Nancy Bush, an Estonian knitting authority, helps knitters deepen their knowledge of knitting in Estonia, home to some of the oldest knitted artifacts in northern Europe.

    This witty collection represents a pitch-perfect send up of one of the most rapidly growing hobbies today. Including 75 cartoons, deftly rendered in pen and ink with watercolor wash, and several humorous short essays, every knitter is sure to find elements of themselves in this collection.

    . . a sort of David Sedaris-like take on knitting-laugh-out-loud funny most of the time and poignantly reflective when it's not cracking you up." --Library Journal on Yarn HarlotStephanie Pearl-McPhee returns to pen another hilarious and poignant collection of essays surrounding her favorite topics: knitting, knitters, and what happens when you get those two things anywhere near ordinary people.For the 60 million knitters in America, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (a.k.a. the Yarn Harlot) shares stories of knitting horrors and triumphs, knitting successes and defeats, but, mostly, stories about the human condition that ring true for everyone-especially if you happen to have a rather large amount of yarn in your house.Pearl-McPhee maintains a popular blog at www.yarnharlot.ca. Divided into sections relating to each essay's content, such as women, politics, family, and overcoming boredom, Free-Range Knitter will entertain yarnsmiths who enjoy sharing in the collective experiences of the woolen and silky skein.

    You’ll laugh with Pearl-McPhee as she realizes that “babies grow” after spending nights knitting a now-too-small sweater. “Beginning is easy, continuing is hard” takes on a new meaning to the knitter who has five projects going, but wants to start another. The next time you drop a stitch, take a cue from this insightful collection and remember, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

    Or a sophisticated cashmere wrap featuring rich jewel tones that set off a favorite black dress. Knitting teacher and author Margaret Radcliffe presents a world of color techniques in a single comprehensive reference that you'll consult every time two or more yarn colors are in play. Stitchers of every ability level will love the color-combining methods and professional secrets revealed in The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques.Multicolor knitting techniques are explained with step-by-step illustrations and photographs accompanied by instructive text. Complete chapters on stripes, stitch effects, knitting with multicolor yarns, stranded knitting, and intarsia cover the theory and how-to behind each method as well as offering creative solutions for handling tangled yarn, estimating yarn quantities of each color, tips on how to handle all those ends, and stunning finishing techniques. An additional chapter describes more unusual techniques, such as helix, shadow, mosaic, and modular knitting.

    Here, Lisa Lloyd explores the different qualities of handspun yarns and presents projects that show them to their best advantage. Each of the 26 projects shows the finished item knitted with both a handspun and a commercial yarn.

    And who better than Debbie Stoller to show you how. The expert knitter and gifted, edgy author who introduced knitting to a new generation with her "New York Times" bestseller, "Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook," now shows her readers how to do more lots more. "Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting" is the only knitter's handbook to teach the full array of advanced knitting techniques and skills, such as double-knitting, knitting lace, complicated color work, beading, and more. Writing with the clarity that makes her such an effective teacher, and the attitude that got her dubbed "knitting superstar" ("San Francisco Chronicle"), Stoller explains how to "knit by the numbers;" get creative with stripes; embellish with crochet, beading, and I-cords; how to make cable patterns; and how to use color forms. There's also a whole section on DIY which gives a tutorial on creating your own knitting patterns. And then the brilliant icing on the cake 41 cool, funky, and fabulous patterns from Debbie and the Stitch 'n Bitch community: a fluttery Rococco Shawl, Cap Sleeve Lattice Sweater, Jackie-O sequined cardigan, Empire Strikes Back dress, the adorable Button It children's sweater with changeable animal patches. Plus sexy stockings, stylish handbags, blankets, scarves, and more, all photographed in full-color.Errata link:http://www.knithappens.com/content/vi...

    Building on the success of their website and blog, authors Gardiner and Shayne wind their way through patterns for adults, children and homes.

    Similar to prayer shawls, friendship shawls are handmade gifts of caring. They're perfect for special occasions or simply as friendship gifts. In addition, these shawls make wonderful gifts for individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, and shelters. Includes 10 shawls to knit.

    Everyone has heard the mantra 'Knitting is the new yoga' but not everyone is lucky enough to have someone to show them the ropes and get them started on their very first row. Unless they have a friend or relative to teach them how to start, often would-be knitters turn to the so-called 'beginners patterns' but these can be confusing, difficult to follow, and more often than not written in 'knit' rather than English. This book will be a tried and tested guide for people at the very beginning of their knitting lives, looking for guidance and patterns for projects that they can use to make that first all-important step to 'Beyond the Scarf'.Contents include: Knitting Basics: Getting Started; Knitter's First Project: The Scarf; Workshops: Decreasing; Creating a Rib; Changing Colour; Increasing; Finishing; Knitting a Flower; Cable: Making a Cable; Making a Cable Bag; Eyelets and so on...

    A weaver and a poet whose Buddhist stupa sits near the barns of their Massachusetts farm. Two scientists turned sheep farmers whose flock grazes in the shadows of Montana’s Bridger Mountains. A Navajo sheep herder and craftsman in the Black Mesa region of Arizona whose endangered breed of sheep were rescued from extinction. These are just a few of the captivating portraits of America’s fiber farms and ranches featured in Shear Spirit.Part coffee-table book, part inspirational work, and part pattern guide, Shear Spirit connects knitters to the yarn-producing community in a new and intimate way. Filled with stunning photographs, fascinating essays, and heartwarming profiles, this book follows the writer and photographer to 10 fiber farms and ranches across America-from the Willamette Valley of Oregon to the coast of Maine-capturing the essence of the people, places, and animals that, together, create yarn. Twenty projects featuring yarns from the farms surveyed will inspire knitters everywhere.A visual journey to America’s fiber farms and ranches plus a rich inside look at the challenging but rewarding lives of the people who have devoted their lives to harvesting and spinning fleece into yarn, Shear Spirit takes fiber enthusiasts of all ages and interests right to the source of their common passion.

    In "Around the World in Knitted Socks," you'll travel through world cultures by foot and try your hand at new patterns and techniques.Using stitch motifs and colors, knitting techniques and construction details, the socks blend regional knitting traditions with Stephanie's unique design flair. Drawing inspiration from signature local textiles such as Turkish kilim carpets, Japanese sashiko embroidery, Belgian lace, American quilts, and Scottish argyle tartan, each pattern is distinctly tied to both country and culture. You'll also learn traditional knitting techniques including Estonian and Latvian braids, Norwegian stranded knitting, and Austrian twisted-stitch designs.Though each pattern in "Around the World in Knitted Socks" draws on a different global inspiration, the thoughtful construction and attention to detail are signature elements of Stephanie's work and are showcased in both detailed photography and an illustrated glossary.

    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 the babies who model for her, 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 funny, engaging text and the hundreds of adorable photos. Go beyond blue for boys and pink for girl—make them something nice from Baby Beanies!

    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.

    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.

    This book includes loom-knitting techniques for both round and rectangular looms, together with practice projects. It includes more than 30 nifty, no-needle patterns.

    This re-publication of the 1972 classic "A Stitch In Time" by Jane Waller, is a collection of original knitting and crochet patterns from the 1920s through the 1940s, with an overview of the style of each decade and its social context.Now photographed in full colour, with multi-sized patterns and knitted in contemporary yarns, these beautiful vintage designs are once again available, and accessible to us all.This 300 page book contains over 60 designs, each showing both the original pattern and the new version.Beautifully photographed and styled this new volume enhances and expands on the original whilst retaining all of its retro charm.This book is inspirational not just to the knitter but also to the designer, collector, fashion student, dress historian, stylist and anyone in love with yesteryear.

    The Prayer Shawl Companion presents 38 wondrous wraps for all occasions from baptism to remembrance. The book includes easy intermediate to challenging patterns that include heartwarming stories to and from shawl recipients. 176 pages.

    Basic techniques are thoroughly explained through clear artworks and easy-to-follow instructions, complete with advice on choosing your yarns, needles and crochet hooks.

    Includes inspirational letters to The Lion Brand Company concerning the ministry, prayers for many occasions and concerns, a handy guide to Lion Brand Homespun colors, and a brief overview of the new friendship shawl movement.

    Styles range from lace to stranded colorwork to cables with an occasional touch of whimsy. Some socks feature unusual construction, others beautiful graphic elements. One pattern even comes with holes built in (no darning necessary)! Each chapter is beautifully illustrated with pictures of the socks, and an inkling of the inspiration behind the pattern. Detailed yarn information, including color recommendations and WPI information, make it easy to substitute yarns from your own stash so you'll be able to sit down and begin one of these lovely patterns right away.

    This style of knitting has been simplified by the author to enable you to work both sides in a single pass. M'Lou's stunning designs for coats, jackets, and shawls are all easily accessible through detailed charts as well as written instructions. An extensive technical section along with a chapter of assorted practice items will help you fall into the rhythm of this increasingly popular type of hand-knitting.

    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.

    With the guidance of this knitting bible, stitching will be a cinch and you'll be well on your way to impressing family and friends!Learn the basics of different knitting stylesGet helpful tips and advice on yarns and equipmentFind 40 stitch patterns and knitted swatches in a beautiful stitch galleryTry projects ranging from bags and blankets to hats and sweaters

    A collection of eclectic styles and the essentials to create the individual designs. Also, a guide to assist with techniques and finishing touches.

    With handmade felted fabrics, subtle variations in color, texture, and volume can be achieved: threads and fibers merge almost magically to form new motifs that can then be enlivened by embroidered or crocheted details.Françoise Tellier-Loumagne takes an original approach to the world of feltmaking, finding design inspiration in calm morning skies, spectacular sunsets, and brilliant fireworks displays. The book includes basic techniques that can be used to create felted fabrics from scratch, such as needle-felting and tufting, along with imaginative ideas for ready-made felt. With a little artistic guidance, clouds across the moon can be turned into an eye-catching necklace, or a stormy sky may inspire a striking scarf or cushion cover.Illustrated with hundreds of images, this book will be a treasure trove for anyone interested in original textile design.

    Designed specifically with the budget knitter, the charity knitter and the novice knitter in mind, this collection consists of 10 quick and cute designs that are guaranteed to please any parent! This budget collection contains no tutorials, and all patterns are provided in written format only, using common & beginner to intermediate techniques.

    As some knitters craft mittens and sweaters, others find themselves taking flight into the realm of art.  Some become true fiber artists, creating exhibition-quality quilts and sweaters and shawls, yarn mobiles and sculptures and gigantic abstract installations.  An exploration of art knitting, this book profiles eighteen of the most prominent and intriguing practitioners of this craft-turned-art.  Karen Searle, herself a recognized fiber artist, examines the works and inspirations of each of these knit artists.  Numerous photographs illustrate each profile, documenting these artists’ work and at the same time offering inspiration to those who might transcend the purely practical aspect of knitting.  Among the artists encountered here are such nationally known knitters as movement founder Katharine Cobey, Carolyn Halliday, Debbie New, Lisa Anne Auerbach, Lindsay Obermayer, Kathryn Alexander, and others.

    Susan has included color samples defining 561 shades and tones as well as the dye recipes used for this palette. These color samples will aide the dyer to understand the visual affect of adding complementary color, black or brown to attain the final desired color.

    Part knitting instruction book and part sassy style guide, this book goes beyond teaching the basics - size, motif placement, and balance principles - and tackles all-new methods for creating knitwear with brilliant colours and sumptuous textures that big girls can wear.

    Find out everything you need to get started, from choosing the right old sweaters to the simplest, most reliable method of felting. Photographs display piecing and cutting techniques for felted sweaters, machine and hand embroidery for added interest, and sewing techniques to finish off each project. Imaginative embellishments are also here, including fabulous felted flowers and three kinds of buttonholes. With more than 30 projects for capes, vests, shawls, slippers, scarves, hats, tote bags, purses, jewelry, jackets, and even a cute dog sweater. Crafters will soon be felting away!

    For that reason, we present this collection of shawls and throws along with a selection of prayers and blessings. Knitters of all ages and all skill levels will love this book! 16 pages

    Cotton yarn makes each cloth absorbent and long-wearing. Don't forget to make extras for housewarming gifts! 15 designs by Evelyn A. Clark: Sun; Bubbles Border; Waves Border; Hearts Wreath; Shells Wreath; Leaves; Berries; Quilted Hearts; Hearts & Flowers; Ripples; Garden; Starfish; Fish; Hearts Border; and Roses Border.