Folk Bags

Most books on knitted or crocheted bags have boring patterns with the same types of bags in every book. This one actually has interesting bags in it and ones that I would love to own myself. For someone who wants something that not only showcases world culture and ethnic influences, but also wonderful colors and textures used in handbags, this book has no equal. Not only do I love this book, but it's one of my favorites! I saved up for weeks for this one!!!!!! I can't wait to make my own Chinese fish bag!

Yes I did. I needed this book. The stories about ethnic fiber traditions really interesting and the patterns are inspirational. My head is spinning from being unable to decide which project to start first. I'm also getting ideas about motifs to use in sweaters. All of the 30+ knitting books I own this is in my top five list.

Many knitters request patterns for smaller projects, good for taking on a trip, good for using up leftover yarn, good for a break from sweaters or afghans. While socks are often the choice for small knits (as are hats and mittens), now there's a growing trend to knit useful and ornamental bags.You can let your creativity loose on a bag--somehow people will carry a crazy purse even if they won't wear a funny hat. Vicki Square, author of the bestselling "Knitter's Companion" has collected 30 interesting bags here for the most jaded of knitters. You could do a standard French Market string bag, or an Irish creel in imitation basketweave stitch. All pretty standard. But what about a Tibetan monk's satchel or a bag shaped like a lucky fish, or an origami-folded bag of linen? And then there are the rich textiles of South and Central America; Inca, Guatemalan, and some really fetching designs from Ecuador that were my personal favorites--diamonds in black and white. Not every design depends on colorwork; some are stunning with the simplest of texture stitches.Many techniques are here--cabling, felting, embroidery, intarsia, applique. The bags are mini-lessons. I recommend this book to knitters who are bored with their usual project and to anyone who is looking for great gift ideas that don't need to be fitted (and it's not too soon to do a few for Christmas.) Even beginners can knit some of these and aspire to the fancier ones as they climb the learning curve. A fun and useful knitting book, indeed.

This book is a world tour of cultures around the world, boiled down into knit bags. Bags of all sizes, from the classic French mesh grocery bag to an adorable fish-shaped felted bag fill this book from cover to cover! The "Folk" series is a high-quality, high-content series, and this book is a great new addition to this respectable series. Knitters, you will flip through the book for *hours* trying to decide which project to make first! I plan on making some as holiday gifts this year--but they're all so original and cute I don't know if I'll be able to part with any of them!