Shadow Knitting

This book explores a process of creating patterns by knitting parts of some rows and purling parts of other row,changing colors only at the end of rows. The results are a subtle patterning. I tried a couple of small projects and found it easier to do, and will try more. Well charted, well explained. Ms Hoxbro is very interesting, I met her a couple of years ago in Copenhagen and learned she learned English, largely self-taught, well enough to write in it. I have several of her books and go back to them for ideas over and over.

I am overly enchanted with this book, who would of thought that a little switch here and there would create a stunning result. Learn how to not only create a work of art, but a conversation piece that will have alot of people saying "how did you do that" (get the book so you can learn how).

Add color to a knitting project and make the most of highlighting and shadows with Shadow Knitting, which demonstrates how to use alternating rows of light and dark yarn to produce subtle patterns. Prior knitting experience and experience reading patterns will assist in the use of an excellent survey which includes everything from the charts and counting needed to produce special effects to color photos of complete projects and step-by-step directions.

As you may know, the expected publication date for Shadow Knitting was delayed but the result is definitely worth the wait. The physical size of the book is larger than that of Domino Knitting, by the same author, and the numerous color photographs do a very good job of capturing this intriguing now-you-see-it, now-you-don't technique. The designs are simple and timeless, making them suitable for both less experienced and seasoned knitters alike. Even if you decide you do not care for this particular type of color work, the designs alone, like Kimono and Wing Shawl to name only two, are worth the price of the book.There are patterns for the home, children, men and women. For newer knitters who are only familiar knit and purl stitches, the author has included a technique section including illustrations explaining the increases and decreases and other necessary information needed to complete the projects. If you have wanted to do color work but have been intimidated by fairisle and intarsia, Shadow Knitting is an excellent place to start.

Vivian Hoxbro, a Danish knit designer, has uncovered a type of knitting using simple garter stitch that reveals eye-teasing pattern and color when you use several shades of yarns. Yet you only use one color at a time--no color changing per row. As you knit the alternating rows of dark and light yarns, you produce a pattern that is almost an optical illusion--depending on the angle you look at the knit piece, it may appear strongly patterned--or absolutely single toned. The yarns used are shetland-weight in wonderful colors. You can find these yarns in the US, as Mrs. Hoxbro has contracted with an American manufacturer to make them for her. Sources of these yarns, and substitutes to be found in Europe are included in the back of the book. The rules of Shadow Knitting are: 1. You always use at least 2 colors of yarn. 2. Only one color is used at a time 3. You alternate two rows of dark knitting with 2 rows of light knitting. 4. You use knit and purl stitches only 5. Wrong side rows use the same color as the previous row. The stitches are knitted or purled as per a chart. There are a lot of good illustrations and of course projects including shawls, pullovers, Hoxbro's favorite dolman sleeve tops, jackets, vest, kids' wear, bags and decor items like pillows. "Domino Knitting" was Hoxbro's previous book about a modular knitting technique. When "Dominos" was translated from Danish to English, the publisher put it into a small format. This time, "Shadow Knitting" is published in a bigger sized book--meaning the pictures and diagrams are large and easier to read. This is IMPORTANT--the diagrams of where to change from knit to purl are vital to the design and you want to see this clearly in the chart. But as before, you can enjoy Mrs. Hoxbro's fabulous sense of color. You should swatch some of the designs as they live and breath as no picture can portray in a book. Still puzzled by "Shadow Knitting" after trying it out? Ms. Hoxbro does give workshops in the US from time to time--her website is viv.dk which will give you access to a newsletter of her schedule and bright examples of her knitting designs from the books.