cover image Viking Knits: Over 40 Scandi Knits for Men, Women & Children

Viking Knits: Over 40 Scandi Knits for Men, Women & Children

Lasse L. Matberg. Search, $29.95 (192p) ISBN 978-1-8009-2077-4

Norwegian influencer Matberg teams up with knitting brand Strikkemekka for an impressive array of Scandinavian knits in this cozy collection. The projects epitomize Scandinavian chic: the first section, “The Best Everyday Sweaters,” features a gray “Power Sweater” and a chunky V-neck “Lasse Sweater.” A selection of “Stylish Knitwear” includes such standouts as the “Queen Coatigan,” a long, open cardigan with “decorative balloon sleeves and chunky cables,” and the “Wave Sweater,” with small cables that mimic waves. Among the “Norse Sweaters” are a turtleneck tunic pattern and the cable-knit “Viking,” which will have readers “ready for sitting at a long table with a glass of mead.” The children’s garments avoid the cloyingly cute and rely instead upon adapted versions of adult designs: there’s a patterned “Mountaintop” sweater and a colorful “Sailor Sweater” with a matching hat for youngsters. Matberg’s patterns are best suited for intermediate and advanced crafters, though beginners who want a challenge will be able to keep up thanks to the straightforward directions: patterns are both written and charted, and each project is labeled by difficulty, so the less experienced will know where to start. Crafters ready to up their sweater game need look no further. (Nov.)