Melinda Coss

This isn't really a book of folk knits. Rather it is a book of intarsia sweaters and coats based on "folk" design motifs. It retains that 80's tendency to oversized sweaters, but others are shaped, and the "Indian summer jacket and leggings" on page 61 is spectacular--no wonder, because it was based on a West Indian theatre costume by Erté. (I wonder if she means western India?) The Japanese print coat has nice motifs but is otherwise like the infamous blanket with sleeves. Same with the show more kabuki sweater. Several designs have beads, but I think they are sewn on rather than knitted in. Sizing runs small. show less

I really like this one. Although it's more about the use of color and how that is woven into the garments, there are some really interesting styles attributed to different areas of the world and different cultures. One really interesting garment is the "Indian Summer Jacket and Leggings". It's a great picture book too.

One of several books Melinda Coss wrote about "ethnic" knitting, this book has patterns ranging from a Pacific Northwest-inspired sweater to Turkish-inspired cardigan/scarf set, and all sorts of lovely sweaters in-between. The structure of the garments is very modern given the age of the book.

As intarsia knitting continues to grown in popularity, this book can be referred to as an inspiration for design and colorwork. The book, however, is not a basic "how-to" book, and assumes the knitter show more has a slightly more than basic command of the craft. show less

A good book for the beginner, it has an excellent stitch library with projects for each family of stitches. Special sections for crewel, ribbon embroidery and bead embroidery contain not only instructions, but many motifs which can be copied. There isn't much here, however, for people who already have beginning skills and good stitch libraries.