Faroe Island Knits: Over 50 Traditional Motifs and 25 Projects from the North Atlantic

This beautiful book by mother Strøm and daughter Biskopstø honors the traditional knitwear of the Faroe Islands, a chain of 18 small Danish islands in the North Sea where knitting is both an important part of the economy and a common pastime among residents. The authors model their book on a classic manual of knitting motifs by Hans Marius Debes, a Faroe tailor who compiled the collection in 1932 at the request of Denmark’s Queen Alexandra. Strøm and Biskopstø put a modern spin on 25 patterns originally featured in Debes’s book, which include sweaters, hats, socks, and slippers. The Lena sweater, for example, is made from a soft blend of alpaca silk and silk mohair and was inspired by two sisters who had a special license allowing them to beg for wool from farmers in outlying areas. The updated version has a long, roomier fit with hourglass shapes embellishing the body and sleeves. Purists will be disappointed that the book doesn’t include more patterns or more information about the unique Faroe Island yarns. The color work and patterns may be too complicated for beginners, but experienced knitters will enjoy working with patterns that are both beautiful and historic. (Apr.)