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Handpaint Country,
A Knitter’s Journey by Cheryl Potter I thought Handpaint Country meant this book was only for those who dye fibers - not! Book titles can be misleading. Dyeing natural fibers is worked in with spinning and knitting. It never hurts to learn about the natural materials used for yarns even if some of us do not dye our own fibers. You will feast your eyes on sumptuous photography splayed throughout background scenes in the USA and Canada while hearing from renowned fiber designers, about their techniques, tips and views. There are close up photos of fibers that have just been dyed or are going to be dyed, newly dyed roving and yarns, and they look good enough to eat! The photography is overwhelming, even a small slice of photo, a cornfield in fall, is much like a painting. There is a section on dye factors, what works and does not work, with several sample photos for comparison. Over dyeing already hand-dyed yarns is discussed as well as colorways. As we travel through different parts of the country, dyeing methods are discussed for fibers used, preferred and dyed in that area. You will find plenty of lip-smacking patterns for knitting within these pages; women’s sweater skirt sets, boucle skirts, furry coats, capes, jackets made of multiple pieces and unique textures, tunics and vest coats, stoles, socks, bags and squiggly hats plus men’s sweaters, children’s’ vests, sweaters, scarves and some yummy pillows. The Cropped Kimono by Ginger Luters is a crowd pleaser, made with several sections and flowing pleats in rich handspun yarns; the over sized Double Vested worked in solid colors is very “now” in looks while the Gypsy Rose tunic worn underneath has a variegated appearance and is muted in color but worked in variations of the same fibers, and both are Cheryl Potter designs. Pi in the Sky is a jacket that is worked in a circular shape, quite unique, a Lily Chin creation, worked in smashing hot pink, fuchsia and yellow hues. Cantina Kimono by Laura Bryant is a smorgasbord of color with frog closures and velvet lining. Beaded Ruana, designer Cheryl Oberle, is knitted in rich Southwest colors, like a slice of a plateau, with the joining sections set up a little different from most ruanas I have seen. The beads are sprinkled here and there throughout the ruana and there are instructions for stringing the beads and knitting them. This pattern is easy and I want to knit one up soon as I get a chance. Every single pattern is beautiful and exciting. Most of the patterns are complex with a few easy in skill level, making Handpaint Country more applicable to fiber dyers, hand spinners, intermediate and experienced knitters than beginners. In the journey across the USA and through Canada, the descriptions of people met, photos of the areas and stories told are enjoyable to everyone, even the novice. You will not want to do without this classic book! Review by Lydia F Borin |
