Drawing on decades of experience as a knitting instructor and designer, Maggie Righetti offered step-by-step directions on avoiding common mistakes and getting out of tricky spots.Now, in this completely updated and revised version, Righetti gives readers what they've asked for: advice on making all different garments, working with new patterns and different kinds of yarn, and even an introduction to her own legendary history. Neither aggressively hip nor bafflingly encyclopedic, Knitting in Plain English offers basic principles that will make any project---from a basic blanket to an intricate sweater---rewarding.Having Knitting in Plain English on the shelf is like having the gift of your own knitting teacher available to help at all times with any thorny problem.

    With easy-to-follow instructions for 16 distinct felines, Knit Your Own Cat is the irresistible guide to knitting the pet you've always wanted. Cats and knitters are perfect companions. What's better together than a kitten curled up in a basket of wool or a frisky feline chasing a skein of yarn down a hallway? Since the instant success of Knit Your Own Dog, cat lovers have been clamoring for a book of their own. That time has come. Knit Your Own Cat is packed with knitting patterns for 16 different fanciful felines, from a pretty Persian to a sleek Siamese, from a cuddly kitten to a traditional tabby. The cats are surprisingly easy to make: With a few evenings of work, you can have a covetable companion for life. Each cat includes clear, step-by-step instructions for both knitting and assembling the parts. The cats can be knit into various positions such as standing, sitting, crouching, and curled up for a nap. You can add details like collars, bells, and bows. Photographs throughout show the finished cat from various angles, and each cat is accompanied by a description of its real-life temperament and physical characteristics. Cats include: Abyssinian, Bengal, Black Cat, Black & White, British Shorthair, Burmese, Devon Rex, Kitten, Maine Coon, Orange, Persian, Ragdoll, Siamese, Tabby, Tortoiseshell, and Turkish Van.

    Now, the influential needlecraft guru has become a “two-timer,” bringing the same ingenuity, innovative eye, and solid fashion sense that she’s always exhibited in her knitting design to the world of crochet. In Loop-d-Loop Crochet, Durham presents more than 25 designs that are as up-to-the-minute, style-wise, as they are thoroughly steeped in crochet stitchwork tradition. Each of the projects, which range from purses, skirts, shawls, and sweaters for the whole family to a hammock and a pair of brocade boots, epitomizes Durham’s signature design sensibility, which she describes as “a tension of opposites—rough-hewn yet delicate, stark yet feminine, organic yet structured.” Decked out in evocative color photographs (by Adrian Buckmaster), a diverse cast of models show off the finished garments. Beginner and advanced crocheters will find Durham’s novel approach refreshing and inspiring. And for newcomers just making the switch from knitting, Loop-d-Loop Crochet provides the perfect introduction to what Durham terms the “flip side” of needlecraft’s heritage. Crochet is a freeing experience, Durham says—a sentiment with which her many fans are certain to agree.

    And everyone can be mindful. The Mindfulness in Knitting casts fresh light on this famously calming craft, and reveals how the simple repetition of plain and purl can in itself nurture wellbeing. Rachael Matthews explores the joys of making and looks at the benefits of taking up  one of the simplest and most useful of crafts.

    They share their knitting triumphs and disasters as well as their life triumphs and disasters…These essays will break your heart. They will have you laughing out loud." —Ann Hood, from the introductionWhy does knitting occupy a place in the hearts of so many writers? What’s so magical and transformative about yarn and needles? How does knitting help us get through life-changing events and inspire joy? In Knitting Yarns, twenty-seven writers tell stories about how knitting healed, challenged, or helped them to grow. Barbara Kingsolver describes sheering a sheep for yarn. Elizabeth Berg writes about her frustration at failing to knit. Ann Patchett traces her life through her knitting, writing about the scarf that knits together the women she’s loved and lost. Knitting a Christmas gift for his blind aunt helped Andre Dubus III knit an understanding with his girlfriend. Kaylie Jones finds the woman who used knitting to help raise her in France and heals old wounds. Sue Grafton writes about her passion for knitting. Also included are five original knitting patterns created by Helen Bingham.Poignant, funny, and moving, Knitting Yarns is sure to delight knitting enthusiasts and lovers of literature alike.

    Spiral-bound so that it stays open and filled with definitions and illustrations, the book invites weavers to refer to it as they work. Included are easy reference charts and many sidebar tips to ensure success in both on- and off-loom weaving techniques. Information on project preparation, tools, drafting, warping the loom, weaving, and in-depth finishing techniques is also provided. Resources for weavers include professional associations, Web sites, and common weaving terms in foreign languages.

    Inspired by the recent resurgence of fairy-tale and fantasy characters, these projects draw from classic stories as well as pop-culture phenomena featuring romantic, feminine costumes. Projects range from kid- and teen-friendly animals hats to an Alice in Wonderland beret to a crystal-embellished vest fit for a Snow Queen, adding a little dress-up fun to knitters' everyday wardrobes.

    From simple single row patterns to complex all-over motifs, you’ll find colorways that will thrill and inspire your knitting, whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter.By using the easy-to-read charts, columns to illustrate color changes, and clear photographs of each sample swatch, you’ll find yourself creating beautiful Fair Isle designs in no time. Organized by row count and stitch count, 200 Fair Isle Motifs makes it easy for you to find the perfect motif for your projects.Confidently infuse colorwork into your knitting with 200 Fair Isle Motifs.

    This thorough, imaginative collection of sock shapes and patterns gives you the tools to construct an astounding variety of custom socks.All heels and toes are carefully explained and clearly photographed, and you can plug in your own numbers to work at the exact size and gauge you want. If you'd rather just pick up the needles and start knitting, Sock Architecture also includes 17 fully designed patterns. Most span five sizes, from women's extra small through men's large. And most of the patterns offer guidelines for an adjustable size so you can choose your own gauge, size, or both. Make socks that are as unique as you are!Lara demystifies popular sock-knitting techniques and gives you tips and tricks that could only have come from the mind behind the Math4Knitters blog and podcast. Terrified of grafting? Love afterthought heels but hate retrieving those tiny left-on-hold stitches? Adore the look and fit of your usual top down heel, but hate picking up gusset stitches and dealing with that weird little hole at the top of the heel flap? Lara gives you all the tools and methods you need to address these issues and build your own great socks.

    Use them to make up your own bags, throws, scarves, and cushions, designed just as you choose, or follow one of Melody’s foolproof projects—included are a butterfly brooch, holly greetings cards, an openwork afghan, cat pillow, button baby blanket, tie belt, and a cherry border cardigan, so there’s something for everyone to make and give. Each motif is displayed as a color photograph next to easy-to-follow instructions, with stitch diagrams for more complex motifs. The instructions are also written out in full so you can choose the way you prefer to work. Melody also advises on the type of yarn to use, the tension and the size of the motif, and gives tips on how to achieve the best result. There are also sketches and photos showing how the motif can be used, either on its own, with several together, or partnered with other motifs. Once you start, you will realize that the possibilities are endless.

    Owner and designer Hadley Fierlinger shares her lovingly crafted collection of hand-knitted, heirloom-quality garments for infants and toddlers aged six months to three years. From caps, cardigans, and mittens to booties, bonnets, and blankets–each pattern features delicate period details hearkening back to the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s while offering modern comfort and a contemporary preference for natural and organic yarns. This is a delightful gift for mothers-to-be, grandmothers, godmothers, aunties, and others, offering a full range of keepsake projects at proficiency levels for beginner, intermediate, and experienced knitters.

    The patterns for 30 iconic clothing and accessory items inspired by popular TV shows, books, films, comics, and more--including Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Firefly--are presented alongside full-color photographs showcasing completed projects, such as:* Lieutenant Uhura's sexy Star Trek minidress* Hobbit feet slippers* Firefly-inspired scarf, socks, hat, and jacket* Tank Girl socks* Hermione Granger's secret beaded bag* Manga-inspired leg warmers* The Big Bang Theory-inspired his and hers sweater-vests* Lord of the Rings-inspired shrugIn addition to a wardrobe of costume finery, hobbyists will also find instructions for practical projects such as an e-reader cover or a laptop bag crafted of checkered fabric that serves double-duty as a chessboard and carryall, as well as patterns for plush toys inspired by Star Trek, robots, and the comic book Squee! Wear (and knit!) your nerdiness on your sleeve with Knits for Nerds.

    Full of clear, helpful instructions on topics such as how to create a perfect fitting sock and master unusual knitting techniques, "Socktopus "will enlighten and intrigue its readers. "Socktopus "is ideal for aspiring, advanced knitters who want to develop their skills to create truly beautiful socks. A comprehensive section on fiber and yarns will entice and delight yarn addicts; while experienced knitters who are new to the world of bespoke socks will never look back.

    Some knitters are discouraged by the thought of baggy hemp sweaters and droopy cotton socks when they consider vegetable fibers, but this authoritative, fun, and light-hearted guide promises that, while wool has no equal when it comes to elasticity and warmth, the right tricks and techniques produce non-wool fashions that fit well, wear well, and hang beautifully. Knitters are taught to knit swatches to study the behavior of a yarn, to choose an appropriate pattern, and to master techniques for reinforcing stitches and inserting knit-ins of springier yarn to keep cotton, silk, and other fibers from sagging. Key information about durability, weight, pilling, and special handling is provided for acrylic, bamboo, cotton, hemp, Ingeo, linen, lycra, nylon, polyester, rayon, silk, soy, Tencel, and viscose yarns, and a chapter of helpful tips advises on needles to use (and avoid), how to start new balls and weave in ends, how to work intarsia and Fair Isle patterns, smart ways to control the cost of materials, and the right methods for washing, drying, and blocking the finished pieces.

    Learn, for instance, about Isis, the mother goddess of Egypt, and knit a red stole that grants power to its wearer. Other stories and projects include Athene and a scarf called a smoke ring, Penelope and a warm beautiful sweater, and more. Wonderful for beginners as well as the more advanced knitter, this one-of-a-kind approach to knitting will teach readers not only how to master the craft, but will also entertain, inspire, and inform.