Saturday, April 25, 2009

Simple Stitches: Knits with Textured Details by Eva Wiechmann

Published 2009

Welcome to the stress-free knitting zone! Here you’ll find a wide assortment of classic and stylish patterns that are a joy to stitch. Garter, stockinette, seed stitch, and other basics shine in timeless designs with clever detailing. Uncomplicated shaping and minimal finishing make these patterns the ones you’ll return to time and again.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Tunisian Crochet: The Look of Knitting with the Ease of Crocheting by Sharon Hernes Silverman, David Bienkowski (Illustrator)

Published 2009

Detailed instructions with full-color photographs and illustrations teach the art of Tunisian crochet. Stylish, contemporary patterns for apparel and home decor. Includes instructions for 16 projects:Tunisian crochet combines the ease of crocheting with the appearance of knitting. This instructional pattern book brings Tunisian crochet into the realm of high fashion with exquisite stitch patterns, meticulous shaping, and attractive finishing. Sixteen chic projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor are explained in detail. Readers will learn how to make wearable items such as a chain mail scarf, child's jumper, honeycomb skirt, and man's vest. Home decor projects include an ottoman cover, placemats, afghan, pillow, and more—all using Tunisian crochet techniques.

Socks from the Toe Up : Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits by Wendy D. Johnson

Published 2009

Discover a new approach to sock knitting with Wendy D. Johnson and Socks from the Toe Up. This approach, made famous by her popular blog WendyKnits.net, will turn even the most reluctant knitter into a toe-up nut. Knitting a sock from the toe up saves yarn and always gives a perfect fit. And? No grafting! Wendy provides all the how-tos, tips, and techniques you need, as well as the pros and cons behind all of the cast-on, toe, heel, and bind-off options, gleaned from her years of experience.

With more than 20 fun and beautiful patterns, Socks from the Toe Up has a sock for every foot. Whether you like bold textures or hearts and flowers, delicate lace or Bavarian cables, you (and your feet) will be covered here. Even if you’re casting on your first sock, or have been a top-down sock knitter for ages, you’ll find patterns and projects here that’ll keep your needles humming. Socks from the Toe Up is the hands-down best guide for toe-up socks.

The Harmony Guides: Colorwork Stitches: 250 Designs to Knit by Sharon Brant

Published 2009

Redesigned and updated for the modern knitter, these longstanding references for handknitters offer clear, concise instructions for stitches that are perfect for the beginning knitter and excellent refreshers for those skilled in the craft. Showcasing a jam-packed collection of 250 classic and contemporary colorwork stitch patterns, designs, and motifs—from simple stripes and polka dots to more complicated Fair Isle designs—this colorful guide features a range of swatches for knitters of every skill level. Whether designing a man’s scarf in simple slip-stitch tartan or a baby blanket in a chevron stripe, this volume is designed to revolutionize the way knitters think of color. All swatches are worked in updated yarn, beautifully photographed, and accompanied by easy-to-understand instructions.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Toe-Up Techniques for Hand-Knit Socks by Janet Rehfeldt

Published 2009

Review was Posted February 27, 2009, 3:09 PM EST: This book is definitely not a beginner book. Making socks takes someone who has proficiency in using three double pointed needles at the same time. It does cover such things as yarn types, how to choose the size sock you need to create, and takes about the tools you need to make them. There are hints scattered throughout the book in light green boxes. I never knew there were so many ways to cast your stitches on to the needles but Ms. Rehfeldt describes two ways I never knew about. She also describes increasing and decreasing techniques, and "wrapped" rows. Binding off also has more than one way to get this done as well. The seven projects give you a variety of sock types to create from a basic sock to on that has ruffles. A chart of yarn weights and a list of abbreviations are given at the end of the book but you might want to check these out first so you are sure you are reading the patterns correctly and have the correct weight of yarn for the project. If your skill level is more than basic and you want to try you hand at making socks, these book will provide several projects for you.

One Ball Knits Purses: 20 Stylish Handbags Made with a Single Ball, Skein, Hank, or Spool by Fatema Habibur-Rahman, Khadija Habibur-Rahman, Hajera Hab

Published 2009

From the authors of One Ball Knits Accessories, One Ball Knits Purses presents patterns for 20 beautiful handbags in a wide range of styles, shapes, and colors, all requiring just one ball, hank, or skein of yarn. The book begins with a "Basics" section that discusses yarn weights and types, the necessary tools, and step-by-step instructions for essential stitches and techniques, making it easy even for beginners to get knitting. Each purse features the kinds of details seen on high-priced designer bags: stylish leather touches, unusual hardware, and unique embellishments.

Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques & Patterns for One-of-a-Kind Socks by Cookie A

Published 2009

Unconventional, rule-breaking socks are part and parcel in this unique guide to sock knitting that includes 15 new sock patterns. The skills of the average sock knitter are increased through design exploration and advanced stitch manipulation, treating the sock as a knitted canvas where elements are strategically and intentionally placed. New designs of floral lace patterns, angular geometric shapes, and unusual cables are presented along with detailed instructions on modifications to suit needs and aesthetics. The incredible range of style and complexity in this guide runs from sweet and simple to delightfully imaginative.

Japanese Inspired Knits by Marianne Isager

Published 2009

Inspired by the seasonal festivals and traditions of Japan, this blend of traditional Scandinavian knitting with distinctive Japanese influences explores the beautiful design elements steeped in folk customs. Created especially for women, these patterns are true to the Japanese ideals of high-quality design and materials. Twelve sweaters, oriented around the months of the year, are each knitted using nearly a dozen different techniques. With project names like “Sake and Soba,” “Summer in Tokyo,” “Rice Fields,” “Flower Buds,” and “Stone Garden,” knitters will have plenty of inspiration. In addition to standard knit and purl combinations, the patterns feature double knitting, domino knitting, shadow knitting, lace, cables, entrelac, intarsia, and stranded two-color knitting. All techniques are described in detail with clear text and illustrations, and an illustrated glossary at the end of the book provides technical instruction needed for any project. Also included are Japanese ideographs that relate to themes that inspired the projects, a Japanese calendar, plus lush travel photography of Japan that will inspire any knitter.

Art of Fair Isle Knitting : History, Technique, Color & Patterns

Published 2009

Crafted with the precision of a Fair Isle garment, informed by accounts from the knitters themselves, and set firmly within its historical and sociological roots, this magnificent classic, first published in 1997, explores the heart of the knitting tradition from the tiny island north of Scotland. From the first small knitted items sold to fishermen and tourists in the 19th century and the highly fashionable androgynous sweaters of the 1920s to the large, starry Norwegian patterns popular after World War II and the hand- and machine-made yoked sweaters of the 1960s and 1970s, ardent dedication is applied to researching the history of each subject. Presenting 23 original Fair Isle designs, the guide leads knitters through the history of the Fair Isle knitting tradition in this examination of the style’s techniques, explicating not only the unique colorways and patterns but also such valuable details as ways to hold the yarn. A chapter on calculating accurate sizes and patterns is easy to understand, while a glossary of Shetland knitting terms links a nearly-extinct way of life with the knowledge and skills that this volume hopes to preserve for generations of knitters to come. Conveying an unending sense of pride in the dedication of the Shetland knitters and in the creation of exceptional garments, knitters will be further enriched by journey’s end.

See Inside! Amigurumi Knits by Hansi Singh: Book Cover * Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits by Hansi Singh

Published 2009

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. Typically they are kooky little animals but they can also be inanimate objects, like vegetables, that are given faces and limbs.

This book will have 20 designs, including animals and inanimate objects. A knitting basics section will provide instructions for all the techniques needed to make the projects.