Poems of Color: Knitting in the Bohus Tradition

by Wendy Keele

Full-color reproductions of original pattern swatches, sweaters, and accessories from the Bohus workshop in Sweden, along with the history of the women who designed them.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, History

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. It was interesting enough, but calling Bohus knitting a 'cultural tradition' seems a bit overkill when it was invented for profit in the 1930s. The pictures and knitting itself are gorgeous, but not nearly as impressive as it was made out to be. An interesting look at the knitting economy in Sweden, but not really about folk knitting at all. The patterns included are very 1980s.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting history of Bohus knitting and the women who made the business and the style. It was a women-owned business hiring and supporting women and their families. The style was unique and became a phenomenon. This book is full of photographs, color knitting charts, and technique tips. You can knit your own beautiful sweater based on the original designs.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtitle is helpful : Poems of Color: Knitting in the Bohus Tradition.
Interesting, pretty colorwork.

[Greenmtngirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at Bohus sweater knitting in Sweden. There is great historical information as well as reproductions of some of the original color charts and photos of the sweaters.

Rather than a traditional form of knitting, Bohus stickning was founded by a visionary woman in 1939 to provide extra income for Swedish women in the wake of the Depression. The cooperative employed designers to create the patterns and hand knitters to complete the sweaters, which were sold worldwide and became collectors' items. The designs had several unique features, including knitting with as many as four colors per row, combining purl and knit stitches in the color patterns, and employing a yarn blended from wool and angora which gave the work a slight halo. Bohus stickning closed (in the 70s, I think) and until this book was written, the history of the Bohus sweaters and the designs were in danger of being lost.

The book is visually beautiful and clearly written. There is a renaissance in Bohus knitting in the last few years, and it's largely because of the work done in Poems of Color by Wendy Keele.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a Bohus Knitting class at Stitches East in October. The technique is not difficult, but the designs are stunning. The teacher had many original Bohus garments for students to examine (with white gloves on to protect the fabric, of course), which was my favorite part of the class.

I received this book as a Christmas gift, and partnered with the information from class, I now have excellent understanding of the Bohus Knitting industry/movement. The background section is well researched, and the patterns are beautiful.

[Poodytat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've knit three of these designs in this order---Swan Cap, Red Palm Cap and Wild Apple Cap. Each was more difficult than the last. What makes the technique difficult is the purl stitches added to the stranded knitting. It's something I wasn't used to. Also, there can be four colors per row, which can be difficult to keep track of with just two hands. I thought about becoming at octopus. My biggest complaint is that the color key boxes are toi small and that makes it difficult to tell which color is which.

[Cayenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story and beautiful patterns. About a Swedish woman, the govenor's wife in the state of Bohuslan, who very selflessly helped start a business allowing women in the area to earn money and support their families during an economic depression. I would love to knit one of these designs someday.

[Ann Johnson Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I drool over this book on a regular basis, but have yet to knit one of the projects. Perhaps when I retire and live in Hawaii I will have time to knit my Bohus sweater.

[Amberjean]

Nice overview of the history of Bohus Stickning, including some excellent vintage photos. The pattern recreations have been modernized in fit and gauge.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overview of Bohus Stickning in Sweden. A great companion to Susanna Hansson's Bohus class. For anyone who loves the historical side of fiber crafting.

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!