dana Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanis Gray has done some incredible work with this book. Inspired from art and history, these patterns are in themselves art with form and function. The King's College Pullover with vaults, buttresses and archways screams Gothic architecture. Cabled knits and a ribbed collar pull this piece by Mari Muinonen together. It is lovely.

The Beaux Arts Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald is a stellar construction of lace panels, I-cord edging with slight waist shaping, some pretty ornate panels and buttons that match the color scheme. The simple stockinette stitch comprises a good deal of the piece and shows just how a few pieces of elegant stitchery and a good old standard stitch can work wonders.

The Hotel Tassel Wrap has to be my favorite piece from the book. Lace and cables make up this Art Nouveau inspired wrap by Asa Tricosa. Lace, mesh, garter edge detail and a cabled motif follows the style of Victor Horta and his Hotel Tassel. The green lace weight yarn is glorious and the pattern is both written and charted out for ease of use.

This book is a must for all art and architecture lovers.

4/5

[Tonileg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were still brick and morter bookstores (I miss you Borders!!) because I end up buying so many knitting books that I really only want two patterns.
Sigh.
This is a beautiful pattern book filled with fitted modern knits with easy to find yarns... BUT, yes and there is always a but, this has fun original ideas for different knitting patterns that are fun for the eyes and maybe some holiday gift ideas (hats, gloves) but I couldn't see myself in any of the knits.
I'd put this in the borrow shelf instead of buy.
There are lots of sizes 32 to 60 inch bust, although most are for small to medium sized folks.
I do not see the relation between the knits and the actual architecture inspiration, but this was a very good idea but maybe stick with a culture like 'India' or Gothic architecture theme would have worked out better.
160 pages and bought used
3 stars

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting patterns, I especially like the effect of the Bauhaus cardigan, and the little green shrug, which is beaded and knit side to side. Most of the yarns are difficult to get hold of in the UK, so substitutions will be necessary.