Saturday, January 24, 2009

A to Z of Knitting: The Ultimate Guide for the Beginner to Advanced Knitter by Martingale & Company

Published 2009 in paperback

Now in paperback, this must-have resource offers all the knitting know-how you’ll ever need! With over 1,000 close-up photographs featuring real hands holding real yarn and needles, there’s no easier way to learn!

  • Walk from beginner’s basics through gorgeous Aran, Fair Isle, entrelac, and intarsia knitting with easy-to-understand text and colorful photos
  • Add an astounding array of embellishments to your projects with embroidery, beading, and much more
  • Fix mistakes, care for garments, and find answers to almost any knitting question—this book simplifies it all

Knit with Deborah Norville by Deborah Norville

Published 2009

This knitting book's got star power—the power of celebrity knitter, Deborah Norville, former host of the Today Show and current host of Inside Edition. This essential knitting book features Deborah's incredibly soft new yarn used to create 26 home decor, fashion, and accessory projects. The designs really do include something for everybody—a vest for him, a turtleneck for her, hand mitts and media holders for the teens, along with a baby blanket and a bear for the little ones, plus lots more.

Stitch Style Bags: 20 Fashion Knit and Crochet Patterns by Collins & Brown (Editor)

Published 2009

Grab hold of fashion with Stitch Style Bags, a savvy collection of easy-going carry-alls that will inspire crafters with an eye for style. From a tweedy shopper to a crochet satchel to a luscious silk evening purse, there’s a bag here for every season, reason, and occasion. Best of all, the projects—created by the most imaginative talents in the field—are easy to make and portable, so knitters and crocheters can stitch wherever they go. Each project includes full-color photos and easy-to-follow instructions.

Knitted Cakes by Susan Penny

Published 2009

Knitters and textile artists alike will have great fun knitting this mouthwatering selection of muffins, fairy cakes, carrot cake, scrumptious gateaux, and more. Each project requires only a small amount of yarn, each perfect for leftover scraps from larger projects and oddments. Each entertaining and innovative idea uses simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Knitters of all skill levels will be unable to resist knitting at least one of the cakes in this book—if not the entire collection—making a wonderful project for anyone interested in contemporary knitting design.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Pet Projects by Sally Muir, Joanna Osborne

Published 2009

Pet Projects is simply irresistible. This collection of 33 adorable patterns is to knit for any pet and ranges for the beginner to the expert knitter.

Knit or Crochet--Have it Your Way: 15 Projects with Complete Hook and Needle Instructions for Each by Margaret Hubert

Published 2009

Knitters who don’t know how to crochet often see crochet patterns and wish there was a way to convert them. The same is true for crocheters who don’t know how to knit. Those who know how to do both like to choose one over the other for the inherent “look” that each offers. This book gives them the option, as instructions for each project are given in both knit and crochet.

French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details, and Feminine Designs by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

Published 2009

Superbly fitted and fashioned in luxurious yarns, these imaginative patterns follow four thematic vignettes inspired by French daily life, film, and history. Each section features dramatically different types of yarns, colors, and stitch patterns combined with timeless, figure flattering silhouettes that are suitable for knitters of all skill levels. Using innovative seamless construction methods, the need for sewing seams has been nearly eliminated by fashioning patterns in one piece from start to finish, easily allowing for adjustments for a custom fit. A handy design workshop features in-depth tutorials that teach seamless construction methods and provide valuable technical information for both beginning and seasoned knitters. Perfect for all body types, the designs are figure flattering with curve friendly waist shaping, empire waist detailing, and stitch details such as lacing, openwork, lace edgings, and bell sleeves that highlight the silhouette.

Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet by Jess Redman (Editor), Meg Leder (Editor)

Published 2009

Quirky and cuddly handmade toys- easy to make and even easier to love.

This collection of softy crafts shares 21 full-color, fun, fresh, and personable projects designed by crafters from around the world, from quirky monsters and loveable rabbits, to a monkey named Mabel and an endearing creature named Plurbit. With little more than needle, thread, and scraps of fabric, readers can make their own softies. There are quick and easy sewing projects for beginners, as well as more advanced designs for those looking for a bigger challenge.

Each unique toy includes a detailed pattern, step-by- step instructions, and tips and tricks to ensure perfect results. There's also an easy-to-read glossary that explains all of the terms and techniques readers might come across.

Simple Knits for Cherished Babies by Erika Knight

Published softcover 2009

“Beginning knitters can complete most of the designs featured, and...the author includes information on substituting yarns. Visually, this is a beautiful book, with full-page color photos of each design and detailed close-ups. Among the many designs featured are an enchanting cashmere teddy bear, a lace-edged baby blanket, and classic baby booties. Warmly recommended for public libraries of all sizes.”—Library Journal.

The Big Book of Kids' Knits by Zoe Mellor

Published 2009

You want to keep your baby stylish and safe all year round, and with The Big Book of Kids' Knits you can do just that. Choose from a huge range of irresistible designs including everything from cashmere bootees and a pirate sweater to the heavenly Starlight blanket to help your little treasure dream the night away. As well as cozy clothing, The Big Book of Kids' Knits provides you with great ideas for decorating the nursery, including knitted toys, party flags and colourful play cubes for softer seating. All skill levels are accounted for and clear instructions are given on how to increase or decrease pattern sizes to fit growing babies and toddlers, with different colour suggestions for girls and boys. With The Big Book of Kids' Knits you will be able to create beautiful designs using natural materials that you'll enjoy knitting and your children will love to wear.

Stitch Style Hats: 20 Fashion Knit and Crochet Patterns by Collins & Brown (Editor)

Published 2009

Top off an outfit with a fashion-forward hat! You don't need to be a stitch master to complete this cool collection of projects, because every one is easy and breezy and simple to stitch. From a reversible cap to a pretty lace snood and a jaunty beret, there’s something to please every style maven.

Stitch Style Bags: 20 Fashion Knit and Crochet Patterns by Collins & Brown (Editor)

Published 2009

Grab hold of fashion with Stitch Style Bags, a savvy collection of easy-going carry-alls that will inspire crafters with an eye for style. From a tweedy shopper to a crochet satchel to a luscious silk evening purse, there’s a bag here for every season, reason, and occasion. Best of all, the projects—created by the most imaginative talents in the field—are easy to make and portable, so knitters and crocheters can stitch wherever they go. Each project includes full-color photos and easy-to-follow instructions.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Knitting to Share: 25 Projects to Show You Care by Gerald Alt

Published 2009

25 stylish projects
Made with Love
for friends, family and the community in need.

Knitting to Share provides contemporary patterns for individuals and knitting groups who want to continue the tradition of giving. Craft caring gifts for friends or strangers, those who are suffering in some way through illness, stress, or changes in their life, and anyone who needs cheering up with a cozy, comforting knitted treat.

Knitting for donation doesn’t mean that good taste goes out of the window: each design is luxuriously stylish. With easy-to-follow patterns and delightful original color diagrams, you will enjoy knitting these special gifts designed with the specific needs of the recipient in mind. There is something for everyone - babies, children, teens, women, men and home projects.

Today “community knitting” is more important than ever. Helping those that help others - We will contribute a portion of every sale of this book to Care to Knit®, Inc. (www.caretoknit.org), a non-profit organization, whose mission it is to contribute knitted and crochet items to those in need - hospitals, shelters, schools, emergency relief efforts and more.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby, Alexis Xenakis (Photographer

Published 2006

Part project book and part history lesson, this unmatched collection of lace patterns offers techniques for embellishment and edging to shawls and scarves. The 40 projects are deciphered, rewritten, charted, and adapted for modern tools and fibers, and are presented with full-color photos and illustrations of both the works-in-progress and the finished items. Comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting helps beginning knitters, and challenging patterns keep experienced and ambitious knitters engaged. Delicate and decorative, the historical lace patterns in this book are adventurous and dynamic.

**this is a beautiful book**

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Pipsqueak Knits: 12 Deluxe QuickKnits for Your Baby & Toddler by Jil Eaton

Published 2009

Ah, babies! What can be more fun than to knit an oh-so-soft
sleeper for a newborn or a colorful romper for a tot just learning
to walk? Pipsqueak Knits is a delightful confection of 12
beautiful designs for our darling babies and toddlers. Sweaters,
cardies, mitts and bootees in gorgeous colors and textures knit
up in a jiffy. A cozy snow suit and a soft peek-a-boo blankie
keep baby toasty warm all winter long. High-energy colors,
sumptuous yarns, and simple shaping blend sophistication
and fun, making your new baby the best-dressed tot on the block.
-12 adorable patterns sized from newborn to 18 months
-Knit to fit diagrams and color charts
-Learn to knit primer
-Sensational photography by Nina Fuller