Pros: Interesting knit projects using unusual materials and nicely illustrated.
Cons: Some instructions seem incorrect or incomplete.
The Bottom Line: A pretty book that might help the reader think about knitting on different levels but not necessarily a how-to book in itself. Borrow from the library if possible.
kirbydog's Full Review: Leigh Radford - Alterknits: Imaginative Projects A...
A very arty-creative friend of mine gave a huge recommendation for me to buy this book because I wanted to learn how to felt wool sweaters. I glanced quickly through the book in a craft store and bought it (at substantial discount, thank goodness). Having spent more time reading carefully through, I am surprised that she was so impressed by this book. It's certainly eye-catching and includes whimsical and creative ideas, but is lacking in technique and method.
The concepts in the book really spark my creative juices even though the actual projects provided are not necessarily the ones I would choose. I made the rug from strips of t-shirts and love it but the author is not big on method or technique so I had to make up some of it for myself. In fact, my first attempt at the rug was disappointing. It was too loosely knitted and not substantial enough for a rug in my opinion. I tore it apart and re-knitted using 2 strands of fabric strips and was much happier with the finished product. I used varying shades of reds and pinks; using 2 strands of strips allowed me to better blend the colors. Also for this project the instructions list the number of mens size large shirts to complete the rug and it is considerably more than was required, even for doubling the strips as I did. The only thing I can figure is that the author used many more shirts but only partially to get the variation in colors that she did. This was not explained or discussed in the instructions, however.
The book itself is beautiful with excellent photos and the craft journaling concept and group exercises are interesting and clever. Regarding my original purpose for buying this book, how to felt wool sweaters, I easily found ample directions via google.com at no cost. I am using the tote bag patterns from the book to construct my bags now that the sweaters have been felted.
I have been an avid crafter for 40 years now and feel that my skills are strong for all needlearts, jewelry design and all uses of fabrics. While this book is not meant to be a beginner's guide, I feel that the author could have spent a bit more time describing basic techniques.
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