Reviews

Andean Inspired Knits

Designs in Luxurious Alpaca

by Helen Hamann

Click here to download a PDF of Helen Hamann's 2006 Book Tour, class and seminar schedule. For more information and to order, click here.

Andean Inspired Knits

http://www.spindlicity.com/summer2006/andean_knits_print.shtml
By Helen Hamann
Interweave Press
$24.95
Andean Inspired Knits is an inspiring look at some very interesting construction techniques for knitwear. The designs are loosely based on Peruvian motifs, and all are worked in Alpaca yarns. Some of the designs or color combinations are hit and others are miss according to my tastes, with most of them being hits, however the construction techniques are unique and exciting throughout, and could be adapted to different color schemes or motifs. The photography is lovely, and the patterns are accompanied by photos of cute Alpacas. Directions for the patterns seem clear and easy to follow. This book is a keeper and a wonderful reference for knitwear construction.

Andean Inspired Knits

http://www.ipgbook.com/showbook.cfm?bookid=1931499934&userid=DF32FD0A-803F-2B7A-70EA44CD9358413B

Designs in Luxurious Alpaca

Helen Hamann (Author)

Knit like they do in Peru—with rich alpaca wool

"An inspiring look at some very interesting construction techniques for knitwear." —Spindlicity.com "Readers will be enchanted. . . . Enthusiastically recommended for large public libraries and academic textile collections." —Library Journal "Many of the patterns . . . incorporate distinctive stitch, color or embellishment highlights that say, 'This is special'" —Monsters and Critics.com

Lush fiber and dazzling design are the focus of this collection of patterns inspired by pre-Columbian textiles from the culturally rich Andes in South America. Adapted for modern knitters, the ambitious designs offer eye-catching patterns, unique silhouettes, and a palette of techniques ranging from intarsia and Fair Isle to embroidery and beading. Skilled knitters will find plenty of contemporary flair in projects such as a boldly striped geometric scarf, a showy lace cardigan with ruffled trim, and a crocheted poncho embellished with beads. Photographs of the stunning Peruvian landscape and stories about the tradition of Andean craft and the vital alpaca enrich this tour of beautiful art from a beautiful country.

Helen Hamann is a knitwear designer whose designs have been featured in fashion magazines, in mail-order catalogs, on television, and in Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's. A native of Peru, she is also a founding member of the International Alpaca Association. She lives in Decatur, Tennessee.

BOOK REVIEW: Andean Inspired Knits by Helen Hamann

http://antheras.blogspot.com/2006/08/book-review-andean-inspired-knits-by.html

Helen Hamann presents her first book of knitwear designs, Andean Inspired Knits: Designs in Luxurious Alpaca, a collection of patterns inspired by the pre-Columbian textiles of her native Peru and South America. Along with the exclusive designs, Hamann includes details about pre-Columbian culture, the origins of alpaca and their development through this rich period in Peruvian history.

Due to the dry desert conditions of coastal Peru, textiles dating as far back as 2000 B.C. have survived to the present day, providing an extensive pattern library. Textiles were highly valued during the pre-Columbian period, used as regional currency with the best alpaca fabrics being surrendered to the monarcy as tax.

Hamann utilizes alpacas for the patterns in Andean Inspired Knits, choosing the textile both for the role the animals played in pre-Columbian Andean culture and for the unique luster, warmth, softness and durability. The traditional patterns from which Hamann draws her inspiration were rendered in alpaca or llama. For this book, she works from the five cultural periods existing prior to the Incan empire: Paracas, Nasca, Huari, Lambayeque and Chancay.

Experienced knitters will enjoy Hamann’s approach to form and fit, her non-traditional silhouettes using short-rows and the bold geometrics dominating her designs. Many of the design elements that make her collections popular on the fashion runways, are featured in Andean Inspired Knits. Beginners will find inspiration in Hamann’s designs and colour choices. Duplicate stitch and embroidery are utilized to reproduce some of the detailed patterns of Paracas, Huari and Lambayeque textiles.

Helen Hamann, a native of Peru, is an internationally known knitwear designer and founding member of the International Alpaca Association. She currently resides in Decatur, Tennessee.

Andean Inspired Knits

Interweave

http://www.woolandcompany.net/detail.aspx?ID=4125

"Andean Inspired Knits is an inspiring look at some very interesting construction techniques for knitwear. . . . This book is a keeper and a wonderful reference for knitwear construction."  —Spindlicity.com

Create dazzling knitwear designs with Andean Inspired Knits, a collection of patterns inspired by pre-Columbian textiles from the culturally-rich Andes in South America.

Author Helen Hamann draws inspiration from historic fabrics and motifs to create this modern collection of wearables, all in soft alpaca, a fiber that boasts unique luster, warmth, and durability. Hamann is deliberate in her choice of fibers, as alpacas and their fleece played a central role in the development of pre-Columbian cultures.

Skilled knitters will love the eye-catching patterns that incorporate geometric forms and unique silhouettes. Helen’s fresh approach to form and fit will appeal to knitters looking to learn new techniques while being challenged by ambitious designs.

Projects range from a geometric scarf based on a bold striped stepped pattern, an intricate Fair Isle Bolero with mitered corners, a patchwork kimono with matching beaded cap, a lacy crocheted poncho/top with flowery beading, a colorfully embroidered wrap, and a showy lace cardigan with ruffle trim. Techniques include short-rows, mitered corners, intarsia, Fair Isle, and embroidery. Gorgeous photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and illustrations guide the knitter through each project.

Photos of the Andean landscape, information about the evolution of alpacas, and details about Peruvian culture and textiles round out the rich history of the Andean tradition.

Knitters will love seeing original textiles and the sophisticated, updated patterns in Andean Inspired Knits.

Helen Hamann, a native of Peru, is an internationally known knitwear designer and alpaca enthusiast whose designs have been featured in fashion magazines, mail-order catalogs, on television, and also in Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Helen is a founding member of the International Alpaca Association. She currently resides in Decatur, Tennessee.

Click here to download a PDF of Helen Hamann's 2006 Book Tour, class and seminar schedule. For more information and to order, click here.