Country Weekend Socks: 25 Classic Patterns to Knit

Published 2010

From the author of Country Weekend Knit, Madeline Weston's latest book Country Weekend Socks presents 25 unique designs knitted in sumptuous wool and cotton yarns. The rich textures and soft natural colorways take their cue from the coastline and countryside—big skies, choppy seas and fishing boats, sand dunes, driftwood, and beach pebbles, rolling hills, woodland, and old stone walls, heather, moss and autumn leaves.

Virtually any stitch pattern can be adapted to socks, and the ones featured here come from all corners of the British Isles and beyond. They include multicolored designs from Fair Isle, Turkey, and Egypt; intricate lace and openwork knitting from the Shetland Isles; textured gansey stitches from the east coast of England and theWestern Isles of Scotland; and chunky cable and Aran patterns from the Isles of Aran. Some of these traditional patterns—designs dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries —have been re-created by Margaret Stuart and Margaret MacInnes. Others have been reinterpreted by leading designer-knitters, including Sasha Kagan, Debbie Abrahams, and Rita Taylor. Most of the socks are knitted on four double-pointed needles from the top down; the Turkish and Egyptian patterns are knitted from the toe up; while some lace and intarsia designs are knitted on two needles.

With both long and short styles, there are socks for every occasion—to wear with sturdy walking boots, classic tweeds, pretty dresses, and cozy pajamas.

...Nordic Knits: 29 Stylish Small Projects

Published 2010

Knitters like designs to knit that are relatively quick to make yet have interesting patterns. In this book Martin Storey, coauthor of Knitting Goes Large and a top designer for Rowan, offers a range of Nordic-inspired stylish accessories and home items that are based on traditional patterns with a contemporary twist and are small enough to be both easily portable and quick to complete.

The 29 designs range from easy to more challenging—so there's smoething for every knitter to enjoy. Projects include: multi-color hats, legwarmers, and scarves; cabled socks, scarves mittens, and hats; Fair Isle bags, socks, and vest; a cozy shrug, delicate stole, and simple cape, as well as patterned pillows, placemats, and a table runner—all made in natural yarns from Rowan that are cozy and comforting. And all with a clean contemporary Scandinavian look in a soft and beautiful color palette. Featuring beautiful photography and clearly-written patterns, backed up by special knitting tips and techniques, these rich-looking projects are very luxurious, but also practical and easy to make.

Very Easy Guide to Cable Knitting: Step-by-Step Techniques, Easy-to-Follow Patterns, and Projects to Get You Started by Lynne Watterson

Published 2010

This very easy guide opens up the wonderful world of twisted stitches to knitters of any ability—-even complete beginners. It is an indispensable introduction to all kinds of cable stitches, from simple mock cables, to intricate interwoven plaits.
Learn the basic techniques and practice the stitches following clear instructions and step-by-step photos—-then use your skills to make all kinds of specially-designed projects, from giant-cable throws to snuggly scarves and more adventurous accessories for you and your home.
Each stitch pattern is featured in both written and chart form, so you can get used to using either method when working from other commercial patterns.
Whether you're a knitting novice or a skilled hand, cables have never been easier to knit. This very easy guide opens up the wonderful world of twisted stitches to knitters of any ability—-even complete beginners. It is an indispensable introduction to all kinds of cable stitches, from simple mock cables, to intricate interwoven plaits.
Learn the basic techniques and practice the stitches following clear instructions and step-by-step photos—-then use your skills to make all kinds of specially-designed projects, from giant-cable throws to snuggly scarves and more adventurous accessories for you and your home.
Each stitch pattern is featured in both written and chart form, so you can get used to using either method when working from other commercial patterns.
Whether you're a knitting novice or a skilled hand, cables have never been easier to knit.

Natural Nursery Knits: 20 Handknit Projects for the New Baby by Erika Knight

Published 2009

In Natural Nursery Knits Erika Knight has combined the purest yarns with irresistible designs to create a beautiful collection of 20 handknits for the newborn baby including all the necessary basics needed in baby's first months. Ranging from practical first garments, washcloths, cozy blankets, and delightful toys to heirloom pieces, all the designs are made from organic or sustainable fibers. Chosen for their softness, animal fibers such as baby alpaca, cashmere, and extra-fine merino are complemented by organically grown cotton, bamboo, and milk fibers, that are breathable and comfortable for baby to wear. The result is a beautiful palette of natural ecru, muted pastels, chocolates, and charcoals. With Natural Nursery Knits you can make your own keepsake handknits to be treasured in baby's room for years to come

Paper Yarn: 24 Creative Projects to Make Using a Variety of Techniques by Uta Donath, Petra Hoffmann, Eva Hauck, Claudia Huboi

Published 2009

Paper yarn is a practical, readily available, and amazingly durable material. And as the book brilliantly demonstrates, it is also easy to work with and can be fashioned in many ways to create beautiful objects for any living space. Using a variety of techniques from knitting and braiding to weaving and sewing, this enticing book shows crafters looking for a new twist—or any knitter, sewer or crocheter eager to experiment with a new medium—how to work with this unique material.Paper yarns are available in a wide range of types and thicknesses. They are washable, lightweight, fade-resistant and come in a wide range of colors. They can be mixed with paper strips or raffia for a soft look or combined with embroidery thread, sewing silk, or ribbon for a bold look. And when unwrapped to make flat paper strips, it’s wonderfully suited to layering an sewing. Paper Yarn shows you how to work with this unique yarn and combine it with other materials in a variety of ways to create colorful, sculptural, and delicate projects, transforming them and the yarn into something new and exciting. With detailed information on how to prepare the materials needed and practical step-by-step instructions for each item, you will discover just how versatile paper yarn can be.

100 Flowers to Knit and Crochet : A Collection of Beautiful Blooms for Embellishing Garments, Accessories, and More by Lesley Stanfield

Published 2009

100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet showcases a lush bouquet of blossoms perfect for embellishing your favorite clothing or accessories. As a finishing touch for all your handmade garments or a great pick-me-up for a vintage find, these lovely blooms are the perfect way to use up scraps of yarn or try out interesting new yarns.
Breeze through this gorgeous collection featuring a colorful palette of simple spiraling roses, saucer-sized poppies, delicate lilacs, an assortment of vegetables, and more. All are shown full-size and in scale and is complete with stitched leaves and embroidered stems. Each flower has full instructions, yarn requirements, and a suggested skill level. An additional section serves as a refresher course with basic techniques and provides inspiration for embellishing your finished flowers with beads, buttons, and sequins. You can also learn how to use the flowers in a range of fun projects, from customizing clothing and accessories, to decorating gift-wrapped packages.
This book will inspire all knitters and crocheters to pick up their needles and start creating their own beautiful blooms.

Knitting Goes Large: 20 Designs to Flatter Your Figure by Sharon Brant, Wendy Baker, Martin Storey, Jennie Atkinson

Published 2008

Trying to find great knit designs in larger sizes is not always easy. Knitting Goes Large aims to fill the gap by offering a selection of 20 great knits for all occasions and all seasons for larger women with varying figure types. This beautiful collection of plus-size styles will appeal to women who want more generously proportioned garments, and this time, by popular request, the knits go a size or two larger than many other books available.

The key designs are by Martin Storey, Wendy Baker, Jennie Atkinson, and Kim Hargreaves, edited by Sharon Brant, coauthor of Rowan's Classic Knits for Real Women. Sharon, a plus-size woman herself, offers an introduction which explains how to make the right pattern choice for your figure type and size, how to amend patterns, for example, should you lengthen or shorten a garment to make the most of your assets, helpful dos and don'ts and tons of advice on garment sizes and shapes, details, textures, and colors that will complement a curvaceous figure. The patterns come in six sizes, starting from size 16, giving a chance for even the most generously-sized women to find something that will suit their figure type. Included are some great contemporary designs, with an emphasis on softly wrapping shapes, which is ideal for fuller figures.

Whether you are looking for warm winter jackets, comfortable sweaters, cool, summer cardigans or tunics, neat tops to wear under a suit or pretty evening cover-ups, you will find something to suit your figure and your taste, all in popular, classic Rowan yarns. The designs in this book are perfect for real everyday women looking to sport a comfortable, contemporary style that fits their shape.

Country Weekend Knits by Madeline Weston

Published 2008

Fashions come and go, but some designs are truly timeless. Country Weekend Knits features a collection of twenty-five classic patterns that showcase the rich heritage of traditional British knitwear. Many of these beautiful patterns are based on original designs dating as far back as the eighteenth century, which have been passed down through generations of knitters, and reinterpreted here in contemporary colors and yarns. The rich textures, the soft natural colors, and intricate patterns of these appealing knits instantly conjure up a host of comforting images while evoking the serene charm of the English countryside.

Beautifully photographed, the designs and patterns are interspersed with evocative, scene-setting photographs of the coastline and the countryside. With complete step-by-step instructions for every sweater.

Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys

Published 2008

Whatever their activities, we think you’ll agree: babies should wear hats. Mainly because they look so darned cute in hats! And they look really, really cute in Baby Beanies. Author and photographer Amanda Keeys designed these enchanting toppers for her professional portraits of babies, and her simple patterns use bright colors, lush textures, and quirky embellishments to rise to the top. Directions for basic stitches and techniques are included, so even beginning knitters can easily whip up a present for a special baby. Readers will enjoy the engaging text and the adorable photos. Go beyond blue for boys and pink for girls—make them something nice from Baby Beanies!

200 Knitting Tips, Techniques and Trade Secrets by Betty Barnden

Published 2008

The basics of knitting are quick to master, but learning to create a stylish, professional finish usually takes much longer. This book contains over 200 professional fixes, insider tips, and secrets arranged by topic to enable any crafter to achieve a great fit and finish when knitting garments and accessories. You will also learn how to dye yarns easily in an ordinary kitchen to get the color combinations you want, and how to embellish garments with surface decoration and beads to express your own personality. unlike most other knitting books, 200 KNITTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES & TRADE SECRETS shows you how to adapt and design garments to suit your own size, shape, and preferences, and the book is packed with a wealth of informative and inspirational ideas.

Each topic, self-contained in a one- or two-page section, is fully explained and illustrated with specially commissioned step-by-step photographs and detailed artwork. For ease of use, every topic is cross-referenced to allow the reader to dip in and out for help and advice. Aimed at all knitters from beginners to the more experienced 200 KNITTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES & TRADE SECRETS contains a wealth of essential technical information and handy tips.

Loom Knitting Pattern Book: 32 Easy, No-Needle Designs for All Loom Knitters by Isela Phelps

Published 2008 - This one is for you Nan!

For all those who have struggled to knit with needles, loom knitting is an easy craft to master---in only a few hours even the novice knitter can create fabulous accessories, clothes, bags, afghans, and more. Loom knitting is a revolutionary way of knitting that uses a circular or rectangular loom, or a knitting board, consisting of a frame with pegs. Looms are fun and easy to use, even for those with no knitting experience.

In her follow-up to the successful LOOM KNITTING PRIMER, Isela offers over 32 projects ranging from simple to advanced, each with illustrations and crystal clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Learn how to make more original, beautiful, and practical items quickly and easily. An essential resource for both the novice loom-knitter and the experienced knitter hungry for new patterns.

Strip & Knit with Style: Create Fabric-Yarn - Use Cotton, Wool, Fleece & More - Knit 16 Projects for You & Your Home by Mark Hordyszynski

Published 2008

Strip & Knit with Style! No, not that kind of stripping. Strips of fabric! Get your mind out of the gutter and take your knitting to a whole new place with these clever projects, each one made with strips of fabric. Start with surprising fabrics—cotton, rayon, linen, hemp, silk, wool, polyester, even lace, faux fur, polar fleece! Then start knitting, following the simple directions to make sixteen sophisticated projects. Add paint, buttons, feathers, and more to make unique garments (and home accessories) that mean you’ll never have to strip again. Not in the clothes-off way, anyhow.

150 Knitted Trims: Designs for Beautiful Decorative Edgings, from Beaded Braids to Cables, Bobbles and Fringes by Lesley Stanfield

Published 2007

150 Knitted Trims offers a beautiful and diverse collection of contemporary and classic trims. Each trim is displayed in a swatch with complete row-by-row instructions, plus information on the dimensions of the finished trim and the amount of yarn required per length. Select from colorful zigzags and chevrons; twisted cords and bobble fringes; woven ribbon-effect braids; textured leaves, flowers, fruit and more. And there are ideas galore for using the trims on items such as baby blankets, bags, and throws, plus inspirational suggestions for color and embellishments.Suitable for both beginners and avid enthusiasts, 150 Knitted Trims is organized in two main sections for ease of use: first, a directory of the trims shown actual size (so they can be “tested” on your designs). And second, easy-to-follow complete pattern instructions for each trim. Each design is graded according to skill level. An additional section includes a refresher course of stitches and techniques used for guaranteed success. A companion book to 150 Crochet Trims, and another book that all knitters and crocheters will want to add to their library!