Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls


Martha Waterman - 1993
    Everything you need to know to design and knit your own shawls is provided, including detailed instructions for eight shawls.

Learn to Do Bavarian Crochet


Jenny King - 2010
    Color photos accompany detailed step-by-step instructions for transforming the original square pattern into rectangles, triangles, and circles with eight wonderful designs. Featuring seven unique projects—including an afghan, a basket, a table runner, a hat, and a scarf—this creative manual illustrates how this perfect, two-round stitch offers versatility of color because of its unique, textured color overlap.

Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys & Arans


Gladys Thompson - 1955
    Among landlubbers as well, these sweaters are perennially popular, but, especially in this country, it is often hard to find practical instructions for the patterns that are traditional in Britain. Here is a book that presents fully 82 different genuine folk patterns for both the lighter weight Jerseys and the heavier Guernseys, and diagrams many more patterns that you can use in your knitting. The author gives the names of the stitches and patterns traditionally used in making Jerseys and Guernseys, and she tells you exactly how to knit every sweater in this book using those patterns and stitches. Here you will find patterns taken from sweaters found in Yorkshire, Norfolk, the west coast of Ireland, the Scottish Hebrides, and the Aran Islands. These are sweaters that have often been handed down from father to son for several generations, they wear so well. Instructions for these sturdy sweaters are given row by row for knitting fronts, backs, sleeves, and necks, in the traditional fashion. Each set of instructions is accompanied by a diagram of the pattern and, often, by a photograph of the finished sweater. All of these sweaters can be worn by either men or women, but the author has also provided full directions for making two sets of sweaters and cardigans expressly adapted for ladies' wear. Mrs. Thompson also includes interesting information about the people who gave her the patterns for this book.

Knit Fix


Lisa Kartus - 2006
    Beginners and seasoned knitters alike are promised that learning from mistakes improves the technique and inspires personal style and that sometimes the best solution is to let the mistake stand. This sturdy, spiral bound book explains the correct way to cast on and bind off, decipher charts, choose fibers, and more.

Young House Love: 243 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update Show Your Home Some Love


Sherry Petersik - 2012
    With two home renovations under their (tool) belts, 5 million blog hits per month, and an ever-growing audience since the launch of "Young House Love" in 2007, Sherry and John are home-improvement enthusiasts primed to pass on a slew of projects, tricks, and techniques to do-it-yourselfers of all levels. Whether an experienced decorator or a total novice, on a tight budget or with money to spend, any homeowner or apartment dweller will find ideas for his or her own home makeovers here. Learn to trick out a thrift-store mirror, spice up plain old roller shades, "hack" your Ikea table to create three distinct looks, and so much more.Packed with 243 tips and ideas--both classic and unexpected--every project pictured was exclusively executed for the book (so there are no photos that you've already seen on the blog). With more than 250 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Adding a little wow factor to your home has never been more fun!

Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making


Kate Ferrant Richbourg - 2012
    Fortunately, Simple Soldering proves that does not need to be the case. This handy how-to guide is complete in its exploration of the craft of creating soldered metal jewelry, including tools, techniques, and 20 beautiful projects that beginners and enthusiasts can make at home.Author and teacher Kate Richbourg demystifies basic soldering for any home crafter, showing how to create sophisticated, polished, and professional-looking jewelry pieces through simple soldering techniques. First, she instructs how to set up a jewelry workspace that fits the confines of your budget and living space. Detailed step-by-step instructions walk you through the basic tools and materials you need, plus how to use them. A sample chapter gives a host of introductory exercises that teach solid skills, allowing you to test these techniques on a small scale. Finally, you'll discover 20 finished projects that include earrings, pendants, rings, bracelets, and clasps that may also include bead or wire embellishment.Kate also demonstrates how to combine and layer techniques to gorgeous effect. She also examines common mistakes, shows how to correct or adapt them, and gives advice on when it’s time to start over. Most of all, having taught thousands of classes on soldering, Kate has a "you can do it!" attitude that shines through to help even the most reluctant jewelry maker fire up the torch with ease.Paired with an instructional DVD, Kate’s expert teaching skills will help projects come alive, right in your own studio.With Simple Soldering, the art of metal working one-of-a-kind jewelry is now at your fingertips.

Traditional Scandinavian Knitting


Sheila McGregor - 1984
    Sheila McGregor's in-depth treatment ranges from the regional styles of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to those of the North Atlantic Islands of Faeroe and Iceland. Vibrant patterns for an array of garments include jerseys, gloves and mittens, stockings, and caps. Illustrated with 191 black-and-white and 20 color pictures, this volume is well known and prized among longtime practitioners of the craft. Its return to print will delight a new generation of knitting enthusiasts.

A Knitter's Home Companion: A Heartwarming Collection of Stories, Patterns, and Recipes


Jen Gotch - 2011
    This heartwarming title will appeal to knitters interested in not only stitches, yarn, and patterns, but also in the lives of other knitters, the lessons that can be learned from their craft, the ways knitting helps knitters cope during difficult times, and the role of knitting in family life. "Let [this book] keep you company when you need another knitter's voice beside you," Edwards writes in her introduction.Like a good friend, A Knitter's Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles--sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters--Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy--stories range from "But She Doesn't Have Any Underpants," about the challenges of knitting for family to "Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper," about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.Praise for A Knitter's Home Companion: "This charming book is like reading a letter from your best friend . . . The recipes, beautiful drawings, anecdotes, and helpful hints on every aspect of our favorite craft . . . will bring a smile to your face and a comfort to your soul." - Love of Knitting "These reflections on knitting will resonate with knitters of all stripes. Charming stories supplemented by delightful patterns and recipes open a window to a knitter's inner life . . . From here, straight through to the end of the book you will feel a personal connection to this author who knits to celebrate, soothe and pass the time." -Knitch Magazine"This is a charming and utterly alluring book that makes you want to cook and knit and have a little chat about the kids. I love Michelle Edwards' drawings, and the design of the book is an artwork in itself. This is a book you want to buy for yourself, and maybe to give to a few close friends, as well." Jane Smiley, Author of many novels and knitter of many sweaters"A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting --complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes--to leave you feeling warm and inspired." Kate Jacobs, Author of Friday Night Knitting Club series and Comfort Food"Michelle Edwards' writing remind me of a simpler time when I grew up in a small town where family was the center of everything. When I read her stories, I think about the legacy I am leaving to my daughter by teaching her the craft that I love so much and what a treasure a handmade gift really is. Beyond the delightful and heartwarming stories, the patterns, and the recipes is a wonderful message about what is really most important in life." Vanna White"It was Edwards' love of knitting and her desire to find a nurturing community that led to her newest book, A Knitter's Home Companion, which is a love song that she's written to knitting and the process of forming a community around her lifelong passion of shaping strands of wool into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, mittens, and even egg warmers." -Wordswimmer.com

Knits Men Want


Bruce Weinstein - 2010
    Men aren’t being intentionally cruel; they’re just not comfortable in knitwear made with bright colors, itchy yarn, or flashy designs. So what’s a knitter to do? Understand the male psyche, says knitting instructor Bruce Weinstein. In Knits Men Wan he presents ten hilarious essays, each based on a rule that helps women knit for men successfully. “Men Are Babies” explains why guys need to wear soft fabrics. “Men Hate Fittings” describes how to create a sweater based on one that’s in his wardrobe. Following each essay is a timeless master pattern, from socks, hats, and scarves to an array of sweaters, all in a range of sizes and most written for multiple gauges. With this book in hand, women finally have the secret to knitting garments that men will appreciate and actually wear.

Tasty Crochet: A Pantry Full of Patterns for 33 Yummy Treats


Rose Langlitz - 2009
    With over 30 crochet patterns on the menu, there's something here to please every palette. In addition to snack items that can be stitched up in a flash, you'll find: patterns to plan a meal for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert; basic crochet techniques to get you started right away; and short "ingredients" lists to make finishing an item quick and easy. Whether they're play food for the kids or fun projects for you, you'll love increasing your daily fiber intake with Tasty Crochet!

Viking Patterns for Knitting: Inspiration and Projects for Today's Knitter


Elsebeth Lavold - 1998
    Featuring 14 projects, clear instructions and charts, inspiring color photos, and 60 Viking motifs.

Make Yourself Comfortable: Sewing clothes from stretch knit fabrics


Tilly Walnes - 2018
    Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine – no need for a fancy overlocker. Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly's tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is structured around six made-to-measure, speedy-to-sew garments. Tilly's friendly instructions and the clear step-by-step photographs are accompanied by lots of tips and tricks to make your sewing a breeze, and the multiple variations and ideas will help you customize your garment to suit your own style.

Mary Thomas's Knitting Book


Mary Thomas - 1938
    . . Mary Thomas's Knitting Book. It's a veritable encyclopedia of knitting, clearly and definitively explaining and illustrating every method, operation and stitch, and a good number of the patterns you are ever likely to need or use. After an engaging history of the craft and its implements, Miss Thomas carefully lays the foundation of knitting in the opening chapters ― how to hold needles, wind yarn, gauge stitches, control tension, etc. ― and builds gradually upon it in the following sections. These explain in lucid progression every operation in common knitting, from basic knit stitch and purl, casting on and casting off, shaping by decreases and increases to turning, triangular shapes and mitres, and knitting on the diagonal or bias. For the reader who has mastered these fundamental procedures, Miss Thomas devotes the remainder of the book to fancy knitting stitches and techniques, including color knitting by stranding and weaving; pattern weaving; knitting woven, by frame with its complement of stitches (plain, raised, rib, etc.), looped, beaded, embroidered by chart, using cross stitch, honeycomb, etc.; and making patterns for garments and working out their details (armholes, belts, buttonholes, collars, hems, necklines, pockets et al). To put what the reader learns into practice, she offers instructions and patterns for making various Shetland shawls, gloves, and socks. More than 250 technique diagrams clearly illustrate every operation and pattern as to position of hands, yarn, and needle, so the knitter will have no trouble in following along. For all knitters, whether beginner or adept, a chapter of helpful knitting hints on blocking, picking up dropped stitches, lengthening, knitting up, mending, taking-back (correcting), etc. completes these invaluable and personalized lessons.Unabridged republication of original (1938) edition.

Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting on a Loom with Over 35 Fun Projects


Isela Phelps - 2007
    Like the previous edition this new edition still contains everything you need to know about loom knitting, like gauge, yarn thickness, increasing, decreasing, color work, different cast on and off methods, and more. Additionally, it includes Isela's precise and easy how-to instructions, now newly updated, for making basic stitches and variations, and for using all the different types of looms, round and long looms, currently in the market. The project section is also updated to include more specific information about the looms used, with a handy chart of all the looms, with their gauges, currently on the market.But what hasn't changed is the straightforward information and the need for this book, making it the one to have for all loom knitters. If you only purchase one loom knitting book, this is the one to get!

The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook


Deborah Robson - 2011
    Profiling a worldwide array of fiber-producers that includes northern Africa’s dromedary camel, the Navajo churro, and the Tasmanian merino, Carol Ekarius and Deborah Robson include photographs of each animal’s fleece at every stage of the handcrafting process, from raw to cleaned, spun, and woven. The Fleece & Fiber Sourcebook is an artist’s handbook, travel guide, and spinning enthusiast’s ultimate reference source all in one.