Portuguese Knitting: A historical & practical guide to traditional Portuguese techniques, with 20 inspirational projects

by Rosa Pomar

Overview

The history and practice of knitting in Portugal, with 20 beautiful, traditionally inspired patterns.

More than just a history book or a handicraft manual, Portuguese Knitting is a trip to the Portuguese heritage of woolcraft. It discovers knitting memories of the past, traditional patterns and techniques that are brought up to date in the form of beautiful modern pieces such as socks, hats, shawls, cowls, pot holders and leggings. Containing previously unpublished images of great historical importance, this is a fundamental work in the history of Portuguese woolcraft.

Easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations allow beginners or more experienced knitter to recreate historical pieces in an original, contemporary and always Portuguese way. You can make these pieces as they are shown, or use other colours to create your own unique and original gifts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782217213
Publisher:	Search Press
Publication date:	03/03/2020
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Rosa Pomar learned to knit at the age of seven and never stopped. As a child, she knitted mainly dolls and her family found it difficult to tear her away from her knitting needles. She took courses in medieval history, then subsequently in illustration at the School of Visual Arts in Nova Cirque. As the author of one of the oldest Portuguese blogs, ervilhacorderosa.com, she frequently addresses the subject of traditional Portuguese textiles. She carries out research in this area, especially in the field of wool, travelling around the country to visit shepherds and spinners. In 2008, she created Retrosaria, a store dedicated to the sale of fabrics and materials for knitting and sewing (www.retrosaria.rosapomar.com). Since 2009, she has created several new textile techniques, always finding ways of bringing the tradition Portuguese knitting methods into contemporary pieces. She has taught dozens of people to knit.

Editorial Reviews

Yarn Geeks - March 2020
If your heart sinks at the thought of purl rows, then Portuguese Knitting might be the book for you. Most Portuguese knitters hold the yarn in a way that makes purling easy—so easy that they prefer it to the knit stitch.
For this technique, the yarn runs around the back of the neck, or through a special hook pinned to clothing at shoulder height. With the yarn held at this angle, and the right hand providing tension, the left thumb can flick the yarn over the right needle which then scoops up the new stitch. Who knew that purling could be so easy? I mean, other than the entire knitting population of Portugal, of course. There's more to the book than just the technique—Rosa Pomar travelled all over her homeland collecting stories from knitters. 

Postcard Reviews May 2020

If you have never seen Portuguese Knitting in action, it's well worth finding a video to see. It is absolutely fascinating!
This book should be on every knitters wishlist. It is filled with beautiful projects, 20 in total, they all have stunning designs and beautiful colour choices.
The beginning of the book gives an in depth history of Portuguese knitting, with some interesting pictures. There is advice on pins, needles and most importantly yarn.
The projects themselves are varied, hats, bags, leggings and even a pillow, show how versatile and useful Portuguese Knitting can be.
There are several techniques, stitches, hints and tips to help you along the way and you can even embroider your finished design to give it a personal and individual flair.
I adored the Lace Collar, it's very vintage and really beautiful.
5/5

From the Publisher