| Entrelac the Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Entrelac the Essential Guide to Interlace KnittingAuthor: Rosemary Drysdale Date Published: November 2010 Review Date: December 6, 2010
Who is this book for? Knitting, like the English language, is marvelously versatile and expressive. Knitters adapt traditions from many cultures, re-interpreting them according to fashion and available materials. So it is with entrelac, a form of knitting that takes its name from the French word entralacer (interlace). Entrelac knitting mimics basket weave and when worked in color or variegated yarns, the patterns can be quite dramatic. With today’s wide availability of enticing handpainted variegated yarns and the general bounty of fibers available to knitters, the intriguing possibilities of entrelac knitting are nearly limitless. In Entrelac the Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting, Rosemary Drysdale explores the boundaries of this captivating technique. The book includes basic techniques, a stitch dictionary with over 65 unique patterns, and 25 tempting projects for sweaters, accessories, babies, wraps and blankets. The clever, creative ideas in this book are sure to create another surge of interest in entrelac knitting.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Entrelac is suitable for any type of fiber knit at any gauge, and Rosemary Drysdale demonstrates this flexibility beautifully by using a broad range of yarns in the samples. She carefully itemizes all the yarns used so that knitters can duplicate the look of each swatch or project. Readers who take the time to study the illustrated knitting can get a quick education on how different yarns perform. Compare the fine weight lace samples to the bulky bobble scarf, the heathery leaf lace scarf and the solid rose garden baby cardi. The glorious color swatch on the book’s cover and the nine-shade Edwardian cardigan are works of color artistry.
What's Inside Who wouldn’t covet a stack of knitting that looks like the picture folded garments stacked on a chair used to introduce the projects chapter? Illustrating the choice of attractive projects in this book, readers will be drawn in by the sophisticated choices of yarn, fiber and pattern used in the projects. All projects are rated as to difficulty, but the clear instructions should aid any level of knitter in successful execution of any of the patterns. Start by experimenting with one of the many easy projects which include hats, a beret, a triangle kerchief or the simple silk and cashmere cowl knit in with just one skein of a multi colored luxury yarn. More complex projects that require advanced skills (and patience) include the exquisite Edwardian cardigan, shaded vest, and felted bag. The sweet dreams baby blanket, rated for intermediate skills, is a lovely combination of lace and entrelac knit in extra fine merino. It is sure to be a treasured heirloom for any baby lucky enough to receive it. Those who want to knit fashionable accessories for themselves will be attracted to the chic uptown poncho, garden path jacket and easy wristlets.
Using It Entrelac has enjoyed brief surges in popularity ever since the 1970’s, but no one has ever explored this technique so thoroughly or with such flair as Rosemary Drysdale. The basic techniques are laid out in step by step instructions accompanied by illustrative photographs at each step of the knitting. Beginners with minimal experience can follow these instructions to master the technique as easily as more experienced knitters. Tips from the author are sprinkled throughout the text. Highlighted in shaded boxes, the tips or entre nous (just between us) offer extra information that aid understanding and make the knitting easier. They may explain how to execute a knitting maneuver like the SSK or make bobbles. Others offer advice on how to use a pattern such as using Aran diamonds to create a counterpane effect or incorporate the openwork diamonds for a lacy effect. These thoughtful additions are the type of advice you would get from taking a class with a master knitter. They expand understanding of entrelac and open the door to creating individual designs.
Best Advice The detailed stitch dictionary is an extraordinary compilation of interesting stitches that can be employed in an endless variety of projects, especially with the help of the chapter on designing with entrelac. At some point, most knitters want to adjust patterns, either to get a better fit or to change a few design elements. Rosemary Drysdale’s helpful entre nous, design tips and other guidance will help readers plot out changes like converting the sassy socks to knee length socks, simple changes to customize the easy market tote, or ways to change the entrelac pattern in the uptown poncho. Recommendation Entrelac the Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting is a thoroughly documented, well-illustrated, and fully comprehensive guide to entrelac knitting. Overall Recommendation Knitters who want to expand their repertoire of skills will find this book truly essential. It earns a #10 rating.
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