In the Loop: Knitting Now - Softcover

4.29

7 ratings by Goodreads

9781906155964: In the Loop: Knitting Now

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1906155968 ISBN 13: 9781906155964

Publisher: Black Dog Press, 2010

Knitting has progressed from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing reindeer motifs on Christmas sweaters. Now there are knitting groups that meet in bars, hundreds of clubs and contemporary artists that have reclaimed the craft. In the Loop looks at this progression from solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream craft.

Originally developed as a way to make a living, the position of knitting slowly changed from being a distinct craft to an unfashionable and dreary skill. The twenty-first century led to a strong comeback for the craft, and the popularity of knitting is clearly seen now in the many knit-clubs, knits-shops, knit-conferences and other knit-activities that have popped up in contemporary culture.

In the Loop is split into four sections: Rethinking Knitting; Narrative Knits; Site & Sight- Protest Knitting and Progress- Looking Back. Each section includes essays on these subjects by contemporary knitters, artists and academics. The essays cover the topics of knitting in art, international knitting traditions, knitting as social activism, the oral history of knitting, and knitting technology. These sections include case studies on knitting clubs, artists using knitting in their work, and other progressions in the role of knitting.

The book includes many visual essays and images of contemporary knitting, making this a visually informative review of the subject. The illustrations provide a fresh look at this subject and ensure this is an essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary knitting.

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About the Author:

Jessica Hemmings studied textile Design at the Rhode Island School of Design and Comparative Literature at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies. She has written many articles for publications such as Bloom, Crafts and Selvedge. Currently she is associate Director if the Centre for Visual and Cultural Studies at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Sandy Black is the author of Eco-Chic (Black Dog Publishing, 2008) and Fashioning Fabrics (Black Dog Publishing, 2006) and is Professor of Fashion Design and Technology at the London College of Fashion.

Review:

"A lavishly illustrated and intellectually rich book that is a must for everyone interested in the historical and cultural background to knitting as craft." Yarn Forward

"this book is a fascinating read for anyone who loves knitting and wants to learn more about its history and traditions around the world." Knit Today

"An essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary crafts." Funky Finds

"This new release gives fiber enthusiasts the ability to think 'outside the box' when it comes to knitting as an art form, as literature, as an industrial piece or even as a simple garment." Peacefully Knitting

"Knitting has enjoyed a massive revival in the last few years, and boy, haven't we heard about it. But while the papers and glossies have been falling over themselves to report on the rise of yarn sales in John Lewis and how many twentysomethings have been seen knitting in pubs, contemporary textile designers have been busy doing some rather more brilliant things with their needles." The Guardian

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