Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia

by Marcia Lewandowski

Paperback, 2006

Status

Available

Barcode

1030

Description

With these attractive ethnic patterns from the Andes, knitters not only expand their design repertoire, they literally knit a connection with other cultures. The fabulous selection of 25 projects includes vibrant bags and other accessories based on the rich traditions of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Knit fingerless mittens and a purse from Peru’s Ollantaytambo region. A wonderfully functional Argentinean felt bag fits around the waist and is perfect for holding money and other small belongings; a matching hat makes for an attractive ensemble. Or try making a chic and simple Chilean striped bag and scarf, or an adorable Bolivian purse in the shape of a llama. Every chapter offers interesting facts about the Andean people, history, and culture, too.… (more)

Publication

Lark Books (2006), 144 pages

Language

Similar in this library

ISBN

1579909531 / 9781579909536

User reviews

LibraryThing member Antheras
Marcia Lewandowski spent a total of eight years living in Bolivia during the 1980s and 1990s. During this period she developed a love for the hand-knit bags that the women wore as part of the traditional dress, and observed a decline in their usage as they were replace by mass produced items. In an
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effort to preserve the rich traditions represented by the patterns and colours of these traditional items, Lewanski “began a crusade which took me across five of the countries in the Andes Mountains collecting and recording the bags I found in the marketplace, in the countryside, in museums, and in private homes. I also listened to the stories and folklore associated with the bags I collected.”

The result is the wonderful resource Andean Folk Knits: Great Designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador & Bolivia. Lewandowski collected traditional design, patterns and colours and created the bags and other accessories included in Andean Folk Knits. The first section reviews the history of the Andean people and their traditional folk bags, including: the difference between llamas and alpacas and applications for each type of fiber; the different type and uses of traditional folk bags; and the meaning of the motifs used in their designs.

The subsequent sections each review the styles and colours typical of the knitting in each of the five countries. Sprinkled through, Lewandowski reflects on the natural features of the countries she visited during her travels, providing a window into the life in the Andean Mountains.

While the bags may not be patterns most people wish to carry, Andean Folk Knits is a wonderful addition to any knitter’s reference library. Lewandowski has provided charts for all the symbols and patterns used in her designs and these could easy be adapted for use on sweaters or other garments fitting a knitter’s personal style.
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Original language

English

Collection

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