Arctic Lace by Donna Druchunas, softback published by Nomad Press in the USA. Price 26.95 US dollars, ISBN 978-0-9668289-7-9 available from www.nomad-press.com
This book is subtitled Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska’s Native Knitters. The subject is Qiviut, musk ox down, used to knit fine lace. It makes its claim to fame as the softest, lightweight and most luxurious yarn.
In this book, you will learn all about musk ox down, following the footsteps of Donna as she uncovers the history of this beautiful fibre. Discover the knitters of Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Cooperative and the beautiful garments they make. You’ll also be able to design and knit your own lace.
This book is ideal for beginners and advanced knitters alike. Donna looks at the different laces from different regions. She gives a lace-knitting workshop, providing tips for experienced knitters. In three easy lessons, you can produce lace swatches, knitted from charts. There is useful information on how to block lace. You will find a series of fourteen projects for knitting lace, again using charts. These include a headband, hats, scarves, wrist warmers and waistcoats. In the final chapter, there is useful information on designing and making your own garments. There is a page with a graph that can be copied for your own charts. This section includes a dictionary of twelve lace stitch patterns for borders and panels. There is also a sources section.
This 192 page book is produced entirely in black and white. It is a fantastic introduction into a world of knitting that few know about. Musk ox down is scarce and you may need to substitute yarn.