Contemporary Knitting: For Textile Artists

by Ruth Lee

This is not your grandmother’s knitting book…unless Grandma happens to be a cool, creative textile artist. What it does have is detailed information on a spectacular range of contemporary designs—both wearable items, such as a breathtaking star-shaped neckpiece strung with glass beads, as well as exhibition pieces like the author’s Spirit Dresses, knitted from insulated bell wire. Other materials used include paper yarn, plastics, rope, elastics—and even regular knitting yarn! Ruth Lee, whose work has been shown in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, offers a wealth of background on techniques from big knitting and knitting in rounds, to wrapping, coiling, and twining. Plus: dozens of color photographs provide powerful inspiration for adventurous knitters.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for textile artists to help generate ideas for incorporating knitting into their art, or for making art from knitting alone, either flat or 3d pieces. With beautiful photos, the book ranges from materials--including novel ones like marine rope and lingerie elastic--to technique instruction. There is a chapter on using beads with knitting and other techniques you'll find in many knitting books. But there is also a chapter on decorative surface treatments, even "Painting, Dyeing and Varnishing" on top of your knitting.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing. Uses many nontraditional & nonfiber "yarns," such as wire and fishing line. Shows art & gives instructions on techniques, though not necessarily on how to create that particular piece. Less of a "how-to" and more of a "why not?" book.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to read about the different fibers to use in knitting, but not useful for your everyday knitter.