Best of
Knitting

2017

A Stash of One's Own: Knitters on Loving, Living with, and Letting go of Yarn


Clara Parkes - 2017
      This addictive-to-read anthology celebrates yarn—specifically, the knitter’s reputation for acquiring it in large quantities and storing it away in what’s lovingly referred to as a “stash.” Consider contributions from knitting and teaching luminaries, including:    BUST co-founder Debbie Stoller    Meg Swansen, daughter of master knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann    Knitting blogger and author Susan B. Anderson alongside offerings from knitting greats Amy Herzog, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, and Franklin Habit—plus, stories from a romance novelist, an illustrator, a PhD-wielding feminist publisher, a globetrotting textile artist, a licensed clinical social worker, and the people behind the world’s largest collective online stash, Ravelry.com. The pieces range from comical to earnest, lighthearted to deeply philosophical as each seeks to answer the question of how the stash a knitter has accumulated over the years reflects his or her place in universe.   The stories in A Stash of One’s Own represent and provide validation for knitters’ wildly varying perspectives on yarn, from holding zero stash, to stash-busting, to stockpiling masses of it—and even including it in estate plans. These tales are for all fiber artists, spinners, dyers, crafters, crocheters, sheep farmers, shop owners, beginning knitters to yarn experts, and everyone who has ever loved a skein too hard to let it go.

Alterknit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs


Andrea Rangel - 2017
    These non-traditional colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep. Dive into stranded colorwork with confidence with a section on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. Plus, use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs. Be inspired to break the rules and use charts in creative ways with AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary.

Knit Mitts: Your Hand-y Guide to Knitting Mittens & Gloves


Kate Atherley - 2017
    She also addresses yarn choices and knitting techniques for easy care and maximum warmth. Through basic mitten and glove recipes, Kate explains how to measure a hand, assess your yarn selection and gauge, and ultimately customize patterns—including the 10 gorgeous ones inside--to make the best fitting mitts for you and your loved ones. Because the very best mitts are knit to fit!

Plum Dandi Knits: Simple Designs for Luxury Yarns


Alicia Plummer - 2017
    Plush yarns. Perfect match.Sometimes nature's most beautiful details are the perfect inspiration for creating simple yet luxurious knits. In Plum Dandi Knits, Alicia Plummer and Melissa Schaschwary--designers, friends, and leaders of the much-love Plum Dandi group on Ravelry--bring you 23 projects that reflect and react to the natural world with a sumptuous twist of plush fibers, feminine accents, and stylish comfort.Lace that mimics soft forest foliage or the numerous tassels of a pine tree. Textured patterns that call to mind a babbling brook or waterfall. Thick wool shawls and sweaters knit in anticipation of blustery cold days ahead. The uncomplicated pieces in this collection, knit in soft, luxe yarns, are soothing complements to slowing down and settling into peaceful moments. Wherever you seek stillness and calm, Plum Dandi Knits will help take you there.

Winter at Saw-whet Farm


JoAnna Moskal - 2017
    2) It is run by a pair of enthusiastically hapless former city-dwellers with no agricultural experience. 3) It has seen an unsettling amount of animal goo. Farming is weird, especially when it involves goats. Hay is heavier than it looks. Being successful at desk jobs provides absolutely no advantage for working on a farm. Join JoAnna for the winter on her small farm. Through these 20+ essays, share in her daily work (I mean, if you’d like to carry these water buckets…), follow wandering musings about her unconventional lifestyle, and fall in love with her charismatic livestock.

The Mitten Handbook: Knitting Recipes to Make Your Own


Mary Scott Huff - 2017
    This is that book. The Mitten Handbook is much more than an instruction book—it provides a list of mitten ingredients (thumbs, cuffs, tops, edgings, and different constructions), then outlines the best tools and techniques for readers to combine them to knit their own unique creations. The book is organized into three sections. The first presents mitten elements, with a menu of choices that makes get­ting custom results easy. The second section covers the key aspects of construction, including how to measure for the perfect fit, yarn and gauge considerations, and which direction to knit. And the final section provides 20 complete mitten patterns.

Easy Knitted Bears: Knitting patterns for bears and outfits


Fiona Goble - 2017
    The patterns are suitable for almost everyone, whether adventurous beginner or expert. You can create a single-colour bear, a two-tone bear, a striped bear and even a panda – all from one basic pattern. There are also instructions to create a host of clothes, including bride & groom outfits, a graduation outfit, a Santa costume, a ballet outfit, and a sports outfit. If you’re after a cute dress, nightshirt, coat, hat, sweater or dungarees – you’ll find patterns for these, too. The designs can be personalized and you can ‘mix and match’ items to create the perfect gift, not just for new babies and children, but for all bear lovers and almost any occasion! The teddy bears and outfits are all knitted using light worsted/double knitting/8-ply yarn and size US3 (3.25mm) straight knitting needles. The bears are about 7in/18cm tall. The patterns include both US and UK knitting terms. INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR WHEN DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT? More years’ ago than I now care to remember! My Mum’s twin sister Sheelagh taught me when I was about seven years old, just before she emigrated from the UK to Canada. HOW DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS? Partly from the toys and dolls I loved when I was little, but I’m also as addicted to online browsing all the beautiful creative websites out there as anyone else. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT KNITTING? With toys and dolls, which are my knitting of choice, it’s about seeing the little creatures develop their own personality when you sew them together and embroider the features. I’m always amazed that you can create something so cute from just some oddments of yarn and a pair of needles. There’s a bit of effort needed too… but really, not that much. WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO BEGINNER KNITTERS? Like any skill, knitting takes a bit of patience. So start with something small. Think baby hats, fingerless mitts or a knitted lavender bag… definitely not a scarf. They’re simple but they take too long for beginners. And choose some lovely yarn. If you’re putting in all that effort, you’ll appreciate it! WHICH OF YOUR KNITTING BOOKS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Well it has to be my Knit Your Own Royal Wedding back in 2011 when William and Kate tied the knot. Suddenly I found myself being interviewed by newspapers and magazines across the world… I still find it hard to believe. And frankly, it's going to be hard for me to top that! WHAT WAS THE FIRST PATTERN YOU EVER DESIGNED? Apart from some pretty dodgy dolls’ clothes when I was about eight, it was a pink and blue striped owl. I still have it perched on a shelf in my little work room upstairs. The first knitting book I designed was called Knitivity which was a knitted nativity. WHAT NOTIONS CAN'T YOU MANAGE WITHOUT? I’m actually quite a good improviser but I was quite annoyed recently when I lost one of my favourite very short knitting needles which are ideal for knitting small items. Thankfully my son eventually found it by accident, behind my row of knitting reference books. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE KNITTING STITCHES? I love simple combinations of stitches like wide ribbing stitch and waffle stitch. They’ve got enough interest to keep you alert but are still simple enough to keep mistakes and unravelling to a minimum. WHAT'S THE MOST IRRITATING THING THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE KNITTING? Well there’s the obvious one of knots in a ball of yarn that you don’t see till you’re mid-row.

Socks from Around Norway: Over 40 Traditional Knitting Patterns Inspired by Norwegian Folk-Art Collections


Nina Granlund Sæther - 2017
    Beautiful photographs and easy-to-read pattern charts complete the experience, making Socks from Around Norway the ultimate handbook for any Scandinavian sock enthusiast―and a stunning compendium of Norwegian knitting tradition.

Loom Knit Stitch Dictionary | Knitting | Leisure Arts (75566)


Kathy Norris - 2017
    Use the texture-rich and creative patterns in place of plain stitches in your favorite projects, such as hats, scarves, bags, afghans, and more. The 60 stitches in this treasury from Kathy Norris are organized in six technique groups: Knit and Purl Stitches, Twisted Stitches, Rib Patterns, Color Patterns, Lace, and Cables.

350+ Tips, Techniques, and Trade Secrets for Knitting


Betty Barnden - 2017
    Give a stylish finish to your knitted garments and accessories with this essential compendium of knitting know-how. Over 350 tips, techniques, and secrets are explained and illustrated with clear step-by-step photographs and diagrams. Discover how to read patterns and charts, choose color and yarns, mix and match stitch patterns, and adapt designs for the perfect fit.All kinds of stitches abound, from stockinette stitch and ribbing, to lace, Fair Isle, cables, and intarsia work. This book explains all the techniques you'll need in the order you'll need them, from casting on and joining in yarns, to shaping, and adding buttonholes, pockets, and embellishments. Plus, "Try It" and "Fix It" panels suggest ways of practicing and developing new skills and avoiding or correcting common knitting errors.

Tuck Stitches: Sophistication in Handknitting


Nancy Marchant - 2017
    

Stunning Stitches: 21 Shawls, Scarves, and Cowls You'll Love to Knit


Jen Lucas - 2017
    Discover seven eye-catching stitch patterns, each used to create three distinctive accessories, such as a sensational scarf, a cozy cowl, and a spectacular shawl. You'll be amazed by how the stitch patterns add that special something to each project--knit all 21 designs Close-up photos of all seven stitch patterns are included This all-new collection includes projects for a range of skill levels

Cocoknits Sweater Workshop


Julie Weisenberger - 2017
    The book expands on the simple, seamless, top-down styling we’ve come to expect from Cocoknits.All designs are worked from the neckline down, so once the neck and yoke area are established, the knitter can just cruise through generating the sweater and not worry about counting or losing track of their place in the pattern. Another advantage of knitting top-down is the ability to try on your garment as you work, to ensure the fit is right.In addition to all new patterns, Julie has dedicated a section of the book to an in-depth guide to choosing the right patterns for your figure type with considerations for colorwork, textured stitches, and hemlines all working in concert to create the right silhouette for you.

Nudinits: Bare-Bottomed Fun from the Village of Woolly Bush


Sarah Simi - 2017
    Every puppet, set and prop in the film has been knitted by hand and it’s full of cheeky English humor. So, here is the book of the film! With hilarious stills from the film paired with rude and amusing captions, the book reveals a day in the life of this most unusual of villages. Included are 20 exclusive knitting patterns so you can knit Bernard and Barbara, upstanding Woolly Bush citizens, and their accessories. Bursting with British eccentricity, double entendres and the odd bare bottom, this enchanting book will appeal to humor-lovers and knitting fans alike.

Shetland


Marie Wallin - 2017
    The collection of 8 garment and 4 accessory designs for women was photographed around the Shetland Islands capturing the wild beauty of this remote part of Scotland.

Leafy Brioche: Knitted Cowls and Scarves


Nancy Marchant - 2017
    

Illuminated Knits


Lucy Hague - 2017
    Illuminated Knits is a collection of four knitting patterns by Scottish designer Lucy Hague, inspired by the rich colours and intricate decorations found in illuminated Celtic manuscripts.These designs (two shawls, a blanket and a pullover) all make use of a slipped-stitch cable technique which creates contrasting colour effects, without the need for intarsia or stranded knitting.All of the patterns are presented in both charted and written form, and full explanations are provided for every stitch, along with a brief guide to selecting colours for your project.With photos shot on location at Inchcolm Abbey in the Firth of Forth, this book aims to provide an inspiring reinterpretation of Insular Celtic art, using inventive cable-knitting techniques.

Inspired by Islay


Kate Davies - 2017
    Knitting patterns, essays and photographs inspired by the island of Islay.

60 More Quick Baby Blankets: Cozy Knits in the 128 Superwash® 220 Superwash® Collections from Cascade Yarns®


Sixth & Spring Books - 2017
    It features a range of techniques, from simple-yet-impressive knit/purl patterns to cabling, intarsia, and more, sure to entice knitters of every level. And the designs are absolutely, irresistibly adorable, including modern stripes and motifs, whimsical animals, whales in sailboats, and a cozy mermaid tail. Every blanket is made from soft, durable, and machine-washable Cascade Yarns' 128 and 220 Superwash wool, and will be loved for years to come.

Mosaic & Lace Knits: 20 Innovative Patterns Combining Slip-Stitch Colorwork and Lace Techniques


Barbara Benson - 2017
    The impact of two-color knitting made while knitting with only one color yarn per row--yes, please! Add in a dash of lace to keep the fabric flexible, and what you end up with are knockout colorful knits with beautiful and comfortable drape. Barbara Benson has been experimenting with the fusion of mosaic knitting and lace stitches over the past few years, and has created this breathtaking collection of 20 shawls, cowls, scarves, hats, and other accessories. To make the patterns accessible to any knitter, she has added a helpful instructional section that covers the basics of knitting slip stitches, how to read lace and mosaic charts, how to work mosaic in the round, and tips and tricks to help you avoid potential pitfalls. The book has projects for all level knitters. Start with a project in which the mosaic and lace are worked in different sections, such as a hat with alternating bands of mosaic and lace. Then progress to more complex patterns where the slip stitch and lace stitches are worked at the same time. Each stitch plays an important role--these patterns will keep the interest of even the most experienced knitter!

200 Fun Things to Crochet: Decorative Flowers, Leaves, Bugs, Butterflies and More!


Lesley Stanfield - 2017
    

35 Knitted Baby Blankets: For the nursery, stroller, and playtime


Laura Strutt - 2017
    In reality there is very little a newborn needs other than warmth and love and what better way to show that you care than to hand-knit a beautiful baby blanket.

The String That Binds Us: Articles on Crafting


Jennifer White - 2017
    She mixes her crafting hobbies with her own personal reflections on life and family.

Dimensional Tuck Knitting: An Innovative Technique for Creating Surface Design


Tracy Purtscher - 2017
    All a knitter must do is knit a field of stockinette with a few precisely placed knit or purl stitches that act as markers, pick up a stitch here and there, and then work those stitches in a simple manner. This takes advantage of the flexibility of knitted fabric, creating a series of manipulated welts that bend, fold, and double back on themselves for vibrant three-dimensional texture.   With step-by-step instructions and illuminating information on every aspect of the technique, this volume provides a comprehensive understanding that will inspire knitters of all skill levels. More than 85 patterns, each with written and charted instructions, will dazzle; and the collection of 10 projects—ranging from a mohair shawl to a cozy blanket, from a bulky pullover to elegant fingerless mitts—will stun. So, give Dimensional Tuck Knitting a try. It's the perfect new technique for all yarn weights, all projects, and every knitter who loves texture.

Minnesota 52: 16 Knits Inspired by the Road


Cori Eichelberger - 2017
    The exquisite photography, by Gale Zucker. taken along the actual road, appeals to knitters young and old alike. Make your travel arrangements, gather up a group of friends, and cast on your favorite patterns; or why not start a knit-a-long and see all the wonderful color combinations your friends develop. With the book Minnesota 52, you'll have everything you need for all your knitterly travels.Cori and Megan invite you to join them in casting on 16 easy-to-knit, clever designs for the adventurous beginner to the seasoned knitter, including:* 6 sweater designs* 2 pairs of socks* 2 hats* 2 cowls* 2 mitt(en)s* 1 shawl* a surprise design* and a delicious recipe for your travels.

Cornish Guernseys & Knitfrocks


Mary Wright - 2017
    Contract-knitting - the occupation of many Cornish women - had died out by the 1920s and was almost forgotten until Mary Wright started asking old people what they remembered of it. Her research has resulted in a remarkable picture of social history. This new, updated edition of Cornish Guernseys & Knit-frocks includes many delightful contemporary photographs, and detailed instructions and charts show how to knit a Cornish guernsey incorporating one of 30 local patterns