Jean Moss Book of World Knits (Threads)

Jean Moss Book of World Knits (Threads)

by: Jean Moss

Topics include: neat backstitch, invisible slipstitch, checkerboard patt, afghan stitch, chart until row, work sts, foldline for hem, striped rib, foll row, foil chart, instep sts, rem sts, rev all shapings, shoulder sts, hemline fold, alt row, end last rep, keeping patt correct, lace patt, back neck edge, work from chart, fasten off securely, heel sts, rejoin yarn, leave rem

Book Description:

Editorial Reviews From Library Journal -- Inspired by the diverse textile traditions of the Shoowa people of the Congo, the nomadic Baluchi of Afghanistan and Iran, and the Ixil of Nebaj in Guatemala, this new book by British knitwear designer Moss should have wide appeal. Although many of the projects are ambitious, Moss includes a wide array to choose from?not only sweaters and jackets but also pillows, throws, hats, and socks. Recommended for knitting collections. (Color illustrations not seen.) Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Jean Moss Book of World Knits -- Jean Moss -- 35 original projects from nine cultures around the world Jean Moss, an internationally known knitwear designer, has always been influenced by the cloth of Africa, the Americas, and Central Asia, and now she has worked those motifs into her own designs. Combining texture, color, and pattern in unusual and distinctive ways, these sweaters reflect both their ancient inspiration and a modern sensibility. The results are fresh and fabulous, with all the richness of these long traditions and all the fun of the latest fashion. These projects have detailed instructions and charts for sweaters, socks, hats, pillows, and throws. There are projects to appeal to your every mood and schedule, from a pair of socks to a complex and delightful sweater, all with multiple colorways. Combining color, pattern, and texture, every project is wearable, beautiful, and unusual. Each pattern is fully charted and illustrated with lush color photos. If you love to knit, this collection will keep you happy for years to come. "Jean Moss designs possess an adventurous spirit, yet are rooted in something timeless. [This], Jean's third book, lets this spirit shine through. This inspiring collection of 35 designs, including tunics, cardigans, hats, socks, pillows, and throws, takes a cross-cultural trek through textile arts."

For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for textiles. From intricate English samplers to exotic Banjara altar cloths, from labyrinthine Shoowa raffia embroideries to beautiful Palestinian wedding dresses, every culture has its tradition of decorative textile art, each imbued with its own folklore, history, and meaning. These ethnic patterns share a worldwide symbolic language and offer rich pickings for the designer. Geometric shapes, such as the triangle, diamond, zigzag, and eight-pointed star, are sources of magical protection and have variously denoted fertility, health, prosperity, and happiness through the generations and across cultures. These shapes form the building blocks of primitive patterns from as far back as the Paleolithic period to modern times. The hand and fish symbols are widespread as protection against the evil eye. The crescent, spiral, and circle shapes are potent symbols of the cosmic force of the sun and moon and of the motion and reinvention of life. Color has always been crucial. There are three colors that are consistently used to denote the continuity of the human life cycle: red, the color that predominates in many old textiles, is a symbol for life, fire, the sun, and power and is used for protection; white denotes birth, purity, and the celestial; and black represents decay and death. Textiles are one of humankind's earliest forms of artistic expression. They are a marvelous way of learning about civilizations and cultures way back into prehistory. There is such a wealth of history in a piece of cloth. Many designs have been made for centuries in the same way, decorated with the same symbols that have been handed down from generation to generation. Although many of the ancient meanings have been lost, it is fortunate that the patterns have prevailed. A textile says so much about the life of the person who made it, and it can encapsulate a culture. I love holding a piece of history in my hand and pondering its origin. I'm fascinated that the same symbols are used by peoples who have always been separated by thousands of miles, such as the labyrinths of the Shoowa people of the Congo and the knots of the Celts of Ireland. It is as if there is a common consciousness expressed in clothes and furnishings. How exciting it is to be able to appreciate these universal patterns in a piece of cloth that not only displays a mastery of its medium but also carries within it the evolution and development of its creators. It is hugely satisfying to have the opportunity to share in and contribute to this massive pool of human creativity. It gives me enormous pleasure to work with these ancient shapes and patterns and to produce contemporary pieces inspired by them. In this book, I shall look at some glorious works of decorative embroidery, needlepoint, and weaving, and I shall explain how these pieces can be used as springboards to new designs. I feel it is important to retain the essence of a pattern rather than to slavishly copy it. I try to pinpoint the fundamental attraction the textile has for me and the key to the effortless balance, beauty, and sense of harmony that many old textiles radiate. I use this key to open a door to a new and often quite different design. There are endless unique and wonderful sweaters waiting to be designed using the gold mine of traditional textiles. Folk art is essentially people's art, and I do believe that within every person there is an innate ability to craft beautiful artifacts. I'm pleased to share these new patterns with you, for although each piece is an expression of my creativity, I feel it also has its foundation in a greater whole. In this book, I hope that you will find my contributions to world textiles inspiring, just as I did with the textiles that I have used as sources for the projects. There are projects to suit all levels of knitting expertise, time, and pocket. A beautiful pillow, hat, or pair of socks, lovingly crafted in the otherwise wasted hours traveling to work, makes a great gift. One of the wonderful things about knitting is that it is very portable. It can provide an oasis into which you can retreat in a stressful situation -- it is a familiar friend. Knitting is, as I'm sure you all know, a splendid stress reliever! For knitters with a little more time, there are sweaters, jackets, and throws, too. Just a word about buttons. The sweaters are finished with hand-carved buttons in wood, brass, bone, and horn made in Kathmandu. Beautiful buttons are so important to a sweater. They can make the difference between an attractive garment and a stunning one! I have chosen geometric shapes and the figurative symbols of the fish, hand, and sun both to complement the sweaters and to continue the theme of the collection. I do hope you will enjoy knitting my patterns inspired by these traditional textiles of our world. Always remember that, if you wish, you can add something of your own to make the design unique, your contribution to world knits! Happy knitting. I'm looking forward to seeing your projects.

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