Knitting with Peruvian Yarns

Peru is a country rich in textile artistry--a culture that has long inspired colorful clothing for both the nomadic and romantic at heart. Now, with sumptuous organic yarns derived from the llama and alpaca herds grazed in the Peruvian highlands for generations, and Vogue Knitting designer Jane Ellison as your style guru, you can create the softest, warmest, most luxurious knitted garments imaginable. This marvelous book dresses you from head to toe--you'll find cardigans and jackets; sweaters and vests; tunics and dresses; plus hats, scarves, mittens, and socks designed to fit an array of body types as well as suit both modern and traditional tastes. There is seasonal crossover, too: The sleeveless short dress is perfect for a summer lunch out, but is also charming over leggings for the fall. The three-quarter-length coat features a high collar, double-breasted buttons, and extra coverage in back for warmth in cooler weather, and the slouchy hat and flapped mittens are trendy and attractive options when temperatures plummet. Ellison has masterfully included patterns that look more complicated than they are, cleverly employing simple stitches that every knitter can use to create remarkably stylish necklines, sleeves, and edgings. Her naturally hued palette of plums, blues, browns, ochres, and creams instills an earthy sensuality in the projects reminiscent of a sun-warmed mountain hillside--ideal for the hand-dyed merino wool, baby alpaca, and pima cotton (one of the finest cottons in the world) featured in the Mirasol Yarn Collection. Long and short, loose and form-fitting, chunky and minimalist, modern and classic--these 25 original hand-knit projects make perfect use of the unique qualities inherent in Peruvian yarn--silky softness, depth of color, beautiful drape, and earth-friendly sustainability. They only await your personal touches to make them perfect for you.