AlterKnits Felt: Imaginative Projects for Knitting & Felting

by Leigh Radford

There’s something magical about felting knits: You start with a piece of fabric that looks and feels a certain way and, by exposing it to water and agitation, finish with one that looks and feels completely different. This fascinating transformation is what led author Leigh Radford to begin felting years ago, and has kept her intrigued by the process ever since.

Now, in AlterKnits Felt, Radford pushes the boundaries of traditional felting, as she did with traditional knitting in her earlier book, AlterKnits. Through 30 colorful, vibrant projects, she shows readers how to knit and then felt their own handiwork, as well as how to create gorgeous felted objects from recycled knits and unspun fiber. An introductory chapter on felting basics explains everything you need to know to make the fabulous clothes, accessories, and home decor that follow.

The projects range from a quick and easy circle coin purse, to a shibori bag, to a reverse-appliqué rug, each unusual in its own way, distinguished by a special surface texture, an innovative mix of techniques, or a quirky combination of yarns. AlterKnits Felt provides every crafter with the tools to explore—and expand—the art of felting.

Photographer: John Mulligan

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

136 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

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 3 out of 5]

This does not seem to be as great as it's predecessor. While Alterknits is clearly unique (screen doors?) Alterknits Felt doesn't quite reach the same level of "imaginative." I might be of this impression simply because I don't have much interest in felting right now. A few of the projects are really beautiful (the pleated cloche for one!) but this is a book for borrowing, not for buying. I suppose that if you're into felting this would be worth purchasing. Even so, there's a limit to how interesting yet another felted bag is. As for how many stars I'm giving it, I would say that "it was okay," but the pleated cloche and the pleated collar projects make it likable enough for three stars. I would brave a library fine to finish one of those.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've looked at these AlterKnits books several times and I'm always left with a mixture of opinions. A lot of her garments are just ugly, no questions asked. But then she comes up with some incredibly clever ideas that I love. The best one is this book is a regular hand-knit sweater with a needle felted design. I love that idea. Other projects are less attractive or creative, but I always come away from her books with an interesting mixture of ideas.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some fun projects.

[Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this out of the library by accident, seeing only "felt" and not "knits". Assuming I could crochet whatever was knitted, I read it. It was worth the read.

[Ligaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the felted projects very creative, particularly the rings, cloche hat, and bobbled scarves. I enjoyed the sweaters with felted details added and the directions for felted buttons!! Brilliant! Home decor items are also included: cushions, chair backs, ottoman covers, and blankets. Sometimes the aesthetics don't mesh with mine but lots of inventive ideas in here! Clear directions, plentiful photographs and schematics and I particularly appreciated the Notes. I've knitted tons of bags for felting and liked that needle felting was explored, as well.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces various felting techniques in 30 projects using different approaches (knitting & felting, felting salvaged knits, wet felting, needle felting). Each project is accompanied by great photos, diagrams, and description, all presented in an appealing layout. I've made 4 projects according to the book, or inspired by it, all with great results.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great patterns. Can't wait to try the rings!

[Ally Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

trying to get inspired before the fall shearing when i will have 11 fleeces to deal with...

[Amberjean · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. Not really my thing, though it did what I wanted: outlined a couple of methods for felting by hand rather than in a washer.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute felted ornaments!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great photos, and cute projects!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This book is amazing! Can't wait until I have time to actually make some of these!