Icelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques and Projects Hardcover – March 28, 2013

Book arrived well packaged and in good shape. Can't wait to start knitting this designer's special patterns. Also enjoying the history and recepies.

Icelandic Handknits is a treat for the eyes. Hardbound, with beautiful photography, this is a book to enjoy as well as a book that will be easy for knitters to use. Heavy paper means that the book stays open at the page you've selected.There's something in this book to delight any knitter: mittens, wristlets, hats, tote bag, sweaters, a skirt, socks, shoes (we'd probably call these slippers), and a beautiful shawl shown on the cover. The modern designs are complemented by the photographs of the antique Icelandic pieces, many of which would still be a perfect complement for today's clothing.Included in this book and in her other newer book, Icelandic Knitting, are shoe inserts. Although I've never before seen shoe inserts, they serve a very useful function for cold climates. Worn between the shoe and a heavy woolen sock, I'm sure these would help keep feet warm in a very cold environment. I'll probably never make a pair since we seldom have such cold weather in Texas, but I may adapt some of the graphic patterns for other uses.Where to start? The broken rose blanket is gorgeous and would be a fabulous gift for a special someone. The cardigan is lovely and well suited to spring or fall weather. The socks are appealing and unusual with their ties at the top of the socks. In a few more reads, I'll make up my mind.Overall, this book is a great delight for those of us who enjoy looking at historical knit pieces and those of us who can't wait to pick up our needles. I'm so happy to have it!Five Stars!

This is a wonderful book, full of beautiful pictures and historical references. It's as much a reference book as it is a knitting pattern book and it has great knitting patterns as well.The charts are oversized and very easy to read and done with helpful colors as well. The instructions are easy to follow but are not necessarily for beginners as some experience is helpful with some of the details.She explains things about the actual Icelandic sheep and the whys and how's of the wool and adds in some tasty looking recipes as well. Every time I look at the book,I get sidetracked by one of the fascinating stories. There are many practical patterns- socks, mittens, sweaters; beautiful patterns- a lace hood, a throw blanket with a Broken Rose pattern on it, a lacy shawl or two, and I must make this Now patterns- an elbow length capelet with a traditional pattern knitted into it and some traditional soft shoes with inserts for them.Can't wait, must gather my wool and start knitting.

The first time I glanced through this book I was not impressed but as I went through it page by page, I was delighted with what I saw. The patterns look very Icelandish and there are skirts, hats, scarves, mittens, socks and traditional Icelandic items. The author writes about the Icelandic items impressively and even includes some recipes, mostly bread. There is a beautiful white lace shawl which I am dying to knit and there are some hats that I know will keep my Alaskan friends warm. There is only one Lopi sweater which surprised me because we all know that Lopi=Iceland. All in all, I enjoyed this book and plan to reread the sections that go through the history of textiles in Iceland. The last section is a technique section that looks like it will come in very handy.

ICELANDIC HANDKNITS provides American knitters with great historic information and photographs that has been long unknown to many. Some of the projects were a bit disappointing---too simplified for my tastes. Meanwhile, I can hardly wait for the English version of THE ICELANDIC LACE DRESSES OF ADALBJORG JONSDOTTIR later this year. For too long we have had too little information for the historic knitting from Icelandic knitters---sweater designs and the proper yarn have been available which is not enough to satisfy me. ICELANDIC HANDKNITS should be on the shelf of any serious knitter.(P.S. I have long been a student of ethnic knitting, having written several books on this topic. Although I am now retired from active work in the field, I am always excited by more in depth books on this topic. Very little is known in this country about the Icelandic techniques nor the design of the Icelandic dresses; at last, we are getting it from the best source---Icelandic knitters!)

I am giving this book 3 starts probably because I am comparing this book to the Book Knitting With Icelandic Wool.( a book that I * really really * want to make a majority of patterns from) I realize that the standard yoke sweater is not that old, and that there is a lot of history in the culture of Icelandic handwork,,,,,,,but not much of it is something I could translate into something I could really knit and wear. I am not really smitten w/ the mittens or shoe coverings in here, I do not care for their pointiness and doubt I would wear anything like that out of my home. I admire the work that the author put into this book,,,,but not much was translated into today's wearables,,,,,and frankly speaking, that is the reason I knit in the first place! I want to WEAR what I knit,,or have family members wear what I have knit. In my mind there is absolutely no comparision between the 2 books,,,,,this one is going back, there is really nothing,,and I mean nothing that I would knit,,,,,AND, I am not a trendy knitter. I just want to spend my knitting time creating wearable clothing for today w/ a nod to the lovely colorways of lopi, all forms of the yarn~ I knit for skiing, I knit for Rving, and recently I have knit a full dress. ( unbelieveable, I know,,,,something I NEVER thought would happen!) Take a look at Ravelry and see what is on there before you spend money on this book bc now I will be paying for it to be sent back. I wish I could honestly give a better review,,,,,I really really do, but there is absolutely nothing in this book I would knit. It would be nice for those interested in Icelandic textile history if that is your interest. ~ Sorry,,,,it just was not worth the money to me~

I chose this book for a gift for my knitting daughter. She is thrilled with it because it not only has patterns and techniques, but it also presents a taste of Icelandic culture.

This book is filled with good information and clear instructions for how to make the projects. I bought it just for the cute slipper pattern but can see that there are many others that I'd like to make. I also enjoyed the historical information and archival photos of traditional Icelandic knitting.

Hab's heute bekommen und mir hat es beim ersten Durchblättern außerordentlich gut gefallen!Das Buch behandelt traditionelle isländische Strickmuster, basierend auf ausgestellte Stücke im Textil-Museum in Blönduós, Island.Ich muss auch erwähnen, dass es mir beim Kauf nicht darum ging, die einzelne Stücke nachzustricken, sondern dass ich vielmehr Anregungen und Inspirationen für ethnische Muster suchte.... Trotzdem hat mich das Buch animiert, das Schultertuch auf der Titelseite (zu finden mit einer guten Anleitung auf S. 114-119) nachzuarbeiten. Ebenso begeisterten mich einige Handschuhe, Schals, Taschen....Und natürlich hat das Buch auch voll Schwarze getroffen, was meine ursprüngliche Kaufabsicht betrifft: man findet hier ausgefallene Muster (von Bordüren bis über Figuren), die sich nicht nur für die vorgestellten Modelle, sondern auch für andere Projekte anwenden lassen. Klare Kaufempfehlung und viel Spaß damit.

Helene's second knitting book is as much a tour de force as her first. More than just a collection of patterns, she has shown once again the value of thorough original research. Patterns are provided to cover the body from top to toe, for all ages, including the pattern for the all-important yet humble insole which provided the basis for her first book.None is difficult, as garter stitch is widely used again. The side bar forays into recipes and historical snippets provide the right setting for knitting within Icelandic life, and record them for posterity. The techniques show the importance of obtaining the right wool, and the reference section helps out with this.I would happily have paid twice as much for this wonderful work! Icelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques and ProjectsIcelandic Handknits: 25 Heirloom Techniques and Projects

Si vous aimez le travail d’Hélène Magnùsson, achetez ce livre. Les modèles sont issus de patrons traditionnels mais remis au goût du jour. Les photos sont très belles, les explications claires, les diagrammes sont grands et colorés.Outre le tricot, on vous explique aussi l'utilité qu'avait chaque vêtement en Islande avec une photo du vêtement ou de l'accessoire d'époque.Les techniques qui pourraient présenter une difficulté sont expliquées en photos "pas à pas" en fin d'ouvrage."