. . . Scandinavian Knitting Books from Schoolhouse Press . . .

Poems of Color
—Wendy Keele

This important book has been in and out of print over the years. We consider it a must have knitting book and, to make it available, persuaded Interweave to re-publish a small quantity.

The Swedish Bohus Stickning period was a halcyon one in the history of knitting. Extraordinary designers were drawn to this cottage industry established by Austrian-born, Emma Jacobsen. Upon Emma's death, the collection of mesmerizing patterns were in danger of disappearing until Wendy Keele - making numerous trips to Sweden to meet with the remaining designers and with the founder's daughter - gathered together the original charts in this lovely book.

Bohus patterns are unlike any other traditional motifs; they are more like landscapes or impressionistic paintings, realized with very fine wool. Try one of the caps to begin with, and see how gratifying this type of knitting can be.

Softcover. $26.95

(See our special offer below for a 20% discount on Poems of Color and the Bohus Knitting DVD when ordered together.)

Bohus Knitting DVD

From Relief Work to World Success

A Swedish film company has just released a new DVD: Bohus Knitting - From Relief Work to World Success. It is devoted to the history of the halcyon 30-year period in the annals of hand knitting when women in Sweden's Bohuslän banded together to form a cottage industry and ended up producing world famous works of knitted art in the form of sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. The DVD is beautifully done (with an English voice-over and sub-titles). I found it very moving to learn about individual women who had worked so hard to help their families, and to see the extraordinarily beautiful knitting they produced.

58 minutes, $25.00

Special Offer: Order the book Poems of Color and the Bohus Knitting DVD together for a 20% discount.

Note: A stellar Bohus Knitting exhibit is running at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis through 29 March, 2009. And, Meg Swansen's article for the next issue of Vogue Knitting magazine will be devoted to this subject.

Oma's Strickgenheimnisse (Grandma's Knitting Secrets)
—Erika Eichenseer

Here is a welcomed reprint of a unique German book we carried years ago. Scores of stitch patterns are included, many of which I've never seen anywhere else. And, wonderfully, each motif is charted for both circular or flat knitting. Yes, you will find a new set of symbols to learn. At first that seems a bit annoying, but you may choose to re-chart the design with familiar symbols, or look at it a challenge to exercise for your brain. We provide a translation sheet for the chart symbols. $35

Ethnic Knitting Discovery
—Donna Druchunas

From the author of Arctic Lace, a new book about traditional knitting in The Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and The Andes. If you are curious about knitting techniques from around the world and want to expand your knowledge of traditional design knitting, Druchunas's book is a perfect starting place. $21.95

A knitting book for anyone interested in culture and anyone who likes to knit. Invisible Threads uses knitting memories, the language of symbols, folk beliefs, and leftover yarns as the exciting means of traveling into the world of knitting techniques. There is magic in these patterns which conjure up all sorts of forms and figures just by using two needles and garter stitch. $51

Annemor Sundbo is the author of: Everyday Knitting: Treasures from a Rag Pile and Setesdal Sweaters: The History of the Norwegian Lice Pattern (below).

Two-End Knitting, A Traditional Scandinavian Technique also known as Twined Knitting. From Basics to new Refinements and Designs
—Anne-Maj Ling

One of the foremost experts on the subject of Two-End Knitting introduces us to aspects of this fascinating technique that were not even hinted at previously. You will see her very beautiful designs - some of which are knitted with two-colors: sweaters and skirts as well as stunning mittens, caps and stockings. Included you will find a very detailed instruction section with plenty of illustrations, plus 30 full-page charts.

This 2002 Swedish title was just translated into English by Carol Rhoades. Softcover. $23.50

Setesdal Sweaters, The History of the Norwegian Lice Pattern
—Annemor Sundbø

Scores of lovely garments and charts as well as being able easily to read the complete history of these universally-known traditional garments, the classic Norwegian Lice Jacket. Plenty of inspiring photographs and charts. Hardcover. $45

Everyday Knitting: Treasures from a Ragpile
—Annemor Sundbø

In English, an intriguing collection of sweaters rescued from a shredding machine. Softcover. $45

Traditional Scandinavian Knitting
—Sheila McGregor

Hooray! Reprinted. An excellent resource of charts and history. Softcover. $14.95

Viking Patterns for Knitting
—Elsebeth Lavold

Unique cables based upon ancient Viking designs. 14 projects. $24.95

Knitting with a Smile
—Inger Fredholm

From Sweden (in English), 37 original patterns. Lovely book!Spiral-bound. $49.50

The Best of Lopi
—XRX, Inc.

45 designs for men, women, and children. Hardcover. $27.95