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The Art of Fair Isle Knitting

by: Ann Feitelson

This delightful book starts with excerpts from letters by knitters, and you quickly realize this was knitting born of economic necessity (putting food on the table). This fact made many knitters feel as if they were forced to knit and knitting was tied in with hardship rather than the luxury we associate with our own knitting. But most of us love Fair Isle sweaters and this author gives you everything you need to design your own, along with 23 designs you'll be proud to knit. This is both a fascinating story to read and a knitting pattern book.

1883010209

Big Book of Knitting

by: Katharina Buss

What's to like about this book? It may have the clearest photos and presentation of every aspect of fine knitting you have ever seen. Some of the previous Japanese produced books have had good illustrations of the details, but for some reason the use of hundreds of photos and the clarity of the samples and techniques being illustrated lift this knitting textbook above the rest. The thoroughness of the discussion, the layout, the details, the use of contrasting yarns to show the selvages, the cast-ons, the bind-offs, stitch tricks, holding both colors together for two-color knitting, sweater construction details and new stitch patterns will help lift your knitting to new heights. Novice or experienced get this book.

0806963174

Best of Rowan, 50 Designer Patterns

If you're just starting your serious knitting, then you may not know Kaffe Fasset, Kim Hargeaves, Susan Duckworth and the other great knit designers represented in this collection. If you're from the United States you may not have the wonderful resource of the yarns made by Rowan in Great Britain. So meet the best: the best designers' fully charted garments, the best knit design publisher and yarn manufacturer, and the best knitting instructors' knitting tips. Beautifully illustrated pictures and charts throughout.

1883010578

Celtic Knits: Over 25 Designs for Babies, Children and Adults

By: Debbie Bliss

In general the projects are well portrayed and cover a nice variety of sweaters, men's, women's and children's. They all have the Bliss look more than a Celtic look---but there are some outstanding sweaters here, and anyone who likes her designs will want to own this book. Full color.

1570762252

Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns-Reprint

by: Barbara G Walker

A fabulous collection of knitting patterns in which the author gives examples of some new techniques she has developed. There are 350 designs with a photo and directions for each. Using charted designs seems to have given her an added freedom in design potential that is virtually limitless in its variations. Examples of textures, cables, lace and delightful little animal figures abound. There is a chapter on mosaic patterns. Profusely illustrated.

0942018184

Comforts of Home: 18 Knitted Accents

by: Erika Knight

It's good to see this sort of knitting book, because it is often suggested that the beginning knitter knit pillows as a learning project. Not that this is just a beginners' book, but it would make the perfect first timer gift---throw in some needles and big yarn and they're off and knitting! Beautiful basic how-to-knit instructions compliment a selection of simple and stylish home accessories. Wonderful photography, good mix of projects for bed, bath and more, tailored designs.

1564773353

Designing Knitwear

by: Deborah Newton

It's back in print! Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or a seasoned knitter, the author will help you design your own knitted garments. She gives you all the counsel, inspiration and encouragement you'll need to step off on your own. She takes the mystery out of finding design inspiration, creating exciting textured fabrics, shaping and fitting garments, designing with simple knit and purl stitches, working with color and graphics, and much, much more. You'll also find complete instructions for all 16 garments in the book and dozens of partial schematic patterns to develop into your own original designs.

1561582654

Domino Knitting

by: Vivian Høxbro

Domino is the name given to a technique that builds small knitted modular squares and triangles on short, wooden (8") needles, that are then woven in as you go. Domino knitting is less stressful than other kinds of knitting on the arms and shoulders, which may perhaps be a blessing to those with muscular weakness who may have had to give up traditional knitting. Easy projects let you create attractive headbands and several interesting potholders as you learn, and then you progress to a lovely shawl, throws pillows or table runner and a smart denim-yarn backpack.

193149911X

The Encyclopedia of Knitting:

A Step-By-Step Guide, With An Inspirational Gallery Of Finished Works

by: Lesley Stanfield & Melody Griffiths

This book works! The authors' intent was a beautifully produced encyclopedia that presents all the tools for the budding knitter to design their own sweaters. All the detail techniques, stitch library, and project examples, past and present, are here. This is a nice addition to the library of the serious knitter, new or experienced.

0762408057

Fairisle Sweaters Simplified: Philosopher's Wool

by: Ann & Eugene Bourgeois

This is complete course in fair isle knitting. After getting intimate with the authors, the book dives into a very thorough study of the intricacies of knitting in the two handed, totally circular, steeks, et.al. method kept alive in fair isle lore. A collection of colorways, a collection of fabric chart patterns, and a collection of a range of sweater sizes and styles are all intertwined into this fascinating text. Full color.

1564773116

Fishermens Sweaters: 20 Exclusive Knitwear Designs

for All Generations

by: Alice Starmore

You'll be thrilled with the attention to detail on these ganseys and Arans. These classics are meant to be worn by anyone of any age and then handed down for more generations of wear. All are drop shoulder, some with gussets, one with cabled shoulder straps, and are rated by skill. Magnificent photos with attention to detail evidenced by the exquisitely patterned close up of Inishmore cables and others. Schematics, charts and a minimum of text. Techniques are shown in color drawings and the book is chock full of brilliant color photos.

1570760292

Folk Knitting in Estonia: A Garland of Symbolism, Tradition and Technique

by: Nancy Bush

This book is the perfect union of history and craft. Once again, the author has given us scholarship and creativity in a fascinating combination of knitting patterns and cultural analysis. The Estonia legacy of knitting is a grand one. If you're not all that keen about the historical side, never fear, there are so many wonderful sock patterns and mitten patterns here that you'll want this book anyway. Technically, the author can't be beat. The book is full of new tricks and stitches learned from the Estonian knitters she interviewed and befriended. Full color photography.

1883010438

Folk Vests: 25 Knitting Patterns & Tales From Around the World

by: Cheryle Oberle

Cheryl Oberle's diverse and creative fiber talents are once more showcased in another wonderful folk-theme book of knitting patterns from Interweave Press. This book combines a virtual travel and history tour of vests from around the world with a dash of creative innovation and flair. Each project takes the historical template and brings to it a thoughtful stroke of design inspiration and carefully considered pattern drafting. The results are universally wearable. It's in the details: the cable rib is worked in a subtle variagation achieved by stranded two-color knitting, the Chinese Red Vest has a "mandarin" collar in seed stitch reminiscent of brocade, the Bookworm Vest is snugly tailored right up to the tabbed collar, the African Vest is fabulously patterned and universally appealing, perfect to personalize either the black office suit or jeans and clogs. These are traditional patterns presented with style and a perfectionist's sense of finishing.

1931499144

A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns

by: Barbara G Walker

If you are wondering about Treasuries 1-3, then this publication will introduce you to one of the most valuable series of knit stitch pattern collections ever. All the author's knitting books have been transferred to Elizabeth Zimmerman's Schoolhouse Press, who has reorganized one of her later pamphlets with some unpublished work into this new Treasury. Treasury is the best word for this collection of samples and charts for original lace, cable, mosaic, and knit-purl texture knit patterns. Start or complete your collection of Barbara Walkers.

0942018206

The Great American Afghan Book

Knitter's Magazine

This is a compilation of a series that ran in five issues of "Knitter's" magazine. Twenty-five designers each contributed one 12" knitted square. With this book, you can duplicate the afghan, learn new and unusual techniques, and/or design your own. The squares range in difficulty from easy to challenging. The complete afghan and each individual square are shown in color. What could be better than having fun and leaning at the same time?

0964639122

The Great North American Afghan 2:

A One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece, Interviews with 24 Designers, Illustrated How-To's, Written and Charted Instructions, Tips and Techniques from the Experts

Knitter's Magazine

"Knitter's" magazine gave some of their top designers a bunch of yarn in a range of pink to natural to knit large 18" afghan squares in their favorite stitch. These were then assembled into an afghan and this booklet. These are not simple little "same-old" stitches. They are intricate, interesting stitches that can be used alone or in combination to create your own afghan heirlooms.

1893762009

Handpaint Country: A Knitter’s Journey

Hand Dyed Yarns from the Nation's Yarn Craftswomen

narrated by Cheryl Potter

This is a rare book, indeed. It is a gorgeous coffe-table style art book of beautiful locales, close-up photos of hand painted, hand dyed, handspun skeins of yarn and design inspirations from nature, with a collection of inspired knitwear and textile designs from various talented spinner/dyer /knitter/weaver artists. The breadth of the textiles, the delight of the photography, and the thoroughness of the knitting, weaving, and dyeing instructions are just so rare, that this book will remain a classic.

1893762033

The Harmony Guide to Aran & Fair Isle Knitting

Edited by Debra Mountford

Influences from Europe, the Baltic regions, Scandinavia and the North Sea fishing fleets are brought together in these Aran cables, twists, bobbles and clusters in an expanded version of the original done in 1991. You work from both charts and text and sweater schematics are included. Aran designs to knit include mittens, gloves, tams and two pullovers. The last third of the book is devoted to Fair Isle knitting. The designs are color blocked for ideas, and techniques include stranded knitting. You can take these single patterns and play with the color combinations and use repeats both horizontally and vertically. You literally could use only this book and you would never come up short of ideas.

185585869X

Harmony: Learn to Love Knitting & Crochet

Hip to Knit: 18 Contemporary Projects for Today's Knitter

by: Judith L. Swartz

Hip to Knit proves that knitting isn't just for grandmas. Fun and trendy garments and lots of useful information are presented in a colorful format. This book could be especially appealing to teens, both because of the content, and the fact that the clothes are modeled by teens. The garments are bright and simply constructed with a minimum of patterning in stitch and color, perfect for youth and beginning knitters. The author also encourages experimentation with yarns and techniques - an adventurous spirit that appeals to the young, and the young at heart.

1931499217

How to Knit:

The Definitive Knitting Course Complete with Step-by-Step Techniques, Stitch Libraries and Projects for Your Home and Family

by: Debbie Bliss

The author seems to know just the right combination of style, degree of difficulty, and passion in her pattern books, and this book continues that accessible trend. This book will take you far beyond the beginning of knitting. But if you are a beginner, this may be all you'll need in the way of instruction. Included here are explanation of techniques from simple cast-on to entrelac, a reasonable size stitch library for creating designs, a range of sample projects from very easy to complicated Aran, color work, lace, special effects -- all organized in a coursework style of presentation that is very effective. Full color.

1570761450

I Taught Myself Knitting

by: L. Hinst

Knit A Dozen Dishcloths: Designs For Cotton Yarn

ASN #1250

by: Jean Leinhauser

Until seeing this booklet, you might have had no idea a dishcloth could be so creative! Some look like little houses, one a cabled vest, another argyle, ripples, variegated hombre, pinwheel, checkerboard, swirls or a Spring Garden. Black and white photographs. 17 pages. Leaflet.

0881958263

Knit Great Basics

by: Vicki Square

0971176906

Knit It Your Way: Change The Yarn To Suit Your Style

by: Cynthia Yanok Wise

The title is the key to this book. After you have been following other people's sweater patterns for a while, the adventurous knitter begins to ask questions along the line of "What if I used a different yarn here, a similar weight, silk instead of wool, maybe?" This author has worked on this and herein presents some grand answers to this question, for garments, accessories, and household projects.

1564773132

Knit Christmas Stockings

by: Scoville

Knitted Sweaters for Every Season

by: Nancie Wiseman

Nancy Wiseman is a wonderful knitting teacher and you are guaranteed a book full of well thought-out and intelligently presented knitting lessons in addition to stylish designs. Very clear instructions, nicely graphed patterns and a real sense of timely style make this a pattern book for the fashion conscious knitter. These aren't quick knit projects you won't be caught dead in once they are done, these artistic designs were created with thoughtful care and detail worthy of your time. Full color.

1564774015

Knitted Throws & More: For the Simply Beautiful Home

by: Beryl Hiatt and Linden Phelps

Holidays and birthdays are always just around the corner. Perfect as a special gift, or perhaps a rare splurge, this book is a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Rich colors and textures make up the throws and pillows. A recipe follows each project, further tantalizing with color, and imagined smells and tastes. An added bonus, chunky yarns or a combination of several yarns are used to make projects that knit quickly. Faux fur, silk ribbons, tassels, and buttons finish them off. Hearth and home combine to warm the body and spirit.

156477421X

The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques

by: Nancie Wiseman

Whether or not you knit sweaters, this book of finishing techniques is very handy. Not only does it teach several methods of casting on, binding off, making seams, and everything else you need to successfully finish a project, it shows you what each technique will look like when finished. The benefits and drawbacks to each technique are also listed, so you can pick the best option for your particular application. A reproducible worksheet also allows you to keep a record of what methods you are using.

156477452X

The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns:

Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges

by: Ann Budd

This could be the only knitting book you really need. There are garments to warm body and soul from head to toe. With easy to read charts and diagrams, it's a snap to vary yarns from fine to thick, and still produce the size garment you need. The timeless, classic patterns can be made to fit infants though large adults, so everyone in your family is covered. The finishing techniques and tips for compensating for different stitches or color patterns gives you enough room for creativity to keep you satisfied for years!

1931499047

The Knitter’s Companion

by: Vicki Square

What is most striking about this knitting-bag size book is the concise explanation of all the basic techniques: casting on, shaping, joining, binding off, blocking, hems, borders and edges, buttonholes, picking up stitches, color & circular knitting, advice on correcting errors, and more. Even the more complex techniques are handled simply but effectively. Aside-type notes point out danger points -- mistakes knitters often make and how to avoid them. Comments encourage less experienced knitters not to be too self critical. Excellent illustrations throughout. A built-in stitch gauge and needle gauge on a cardboard-thick page can be found at the back of the book.

1883010136

Knitter’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to

the Principles & Techniques of Handknitting

by: Montse Stanley (Reader's Digest)

This book was originally published as "The Handknitter's Handbook". Super! It's still the same book! The author is the daughter of Therese de Dillmont and in the introduction to her first book stated, "no book, however comprehensive, can ever claim to be complete." She has come very close, as everything you need to knit a pattern is here. The author has a new introduction and has added pages of color knitting from her collection, museum collections, those of several designers to illustrate techniques.

0762102489

Knitter’s Stash: Favorite Patterns from America’s Yarn Shops

edited by: B. Albright

This is a book by and for people who love knitting. What you might prize most about this volume are the helpful hints from expert knitters around the country, which, if followed, help assure that each garment looks elegantly hand-made, not "homemade." Thirty-three classy projects from an elegant lacy shawl, to cabled hat, mittens and socks, a fabulous folk art rug, sweaters and vests and pillows! These projects will provide inspiration to keep you knitting for years to come!

1883010896

Knitting Around

by: Elizabeth Zimmermann

For those of you who know of Elizabeth Zimmerman and her no nonsense, yet simple and practical approach to knitting, you'll really enjoy this book. Part knitting instruction book, (it is the companion book to the Wool Gathering Video Series) and part autobiography, it provides you with directions for making a moccasin sock and other stockings, a Fair Isle yoke sweater, knitted dickeys and a very warm hat, the Pie Are Square Shawl, a Norwegian pullover, an Aran coat, and more.

0942018036

Knitting for Anarchists

by: Anna Zilboorg

This is free-form patchwork knitting with an attitude, albeit, a kind, gentle tone; a tone such as, "hey! Knitting is fun. Break the rules". If you're a rule breaker, check out this author's personal style of conveying her knowledge and view of knitting. Good text and succinct photos and diagrams. Very nice little look at the possibilities.

0966915372

Knitting for Fun & Profit

by: Shirley MacNulty

The first half of this book focuses on the fun of knitting, and teaches the basics. The second half is amazing in it's scope of how to profit from your hobby. The author helps you to realistically define your vision of a craft business with advice on how to share your talent through teaching. You might be better suited to selling your knitting patterns and designs or writing articles about knitting, or targeting craft shows. There are hints on networking, guilds, considering a resume and portfolio, zoning laws, taxes and record keeping, pricing etc. An invaluable resource to any serious knitter. Black and white illustrations.

0761521089

Knitting:From Start to Finish, An Usbourne Guide