Book picks similar to
Custom Knits: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques by Wendy Bernard
knitting
non-fiction
reference
crafts
Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns
Mary Thomas - 1972
Turning its pages, you will see the patterns grow from simple to more elaborate. You will find this to be the best arrangement for instructional purposes as well as a demonstrations of the orderly and scientific methods on which knitting patterns are based. You will be astonished at the great beauty and variety of these patterns, and you will come to realize the potential of knitting, in practiced hands, as one of the finest of crafts.The author begins with basics, with the distinction between knit and purl sides of the fabric and the use of simple black-and-white charts to present patterns. She then introduces a new motif or design in each chapter. Charts, diagrams, and photographs are used liberally along with the text to illustrate each pattern and steps in the creation of each, with special symbols to indicate critical points, so that you can guard against going astray. The patterns range from cross and cross-over motifs through slip-stitch patterns, eyelet patterns, faggot and lace faggot stitch, bias fabrics, lace knitting, embossed motifs and patterns, medallion knitting, picot point knitting, and filet lace. Concluding chapters are devoted to seamless garments and accessories, modern garments, and ornamental uses of increasing and decreasing. There are lists of French and German knitting terms and an index of textures.Special attention is given throughout to explaining the how and why of each pattern, and the properties of each in terms of horizontal and vertical stretching so that selection of patterns can be made practically as well as aesthetically. The beginner will find this book an excellent guide and instruction manual, and the experienced knitter will find it an almost inexhaustible encyclopedia of patterns, methods, and suggestions.
November Knits: Inspired Designs for Changing Seasons
Kate Gagnon Osborn - 2012
Projects range from casual cardigans and scarves to stylish wraps and sweaters. The book is divided into three moods: Farm Hands, the most casual design section; Ivy League, which focuses on more sophisticated knitwear, and Southern Comfort, which has slightly dressier garments ideal for holidays and special occasions.
Lace Style
Pam Allen - 2007
The gorgeous Lace Style eBook takes a fresh approach to a classic theme by combining solid techniques with 20+ contemporary, lace projects.Following the success of Scarf Style and Wrap Style—with more than 100,000 copies sold - we've selected a stunning collection of quick knits that take a modern twist on a traditional pattern. Accomplished designers including Veronik Avery, Norah Gaughan, Annie Modesitt, Shirley Paden and Michele Rose Orne will inspire with patterns ranging from scarves, shawls, hats, sweaters, dresses, and more.Revel in ways to use lace as all-over patterns, trims and edgings, and inserts. Innovative designs include a lace pattern typically used for baby wear boldly translated into a striking woman's scalloped jacket, a delicate lace edging used to accent a featherlight lingerie dress, a chic skirt made lacy with intentionally dropped stitches, a wide-brim garden hat with a decidedly vintage feel, a sophisticated bracelet knitted from fine silver wire, and much more.Each pattern has detailed step-by-step instructions and lavish lifestyle photographs with plenty of detail shots to keep readers inspired. A special design chapter demystifies the elements of knitted lace, and details several ways to achieve lacy effects. It also provides key pointers on how to incorporate lace motifs into other patterns and tips to ensure success.Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for inspiration or a beginner trying lace knitting for the first time, the Lace Style eBook has everything you need to knit lace with confidence and convenience.TABLE OF CONTENTS:The Projects Just Right Wrap- Mari Lynn Patrick The Point About Cuffs- Vicki Square Lily of the Valley Shawl- Nancy Bush Floral Lace Anklets- Evelyn A. Clark Lace-Edged Corset- Michele Rose Orne Featherlight Lingerie Dress- Mari Lynn Patrick Little Silk Shrug- Pam Allen The Essential Tank Top- Laura Zukaite Tailored Scallops- Pam Allen Ooh La Lace Dress and Stole- Shirley Paden Retro Redux Shrug- Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark Katherine Hepburn Cardigan- Kathy Zimmerman Long Long Lacy Gloves- Lois S. Young Peek-a-Book Cloche- Mona Schmidt Show-Off Ruffle Skirt- Kat Coyle Leg Cozies- Lisa Daehlin Lacy Waves Top- Norah Gaughan Greta Garbo Garden Hat- Annie Modesitt Never Wimpy Wimple- Priscilla Gibson-Roberts Sterling and Crystal Cuff- Annie Modesitt Shetland Shawl Turned Vest- Veronik Avery
PatternReview.com 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips: Top-Rated Favorites from Sewing Fans and Master Teachers
Deepika Prakash - 2010
The entries are collected from the website’s enormous database of members’ shared comments and advice, rated by hits and reviews. Also included are five special how-to features by PatternReview.com's master teachers and pattern designers, who regularly conduct online chats and workshops (including Kenneth King, Susan Khalje, Sarah Veblen, Shannon Gifford, and Anna Mazur).
Patternmaking for a Perfect Fit: Using the Rub-off Technique to Re-create and Redesign Your Favorite Fashions
Steffani Lincecum - 2010
Steffani starts with the basics, outlining two rub-off methods—tracing onto paper or draping with fabric—and explaining essential tools, materials, and sewing techniques. She then shows how to duplicate a skirt, a dress, a blouse, and a handbag, from rubbing-off the original, to creating the pattern, to cutting and sewing the new version, to making adjustments and incorporating a variety of other elements and details—not only refreshing your favorite fashions but replenishing your whole wardrobe with brand-new looks.
Charts Made Simple: Understanding Knitting Charts Visually
J.C. Briar - 2010
This title teaches knitters how to read charts - and better yet, how to make the most of them: to seet the a chart is a picture of knitted fabric; to make sense of the symbols in a chart without being tied to its key; and to handle chart quirks.
Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook: Instructions, Patterns, and Advice for a New Generation of Knitters
Debbie Stoller - 2000
Step-by-step instructions illustrate every technique.
One + One: Scarves, Shawls Shrugs: 25+ Projects from Just Two Skeins
Iris Schreier - 2012
Scarves, Shawls & Shrugs is the first in a new series by renowned designer Iris Schreier that showcases the many possibilities of working with just two skeins of yarn. Mixing yarn types, weights, and colors, she presents a dazzling array of stylish and sophisticated wraps. Schreier created about half the projects herself, while other prominent designers provided the rest. The projects range from easy to unique and offer new ideas for blending yarns and creating pieces with high appeal, beautiful drape, and practical functionality.
The Prayer Shawl Companion: 38 Knitted Designs to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life
Janet Bristow - 2008
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.
Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits
Wendy D. Johnson - 2009
Johnson and Socks from the Toe Up. This approach, made famous by her popular blog WendyKnits.net, will turn even the most reluctant knitter into a toe-up nut. Knitting a sock from the toe up saves yarn and always gives a perfect fit. And? No grafting! Wendy provides all the how-tos, tips, and techniques you need, as well as the pros and cons behind all of the cast-on, toe, heel, and bind-off options, gleaned from her years of experience. With more than 20 fun and beautiful patterns, Socks from the Toe Up has a sock for every foot. Whether you like bold textures or hearts and flowers, delicate lace or Bavarian cables, you (and your feet) will be covered here. Even if you’re casting on your first sock, or have been a top-down sock knitter for ages, you’ll find patterns and projects here that’ll keep your needles humming. Socks from the Toe Up is the hands-down best guide for toe-up socks.
Big Girl Knits : 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves
Jillian Moreno - 2006
From flattering pullovers and sexy tees to sleek skirts and fun accessories, this book is overflowing with options for knitting up an entire wardrobe to compliment your shapely shape. Part knitting instruction, part fashion guide, Big Girl Knits is packed with expert advice to help you make the most of the three Bs: Boobs, Belly, and Butt. All the garments and accessories featured in the book are proportioned to fit and flatter a big girl’s body. Learn two fabulous adaptations to add to your knitting toolbox that you can apply to any sweater pattern. The book also features an easy-to-use measurement guide and tips to help you choose the right yarn, colors, and styles for you.
Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
Joelle Hoverson - 2004
Although they love to knit and enjoy making gifts for family and friends, they're constantly faced with the challenge of finding enough time to actually finish what they've started. Last-Minute Knitted Gifts solves this problem. Joelle Hoverson, owner of Purl, the hip knitting supply store in downtown Manhattan, has designed more than 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns, most of which can be made in less than ten hours-some in as little as two!Known for her keen sense of color, Hoverson includes instructions for classic gifts like baby booties and bonnets, sweaters, and scarves, plus imaginative options like a cashmere tea cozy, a felted yoga mat bag, floor cushions, and a poncho-surely something for everyone on the gift list. And to make each present extra-special, Hoverson offers easy tips on how to incorporate knitting and other yarn embellishments into the gift wrap.
Classic Knits: 15 Timeless Designs to Knit and Keep Forever
Erika Knight - 2006
Erika Knight designs chic and classic knitwear for every occasion.With 15 stylish patterns, gorgeous photographs, and clear instructions, Classic Knits shows you how to create gorgeous knitwear pieces no woman should be without.
Folk Bags
Vicki Square - 2003
From the fish-shaped Japanese felted bag to the Persian carpet–inspired handbag, each bag is a product of its cultural history. Each pattern begins with a brief history describing the source behind these contemporary interpretations of folk designs. Folk stories also accompany many projects. Included are designs for bags for work or play, and bags of all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Using this collection, knitters can create bags for children, for market, for everyday, or for a special evening event.
Alabama Stitch Book: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style
Natalie Chanin - 2008
Alabama Stitch Book brings us a collection of projects and stories from her clothing and lifestyle company, Alabama Chanin, known for the cutting-edge twist it puts on tried-and-true sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques, applied mostly by hand to recycled cotton jersey.This long-awaited book from Chanin begins with her story. After living in New York and Vienna for over 20 years, she began to transform cotton T-shirts into high fashion using the needlework skills she learned as a child in Florence, Alabama. When she moved home, Chanin hired local women (many of whom had worked in the state’s now defunct textile factories) to stitch her couture collections with her.What follows is a step-by-step guide to the stitching, stenciling, and beading techniques used in the 20 projects showcased in the book: T-shirts, skirts, and corsets that are sold at chic shops around the world, plus a journal cover, sampler quilt, and tablecloth, among others. Also included are a pullout stencil, perforated postcard for bead-embroidery, and reusable patterns. Throughout are Robert Rausch’s beautiful photographs set against the back roads, farms, and homesteads of the rural South.