| Noro Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn Knit 40 Fabulous Designs |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Title: Noro Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn Knit 40 Fabulous Design
Who is this book for? Noro Meet the Man … is a delight for knitters who love color and fine yarn. Devotees of Noro yarns and those just learning about Noro will all be captivated by his story. Cornelia Hamilton is noted for her designs and previous pattern books featuring Noro yarns. In Noro Meet the Man…, Cornelia introduces knitters to Eisaku Noro, creator of the eponymous yarns, and includes 40 of her most popular Noro designs.
What Yarns does it Feature? The patterns in this book have been specifically designed to capture the distinct color and texture of Noro yarns. Well known in the marketplace as a luxurious fiber with the look of a hand dyed handcrafted yarn, Noro is not a solitary yarn, it is a label of amazing diversity. Over 14 different yarns are used in the book, each a blend of specially selected fibers, all in richly dyed tones. The Noro line includes Kureyon (100% wool), Hanna (100% silk), Silk Garden (45% silk, 45% mohair and 45% lambs wool) in weights from light to chunky. With the exception of two medium weight yarns, the Noro yarns are heavy or bulky weight, worked at loose gauges for drape and to show off the distinctive Noro colors and handcrafted look of the yarn. Most projects are worked at gauges of 16 to 10 stitches per 4 inches. Only a few projects require 20 stitches per 4 inches and none are finer than that. These medium to loose gauges are relaxing and satisfyingly fast to work, making this an excellent project book for busy knitters. What’s Inside? Regardless of whether this is your first acquaintance with Noro yarns, or you have been an avid fan for years, you’ll be fascinated by this insider’s look into the creative genius and environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes that go into Noro yarns. The artistry of Noro yarns is expressed in all phases of production, from selection of the fibers to the dyeing, carding and spinning. Every ball of yarn in the line carries the notation “World of Nature” on the label, reflecting Noro’s philosophy of purity in and preservation of nature. At age 70, Mr. Noro remains actively involved in the business, personally overseeing every aspect of production “from sheep to yarn ball.” All fiber sources are monitored and certified as using chemical-free humane conditions for raising the animals. To ensure high quality fiber, the company checks the sheep’s food, the water and soil on the farms where the sheep are raised, and requires that no chemicals be used in washing the wool. Dyeing processes are carefully managed to protect the environment. Other manufacturing processes have been designed to eliminate chemicals and reduce energy loads. Mr. Noro is quoted, “Eco certification should not be bought. It should be an integral part of every business.” These measures have been in place from the outset, and this sense of harmony is reflected in each ball of Noro yarn.
The beautifully photographed opening chapter brings the world of Noro to the reader. Just as the multiple strands of color and filament are spun into glorious yarn, colorful photos of fiber, people and processes are put together in a narrative that fully describes the manufacturing process. We meet Mr. Noro, designers, and other employees. We see fiber in various stages of production and see, the amazing range of color in the dyeing room. Shots of the piles and piles of swatches and sample garments reflect the richness of design possibilities with this yarn.
The selection of patterns that follows draws from 14 different Noro yarns, with suggestions for substituting other Noro yarns. Most are intended for skill levels from intermediate to advanced, but any determined beginner will find these patterns doable and will improve their skills in the process. There are patterns for bags, hats, scarves, dog sweaters, a shawl and an afghan. Most are photographed from two or more angles, delighting the eye for the browser and giving the knitter good views of the knitting. Garments range from simple tanks to pullovers and cardigans. Some of the garments are constructed using diagonal knitting and others use sophisticated shaping techniques to good effect. All feature texture, ribbing, and shaping features that vibrate with Noro color. Exclusively feminine, there are no children’s or men’s designs in the book. Best Pattern (or Best Advice) Cornelia says her most popular pattern (see interview) is the Klaralund Kimono Sweater, a shape inspired by Japanese kimonos knitted in Silk Garden. The Bettna Long Cardigan is constructed in a similar manner. These casually elegant garments require only intermediate skills but have a designer flair.
Recommendation
Where to buy Noro Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn Knit 40 Fabulous Design: Yarnmarket.com
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