| Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
Title: Knit Noro: 30 Designs in Living Color
Author: Wendy Williams, editor Date Published: June 2011 Review Date: July 13, 2011
Who is this book for? The editors of Knit Noro created a wardrobe of wearable art, alive with color. Twenty-six top designers were invited to create designs using Noro yarns for this book. The resulting collection of 30 designs will appeal to all skill levels. There are patterns for accessories, sweaters and vests, afghans and wraps. The talented designers capitalized on the unique coloration of Noro yarns to create fashionable garments that sing. Socks, hats, cowls and sweaters glow with luminous Noro color. Miters, lace, traveling stitches, cables Fair Isle, ribbed patterns and simple color blocks are all featured. The unique projects in Knit Noro will add haute couture to any wardrobe; these aesthetic creations will never be mistaken for pale discount store knock-offs.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Noro yarns are instantly recognizable for their luminous natural glow. The collection in Knit Noro features Noro staples like Kureyon, Silk Garden, Silk Garden Sock and Taiyo. Most designs are worked at a comfortable gauge of 15 -20 stitches over 4 inches; socks, hats and mittens are of course worked at a tighter gauge. Eisaku Noro’s exquisite yarns are created using unusual blends of natural fibers including wool, silk, mohair, and angora. The yarns are manufactured using ecologically sound practices including a hand dyeing process that produces the unmistakable Noro palette. Each ball features long color repeats, and no two are exactly the same. The colors change subtly and strikingly but cohesively. These colors do not jar or startle. They can be calm, jaunty, bright or neutral, sometimes evoking all moods in one ball. Through Noro’s vision and mastery the extensive coloration fuses into a single statement that never competes with a garment’s structural design.
What's Inside Noro delights the eyes and this book has a bounty of beautiful photos displaying Noro color. It is as much art book as it is knitting book. Like fussy parents who can’t get enough photos of their infant’s first experience with bubbles, the photographers were unable to limit shots to just one. Each of the 30 projects is introduced by a two-page color spread, showing the knitting from several angles. Smaller pictures are sprinkled through the pattern instructions, whetting the appetite for more and more color. Silk and chintz backgrounds set off the well accessorized fashion shots set up with vintage décor. Accessories are lush with color and texture. Balls of Noro yarn and hand crafted knitting needles complete the carefully designed sets. Getting down to the meat of the book, there are 30 designs for sweaters, vests, afghans, socks, scarves, a shawl and hats. Two of the designs are felted, showing Noro yarn in a crystallized glow.
Using It Project directions from different freelancers follow a standard format familiar to knitters. Several photos display the finished garment, each project is rated according to skill level, and special notes precede the working instructions. A quick read of the design notes will help knitters decide if they have the skill (or patience) for a particular project. Helpful charts accompany lace and Fair Isle patterns, and schematics plot out garment construction. There is a helpful appendix of terms with well-illustrated techniques at the back of the book.
Best Pattern If art and knitting are avenues to self-expression, Knit Noro starts many a conversation. The Kimono Cardigan, sideways striped vest, Fair Isle cardigan or color-block cardigan would create a stately mood for any occasion. Imagine the fun to be had wearing the rainbow knee-highs, three-button cardigan or the Fair Isle cap. Noro’s masterful color combinations are striking in every garment.
Recommendation Knit Noro proves the maxim that beautiful yarn and a simple shape are all that is needed for a successful knitting project. The artistry of Esiaku Noro yarns makes these garments sing, but they would be lovely in a single color, too. This book is a project and a style guide that can be used many times over. Overall Recommendation This book is a must have for knitters who admire Noro yarns. It rates #9.
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