Saturday, August 30, 2008

Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd

Published 2007
From cast-on stitches to binding off, this handbook details the simple steps needed to turn seemingly complicated sock knitting projects into easy and enjoyable activities. Helpful photographs and instructional drawings ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks and handle more complicated techniques, such as the Kitchener stitch at the toe. Using instructions for five different sizes—from child through adult large—at five different gauges, knitters can produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. More adventurous knitters can add variety and flair by following one of 16 unique designs or trying one of the dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided. With plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary, this guide unleashes the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

Knitting Little Luxuries: Beautiful Accessories to Knit by Louisa Harding

Published 2007
Learn to pamper friends and loved ones with lavish and fun knitted gifts. Projects are broken down into four different categories by style and include hats, mittens, purses, wraps, tops, sweaters, and socks—all of which are simple to make and require minimal yarn. Tips are provided for embellishing each project with different fabrics, edgings, and stitching patterns, making personalization easy, even for novices. Beautiful photographs and color illustrations detailing how to create each piece, as well as contemporary designs and small, quick projects make this guide a must-have for the gift-giving knitter.

Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

Published 2004
Today's knitters are chic, smart-and busy. Although they love to knit and enjoy making gifts for family and friends, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to actually finish what they've started. Last-Minute Knitted Gifts solves this problem. Joelle Hoverson, owner of Purl, the hip knitting supply store in downtown Manhattan, has designed more than 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns, most of which can be made in less than ten hours-some in as little as two!Known for her keen sense of color, Hoverson includes instructions for classic gifts like baby booties and bonnets, sweaters, and scarves, plus imaginative options like a cashmere tea cozy, a felted yoga mat bag, floor cushions, and a poncho-surely something for everyone on the gift list. And to make each present extra-special, Hoverson offers easy tips on how to incorporate knitting and other yarn embellishments into the gift wrap.

101 Designer One-Skein Wonders by Judith Durant

Published 2007
In 2006, Judith Durant delighted knitters everywhere with her collection One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn Shop Favorites. At last, knitters had a rich array of fun, festive patterns for all those yarn "orphans"— single skeins purchased on impulse or left over from long-finished projects.With knitters clamoring for even more of these imaginative patterns, Durant has tapped into a wide circle of knitwear designers across the country to compile a totally fresh collection of enchanting projects. Once again, the excitement of small-scale possibility will attract knitters of all skill levels. Like its predecessor, 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders offers patterns for small projects that can be completed with a single skein of yarn.These designer projects range from the adorable to the elegant. The book includes plenty of patterns for those never-can-have-enough items: hats, scarves, bags, and shawls. It also highlights the unexpected: a useful knitted notebook cover, a fun-to-wear mitered square belt with beads, and an elegant ring bearer pillow. There's something for everyone here — from the novice knitter to the experienced yarn artisan.With patterns arranged by yarn weight, knitters will easily find broad ranges of possibilities for their particular single skeins. A full-color gallery features detailed photographs of all 101 projects, allowing knitters to browse through all the patterns quickly to find the perfect match for each skein.The patterns in 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders are practical and fun. They're ideal weekend projects, perfect to give as gifts or wear and enjoy. Because they're small enough to fitin a tote bag, they're great to take on the run. Best of all, they offer simple solutions for that stash of single skeins every knitter has tucked away.Whether the yarn was picked up on impulse — because it was on sale, or just too beautiful to resist — or left over from a project completed long ago, every skein of yarn cries out to be used. 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders offers the ultimate solution for converting those lonely skeins into knitted wonders.

Itty-Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson


Beautifully rendered, heartbreakingly adorable, and wonderfully wacky knitted caps for newborns and toddlersThirty-eight million Americans knit, and that number grows every day. The baby hat is the perfect project for knitters of any level, with enchanting patterns that are easy enough for rank beginners but also interesting enough for the most accomplished needle wielders, in yarns that range from silk and linen to cashmere and mohair.Susan Anderson’s Itty-Bitty Hats presents thirty-eight irresistible designs for infants and toddlers—fun, hip, creative patterns with decorative flourishes that are witty, whimsical, and undeniably unique. The projects are arranged by order of difficulty and accompanied by beautiful photographs, instructive how-to illustrations, and utterly clear instructions (with no confusing abbreviations or insider shorthand). Anderson also provides an indispensable introductory section on stitches, materials, equipment, terminology, and techniques, allowing even the most inexperienced knitter to get started confidently.Made for boys and girls, by parents and grandparents, aunts and even uncles, and, of course, best friends, the handmade hat is the perfect shower or birth or birthday gift—and Itty-Bitty Hats is the perfect gift for any knitter.

2-at-a-Time Socks: The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle by Melissa Morgan-Oakes


Sock knitters everywhere know the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. It goes something like this: A cute new sock pattern and soft, foot-warming yarn lead to many happy knitting hours, resulting in . . . ONE sock. The first sock is done (and it's adorable!) but pattern distraction sets in. Who wants to knit the same project all over again? There are so many new projects waiting to be discovered.Melissa Morgan-Oakes ends the drudgery of the second sock by showing knitters how to cast on and knit two socks at one time on one long circular needle! Her method is captured in step-by-step photographs, clearly showing knitters how to turn out two socks at the same time. Goodbye to lonely, abandoned single socks. Hello to unlimited pretty pairs, knit on one needle (often finished on the same day), and worn with pride and that gratifying sense of accomplishment.Oakes is a dedicated knitter, knitwear designer, and knitting instructor who has known the frustration of Second Sock Syndrome. Her easy-to-learn technique enables sock stitchers to adapt any pattern to her two-at-a-time method. But before experimenting with other patterns, readers will want to try Morgan-Oakes's 15 original designs. Fun and creative, they include simple to complex choices, a variety of yarn weights, and designs for women, men, and children.Socks are small, relatively inexpensive, and interesting to knit — a favorite portable choice of busy knitters. Keep the fun in sock-stitching with the innovative new technique that produces two socks — yes, that's one sock for each foot — at the very same time!

Cables: Mittens, Hats and Scarves by Trisha Malcolm, Carla S. Scott (Editor), Tanis Gray (Editor)


With its elaborately beautiful results and simple technique, cable knitting is irresistible to almost anyone who knits. But knitters also love the practicality of small and easy-to-make cold-weather accessories such as hats, gloves, and mittens. Combine the two and you have the ingredients for perfect knitting projects. And that’s exactly what this newest volume in the Vogue® Knitting On the Go! series provides: 21 fabulous designs to work on anytime and anywhere. Knit easy caps, an elaborate buttoned neck warmer, fingerless gloves, self-striping mittens, and many more. The items vary from beginner friendly to challenging for those with a little more experience. Embellished with pompoms, fringe, and adorable earflaps, these stylish pieces are truly one of a kind.

The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes

Published 2007
Not all yarns are alike. Some make our hearts and hands sing, some get the job done without much fanfare, and some cause nothing but frustration and disappointment. The gorgeous pair of socks that emerged from their first bath twice as long as when they went in. The delicate baby sweater that started pilling before it even came off the needles. The stunning colorwork scarf that you can’t wear because the yarn feels like sandpaper against your neck. If only there were a way to read a skein and know how it would behave and what it wanted to become before you invested your time, energy, and money in it. Now there is! With The Knitter’s Book of Yarn, you’ll learn how to unleash your inner yarn whisperer.In these pages, Clara Parkes provides in-depth insight into a vast selection of yarns, giving you the inside stories behind the most common fiber types, preparations, spins, and ply combinations used by large-scale manufacturers and importers, medium-sized companies, boutique dye shops, community spinneries, and old-fashioned sheep farms. And, because we learn best by doing, Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the knitting world to provide a wide assortment of patterns created to highlight the qualities (and minimize the drawbacks) of specific types of yarns.The Knitter’s Book of Yarn will teach you everything you need to know about yarn: How it’s made, who makes it, how it gets to you, and what it longs to become. The next time you pick up a skein, you won’t have to wonder what to do with it. You’ll just know–the way any yarn whisperer would.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Knit on Down! by Bobbie Matela

Published 2008
If you love trying out new stitches, you will love this array of colorful afghans and throws. We included looks to coordinate with popular color schemes being used in today's homes. Choose from block designs, ripples, strip-styles, one-piece and more! There are afghans you'll want to keep for yourself and others you'll want to make as gifts for others. We've even included a chapter of afghans for kids and babies.

Natural Knits for Babies and Toddlers by Tina Barrett

Published 2008
This is a fantastic resource for the growing numbers of “green” parents: a knitting book using only organic yarns—from traditional pure cotton to innovative fibers such as corn and hemp. Created by a knitting supplies entrepreneur who knits for her own children, it offers a varied selection of eco-friendly projects: seven adorable designs for babies, from the Cotton Blanket and Toy to the Wool Muff, Hat and Mitten set; and eight for toddlers, including a Hemp T-shirt and Combats, and a Wool Hoodie. Also included are accessories such as Cotton Diaper Liners and an Alpaca Lavender Pillow. Instruction in knitting basics, plus tips on garment care and yarn sources, make it perfect for knitters of all abilities.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

50 Baby Bootees to Knit by Zoe Mellor, Zoe Mellow

Published 2002
Leading designer Zoë Mellor returns with an adorable collection of classic and contemporary bootees for the beautifully shod baby, newborn to 18 months. A Crafter's Choice Book Club Selection


**this book has a 2002 pub date, but the bootees are so adorable!**

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Great Garter Stitch by Jean Leinhauser, Rita Weiss

Published 2008
The very first stitch a new knitter learns is the garter stitch; it’s the foundation for every later skill. Usually, budding stitchers then go on to purl and more advanced techniques and forget the garter’s vast potential. But this entire beautiful collection is dedicated to that first stitch, and knitters will be amazed to find out just how much you can create using it. Acclaimed needlework authors Rita Weiss and Jean Leinhauser exhibit a gorgeous array of afghans, sweaters, hats, and more—50 different elegant and stylish projects in all. Beginners will love this book because they’ll easily be able to knit every item, while even more experienced knitters will want to make these garments because they’re so stunning.

Casual Elegant Knits by Dawn Leeseman, Faina Goberstein

Published 2008
Stitch yourself some classic chic, choosing from two wardrobe ensembles plus a collection of must-have accessories. These timeless projects will be in style years after you’ve knit the last row.
Create wardrobe essentials that combine classic lines with comfortable styling
Find 24 projects that cover a variety of techniques and stitch patterns in three stylish collections: hats, tops, skirts, and bags in the “City Life” and “Elegant Afternoon” ensembles, and irresistible hats, scarves, and gloves in “Gotta Have It”
Versatile designs make it easy to knit for both him and her.

Doggie Knits : Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend by Corinne Niessner

Published 2008
What dog lover wouldn’t be delighted with a magnificent hand-knitted sweater for Fido—and what knitter wouldn’t be proud to create it? Dog sweaters can be made with leftovers from larger projects, and completed in the same time it takes to knit a hat, scarf, or mittens. There are eight basic patterns with variations, plus instructions for sizing up or down, three patterns for hard-to-fit breeds (Pugs, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds), four accessories (a snood, a hat, a kerchief, and a collar), and three home projects (a bed, a blanket, and a toy). Photos of pooches wearing the finished sweaters, plus start-to-finish instructions (including how to measure the dog) ensure a stylish look and a perfect fit.

Knitting : 200 Q & A: Questions Answered on Everything from Casting on to Decorative Effects by Rita Taylor

Published 2008
Here's a trouble-shooting problem solver for both beginning and experienced knitters. Set in a question-and-answer format, this knitter's handy helper asks questions such as: "Why do my stitches look uneven when I work in color?" The author offers three possible explanations to this question, which virtually guarantees that one or another of them will provide the correct solution to every knitter's problem. Other questions with clear answers and precise directions cover the "hows and whys" of brocade knitting, the right way to make a cable cross in a particular direction, the most efficient one-handed and two-handed methods of holding yarn while knitting, casting on, basic stitches, shaping, cables and twists, picking up and joining, and many more subjects. Getting beyond the basics of knitting, additional chapters show how to make knitted lace and other decorative embellishments. Two hundred questions and answers come with clear, close-up color photos. The book features approximately 100 full-color photos and illustrations.

Knitted Critters for Kids to Wear: More Than 40 Animal-Themed Accessories by Jean Adel

Published 2008
Whether your little one is as cuddly as a kitten or prowls like a lion, you’ll find the perfect accessories here. Jean Adel shares patterns for the cute creatures that have made her JEANADEL line at Barneys department store sell out season after season. The hats, mittens, and scarves can be made in three sizes (for children ages 3 to 7) and require basic knitting skills that Jean guides you through—as well as some slightly more advanced techniques (intarsia, knitting in the round) should you wish to challenge yourself further. Finishing touches that give the wooly animals personality are as simple as a stitched mouth, some googly glued-on eyes, a pom-pom nose, or a few artfully placed buttons.

Nicky Epstein's Signature Scarves by Nicky Epstein

Published 2008
Nicky Epstein’s Signature Scarves delivers what knitting—and Nicky’s—fans have been craving: her hallmark embellished style applied to the simple scarf. Inside there are an array of patterns to delight and inspire: a lovely tweedy wrap with appliquéd leaves; a scarf comprised of interlocking bright circles; a deceptively cute piece sporting rows of tiny skulls. Felters will especially love working on the scarf made of interwoven cut felted strips, as well as the one that’s knit-then-felted and adorned with autumn roses. The 35 beautifully laid-out and photographed designs fully display Nicky’s spectacular range and boundless creativity. Ideal as gifts and short-term projects, scarves never lose their appeal—and when they feature Nicky’s special touch, they’re irresistible showstoppers that no knitter will want to miss!

Knitter's Bible Afghans & Pillows by Claire Crompton

Published 2008
The Knitter's Bible: Afghans & Pillows features an inspiring collection of knitted projects to brighten up the home, from luxury afghans and bedspreads to functional cushions and seating. The styles vary from basic beginner projects such as cushions and chunky throws to more advanced bedspreads and textured wall hangings. The author explores working with color, texture and embellishments to create projects that will complement and enhance the reader's current home décor. Easy-to-follow techniques ensure great results and alternative ideas take the projects further, showing different patterns, yarns and color variations through detailed photography and color swatches.

Sweater Renewal : Felting Knits into New Sweaters and Accessories by Sharon Franco Rothschild

Published 2008
Gather your old sweaters, start your washing machines, and sharpen your scissors . . . With this guide to redesigning, recycling, and renewing your wool sweaters, you’ll transform knits that have been felted—intentionally or otherwise—into fun, colorful, and eco-conscious sweaters, bags, and accessories.In Sweater Renewal, Sharon Franco Rothschild goes green in full color, showing you how to rescue your old woolen knits and give them renewed life as felted creations. With little or no knitting experience, you can refashion blankets, sweaters, scarves, or even hand-knitted pieces into vibrant clothing, accessories, and home decor. The only requirement is that they are made of wool.The 25 colorful, cheerful projects in Sweater Renewal incorporate a diverse range of skills—including felting, appliqué, crochet, sewing, and embroidery—and range from Short, Sweet & Simple Projects using felted sweaters, such as a cell phone holder and a Fair Isle digital camera case, to Knitted, Felted & Fantastic Projects that you knit and then felt, such as a purse and a felted scarf. Most can be finished in less than a day, some in a few hours. Now is the time to go through your attic, basement, and even your closets to look for old blankets and sweaters to create beautiful clothing and accessories.

ALT Fiber : 25 Projects for Knitting Green with Bamboo, Soy, Hemp, and More by

Published 2008
Innovative collection of 25 projects to knit & crochet using environmentally friendly plant fibers like seaweed-derived Seacell yarn to soy-based yarns made from tofu manufacturing waste, alternative fibers that are readily available, easy to care for & good for the environment.

Knitting Sweaters from the Top Down: Fabulous Seamless Patterns to Suit Your Style by Cathy Carron

Published 2007
Sweaters are the ultimate showcase for knitters—but most patterns require complicated piecing that can be a little tricky. These don’t…and they look fantastic, too! The seamless, top-down knitting method eliminates challenging construction, allowing knitters to focus instead on the individual details that make each sweater special. Not only does this guide thoroughly explain how the technique works—with information on reading patterns and understanding sizing—but it also teaches beginners how to design their own generic patterns for pullovers and cardigans in different yarn gauges. All the sweaters are organized by yarn weight, and the projects include an elegant rolled-collar pullover, dramatic capelet, and Asian-inspired top.

Bag Style: 20 Inspirational Handbags, Totes, and Carry-Alls to Knit and Crochet by Pam Allen

Published 2007
Featuring 22 innovative patterns for all skill levels, this book includes projects from 20 top knitwear designers, including Veronik Avery, Norah Gaughan, Mags Kandis, and Kristin Nicholas. From a zenith carpet bag to a felted messenger bag to a delicate purse with handles made of bracelets, each project features gorgeous photographs and step-by-step instructions, and all techniques are explained in easy-to-understand detail. Whether an avid bag knitter or creating one for the first time, this book has all the inspiration, technique, and details crafters need.

More Big Girl Knits: 25 Designs Full of Color and Texture for Curvy Women by Jillian Moreno

Published 2008
Look great without adding bulk.The geniuses behind Big Girl Knits present 25 all-new curve-flattering projects that explore the beauty of color & texture. Jillian Moreno and Amy R. Singer brought the average American woman—a size 14—a collection of stylish, flattering patterns in Big Girl Knits. Now they’re back with 25 new curve-friendly projects that embrace color and texture, plus adaptations to make almost any pattern suitable for all shapes and sizes.Part knitting instruction book and part sassy style guide, More Big Girl Knits goes beyond teaching the basics—fit, proportion, motif placement, and balance principles—to tackle all-new methods for creating knitwear with brilliant colors and sumptuous textures that voluptuous women can wear with pride. The second half of the book features attractive patterns, from jackets to sexy tank tops that are proportioned to fit and shaped to create a fetching silhouette. Packed with tips and tricks on what to avoid, what to embrace, and how to modify any design to flatter your body, this smart guide will show Big Girls how to look gorgeous in colorful, texture-rich knitwear.

Monday, August 25, 2008

The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting: Learn to Knit with More Than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns by Nancy Queen, Mary Ellen O'Connell

Published 2008
Chicks, start your sticks! This time it's all about knitting * More and more chicks want to knit--industry groups report huge increase in numbers of under-35 crafters * Follow-up to The Chicks with Sticks® Guide to Crochet * Fresh, fun, fashion-forward projects and super-simple step-by-steps, great for gatherings Stop letting worry knit your brows, ladies. Let go of your fear of knitting, and take hold of The Chicks with Sticks® Guide to Knitting. With more than 30 simple, chic projects plus simple step-by-step instructions, this book is the complete guide to starting and enjoying this fun, rewarding hobby. New knitters can finish up their first projects in a weekend; more advanced beginners (that is, the ones who have knitted scarves before) can move to the next level. Call your posse and settle down in the living room or at the coffeehouse. The Chicks with Sticks will take care of the rest, from essential tools and materials to basic lessons to more than 30 doable projects, including cool belts, beautiful scarves, felted bags, stylish wraps, and snuggly sweaters.

Lace Knitting to Go: 25 Lovely Laces to Use for Edgings, Embellishments, and More by Andrea Tung

Published 2008
Lace Knitting to Go -- detailed instructions and color photographs guide knitters through a closetful of light and lacy patterns, while stitch charts provide a quick reference along the way.

Gorgeous Knitted Afghans: 33 Great Designs for Creative Knitters

Published 2008
From classic to trendy, from summer throws to wintertime wrap-ups, from baby blankets to sofa-back decorations, these 33 fantastic original afghan designs will please any taste and fill any need. And, they’re great projects for even the beginning knitter, because there’s no fitting and no armholes: just knit away and you have a gorgeous handcrafted item to enjoy and share. The full-color photos, knitting charts, and easy-to-follow instructions will inspire anyone to make the luxurious Wintry Nights afghan, pretty, beaded Perfect Pearls project, and a bright Fiesta afghan, knitted from hand-painted wools. Knitters hoping to expand their skills will also find tips on creating a large-scale project, and on working with others in a fun-filled knitting group.

Shawls Two (Vogue Knitting on the Go! Series)

Published 2008
There were too many gorgeous designs to fit into one selection of knitted shawls, so we had to create a second! This inspirational volume is chock full of fabulous new projects to keep your hands busy and your shoulders warm all winter long. Choose from 22 patterns, including a charming ruffled capelet, an elegant lacy stole, a cozy cabled shawl, a multi-colored mohair wrap, and many more. All knitters, from beginners to more advanced stitchers, will delight in these irresistible patterns created by some of today’s top knitwear designers. The durable hardcover format and small size make this gem of a resource perfect to tuck into a knitting bag or backpack and take it On the Go!