Fresh Fashion Knits: More than 20 Must-Have Designs from Rowan's Studio Collection

Published 2010


No one knows knitting like Rowan. They produce the yarns you love to cast on and design the patterns you can’t wait to put on. Their worldwide reputation for style, quality, and value makes them the only name you need to know in knitting. Fresh Fashion Knits features the best of Rowan’s Studio Collection, bringing runway trends into knitwear. These designs by Sarah Hatton offer a fashion-conscious knitter a wide range of garment choices and yarn weights to make something for every season and every occasion.

Layer a luxurious chunky cardigan over your favorite jeans. Pair a soft, delicate cardigan over a flowing dress for the perfect summer look. With stylish tops and casually chic sweaters and dresses, this collection will inspire you to make an entire wardrobe of fabulous knit fashions.

Plus, Rowan makes it easy! Not only are these patterns clear and easy to use, but Fresh Fashion Knits gives you the tips and techniques for the best results, no matter what your skill level. The 21 patterns included in this book will have haute couture at your fingertips.

Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia, and Double Knitting

Published 2010

One of the reasons knitting and colorwork master Melissa Leapman first learned to knit was her wish to make one special project—a sweater using Fair Isle technique. Now, for the first time, she brings her passion for advanced color knitting to knitters who want to knit with any and every color of yarn they can wrap around their needles.

Conquer classic stranded knitting, “draw” images in yarn using intarsia, and make two projects in one with reversible double knitting. Leapman’s clear instruction proves that knitting with multiple colors may appear more complex, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. She includes the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive methods for each technique, using knowledge honed over years of color knitting workshops with knitters from across the country.

Once you’ve learned the basics, practice your new skills by creating projects for yourself, your friends, and everyone on your gift list. Each chapter includes a handful of sample projects to get you started, a Designer Workshop that teaches you important concepts in every designer’s toolbox, and a pattern treasury of unique patterns to apply to projects of your own creation—more than 50 patterns and 12 projects in all.

Throughout, Leapman’s helpful collection of how-tos, diagrams, tips, and hints (including a refresher course in color theory to help you choose the perfect color combinations) makes Mastering Color Knitting the book you’ll turn to for information and inspiration time and time again.

Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More

Published 2010

No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.

Inside you will find:


•150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
•More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
•Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
•Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.

Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting

Published 2010

Beautiful, intricate, flowing, mysterious, iconic—cable knit sweaters are all that and more. They are classic, stylish wardrobe staples. For many of us, cables are the main reason we were compelled to learn to knit in the first place. But it’s necessary to be an ultra-advanced knitter to even think about knitting cables, right?

Not really. In Cables Untangled, widely published author, knitwear designer, and teacher Melissa Leapman demystifies this perennially popular technique, guiding the reader through the process step by step. Even if you’ve mastered just a few basic knitting techniques, you can turn out beautiful cables too!

A comprehensive resource book for knitters of all levels, Cables Untangled features over twenty cabled projects, from simple household items to clothing, fashion accessories, and gifts for virtually everyone on your list. Every project is beautifully photographed and includes useful detail shots of every piece of cabled fabric.

In addition to the projects, Cables Untangled includes an invaluable Cable Stitch Dictionary, giving you the tools to be a skilled and creative cable-knitter. Extra resources include:

• A guide to using knitting charts and understanding their symbols
• A comprehensive stitch library of both traditional and unusual rib, panel, and allover cable stitches, all clearly photographed and accompanied by easy-to-use charts
• Tips for designing your own projects

Throughout the book, Leapman relies on the techniques she has developed teaching her popular workshops—making the process easy and fun for anyone.

Here’s the book that will bring your knitting to a whole new level, help you impress family and friends with your beautiful creations, and open up a new world of creative opportunities. Without a doubt, Cables Untangled is an indispensable resource in helping you conquer—and enjoy!—cables. It’s the ultimate guide for beginners and seasoned knitters alike.

The Art of Knitted Lace: With Complete Lace How-to and Dozens of Patterns

Published 2010


The Art of Knitted Lace is the perfect primer for everything you need to know about knitting lace every day—whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced knitter. In her introduction, designer Kristin Omdahl leads you through knitted lace basics, including tool tips, chart reading guidelines, terminology, and, of course, knitting instructions.

With the 35-plus projects that follow, you'll learn to make a wide variety of useful, beautiful garments, designed by our best-loved authors and knitters. Put some romance back into your life with the Casablanca Silk Stockings. In more of a fashion-forward mood? Try the Hamptons Dress or Lacy Cap-Sleeve Bolero. If you need more lace in your everyday life, try your hand at the Raspberry Rhapsody Scarf or the Little Shells Socks. Whatever the season, whatever the reason—make it in lace!

Featuring projects and designs from Lisa Lloyd, Annie Modesitt, Phoenix Bess, Berta Karapetyan, Melissa Matthay, and others, this timeless collection of designs will have you coming back again and again. Isn't everything better with a little touch of lace?

Knitting Mochimochi: 20 Super-Cute Strange Designs for Knitted Amigurumi by Anna Hrachovec

Published 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.

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.

Toe-Up Socks for Every Body: Adventurous Lace, Cables, and Colorwork from Wendy Knits by Wendy D. Johnson

Published 2010

Acclaimed knitter, author, designer, and teacher Wendy D. Johnson is back with the perfect sequel to her hit book Socks from the Toe Up. In Toe-Up Socks for Every Body, Wendy shows knitters, whether they're knitting their first or hundred-and-first sock, how to use the toe-up technique to get the perfect fit. Not only that, she shows you that even seemingly complicated patterns are still knit just one row at a time. Go ahead! Turn your favorite knee socks into thigh-highs. Knit that special someone classic argyles. Put even the wiggliest of toes in their first pair of lacey anklets. With Wendy's help, there's nothing you can't try from the toes on up.

These 21 patterns cover everything from basics like materials and tools, to delicate lace, intricate cables, and fancy colorwork. Use these techniques and patterns to create beautiful socks for yourself and everybody in your life—friends and family, young and old. With the lovely photographs, helpful illustrations for cast-on, toe, heel, and bind-off options, and all-around expert advice in Toe-Up Socks for Every Body, you'll be a well-heeled and warm-hearted toe-up knitter.

Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner, Ann S

Published 2010

Enjoy the practical advice, real-life knitting instruction, and irreverent humor of Yankee Kay Gardiner and Tennessean Ann Shayne, the duo behind the renowned knitting web log masondixonknitting.com. The ladies of Mason-Dixon Knitting will take you on a thrilling adventure through Knitopia, a place where knitting and creativity unite through the zaniest knitted items imaginable. Kay and Ann reveal that a pattern is a starting line, a launching pad, the front doors of Saks the day after Thanksgiving: oh, the potential!

Mason-Dixon Knitting is a collection of unbelievable patterns, a how-to manual, and a crazy quilt of hilarious narrative, all in one. In this book, Kay and Ann chitchat their way through a series of more than thirty incredible patterns. Drawing creative inspiration from their surroundings, they present colorful blankets, sassy nightgowns, a delicate curtain, and much more to reveal that knitting can weave its way into just about every aspect of life. Most of these projects are the epitome of ease, but you can make them as simple or complicated as you prefer.

Kay and Ann invite you to use your creative vision to interpret each pattern and give it your own personal touch. Full-color photography of these delightful home- and family-inspired knits accompanies each project. Along the way, Kay and Ann will introduce you to incredible knitting personalities, share their own knitting experiences, and present eye-popping knitting phenomena. Mason-Dixon Knitting explores the humor, fun, and outrageous possibilities of a realm in which knitting is much more than a craft—it’s a lifestyle.

Inspiration, Guidance, and 30Projects to Knit

Featuring: Technical hints; Great (knitted) things you will do; How to cope with disaster; Must-knit tv; Mistakes you will definitely make; Knitting for the common good; Knitting something that looks like something else

Big Girl Knits: 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves by Jillian Moreno, Amy R. Singer

Published 2009

Big Girl Knits features twenty-five unique patterns for women size 14 and up. From flattering pullovers and sexy tees to sleek skirts and fun accessories, this book is overflowing with options for knitting up an entire wardrobe to compliment your shapely shape.

Part knitting instruction, part fashion guide, Big Girl Knits is packed with expert advice to help you make the most of the three Bs: Boobs, Belly, and Butt. All the garments and accessories featured in the book are proportioned to fit and flatter a big girl’s body. Learn two fabulous adaptations to add to your knitting toolbox that you can apply to any sweater pattern. The book also features an easy-to-use measurement guide and tips to help you choose the right yarn, colors, and styles for you.

400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete DIctionary of Essential Stitch Patterns by Crown

Published 2009

Whether you're a beginning knitter or advanced, whether your tastes range from simple knit-purl stitching to fancy Daisy or Moroccan screen, a dictionary of stitch patterns is indispensable!

Young knitters, old knitters, hip knitters, traditional knitters: they all enjoy different styles. But every knitter from age 5 to 95 needs a good dictionary of stitches. 400 Knitting Stitches is a comprehensive guide that invites knitters to experiment with a variety of new stitch combinations. The book is conveniently divided into eight categories: knit-purl, crossed and cables, slipped, lacy,double, twisted, cast-off, and fancy stitches. Making a romantic lacy wrap or a classic cable sweater? Whatever your style, there's a stitch in here for you.

Each of the 400-plus featured stitches is accompanied by easy-to-follow written and charted instructions,as well as a full-color photograph. A section on basic knitting information and techniques at the front of the book makes this volume even more invaluable.

From advanced knitters experimenting with their own designs to beginners looking for clear instruction and explanation, 400 Knitting Stitches is an essential reference for knitters of all kinds.

The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits by Julie Carles, Jordana Jacobs

Published 2009

In their bustling New York City yarn shop Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs—a.k.a. the Yarn Girls—have helped thousands of new and lapsed knitters rediscover the pleasures of knitting. Forget frumpy worsted wools and tiny needles; here are the gorgeous, wearable styles you’ve been looking for, with patterns that knit up so fast even inexperienced knitters can start a project on Saturday and wear it to work Monday morning. Made on big needles (sizes 9 to 36) and with a wide range of the chunky, luxurious new yarns that are now available, they couldn’t be easier to create, or more fun to wear.

The Yarn Girls have selected thirty of their most popular basic-but-beautiful projects in a range of must-have styles, from trendy funnel-necks and classic cardigans to sexy tanks. Each project includes pointers to ensure that the finished project will fit properly and look like a million bucks. There are also patterns for creating accessories such as hats and scarves, as well as something for the guys and cozy throws for the home. Each pattern is designed to reinforce the fundamentals of knitting and help tentative knitters gain confidence. Clearly illustrated sections on techniques, plus a glossary and the Yarn Girls’ helpful tips throughout, practically guarantee a successful outcome the very first time.

Haiku Knits: 25 Serenely Beautiful Patterns Inspired by Japanese Design by Tanya Alpert

Published 2009

Haiku, the graceful and evocative form of Japanese poetry, celebrates nature in all its subtle and unobtrusive beauty. In Haiku Knits, this appreciation for understated, direct beauty is expressed in the texture of a felted skirt, the rhythm of a chain of twisted cables, or the casual elegance of an asymmetric sweater. Author Tanya Alpert, a knitwear designer and fiber artist, presents 25 simple, modern garments and accessories inspired by Japanese design, featuring innovative elements and beautiful fibers. These technically simple yet stylish and sophisticated designs will appeal to fashion-forward knitters at all skill levels. Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs, this elegant book also includes an appendix of essential techniques.

Knitter's Book of Wool: The Yarn Lover's Guide to the World's Favorite Fiber by Clara Parkes

Published 2009

In this complete guide to wool - the most popular yarn around - passionate wool expert Clara Parkes translates the vast world of sheep and their wool into the language and context of kniting.

What is wool? Clara starts with the fundamentals: what wool is made of, how it gets off the sheep, and how it is transformed from a jumbled mass of dirty fluff into a gorgeous yarn that so tempts us at our local yarn stores.

Who makes it? Parkes conducts an inspiring tour of sheep breeds from around the world - introducing us to the animals who give us their wool - and explains how to best knit with yarns made from their fibers.

Which yarn do I use? If only there were a way to read a skein to know how it would behave and what it wanted to become. Now there is! Parkes demystifies the generic (non-breed-specific) wool yarn you'll find at your local yarn shop, showing you how to best determine what every yarn longs to be.

What do I knit? Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the kniting world to provide more than 20 patterns that highlight the qualities of specific types of wool.

The Knitter's Book of Wool teaches you everything you need to know about wool - and its journey from pasture to pullover. The next time you pick up a skein, you won't have to wonder what to create with it. You'll just know.