Most knitters who have been around the Internet for very long have probably heard of We Are Knitters, a Spanish company that sells yarn, knitting needles and kits (and now some crochet patterns as well).
Company founders Alberto Bravo and Pepita Marín published a book including 15 of their patterns and information about six of their favorite cities (as well as knitting instructions) called We Are Knitters: Knitspiration to Take Anywhere and Everywhere.
While the travel angle somehow feels dated in coronatimes, the pages of pictures and tips on where to knit in different cities might help with your wanderlust. It’s not enough so that it feels like a travel book exactly but it might inspire you to add some destinations to your “whenever this is over” list.
The patterns are some of the classic WAK designs and are mostly pretty simple straight pieces largely worked in Stockinette, Garter Stitch and other easy stitch patterns. Some of my favorites are the Tuareg Sweater, which is all rectangles but worked in a fun three-color Linen Stitch pattern; the Encina Scarf, which is really a big triangular shawl with alternating Stockinette and purl ridges; and the Olmo Headband, made of braided I-cord.
You can find a full list of the patterns in the book on their website.
The garments offer four sizes, so there’s not a huge range (one tank top ranges from 35 to 44 inches, for example, while a boxy cardigan is 42 to 50 inches) but if you fit in that range and like the We Are Knitters style you’ll probably enjoy this book.
In addition, the book includes a lengthy section on their yarn, care instructions, tools and knitting basics including casting on, knitting, purling, binding off, slip stitches, increases, decreases and working with two strands of yarn held together. Techniques are illustrated with photographs that are sometimes a little hard to make out what is going on, but could serve as a good refresher for someone who already knows how to knit.
If you like big, boxy garments, simple designs, and working with large yarn and needles, that is most of what you will find in this book. It would be good for beginners wanting to build their confidence, knit their first simple garments and finish some fun projects quickly. The accessories here would be fun to knit as gifts or for yourself.
About the book: 176 pages, hardcover, 15 patterns. Published 2019 Abrams Books. Suggested retail $24.99.
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