Shibori is the ancient Japanese art of using resists to create 3D impressions in fabric. It is a fascinating process that creates a breathtaking effect. Shibori Knits by Gina Wilde is a wonderful introduction to this very specialized knitting technique, and collects a wide array of fantastic patterns.
Since shibori is not like any other technique, Wilde gives an excellent overview for the absolute beginner. She discusses different types of shibori knitting and felting, explains shibori’s link to nature, and discusses the transformations that shibori encompasses. Each pattern contains detailed felting instructions to achieve the desired effect.
The “Happy Colored Marbles Scarf” uses marbles and golf balls to achieve the bulbous design in a scarf that looks artfully tattered. Wilde encourages you to experiment with other hard objects (buttons, beans, etc) to use as resists. The “Wood Grain Scarf” incorporates pleats to achieve what Wilde calls “shibori perfection.” The “Koi Bag” is a large bag in the shape of an enormous koi fish. The “Whole Heart Baby Sling” looks wonderfully cozy for your infant. One of my favorite pieces, “The Poet’s Shawl,” is a delicate lace-weight shawl that just floats weightlessly about the shoulders. The “Portrait Scarf” is two, dainty, slightly ruffled scarves connected lengthwise by a felted strip of yarn. “Little Bear’s Bonnet and Booty Set” is almost nauseatingly adorable, taking a ruffled bonnet and adding a pair of teddy bear ears to the top.
The “Beaded Ruffled Bag,” with its cylindrical shape and skirted opening, would be best suited for a kid. The “Shibori Fez” is definitely not something that everyone can pull off, but with bits of unfelted knitting peeking through felted “windows,” it certainly is unique. “Scarf de Triumphe” is an intarsia scarf, felted in full – even the fringe. I adore the “Fortune Cookie Scarf,” a large, open weave wrap with ruffled accents.
Shibori Knits is a unique collection that is sure to delight the knitter in your life.
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