Saturday, May 29, 2010

Learn to Knit on Long Looms by Anne Bipes

Published 2010

Learning to create knit garments without needles is the focus of this stitch-pattern collection and instructional reference. By using long looms, crafters can simplify two-color work, master larger projects, and make double-knit fabrics with more options for surface texture. From simple scarves to detailed felted slippers, the designs in this resource will allure seasoned experts looking for new ways to knit, as well as beginner-level stitchers who are still trying to master using needles. Projects are accompanied by instructional photographs and include a baby blanket, an afghan, a tasseled scarf, a shawl, and a garden party table setting.

Get Spun: The Step-by-Step Guide to Spinning Art Yarns by Symeon North

Published 2010

Pairing detailed instructions with clear, step-by-step photography, this dynamic guide of spinning techniques and demonstrations explores an array of fiber possibilities—such as wool, glitz, and sari silk—to create unique yarn for fiber art projects. Designed for the advanced beginner to the intermediate spinner, this reference covers a variety of subjects such as spinning fundamentals, techniques for wool and silk, spinning with nontraditional materials, introducing add-ins, and creating plying effects. Additionally, the comprehensive tutorial offers information on easy home dyeing and directions for using a drumcarder to blend colors and fibers.

Successful Lace Knitting: Celebrating the Work of Dorothy Reade by Donna Druchunas

Published 2010

This book presents not only a beautiful collection of patterns but also a fascinating biography of Dorothy Reade, arguably the mother of modern lace knitting. It's a must-have for any knitter who appreciates lace! Discover techniques and patterns developed by Reade in the 1960s as you create gorgeous projects featuring completely modern designs.

• Offers more than 25 exquisite patterns for everything from scarves and stoles to sweaters and socks to items for home decor
• Features a wide range of styles from top designers such as Annie Modesitt, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, and Evelyn Clark
• Presents the "now I get it" approach to using charts and knitting lace

Norwegian Sweater Techniques for Today's Knitter by T. Chynoweth

Published 2010

Norwegian sweater construction is demystified in this one-of-a-kind, workshop-based book

Norwegian knitting aficionada Therese Chynoweth combines extensive technique instruction with inspirational patterns to make this time-honored craft accessible to knitters of any skill level.Beginning with a look at color stranded knitting methods, she takes you through the various types of Norwegian pattern graphs. Then, you'll discover the how-tos of "cutting stitches" for cardigans and armholes, along with measuring for armholes, sewing along the sides of the cutting stitches, and cutting the fabric to create these openings for an assortment of modern garments. Plus, you'll get 20 patterns for making modern sweaters and accents using these time-honored techniques.


Sit back, follow along, and get all the skills and techniques to make classic, cozy, handmade masterpieces.

Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables by Lily Chin

Published 2010

From simple to sculptural, the original cable patterns explored in this must-have resource create a foundation of techniques for designing signature knitwear. Basic twisted stitches, complex interpretations of cables, reversible cables, adding texture and color, turning stitches around, constructing cables with I-cord, and wrapping stitches to create the illusion of cables are some of the integrated techniques detailed in this guide. Contained within are more than 15 original cable patterns for pullovers, jackets, bags, socks, and accessories. Also included is information on a new charting system for predicting cable behavior as well as tips on cabling without a cable needle, choosing the best yarns for specific cable effects, and designing original cable patterns.

Design It, Knit It: Babies by Debbie Bliss

Published 2010

A follow-up to the bestselling Design It, Knit It!

Celebrated designer Debbie Bliss knits up the most adorable collection of baby wear ever. Fifteen original designs include everything from teeny garments for preemies and sporty sweaters to special occasion outfits and accessories—and every one showcases Debbie’s signature style. In addition, she leads readers through the entire process: size and shaping, yarn selection, color and pattern, and embellishments. A designer's workbook, with knitters' graph paper, templates, and a stitch gauge, rounds out this indispensable guide.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Color Knitting the Easy Way: Essential Techniques, Perfect Palettes, and Fresh Designs Using Just One Color at a Time by Melissa Leapman

Published 2010

Embrace color with simple techniques from knitting and colorwork master Melissa Leapman!

A cozy hat and scarf set to match a winter coat, mittens in a young child’s favorite colors, a sweater to bring out the blue of a friend’s eyes, a throw pillow that revives the look of a room. Selecting and combining just the right color palette makes any project extra special-and makes our knitting even more fun.

In Color Knitting the Easy Way, renowned knitwear designer, teacher, and author Melissa Leapman explores the simplest and most popular ways of knitting with two or more yarn colors—using just one color in each knitted row. No more juggling multiple yarns in your hands as you knit!

One-color, one-row stitch techniques allow for a minimal learning curve but can yield maximum impact. From basic stripes to intricate slip stitch and mosaic patterns, Leapman’s clear, easy-to-use instructions explain the foundations of color knitting and how to combine basic stitches to achieve texture, vibrancy, and patterns that will wow family and friends.

Ten original projects, including an everyday clutch, dress, jacket, sweaters, and more, allow you to practice each new technique and are do-able for even beginning knitters. And more than 70 unique stitch patterns will inspire knitters of all skill levels to create their own custom designs. Throughout, Leapman reveals tips and tricks to help you avoid common problems and to answer the questions most asked by knitters in the popular workshops she teaches around the country.

In addition, Leapman demystifies the color wheel and shows you how to use it to get thelook you want for your finished projects, whether you want to highlight stitchwork, bust through your sash, or even camouflage a figure flaw! With sections on general knitting techniques, chart reading, and every color combination around the color wheel, Color Knitting the Easy Way has all the tools you’ll need to knit patterns for two or more colors the fun—and easy—way.

Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Volume Five: Lace Knitting: The Ultimate Stitch Dictionary from the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine by Editors of Vog

Published 2010

Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

Published 2010

Knitwear designer Melissa Morgan-Oakes revolutionized the world of sock-making with 2-at-a-Time Socks. Her ingenious approach showed delighted knitters how to simultaneously create two socks on a single circular needle. With that book, yarn enthusiasts said goodbye forever to second sock syndrome, the frustration of completing one beautiful hand-knit sock, only to remember that another must be made. Now, Morgan-Oakes turns the approach on its head or rather, its toe with Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks.

Knitters adore toe-up socks for both novelty and practicality. Knitters can try on the sock as they work, they never run out of yarn before the foot is complete, and they avoid needing the dreaded kitchener stitch to finish off the toe. Many swear that toe-up socks just plain feel more comfortable, too.

Morgan-Oakes combines the pleasures of toe-up knitting with the convenience of her 2-at-a-time approach in 15 original designs for men, women, children, and babies. From the delicate and graceful ballerina sock to the kaleidoscopic, nubby peppercorn pattern, there is a style here for every pair of feet. For each pattern, Morgan-Oakes provides row-by-row instructions, charts for both large and small feet, and captivating, four-color photographs of the finished product. Readers aren’t limited to these patterns, however. Once mastered, the technique can be applied to any sock pattern.

With Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks as their guide, knitters will rock the toe-up sock world, two-at-a-time, every time.

The Stitch Collection: A Box of Portable Guides to Knit Stitches by Debbie O'Neill

Published 2010

Portable and versatile, this attractive boxed set of five lightweight stitch guides—each devoted to a different type of stitch—is perfect for knitters on the go.

Altogether, these small but very thorough books cover more than 200 stitches, with individual manuals for knit and purl; cables; lace; ribbing; and specialty. Each one features a brief introduction; a concise section on choosing the appropriate stitch pattern; information on each type of stitch; abbreviations; needle size chart; and yarn weight chart.Unlike heavier and more unwieldy books, these sleek volumes are just right for tossing in the knitting bag—and the most eminently practical knitter’s helper on the market.


Knitting Green: Conversations and Planet Friendly Projects by Ann Budd

Published 2010

Detailing a wide range of perspectives and approaches to environmental issues, this unique crafting manual offers ideas for knitting conscientiously. Leading figures of the industry, from designers to yarn company executives, share their methods for integrating green principles into their work and lives—selecting organic products, facilitating an alternative to chemical detergent, recycling old projects, reducing disposable plastic bags, and creating pieces that provide warmth and save on energy. Inventive and timely, this practical guidebook explains answers to important questions such as What makes a yarn organic? and Are natural dyes safer than chemical dyes? Providing 20 clever designs for earth-friendly garments, accessories, gifts, and home furnishings, craft enthusiasts of all skill levels will enjoy projects that balance the altruism of saving the planet with the joyful benefits of their favorite hobby.

Think Outside the Sox: 50 Winning Patterns from the Knitter's Magazine Contest by Elaine Rowley, Alexis Xenakis

Published 2010

Showcasing more than 50 winning designs from the publisher’s international knitting contest, this collection of innovative, fine socks features patterns from around the world—which include color work, cables, lace, Latvian braids, and toe-up and top-down designs. Complete with thorough instructions for socks that range from fashionable to traditional, this guide is not only inspirational but also a comprehensive survey of contemporary trends in sock knitting. Extensive charts and diagrams, illustrated explanations, and detailed photographs all round out this how-to for everything socks.

One Ball Knits Gifts: 20 Stylish Designs Made with a Single Ball, Skein, Hank, or Spool by Fatema Habibur-Rahman, Fatema Habibur-Rahman, Khadija Habib

Published 2010

JUST ONE BALL OF YARN = GIFTS EVERYONE WILL LOVE!

One Ball Knits is back with fresh, modern gifts, all made with just one ball, hank, or
skein of yarn! Complete with an illustrated Basics section covering yarn, tools, essential techniques, and finishes like felting, embroidery, and sewing, One Ball Knits Gifts is all you need to make memorable treasures to give and share—whether this is your first project or your hundred and first. And you don’t need to spend a lot of money to make these knitted beauties. Use those leftover gems in your stash, too.
Who on your list wouldn’t love to get Toasty Toes Slippers? Or treat that special someone with Little Red Driving Gloves. With 20 projects, there’s a fun gift idea here for everyone.

The Sock Knitter's Workshop: Everything Knitters Need to Knit Socks Beautifully by Ewa Jostes, Ewa Jostes

Published 2010

Learn to knit socks with confidence—and achieve beautiful results.

Socks are at the top of every knitter’s list of favorite projects: Quick to make, highly portable, and usually only requiring a ball of yarn or two, it’s easy to see why they love them. And The Sock Knitter’s Workshop is the essential companion for beginning and advanced knitters alike.

Expert sock knitters Ewa Jostes and Stephanie van der Linden share their sage wisdom on the essentials of sock knitting, beginning with an overview of materials and tools and the basics of the sock-knitting process. Knitters can mix and match from among many different methods of casting-on and knitting cuffs, heels, and toes to create their own unique designs that fit just right. With extensive step-by-step instructions and hundreds of illustrations plus fifteen patterns, this book provides sock knitters with inspiration and advice for all their projects.

Rib It Up by Sue Childress, Frances Huges

Published 2010

Detailed instructions for knitting ribbed patterns of every sort will tempt knitters of any skill level to try their hand at unusual ribbed designs. Diamond ribs, chevron ribs, cable ribs, bobble ribs, and many other variations are employed in a variety of projects for every room in the house, including decorative and practical accessories such as afghans, pillows, kitchen and bath towels, place mats, a table runner, a tea cozy, and a tablecloth. Each design results in a useful item for the home or makes a thoughtful handcrafted gift.

In the Loop: Knitting Now by Jessica Hemmings (Editor)


Knitting has progressed from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing reindeer motifs on Christmas sweaters. Now there are knitting groups that meet in bars, hundreds of clubs and contemporary artists that have reclaimed the craft. In the Loop looks at this progression from solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream craft.

Originally developed as a way to make a living, the position of knitting slowly changed from being a distinct craft to an unfashionable and dreary skill. The twenty-first century led to a strong comeback for the craft, and the popularity of knitting is clearly seen now in the many knit-clubs, knits-shops, knit-conferences and other knit-activities that have popped up in contemporary culture.

In the Loop is split into four sections: Rethinking Knitting; Narrative Knits; Site & Sight- Protest Knitting and Progress- Looking Back. Each section includes essays on these subjects by contemporary knitters, artists and academics. The essays cover the topics of knitting in art, international knitting traditions, knitting as social activism, the oral history of knitting, and knitting technology. These sections include case studies on knitting clubs, artists using knitting in their work, and other progressions in the role of knitting.

The book includes many visual essays and images of contemporary knitting, making this a visually informative review of the subject. The illustrations provide a fresh look at this subject and ensure this is an essential book for anyone with an interest in contemporary knitting.

Knitted Bears: All Dressed Up! by Val Pierce

Published 2010

Through the delightful and charming patterns featured in this guide, teddy bear aficionados can create their own loveable stuffed animal. In addition to providing instructions for the basic eight-inch high bear, this handbook features directions for 20 unique characters, each attired in a specially themed outfit complete with accessories. From a baby bear and a pretty pink ballet dancer to a hiking bear with boots and backpack and a beach-loving bikini bear, these knitted figures are suitable for both children and adults and easy enough for novice knitters to make. More advanced or adventurous knitters can mix and match outfits and accessories to create truly personalized designs