A few thoughts on The West Highland Way by Kate Davies

The West Highland Way by Kate Davies
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lovely knitting and local studies book. It takes the West Highland Way in Scotland as the starting point for knitwear design. The book covers the entire West Highland Way, divided into walkable sections. Each of the beautifully photographed areas has a piece of knitwear which was inspired by that specific part of the West Highland Way. Each of these is also clearly photographed. This book is written by a knitter who has walked the West Highland Way, and regularly walks the sections closest to her home.

There are many local stories through this book, and it gives a lovely introduction to the section of Scotland. The patterns looks lovely, although I have yet to start knitting one of then.

The subtitle of this book is 'knit read walk'.

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A few thoughts on Folk fashion: understanding homemade clothes by @AmyTwiggerH

Folk Fashion: Understanding Homemade Clothes by Amy Twigger Holroyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book exploring homemade clothes, and it is an entertaining read. I read it as my commute reading and it was very engaging. It is based on research and explores making and remaking (a much better word than upcycling). The information from remaking sessions with a several knitters provides crucial information for exploring how people feel about making their own clothes.

It includes sustainability, well being and emotions about making. There is a helpful ten point strategy for supporting and encouraging folk fashion makers. These are points which libraries are well placed to deliver, and some are doing some of them. As it is important to read this book before getting to the ten point strategy, I am not going to include it here.

This books is currently held in eight libraries in Australia (based on information from Trove Australia).

This book has lead me to pull out and old jumper I used to wear and adjust (remake) the length of the sleeves, a 15 minute job and to sew buttons on a knitted vest which had been unfinished for about 15 years.

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a few thoughts on KNITSONIK Stranded Colourwork Playbook by @knitsonik

KNITSONIK Stranded Colourwork Playbook by Felicity Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful book. I have already read and enjoyed the previous book Knitsonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook which is a remarkable work highlighting the local studies potential of knitting. This book builds on this with some wonderful examples of how stranded colourwork can reflect and record an area. There is a lovely knitted correspondence, bunting, and an amazing scarf which celebrates the loveliness of bricks in Reading further demonstrating the local studies potential of knitting.

The aim of this book, and Knitsonik Stranded Colourwork Sourcebook is to encourage people to use their own environments as inspiration for stranded coloured knitting. I am a bit of a slow starter in this area however I have started taking more photographs. I am trying to participate in #tarmactuesday but I keep forgetting until Wednesday. So, even though I am not yet reflecting my area in knitting, reading these books has lead to me changing some practices.

While these books are targeting people who knit, they could be interesting for people wanting to think about how to depict their area as there is inspiration for photographers, embroiders, wood carvers and more. As you can tell, I am a fan of this work as it is joyful, practical and inspirational.

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