This is a book review of Handknits From Rauma, Norway: 30 New Takes on Traditional Scandinavian Designs
What You Need to Know About This Knitting Pattern Book:
Author: Bente Presterud
Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books
Copyright Date: I’m reviewing the English language translation of the book, which has a copyright date of 2021. The book was originally published in the Norwegian language with a title of Hverdagsstrikk i kortreist ull.
ISBN 13: 9781646011032
Book Format: Hardcover without dust jacket
Number of Pages: 139
Recommended Knitting Skill Level: There is a section of the book featuring “rather easy” patterns; this book has some solid-colored patterns, as well as some that make use of simple stripes, simple silhouettes and simple shaping. So I believe this book would be a good investment for knitters of virtually any skill leve. That said, I think intermediate and experienced knitters will get the best value from this book, because most of the patterns in this book are rated for these skill levels.
The Focus of This Book:
The Rauma Garn company was founded in Rauma, Norway in 1927. This book is focused on giving you 30 lovely knitting patterns that all originate in Rauma and are made with Rauma Garn wool yarn. If you’re an English-speaking knitter reading the English language translation of the book, you’ll also find that the suggested yarn weight on the Craft Yarn Council’s yarn standard weight system is included in the text for each pattern, so you can easily make yarn substitutions if you are unable to find Rauma Garn wool.
Some of the sweater pattern designs in this book were inspired by historic sweaters from the Rauma Garn company pattern archives. Others are contemporary designs.
The Best Things About This Book
This book features patterns for women but also a generous selection of patterns for men, too. The majority of these patterns are graded for adult sizes but not children’s sizes.
Some of these styles are knit with bulky yarn and look like they’d be reasonably quick knitting projects, as far as knitting projects go (you’re already aware there’s no such thing as instant gratification when it comes to knitting sweaters, right?)
There’s an outstanding variety of different project types represented in this book; for example, one of the patterns is a set featuring a pullover sweater with a matching pair of pants. So if you’re looking for something a little different to work on, this book is one you’ll want to take a look at. The projects include pullovers, cardigans, vests, a dress, a hooded poncho, a pair of socks, a couple of pairs of mittens sized for both children and adults, slippers, a shawl and a scarf.
Other Observations About This Book
This book has full-color photos and knitting charts, but does not include schematics.
Conclusion
I’m delighted to recommend this book to other knitting enthusiasts. I think it offers an interesting variety of appealing patterns that are likely to inspire knitters to cast on and make many lovely new projects.
Where to Buy This Book:
Find More Excellent Knitting Pattern Books
- Vivian
Hoxbro’s Knitting Handbook: Learn How to Do Modular Knitting With the Helpful Tutorials and Patterns in This Book. - Fair Isle Knitting Pattern Book: 22 Traditional Patterns From Where the Atlantic Meets the North Sea
- Socks From Around Norway: A Scandinavian-Style Sock Knitting Pattern Book
- Click here to find our picks for 2023’s best new knitting books.
Posted By: Amy Solovay
About Your Book Reviewer: Amy Solovay is a real person who has a background in textile design. She has been crocheting and crafting since childhood, and knitting since she was a teenager. She holds a degree in textile design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and is a former instructor at California Design College, where she taught surface design and trend forecasting classes to fashion design majors. Amy worked in the textile industry for about a decade; during that time, she held various job titles ranging from circular knit designer to director of design. She then transitioned to a career in freelance writing.
This page was last updated on 6-20-2023.