KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave

by Sabrina Gschwandtner

Book Overview

Bringing together profiles of 27 artist-crafters, this work does more than just document their creations. Each of the profiled knitters has contributed a project - a sweatshirt kimono, a mohair and metal belt, a hobo-style shoulder bag, a geodesic-patterned cap, as well as a teddy bear knit from fiberglass insulation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584796316
• ISBN13: 9781584796312
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori, & Chang
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.2" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

lots of humor

This is a fun book to browse through to get some ideas about what might be in knitting's future. Most of the patterns are a bit far out to actually knit such as the huge fiberglass teddy bear while a few are definitely worth doing such as an ankle boot. Most of the artists are either British or American and of those several have written books; e.g. Debbie New, Gaughan, Hoverson. It might be fun to return to this book in 10 or 20 years and compare it to the knitting then. Well, time will tell but in the meantime, if you can afford the $$, it's a nice coffee table book to show your friends.

The perfect coffee table book--that will get used

The Fall 2007 issue of Vogue Knitting (25th Anniversary Issue) featured two articles of particular interest: "Knitting's Old Guard Speaks Out" [an interview with Kaffe Fassett, Alice Starmore, Mari Lynn Patrick and Meg Swanson]; and "Chatting with Knitting's New Guard" [Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, Clara Parkes, Debbie Stroller, Shannon Okey and Vickie Howell]. By featuring the "new guard," Vogue Knitting highlights the influence that knit bloggers and the "next generation" of knitters are having upon the craft. This influence is something which Sabrina Gschwandtner has been capturing for several years in her publication KnitKnit which looks at knitting "as a vehicle for artists" as well as crafters. In her new book KnitKnit: Profiles & Projects from Knitting's New Wave, Gschwandtner looks at how a new generation of knitters is blurring the boundaries between conceptual art and craft. These unique individuals "whose work reflect[s] knitting's current ideas, venues, and forms" are in many cases unknown to the average knitter and so the author profiles each one, exploring their art, their motivation and how their work has progressed. KnitKnit includes twenty-seven profiles; from Dave Cole who knits with "heavy, toxic, industrial, or otherwise unusual materials"; to Althea Merback who knits knits miniature garments the size of a quarter; to Debbie New who knit a navigable boat. In addition to their profile, each individual was asked to create something readers could make, and the results are as unusual as their creators. The projects included the expected clothing, as well as 14-foot-tall fiberglass teddy bears, miniature sweater earrings and room installations which knitters can "wear." Even the sweaters are often approached in unusual manners; Liz Collins' Stretchy Stocking top made from nylon stockings and Debbie New's Scribble Lace Bolero made with labyrinth knitting. KnitKnit is a perfect coffee table book for the knitter on your holiday shopping list. The artists profiled will help get knitting creativity flowing, the patterns feature unusual construction techniques. Armchair Interviews says: This book will spark conversation for knitters and non-knitters alike.

I am so gladd KnitKnit creator, Sabrina Gschwandtner has written a book

Sabrina G. is the editor of KnitKnit, a knitting magazine with emphasis on the more radical and innovative knitter. This book profiles a number of the best the bleeding edge knitters around. My personal favorite is Lisa Anne Auerbach and her political sweaters! Included in each artist's segment is a pattern by them, but if you are looking for a lot of "traditional" patterns, this ain't it...BUT if you want to see what some super creative people are doing, both huge and teeny, get your copy and be prepared to pick up your needles and join the revolution!

Not Your Grandma's yarn

Anyone who's ever been to an art show and thought "Huh?" will take one look at this book on knitting that goes way beyond sweater sets and say "Yes! I get it." What an amazing foray into the world of knitting as more than either art, craft or design. To say that these fiber artists are way ahead of their time is to understate what this fabulous book provides -- a window into what's possible in knitting. Colorful, joyous, incredible projects that make you want to get out a pair of knitting needles and see how far they can take you. This is THE perfect gift for every knitter in the world. Oh, and the patterns? Yes, you CAN make these artful creations too. Give it a try. I give KnitKnit raves...

I love KnitKnit!

KnitKnit is a gorgeous and inspiring book! Sabrina Gschwandtner profiles an eclectic group of artists and communities who are creating an electric new form of knitting. While most of the artists are avant-garde, the book feels completely accessible. Each artist has contributed a pattern for a knit garment or object, and the projects vary greatly in scope. Some of the knitters use their knitting to create political statements, while others are simply interested in exploring new methods and materials. The design of the book is beautiful, and the photographs by Kiriko Shirobayashi capture the personalities of the artists and their work. I have only had this book for a week, but I already treasure it. It will make a fantastic addition to any library!