Sharing her groundbreaking technique for straight-knit socks, Alice Curtis provides step-by-step instructions for 20 original patterns that feature a variety of yarns and an array of motifs ranging from cables to argyle. The possibilities for creative variations are endless, and each pattern can easily be adapted to any size. Get inspired and use your straight needles to knit stylish masterpieces that will keep your feet cozy and warm.

    In this, her first book, she recounts how she came to study hundreds of exquisite Japanese stitch patters and then apply her new knowledge to the sock designs showcased here. Whether short or long, fine or bulky, simple or complex, each of the 30 designs in Knitted Socks East and West is named afer an intriguing aspect of Japanese culture. For example, the leg of the Origami crew socks appears to fold in and out; the Sumo slipper socks are named after the heavy, organic movement of the cables in their thick yarn; and the Ikebana knee socks highlight a textural floral design. Step-by-step text and easy-to-read charts are included for each design, along with illustrated directions for the Japanese stitchwork introduced in the projects.

    . . oh no, a dropped stitch three rows back! Help! If only there was a 24-hour hotline to answer every question a knitter might encounter. Well, now there is, with The Knitting Answer Book . The expert authors, Margaret Radcliffe and Edie Eckman, leave no question unanswered, no quandry unaddressed. Each book contains detailed, illustrated answers to literally hundreds of questions, from the common to the more unusual: - Are certain needles better for certain yarns? - What if I dropped a stitch several rows back? - Why do my edges tend to curl up? - Can you use a different weight yarn than the pattern calls for? - What can I do to keep my yarns from tangling up? - Oops, I see my ribbing is way too tight. Now what? Covering the whole range of situations a beginner is likely to face, along with the problems that may arise for those working more advanced patterns, this Answer Book will help knitters and crocheters of all levels. Each book is packaged in a small, take-along trim size, in a friendly-to-use Q&A format, and belongs in the bag of every knitter. Available 24/7, The Knitting Answer Book is always open, ready for yarn lovers to browse and consult to their heart's content.

    By using Mary Jane Hall's Graduated Stitch Method, along with the correct size hook and yarn, anyone can make flattering, form-fitted items! Different stitch heights do all the shaping for you, without the hassle and confusion of figuring out increases and decreases. With this method you are essentially building garments with squares and rectangles, but the finished product doesn't look at all boxy.33 step-by-step projects feature a wide variety of patterns for adults and childrenAn illustrated stitch guide get even beginners started quicklyDetailed instructions make it easy to adjust the patterns to suit your shape (or others') because one side doesn't fit all!Easy enough for a beginner and stylish enough for the more experienced crocheter, these are projects you'll enjoy making and feel good wearing. With fits like this, you'll never think about crochet in the same way again!

    This blend of history, mystery, and hands-on technique debunks myths about Victorian life as it inspires beginners and ambitious knitters alike. Included are instructions for Victorian lace as the Victorians never saw it—in glorious detail, up-close and on location in and around Cambridge, England. The lace patterns progress from the first, most basic, edgings to the sophistication of "real" lace. Forty patterns are included—scarves and shawls, capes, and fichus—with comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting for beginners and enough challenges to keep experienced or ambitious knitters engaged. Delicate and decorative, historical lace patterns are within the reach of today's knitters in this book of adventurous ideas with a vintage touch.

    Advanced tatters will find directions for completing elegant projects that include a tatted necklace (which can also be used as edging), an oval doily, a fancy snowflake, and a delicate table mat.Over 65 drawings and photos enhance this collection of easy-to-do but very attractive patterns that will not only inspire and delight anyone interested in this intriguingly beautiful craft but also enable even beginning tatters to create treasured possessions of exquisite handmade lace.

    You've heard celebrities--Julia Roberts and Amanda Seyfried--gush about it. You know that it's fun and incredibly addictive. What is it? Knitting, of course! Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Knitting for beginners can seem intimidating at first, but with the right free beginner knitting patterns, anyone can learn how to knit. We know there are a lot of articles out there showing you the right way to get started knitting. For your convenience, we've put together a group of simple tutorials and free knitting patterns for beginners to make your learning experience less stressful. With our free eBook, How to Knit for Beginners: 9 Free Tutorials, you'll find tons of great patterns, tips, and step-by-step instructions that will make picking up knitting a breeze. Knitting for beginners doesn't have to be complicated, especially when you have the right tutorials at your disposal! With just a little time and practice, you’ll be knitting like a pro in no time at all--there’s really nothing to fear. Are you still a little nervous about trying to knit? Let's break it down a little. Did you know that there are only two stitches you need to know: the knit stitch and the purl stitch? All the other special stitches are created from variations of those two stitches. Isn’t that great news? Once you know how to knit and how to purl, you just need to practice with a few easy beginner knitting projects until the motion becomes natural.

    Colorful and inviting, they are a staple of the home, without which a living room or bedroom just wouldn't feel complete. And whether you're making one for yourself, as a housewarming gift, or to welcome a new baby into the world, the process of creating a handmade afghan can be as rewarding as the finished product.Comfort Knitting and Crochet: Afghans features 50 patterns for these cozy blankets, made with Berroco Comfort yarn--an affordable, ultra-soft acrylic/nylon blend--and designed by the Berroco team, headed by Norah Gaughan. The book includes something for everyone: The designs range from ultra-modern to traditional, from spare to embellished, and are inspired by sources as varied as Scottish tweeds, Japanese Ikat, and Delft pottery. Intended for knitters and crocheters of every skill level, this collection brings new life to the well-loved and versatile afghan.Also available from Norah Gaughan: Norah Gaughan's Knitted Cable Sourcebook, Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers, and Knitting Nature.

    Yarn-shop owners Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs know firsthand what the holiday knitter needs. Unique patterns, clear instructions, how-to illustrations, and beautiful photographs are sure to get those needles clicking. The 25 projects are organized by the length of time required to complete them (from quick and easy weekend projects to rewarding long-term luxuries) to make for stress-free holiday knitting. From stylish scarves and hats, and exciting updates on holiday favorites, to chic and contemporary wearables, and beautifully designed home accents, Holiday Knits is the knitter's answer to Santa's workshop.

    From lobster-shaped mittens with moveable claws to a smoke-puffing dragon scarf with spikes, knitting critters is pure enjoyment. In this Collection you’ll discover scarves, hats, mittens and more, masquerading as wooly zoo critters with floppy ears, wiggling tails and googly-eyed faces.All you need are basic knitting skills and a few skeins of colorful yarn. Step-by-step instructions are written in easy-to-understand English without the usual knitting abbreviations or cryptic symbols. Plenty of tips are included to add a little extra flair, flourish and swagger to your creation and make it uniquely yours. Morehouse Farm Critter Knits make wonderful gifts: they are one-of-a-kind, totally unique, absolutely loveable, completely practical and functional and enjoyed by young and old. The critters you’ll encounter in this volume are: Caterpillar Scarf Kissing Fish Mittens Gecko Scarf Bear Paw Mittens with Honey-Dunked Scarf Critter Scarves (Fox, Raccoon & Cat) Dragon Scarf Dragon Hat Dragon LegWarmers Panda Scarf Snake Scarf and matching Cap CatWrap Owl Purse Alligator Scarf (regular and mini-sized) Gator Mitts Loon BackPack Lobster Claw Mittens Lobster Tail Scarf Pony Tail Hat RatRace Scarf Rooster Hat

    Featuring 14 projects, clear instructions and charts, inspiring color photos, and 60 Viking motifs.

    Stunning patterns are arranged by season, reflecting the colors and beauty of nature that inspire feminine designs. From an amber-beaded cardigan that captures the feeling of hay fields drying in the sun to a long, belted coat with a spray of coral roses inspired by flowers in local markets to an intarsia jacket that evokes memories of a fall hike in a forest, each pattern is rich with color, detailing, and romantic knitting style. The design workshops throughout this guidebook challenge knitters to find inspiration in their surroundings, build color palettes, swatch creatively through knitting and sketching, and finesse their style and fit.

    Some make our hearts and hands sing, some get the job done without much fanfare, and some cause nothing but frustration and disappointment. The gorgeous pair of socks that emerged from their first bath twice as long as when they went in. The delicate baby sweater that started pilling before it even came off the needles. The stunning colorwork scarf that you can't wear because the yarn feels like sandpaper against your neck. If only there were a way to read a skein and know how it would behave and what it wanted to become before you invested your time, energy, and money in it. Now there is! With The Knitter's Book of Yarn, you'll learn how to unleash your inner yarn whisperer.In these pages, Clara Parkes provides in-depth insight into a vast selection of yarns, giving you the inside stories behind the most common fiber types, preparations, spins, and ply combinations used by large-scale manufacturers and importers, medium-sized companies, boutique dye shops, community spinneries, and old-fashioned sheep farms. And, because we learn best by doing, Parkes went to some of the most creative and inquisitive design minds of the knitting world to provide a wide assortment of patterns created to highlight the qualities (and minimize the drawbacks) of specific types of yarns.The Knitter's Book of Yarn will teach you everything you need to know about yarn: How it's made, who makes it, how it gets to you, and what it longs to become. The next time you pick up a skein, you won't have to wonder what to do with it. You'll just know-the way any yarn whisperer would.

    Hunter will show you how to put the concept of Leaders & Enders to work quickly and easily, expanding your creativity, and upping your productivity all at the same time. This book contains many ideas for getting your ever burgeoning scrap stash under control.

    For knitters looking for something new to spark their imaginations, AlterKnits is the answer. Featuring 27 imaginative projects, 10 creativity exercises, and thought-provoking quotes from Albert Einstein, Martha Graham, and many more, AlterKnits inspires knitters to expect the unexpected, to enjoy the rewards of experimentation, and to see the possibilities of knitting with broader vision.Some projects call for unusual materials-plastic tubing (for a bag handle) or sterling silver wire (for a necklace). Others blend different craft techniques-a pullover with sewn-on velvet cuffs, a baby blanket with painted-on polka dots. Still others apply knitting in unexpected places, such as laptop cases and bulletin boards. The creativity exercises-called AlterExercises-challenge knitters to try out new ideas and to ask provocative, sometimes amusing questions. Tucked into a pocket on the inside front cover is the 32-page AlterKnits notebook, the perfect place for readers to work on their AlterKnits exercises and do their own creative doodling .With AlterKnits, our concept of what we can knit will be forever altered!