Andean Folk Knitting: Traditions and Techniques from Peru and Bolivia
The Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia may be the most forbidding areas on earth--cold, wind-swept, and desolate. One would hardly expect textile arts to flourish on these plains. Yet here the Quechua and Aymara peoples have for centuries produced museum-quality woven and knitted garments, not only out of necessity but as a vehicle for self-expression and local pride. Although handweaving in this region has been amply documented, this is the first monograph to focus on knitting itself, exploring regional styles, design motifs, colorways, materials, and techniques. The Andean knitter reserves the most breathtaking of his creations for private use, knitting caps (often on needles fashioned of bicycle spokes) in fine gauges of up to 21 stitches to the inch, and working out intricate patterns without benefit of graph paper. For the experienced knitter who wants to replicate pieces illustrated in the text, LeCount includes instructions for ten projects. Recommended.- Janice Zlendich, Cali fornia State Univ. Lib., FullertonCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.