Saturday, September 6, 2008

Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

Published 2005
This is the only book on sock knitting you'll ever need! Choose virtually any yarn, gauge, stitch pattern, and size you like-with nearly 1,000 variations, the possibilities for knitting fashionable to funky socks will last a lifetime.
*Create one-of-a-kind socks starting with 10 basic designs plus loads of stitch patterns*Use 2, 4, or 5 needles; patterns let you choose your favorite method*Customize fit and fashion for women, men, and children-step-by-step instructions make it easy

Skein for Skein: 16 Knitted Projects by Cheryl Potter

Published 2008
Join four well-known knitwear designers as they guide you through successfully substituting same-weight yarns using examples from a range of yarn producers. Learn why "skein for skein," yarn is not always the same.
Learn the ins and outs of yarn substitution and discover how style, texture, and fiber content affect results
Explore fingering, double-knitting, worsted-weight, and bulky-weight yarns.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Knitting New Scarves : 27 Distinctly Modern Designs by Lynne Barr, Tyllie Barbosa (Photographer), Tyllie Barbosa (Photographer), Kelly McKaig

Published 2007
Scarves are often the first garments beginning knitters try. Then, when they feel ready for a greater creative thrill, they move on to other types of garments. In Knitting New Scarves, Lynne Barr beckons all levels of knitters back to their humble beginnings and then wows them with 27 spectacularly modern designs, each created using an innovative new technique or a unique take on a traditional one. This novel approach, which dares knitters to rethink what is possible by simply manipulating knits and purls, leads to a collection of flattering, functional, and fun-to-make accessories. Imagine a scarf that looks like a strand of black pearls or unfolds like an accordion, one that playfully draws inspiration from the famed Chanel jacket or a twisting futuristic high-rise. Every scarf is shown in its finished form in beautiful still-lifes by photographer Tyllie Barbosa, and, when unusual techniques are called for, up-close step-by-step photos are provided as well. This means every scarf in this masterful collection is both captivating and accessible for all levels of knitters.

Knit Aid: A Learn It, Fix It, Finish It Guide for Knitters on the Go by Vickie Howell

Published 2008
Vickie Howell, the DIY channel’s popular queen of knitting, knows that all knitters—even the most experienced—sometimes need help. What kind of yarn is best for a specific project? How do you pick up dropped stitches without ripping a project apart? How do you knit and purl Continental-style? With her unmistakable charm, Vickie delivers practical answers to every knitter’s questions, offering tips on choosing a project, selecting needles and yarn, finding the speediest knitting method, and even handy new ways of carrying your knitting and the best times to work on it. With its convenient size, lie-flat spiral binding and easy-to-follow diagrams and illustrations, this is an item that should be in every knitting bag.

The Knitting Answer Book : Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face: Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Margaret Radcliffe

Published 2005
Every avid knitter has faced this dilemma: deep into a project at midnight, just trying to finish one more row, and, then . . . oh no, a dropped stitch three rows back! Help! If only there was a 24-hour hotline to answer every question a knitter might encounter. Well, now there is, with The Knitting Answer Book . The expert authors, Margaret Radcliffe and Edie Eckman, leave no question unanswered, no quandry unaddressed. Each book contains detailed, illustrated answers to literally hundreds of questions, from the common to the more unusual:• Are certain needles better for certain yarns?• What if I dropped a stitch several rows back?
• Why do my edges tend to curl up?
• Can you use a different weight yarn than the pattern calls for?
• What can I do to keep my yarns from tangling up?
• Oops, I see my ribbing is way too tight.
Now what?
Covering the whole range of situations a beginner is likely to face, along with the problems that may arise for those working more advanced patterns, this Answer Book will help knitters and crocheters of all levels. Each book is packaged in a small, take-along trim size, in a friendly-to-use Q&A format, and belongs in the bag of every knitter. Available 24/7, The Knitting Answer Book is always open, ready for yarn lovers to browse and consult to their heart’s content.

The Knitters Handy Book of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes & Gauges by Ann Budd

Published 2002
Offering charts and plans for making infant- through adult-sized projects, this unique book provides knitters with a complete resource of more than 350 patterns for caps, tams, scarves, vests, sweaters, mittens, gloves, and socks that are written for multiple gauges to accommodate all weights of yarn from bulky to fingering. Also included are the basics of pattern design and alteration to allow for the addition of different types of texture and color patterns or the modification of existing patterns to accommodate more gauges. Patterns are also accompanied by an assortment of ideas for edgings and finishes, further expanding design options.

Inspired to Knit: Creating Exquisite Handknits by Michele Rose Orne

Published 2008
Four mini workshops with 24 patterns and spectacular photography in this compilation help knitters think creatively, find inspiration in their surroundings, and shape those elements into garment design. Stunning patterns are arranged by season, reflecting the colors and beauty of nature that inspire feminine designs. From an amber-beaded cardigan that captures the feeling of hay fields drying in the sun to a long, belted coat with a spray of coral roses inspired by flowers in local markets to an intarsia jacket that evokes memories of a fall hike in a forest, each pattern is rich with color, detailing, and romantic knitting style. The design workshops throughout this guidebook challenge knitters to find inspiration in their surroundings, build color palettes, swatch creatively through knitting and sketching, and finesse their style and fit.

The Vogue Knitting Ultimate Sock Book by Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine

Published 2007
The editors at Vogue® Knitting, the most trusted name in the craft, have done it again, creating the most comprehensive guide available to sock knitters! No other book has both information for designing your own socks and such fabulous, never-before-published designer patterns. It includes background on the social and historical development of sock knitting (complete with historical photos), techniques (top-down, bottom-up, many different heel and toe styles), stitch patterns, and socks from a wide variety of ethnic traditions. Since sock knitting requires only the most basic skills, like casting on, knitting in the round, decreasing, working short rows, picking up stitches, binding off and seamless joining, it’s a great place for beginners to start.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Knit to Be Square : Domino Designs to Knit and Felt by Vivian Hoxbro

Published 2008
Featuring small projects that are perfect for the beginning knitter, this book covers how to make modular squares that can be connected to create a variety of eye-catching designs. Including wearable designs and accessories—from capelets, hats, and scarves to bags, pillows, and quilts—these projects involve relatively few stitches, can be completed in a short amount of time, and are perfect for using up small amounts of leftover yarn. The modular domino squares can be combined in an infinite number of ways to create a wide variety of patterns, and mitered squares can be connected to achieve a patchwork effect similar to traditional quilts. Most of the projects are made with wool yarn knitted at a slightly looser gauge than recommended by the manufacturer so that the finished piece can be felted in the washing machine, creating unique and contemporary looks.

Essential Knits for Kids : 20 Fresh, New Looks for Children Two to Five by Debbie Bliss

Published 2008
For the first time, this popular designer unveils fashions just for toddlers and preschoolers. Featuring children involved in activities from nursery school and birthday parties to dance lessons and sports, the book presents 20 charming modern projects organized into three collections. The first features designs that keep kids comfy while they are hanging out at home, including a double-sided throw for cuddling in front of the TV and a knitted rag doll for both playtime and bedtime. Because every child loves a party, the second collection is devoted to dressy designs for girls such as a cashmere shrug that can be worn over a party dress and a cute beaded bag just right for carrying party essentials. For boys there is a pattern for a good-looking polo shirt with buttons and a collar—and it can be paired with a stretchy striped tie that can be slipped over the head. The final collection focuses on items for the outdoors, including a boy's parka, a girl's coat with scarf, and a fabric-lined bag with its own striped pencil case. Practicality prevails in all the projects; they are knitted in beautiful, classic yarns that are soft and gentle against a young child's skin but are also sturdy and easy to wash and dry.

Custom Knits : Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques by Wendy Bernard, Kimball Hall (Photographer)

Published 2008
Along with being pleasurable and satisfying, knitting can sometimes be frustrating: the turtleneck that looked so fabulous on the model is too bulky for your body, or the cardigan you spent countless hours on just doesn’t fit right. Herein lies the beauty of Custom Knits, which teaches knitters how to use improvisational techniques to achieve spectacular results—and to unleash their inner designers.
Wendy Bernard, creator of the popular blog Knit and Tonic, provides 25 original designs for sweaters of nearly every type, plus variations, most knitted in one piece starting at the top, a method that allows you to try on as you go, alter as desired, and essentially design on the fly. “Make It Your Own” prompts in each pattern suggest easy alterations to suit your style and body type. And an in-depth reference section teaches how to alter key sweater elements, for example, change a crewneck to a V-neck, add sleeves to a vest, and much more. For the truly adventurous, the book concludes with guidelines for knitting sweaters with no pattern at all.

Bernard’s friendly writing style and photographer Kimball Hall’s lively images create an inviting book of beautiful designs and key techniques that a knitter can use to customize nearly every garment she knits from now on.

Tag, You're Knit! : Colorful Knits for Kids by Mary Bonnette, JoLynne Murchland

Published 2008
What do you get when you combine a rainbow of cheerful yarns with playful-yet-practical knitting designs for kids? This cool collection of imaginative patterns for hip boys and girls! They come from the owners of The Sassy Skein, a company specializing in knitwear for the younger set. From scarves and socks to bags, belts, and more, there’s something to please every child—and bright colors and fun embellishments such as loops, ruffles, pompoms, and tassels make the needlework extra-enjoyable. Try the zesty orange and lime-green Leader of the Pack Backpack; warm felted Sleepover Slippers; and a Listen Up! MP3 case, featuring a beaded strap for girls and a rugged belt clip for boys. The whimsical layout and photography truly capture the projects’ charm.

Vintage Knitwear for Modern Knitters by Lise-Lotte T. Lystrup

Published 2008
Twenty-one patterns presenting authentic period designs for women from the 1930s to the 1950s, cleverly updated for the modern knitter.

Ultimate Knitting Bible: A Complete Reference with Step-by-Step Techniques by Sharon Brant

Published 2008
This is the one-stop resource for both beginning and accomplished stitchers alike! It’s a definitive reference for all aspects of knitting, from the first stitch you cast on to the care and maintenance of your projects. Newcomers can learn every aspect of the art, including how to knit with color, make professional finishings, and adapt patterns. Experts will love its simple format, glossary and index, and find it handy for looking up old tricks and learning some valuable new ones, too. And, with more than 400 illustrations and diagrams to follow, readers will never drop a stitch. Knitters who find themselves in knots will find help in a troubleshooting section, and the more ambitious will find irresistible challenges in a chapter devoted to making their own designs.

Chic Knits Stylish Designs from Knitport by Phuong My Ly


Treat yourself to the finer knits in life! As the owner of the ultra-stylish Knitport yarn shop in Southern California, Phuong My Ly has delighted customers with her unique brand of sophisticated knits for years. Now her style-smart designs are at your fingertips.
Create 16 projects that follow the knitting philosophy at Knitport—simple, wearable, and chic
Choose from sumptuous sweaters, a ruffled shrug, a lacy wrap, a baby cape and booties, plus My Phuong’s wildly popular felted bags
Indulge in extraordinary fibers such as silk, hemp, mohair, and cashmere

This publication has no affiliation with Chic Knits® or designs owned by Bonne Marie Burns. Learn more about Chic Knits® designs by visiting the Chic Knits website: http://www.chicknits.com/