A History of Hand Knitting is promoted as the only history of hand knitting. While there are other books addressing the history of knitting in specific regions, the history of specific knitting techniques, and smidgens of the history of the craft here and there, Rutt can claim the most comprehensive work on the subject. Originally published in 1987, A History of Hand Knitting has proved to be a classic and definitive title in the history of textiles and techniques.
Knitting Out Loud, a company developing audio books for knitters to listen to while busy with their needles (see my review of Knitting Memories) chose to take Rutt’s work to their audience. In doing so, drastic abridgments were needed in order to make the title accessible to listeners in terms of cost. Due to the vast amount of knowledge contained in Rutt’s volume, the unabridged work would have consisted of seven to eight CDs as opposed to the four -- running 4 hours and 52 minutes -- that make up the abridgment. Never fear, A History of Hand Knitting on CD provides a wealth of trivia for curious knitters to tuck away for the next meeting of their knitting club.
Rutt provides not only a history of hand knitting, but a history of the history of hand knitting as well. During the opening of the audio book he thoroughly examines various contributions to knitting history, their degree of reliability, and the extent of their accuracy. Throughout the recording he continues to sprinkle in the names and works of other contributors to the history of hand knitting as he describes knitting developments in their region or time period.
During his initial examination of the history of knitting he examines various possibilities concerning the origin of knitting in both time and place. He then goes on to describe possible routes for knitting techniques to spread, and compares the differences between techniques that are used in various regions. Most delightful are the detailed descriptions of knitted garments, presented like snapshots representing the techniques, styles, construction, and colours of a country or region at a specific time. It's everything you ever wanted to know about vintage, hand-knit stockings in the British Isles, but were afraid to ask.
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