The International Language of Knits

re: The International Language of Knits

LisaG@3 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:53:52 GMT

I just started knitting the bolero and am having a terrible time with it! We debated at my knitting group last night if the issue is that we're not understanding "the spirit of the pattern" and reading it far too literally. The example we're looking at is the 1st increase row on the back -- K1, Kf&b, work in pattern to last stitch Kf&b. I did this as written and the lace pattern was very off...the whole thing looked funny.

Others suggested that I should knit into the f&b of the 1st stitch and continue the lace from there omitting the K1 at the beginning of the lace repeat...more suggestions abound. I'm about to start completely improvising or throwing the thing across the room. Any suggestions would be appreciated - I've written customer service as well.

I still love you all : )

re: The International Language of Knits

NoraL — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:15 GMT

Sandi, I had no idea that many translators of these books are not also knitters - that must make things quite complicated! I'm actually starting to do some translating of Italian literature/poetry into English - but for some reason had never thought to look into translating knitting patterns! If you ever need a knitter/translator to work on an Italian pattern book I would love nothing better!! feel free to contact me. eluongo at gmail dot com

re: The International Language of Knits

NicoleZ — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:15:39 GMT

I just bought this book and I have to say that it has some really beautiful patterns in it. I am so glad that the publishers decided to do an English version. I cannot wait to cast on for several of the projects. So much knitting, so little time...sigh... Cheers, Nicole

re: The International Language of Knits

allou — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:36:35 GMT

As a British/American knitter living in Denmark for over 30 years I have a couple of comments. Perhaps one important thing to remeber is that since almost all Scandinavians knit the "European way", meaning the yarn is held over the left index finger and the right hand needle is poked under the yarn to pull it through British and US knitters may find that the number of stitches per centimeter/inch differs. The tension is slightly different, so it is very important to always knit a swatch. One funny story -I speak fluent Danish and many years ago when I used to knit on the train ride to work, a woman approached me speaking an incpomprehensible language and looked very surprised when I didn't answer. Turned out she thought I was a fellow Faroe Islander, because of the way I knit. On the Faroe Islands the orginal knitting technique is apparently derived from the British way, which is also, I believe the most common method in the US/Canada/Australia/NZ.

re: The International Language of Knits

JenniferP@3 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:36:12 GMT

Interesting story! Thanks, Jenni

re: The International Language of Knits

AmandaK — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:39:56 GMT

What a coincidence: I had ordered this book from Amazon & it just arrived yesterday. I'll have to report back on whether the translated patterns are followable. As for Scandinavian knitters being more adaptable to vague instructions: they are taught knitting in elementary school, both boys & girls. It is required as a basic skill, like reading & writing -- imagine that! I'd love to have learned at that age!

re: The International Language of Knits

EllenF — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:46:07 GMT

I just acquired a new and profound appreciation for those who bring international knitting patterns to our American doors. All I can say is "you have to love a good mystery!" I can't get my head around all the research involved. Bravo!! I also have a question. My son brought home to me a magazine from Italy with wonderful knitting patterns. But I do not read/speak a word of Italian? How could I have the pattern translated?

re: The International Language of Knits

JoyG — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:15:20 GMT

re: The International Language of Knits. I have a series of patterns that were given to me when I purchased yarn in Beijing. I have postponed translating it until I run out of lprojects. Which doens't seem to be happening. Before I finish one projects I add at least two more to my list of "must knits." While in China, we stayed in a residential area with our son who lives there. I was knitting a baby blanket for the acquaintance of my son. Women would stop and point with a questioning look on their faces. I would place my arms like I was holding a baby and rocking it. They would smile and give me signs of approval. My husband was envious. Through knitting I was able to connect with these women even though we didn't speak each others languages, he had no way to connect in that way with the men. Joyfull

re: The International Language of Knits

JanetM@5 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:03:22 GMT

The knits look gorgeous, but I don't know if the patterns include my size. I'd hate to be taunted by so many projects I'd love to have on my needles but never be able to wear! Could you give a general size range — yes or no on plus sizes — along with your book information?

re: The International Language of Knits

ConnieR — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:06:11 GMT

I am disappointed that one of the patterns from the origional book is not in the english version. Any chance it will be given as a free pattern?

re: The International Language of Knits

Lee@2 — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:44:43 GMT

Any chance that Feminine knits will ever be in a down loadable version. I love this website & your magazine. Thank you for all your time and consideration. Lee