Men's Knits: 20 New Classics by Erika Knight

Published 2009

Whether you’re a man or a woman, chances are you’re holding this book because you want to find the right knitting project for a man in your life—be it your husband, your dad, or your best friend. But men are difficult to buy clothes for, not to mention knit for. They don’t want anything fussy, or too trendy. The color palette needs to be classic and the yarn should be soft but§ durable. They want something comfortable they can wear for years.

So join knitter extraordinaire Erika Knight as she takes on the knitwear that men love. Knight started her career designing menswear and over the decades she’s completely figured out their clothes-buying mentality. In Men’s Knits, she applies that expertise to come up with 20 projects that guys are sure to wear. Using classic shapes, a mostly neutral palette (but with some teals and chocolates thrown in for the slightly flashier guy), and natural yarns like wool, bamboo, and hemp, every piece is distinctive and stylish.

For men young and old, these designs will become the sweaters, vests, scarves, and hats they reach for again and again. The zipper cardigan is perfect for both reading the paper on Sunday morning and a casual dinner with friends on Sunday night. The herringbone sweater will impress his future boss at his next interview, or his future in-laws at their next family gathering. The argyle vest works on every man, whether he’s buttoned-up or laid back. Together, they’ll be the new classics you’ll want to knit, give, and maybe even borrow for years to come.

Whether it’s a textured vest or a hand-dyed sweater, you’re sure to findsomething that’ll look good on the man in your life–and not end up forever buried in his bureau.

The Knitter's Handbook: Yarns - Needles - Stitches - Techniques by Eleanor Van Zandt

Published 2009

From casting on and understanding patterns to creating intricate stitches and edgings, here is all the knitting know-how you'll ever need.

Whether you're a new knitter who wants to learn the basics, or an experienced knitter who wants to try complex patterns, THE KNITTER'S HANDBOOK provides clear, easy-to-follow guidance for over 250 stitches and techniques. Beginning with basics like casting on and simple textures and eventually building up to cables, jacquards, fair isles, embellishments and intricate ribbon patterns, this terrific visual resource offers a combination of photos and diagrams so it's easy to understand stitches and patterns at a glance.

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.

Knitted & Felted Children's Clothes: 22 Delightful Designs for Tops, Hats, Scarves and Bags by Zoe Halstead

Published 2009

Using both knitting skills and felting techniques in which knitted materials are shrunk in hot water to create softer, fuzzier fabrics, the 22 designs featured here encompass a broad array of clothing styles and designs for toddlers and young children. There's a Jurassic Jacket for aspiring paleontologists, Groovy Gloves sure to keep little fingers warm on a blustery autumn day, and a Princess Cape that will become the prize possession of any young girl. Complete technical instructions, diagrams, charts, and color photography ensure that anyone can complete the projects.

Debbie Bliss Tips for Knitters : Stitches and Seams to Finishing Touches by Debbie Bliss

Published 2009

Written for new knitters looking for quick tips and experienced knitters desiring to improve their skills, this reference full of tested techniques outlines knitting essentials and gives crafters the know-how for creating their own patterns. Starting with the basics—from choosing yarns to casting on and off—this one-stop guide then moves to more complex procedures, such as incorporating buttons and beads. Useful advice can also be found in the section on correcting common errors, which is ideal for troubleshooting while working on a project. With beautiful photographs and simple illustrations, this is the perfect, all-in-one resource to keep in a knitting bag.

All New Homespun Handknit : 25 Small Projects to Knit with Handspun Yarn by Amy Clarke Moore

Published 2009

A follow-up to the original Homespun Handknit—a perennial bestseller for two decades—this collection revitalizes the craft of handspun yarn for a whole new generation of spinners and knitters. Packed with modern and traditional spinning know-how and 25 sophisticated, easy-to-learn projects, the guide helps crafters create unique gifts and wearable fashion while refining their skills and enhancing their understanding of this popular art form. With designs from some of the most influential knitters and spinners working today—including Kathryn Alexander, Jeanine Bakridges, and Abby Franquemont—this inspiring resource features hats, mittens, scarves, socks, bags, children’s items, wraps, and home décor options to challenge fiber artists of all skill levels. Imparting essential and informative advice—on measuring yarns, reviewing woolen versus worsted, drive/tension differences, special techniques, and basic yarn dynamics—and complemented by basic knitting and spinning glossaries, this refreshing contemporary companion to a much-loved classic is an indispensable addition to every craft lover’s bookshelf.

One More Skein : 30 Quick Projects to Knit by Leigh Radford, John Mulligan (Photographer)

Published 2009

“Two needles and one (or one more) skein of yarn—the possibilities never cease to amaze me,” writes Leigh Radford in the introduction to her new book. Radford’s fascination with the creative potential of these raw materials is evident throughout One More Skein, where she melds the alternative approach to knitting and felting she introduced in AlterKnits and AlterKnits Felt with the magic she worked with a single skein of yarn in the bestselling One Skein.
One More Skein features 30 diverse projects that can be completed with one or two average-sized skeins of yarn or multiple bits of leftover yarn. Projects include an earflap hat sized for the whole family; fingerless mitts; sweaters, britches, and capelets for baby; hemp jewelry embellished with jump ring “beads”; a felted, pleated sleeve to dress up a vase; and a multicolored blanket worked from assorted stash yarn. All of them are quick and relatively easy to make, without sacrificing beauty or ingenuity.

The Big Book of Socks: The Ultimate Beyond-The-Basics Guide to Knitting Socks by Kathleen Taylor

Published 2009

Welcome to Kathleen Taylor's latest knitting extravaganza - a sock party in a book! The author of the best-selling Knit One, Felt Too and I Heart Felt is back with everything you ever wanted to know about socks, with 75 patterns to prove it. The Big Book of Socks is chock full of Kathleen Taylor's fun and fabulous designs for knitters of all ages and skill levels. There's something for everyone from stripes to cables to lace to intarsia and Fair Isle. You'll find funky toe-socks, snowflake house socks, booties, Christmas stockings, beaded socks, and many, many more. Taylor's instructions are a breeze to follow and she includes a special section that gives three different approaches to heel and toe construction. Each pattern contains sizing for children, women, and men, plus the book is packed with technique tips and information on selecting yarn and needles.

Norwegian Handknits: Heirloom Designs from Vesterheim Museum by Sue Flanders, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Staff (Contribution by), Laurann G

Published 2009

30 patterns for handknits from Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa—folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, wristers, handbags, knapsacks, and sweaters—complete with history of the tradition.

Knitted Homestyle by Hachette

Published 2009

Knitted Homestyle brings together the best hand-knit projects from The Art of Knitting magazine, offering a wealth of ideas for any knitter. A diverse range of home accessory projects, from knitted pictures, pillows and throws to pet blankets and smaller more delicate projects such as egg cozies fill the pages. As with all Knitter's Bible project books, knitting techniques are clearly explained and easy-to-follow. Relish in this valuable resource of contemporary and stylish knitted projects that are sure to brighten up any home.

Silky Little Knits: Luxurious Designs and Accessories in Mohair-Silk Yarns by Alison Crowther-Smith

Published 2009

With more than 20 unique projects, this collection of designs for knitting with mohair-silk yarn—a popular fiber known for its gossamer lightness and wonderful sheen—is the perfect gift for knitters craving new crafting ideas. A superb assortment of projects are featured, such as the gleam shawl, latticework scarf, stella shrug, starry beaded cape and corsage, colorwash mittens, frilled socks and bag, and ribbed hat, as well as designs for cushions and a throw, and a few projects that use classic wool and cotton yarns. For those new to the skill, a wide range of tips are shared, from how to turn the heel on a sock to knitting on four needles.

It's In the Bag: Knitting Projects to Take & Make by Kara Gott Warner (Editor)

Published 2009

Featuring helpful tips on how to make traveling with knitting fun and easy, these projects offer a variety of travel-friendly designs. This guide is all about the knitting bag—what to put in it, how to organize it, and where to take it. A special addition is the Take & Make Journal, which helps to track progress on the road by allowing knitters to log yarn, needles, and where they last left off in the pattern.

Noro : Meet the Man Behind the Legendary Yarn*Knit 40 Fabulous Designs by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

Published 2009

No one creates yarns like Eisaku Noro. Made from rich natural materials and employing innovative color-blending techniques with long-repeat variegation, they have been acclaimed worldwide. In 2008, Noro yarn expert Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton sat down with the artist in his native Japan to discuss his craft, his commitment to sustainability and his unwavering dedication to knitting as an art form. The result is this fully-illustrated guide to using Noro yarns to best effect. Packed with color photographs and insights into the world of Noro, it features some 30 stunning projects, including hat-and-scarf sets, intricate pullovers, a richly textured shirt, and even a charming doggie vest!

The Joy of Sox: 30+ must-knit designs by Linda Kopp

Published 2009

Sox rocks! Here comes the hottest collection of knitted socks yet, filled with 30-plus designs, a variety of techniques, tips, and playful trivia from those in the know. And it’s all in one flirtatiously fresh package.
Aimed at the knitter who is super-passionate about socks, The Joy of Sox delivers on its name. With their tantalizing cables, intricate lacework, and intriguing color work, the patterns represent the very best in sock design. There are revamped classics, bold new styles, and even a few themed socks—like the diamond lace thigh-highs and toeless pedicure socks.
In addition to the results of our online knitting poll, you’ll also get fun stuff, including info from knitting personality Laurie Perry and phenoms Laura Bryant and Shannon Okey.

Cardigans by Louisa Harding

Published 2009

With their classic flair and unsurpassed versatility, cardigans are a staple of women's wardrobes. In her attractive new collection, famed knitwear designer Louisa Harding shares her patterns for gorgeous cardigans in styles ranging from romantic and feminine to fun and flirty. Knit in Harding’s own line of luxurious yarns, the projects include an adorable cardigan with picot edging and a sailor collar; one with short puffed sleeves and lace trim; a swingy cropped cardigan; a summery striped version with a single-button closure; and a comfy knee-length cardigan with pockets. They’re sure to be popular with all knitters.