The idea for ‘Handcraft’ arose from Helga Jóna Thórunnarsdóttir and Helga Isager's shared passion for techniques and details. They have taught knitting classes together for several years and approach their craft with the same meticulous care. A design can often be improved so the stitches lie perfectly, or maybe a few extra stitches need to be knitted to create a perfect edging. We may be the only ones to notice the difference, but there is a deep satisfaction that comes with creating a finished piece of craftsmanship, ultimately guaranteeing that the sweater or scarf will have years of use.
This book features a collection of some of Helga Jóna Thórunnarsdóttir and Helga Isager's favourite techniques and designs. They chose to focus on gloves and mittens because so many techniques go into knitting these small items. Gloves have essentially had the same shape for centuries, because they have to fit the curves of the human hand. Their idea was to write a classic book for knitters to use as a mini reference work whenever they need to refresh a certain technique – whether for knitting a mitten or a sweater.
This knitting book has one basic pattern for finger gloves and one for mittens, but various knitting patterns and different edgings. Beautiful drawings done by Japanese illustrator Toshiko Koikegami demonstrate the techniques used in the book.
