The Alchemy of Color Knitting: The Art and Technique of Mastering Exquisite Palettes by Gina Wilde

Published 2009

The ultimate reference for knitters who are eager to bring richer, more complex color to their projects, including vital lessons on color theory as well as 25 inspiring garments.

In The Alchemy of Color Knitting, Gina Wilde, creative director of Alchemy Yarns of Transformation, unlocks the secrets of color theory for knitters. An acclaimed teacher on the topic of color and transformation, Gina is uniquely able to shed light on color theory as it applies to knitting–her knowledge is both authoritative and informed by an artist’s eye.

The Alchemy of Color Knitting begins with a concise, complete description of the fundamentals of color theory, outlining the basics of the color wheel and color relationships. Knitters can easily brush up on the essence of color theory–which colors are primary, secondary, and tertiary, for example–and the relationships among those colors. From complements and split complements to elegant arrangements of analogous hues, all color relationships are explained from a knitter’s point of view. Additionally, the central concepts of hue, value, and intensity are discussed–the subtle (and often not-so-subtle) shifts of color that can be used in a knitted
garment to gorgeous effect.

What’s more, in The Alchemy of Color Knitting Gina delves deeply into the ideas of color and meaning. Choosing just the right color for a given project is a ritual for knitters that should be savored, but sometimes
is fraught with anxiety. Gina helps liberate knitters to think creatively in their color choices by considering a color’s origins, lore, and myriadmeanings.

Inside, knitters will find 25 patterns for show-stopping garments that cover a variety of skill levels, from beginner to experienced. A brief “color exercise” description before each pattern explains which color relationships are illustrated in that particular garment. But make no mistake–with the lessons of The Alchemy of Color Knitting in hand, a knitter’s possibilities of color choice are truly endless.

Knits to Fit and Flatter by Ellison

Published 2009

Knits to Fit & Flatter features a must-have collection of 16 stylish knitwear designs for flattering cardigans, sweaters, tank tops, shrugs, camisoles, wraps and more. The patterns have a truly modern finish and are designed to embrace any figure, with detailed instruction on how you can achieve a variety of fits. Classic shapes and contemporary styling ensure the garments will become a staple in any wardrobe and the project designs are great for every knitter regardless of skill level.

Interweave Presents Knitted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make & Give by Ann Budd, Interweave Press Staff (Contribution by), Interweave Press Staf

Published 2009

Offering more than 30 projects for any occasion—birthday, anniversary, thank-you, get well, bon voyage, new baby, Christmas, and more—this collection focuses on small knitting projects that can be completed in a relatively short period of time. The classic to contemporary projects are from a variety of top knitwear designers, including Nancy Bush, Mags Kandis, Pam Allen, Véronik Avery, Chrissy Gardiner, Marta McCall, Kathy Merrick, and Kristin Nicholas. Sample projects include garments and accessories for the entire family, gifts for four-legged friends, and items for the home, ranging from beautiful hats, bags, scarves, socks, mittens, and gloves to unique gifts such as a felted oven mitt, napkin rings, baby blocks, a hobby horse, a catnip mouse, a car seat–friendly baby bunting, and floral ballet shoes. With detailed instructions and helpful photos, these projects are perfect for knitters looking for small projects to keep or give away.

Luxe Knits : Couture Designs to Knit & Crochet by Laura Zukaite, Cathrine Westergaard (Photographer)

Published 2009

Award-winning knitwear designer Laura Zukaite has created a knockout collection of 26 stylish projects for the experienced knitter: chic, fashion-forward garments and accessories that showcase imaginative stitch patterns and luxurious yarns.

Zukaite provides an unprecedented glimpse of her creative process, from initial inspiration and interpretation to technique development and the actual construction of the item, allowing readers to understand how her smart solutions enhance the design. She brings new dimension to the traditional stockinette stitch, adds lace inserts to a simple cable, and enhances smocking with new textures and color work based on African textiles.

After knitters experience Laura’s unique approach to design, they’ll look at everything they create with fresh and insightful new eyes.

Knitted Socks East and West: 30 Designs Inspired by Japanese Stitch Patterns by Judy Sumner, Yoko Inoue (Photographer)

Published 2009

In Knitted Socks East and West, author Judy Sumner compares knitting a sock to writing a haiku: both challenge you to create something beautiful and original within a sparse, strict format. In this, her first book, she recounts how she came to study hundreds of exquisite Japanese stitch patters and then apply her new knowledge to the sock designs showcased here.
Whether short or long, fine or bulky, simple or complex, each of the 30 designs in Knitted Socks East and West is named afer an intriguing aspect of Japanese culture. For example, the leg of the Origami crew socks appears to fold in and out; the Sumo slipper socks are named after the heavy, organic movement of the cables in their thick yarn; and the Ikebana knee socks highlight a textural floral design. Step-by-step text and easy-to-read charts are included for each design, along with illustrated directions for the Japanese stitchwork introduced in the projects.

Knit Edgings & Trims: 150 Stitches by Kate Haxell

Published 2009

Offering clear, concise instructions and photographs for a variety of knit edgings and projects, this dependable handbook provides guidance to knitters facing the challenge of finding the perfect edging or finishing for their projects. From adorning highly textured lace with trim to revamping basic sweater silhouettes with unique edgings, this is the perfect portable one-stop source for stitch inspiration. The unique and surprising results are guaranteed to keep knitters in stitches for years to come.

Knits for the Modern Baby by Lena Volchok

Published 2009

This exciting collection includes more than 20 knit items for infants up to size 2. Projects include a cabled turtleneck pullover; yoked sweater with duplicate-stitch flowers on the body and a matching striped stocking cap; camo-look cardigan; colorful striped socks; a stuffed baby block; a hooded sleeping bag; a bunny doll; bunny slippers and newborn mitts; a furry-accented helmet and shoes; an argyle jerkin; a girl's V-neck cardigan with pockets and an intarsia paperdoll design on the back; a girls' denim-inspired jacket with fun trim; a sampler afghan with plain and patterned blocks; a chile-pepper kimono; bib overalls, and a bib dress.

Booties, Blankets & Bears: 20 Irresistible Hand Knits for Your Baby by Debbie Bliss

Published 2009

Nursery essentials that will delight new parents and their babies are showcased in this lovely collection of knitted heirlooms. Based around a trio of core baby items—booties, blankets, and teddy bears—these patterns from bestselling knitter Debbie Bliss offer a range of toys, garments, and other accessories. Each project is beautiful in its own right, while reoccurring themes link projects for creating the perfect baby bundle—such as pairing the stitch blanket with the matching booties, blocks, and bunny. Photographs complement the instructions, and an introductory techniques section illustrates knitting basics. Stylish, creative, and beautifully presented, these hand knits are perfect for new parents and parents to-be or for any knitter looking for a charming, hand-made baby gift.