Desert Designs: 26 Knits by Aboriginal Artists

103 pp. "The patterns in this book are distinctly Aboriginal with 26 designs – bold, colorful & authentically Australian. The designs are drawn from the work of three traditional Aboriginal artists: Jimmy Pike, Doris Gingingara, & Deaggidditt. You will find: Color photos Patterns for sweaters, cardigans & bests The patterns range from bright & colorful landscapes to striking black & white images of animals & spirits plus well known Australian symbols such as the kangaroo & more traditional Aboriginal symbols like the totemic designs of the batjikala smoking pipe Each pattern includes the artist's own words about the inspiration for the design Charts Step by step instructions . What is especially appealing about this book is its direct ties to Aboriginal art and story-telling. Knitting designs are presented with an example of the art which inspired the design, and a brief aboriginal tale about the subject of the design (followed by a brief explanation). Designs: Jimmy Pike Larripuka Country Mangkaja – white bird Partiri – desert flowers Two little girls Flowers after the rain Kartiya boat Kurntumaru & Parnaparnti Doris Gingingara, Leaves & tracks Batjikala – long pipe Barramundi Djarram – tree bark nets Rainstorm magic Kingirama – grinding stones Batjikala – the totems Deaggidditt Emu – bush food Papatjara – dingoes Mamu – spirit Kukaku – hunting time Mother & baby Kalya – Emu chicks Seven Emu sisters Maratjara – many hands Didjeridoo player Marlu – Kangaroo Mara – hand"