Andean Inspired Knits: Designs in Luxurious Alpaca

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.

Reviews: "This book is not just a knitting book, it is also a travelogue plus a history of alpacas. The book is wonderful reading."-Knitting News

"This book is full of knitting patterns that have interesting shapes and constructions with difficulty to match."-knitty.com

"Many of the patterns... incorporate distinctive stitch, color or embellishment highlights that say, “This is special”."-Monsters and Critics.com

"This book is a keeper and a wonderful reference for knitwear construction."-Spindlicity.com

"Stunning pieces that will grace your knitted collection forever."-Vogue Knitting

• Embroidered Yoke Wrap and Crocheted Cloche- This unusual wrap inspired by a Paracas tapestry from 200 BC includes embroidered flowers extending from neck to cuff and a coordinating crocheted cloche embellished with whimsical flowers.
• Short Asymmetrical Jacket and Flower Pin- This jacket has unusual asymmetrical fronts that drape open beautifully or that may be fastened with a brooch - or knitted flower pin!

• Long Asymmetrical Cardigan- One side of this cardigan is worked in the stepped pattern, and for a touch of fun, the other side is worked in simple stripes of the same earthy tones.

• Patchwork Kimono and Beaded Cap- The main fabric of this kimono is knitted in the intarsia technique and smaller details are added with duplicate stitches and assorted beads.
• Black and White Handbag- This bag is knitted in the round entirely in black, and then the white pattern is added with embroidery.
• Embroidered-Back Cardigan and Crocheted Beads- Inspired by a Lambayeque tapestry, the embroidered panel on the back of this flattering blue cardigan offers a surprising flash of colorful detail.

• Crocheted Poncho- This drapey piece inspired form a pre-Incan gauze tapestry can be worn as a simple poncho or as a loose blouse.
• Short Cardigan with Ribbon Trim- The knitted lace pattern in this flattering cardigan was based on a delicate Chancay tapestry.
• Lacy Shawl with Fur Trim- This lace pattern is lined with silk and trimmed with real Suri fur. Four mother-of-pearl buttons can be added so the shawl can be worn as a shrug.
• Lliclla- Nearly every woman in South America has used this versatile wrap to hold a baby, firewood, or small parcels.

• Striped Pullover and Spiral Scarf- This pullover includes a series of graduated pastel stripes accented with duplicate stitches in deeper shades and decorated with bugle beads.
• Short Circular Cardigan- This unusual cardigan, worked in two pieces, incorporates the pattern of a Chancay tapestry dating from around A.D. 1100 to 1470.
• Circular Cardigan with Tapestry Weaving- The drapey sideways-knit body of this cardigan combined with the firm embroidered band allows the garment to flow gracefully at the back and hug the body nicely in the front.
• Short Cape- The basis for this cape came from a tapestry recovered from the Incan Pachacamac featuring one of the most ubiquitous pre-Columbian motifs.
• Geometric Scarf- The blocks of color in this comfortable scarf are worked in the intarsia style of knitting in rich earth tones.

• Bolero- Inspired by the traditional short jacket worn by highland women even today, this bolero combines the border details from two different Chancay tapestries.
• Bohemian Poncho and Beret- Ponchos have been worn in the Andean highlands since time immemorial and is now worn by soldiers, sportsmen, and fashionable women alike.

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 lived in Peru until 1998 and currently lives on her alpaca farm in Decatur, Tennessee. Website: www.helenhamann.com