The first fully detailed, full-color, comprehensive history of knitting in America from colonial times to the present, the book conveys the social and historical realities that the craft embodied as well as the emotional narrative that unfolded at the hands of the nations knitters. With vintage patterns and designs typical of each era, Knitting America comprises a knitted history of American society. Here are the trends and the shortages, the historical happenings and the social movements, the advertising and economic developments that affected knitting and style.Also included are 20 historic knitting patterns for todays knitters. Beautifully illustrated with vintage pattern booklets, posters, postcards, black-and-white historical photographs, and contemporary color photographs of knitted pieces in private collections and in museums, this book is a treasure of history and craft, an exquisite view of America through the handiwork of its knitters.

    The Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting is designed to take the novice knitter from their first "yarn over" through the steps needed to master the more complex patterns. The techniques are introduced with clear step-by-step instructions, charts, and detailed photographs of knitted samples. Aimed primarily at beginners, more experienced knitters will also appreciate the way the book organizes the stitches, allowing for easy substitution of patterns. Those interested in different lace traditions will be excited by the collection of specifically-Shetland stitches. And as more knitters want to stretch themselves and learn new techniques, this book will be a useful guide aimed at helping these knitters take their first steps in making a Shetland lace project. Included are all the traditional Shetland motifs, patterns, and insertions including Cat's Paw, Candlelight, Horse Shoe, and many more. With suggestions for how to work the different stitches into elegant and traditional Shetland Lace accessories such as scarves, hats, and shawls. Atmospheric photographs taken in the wild Scottish landscape and historical information about the development of Shetland lace are sure to delight all knitters and textile lovers.

    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.

    A rundown on equipment introduces the drop spindle, supported spindle, niddy-noddy, McMorran balance, and yarn meter, while the following sections include choosing wool and other fibers, presenting knitting patterns suitable for handspun yarn, and in-depth profiles of real urban spinners. For crafters who want to experiment with spinning but don't want to sacrifice too much of their knitting time, there are lots of ideas for jazzing up a thrift-store cardigan with handspun trim or knitting a boatneck pullover in a combination of commercial and handspun yarns. Methods for incorporating beads and threads into yarn and a technique for dyeing yarn in the dishwasher are also featured.

    This one is huge! Over 160 pages of easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to DO tips that will make you a better photographer!If you are tired of being the runner-up in all the local photography contests and want to start hearing "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" when people look at your photos, this one is for YOU!To give you an idea of what is included, here is the table of contents...Introduction:The Basics Of Photography:Key 1: Photography SimplifiedKey 2: Aperture And Shutter SpeedKey 3: Master Your Camera - Fast!Key 4: The Photographer's Secret WeaponKey 5: Creativity Can Be LearnedKey 6: A New Vantage PointKey 7: Put the "Wow" Factor In Your Photos!Key 8: Tell A StoryKey 9: Exposure - How Your Meter Works!Key 10: How To Shoot In Black And White Eliminate Camera Shake:Key 11: Your Shooting StanceKey 12: Tripod TipsKey 13: Use A Tripod Like A MonopodKey 14: How To Use A MonopodKey 15: Hands Off The Button!Key 16: Mirror, Mirror…Using On Camera FlashKey 17: The Ten Foot RuleKey 18: Intensify The Colors In Your PhotosKey 19: Eliminate "Red Eye!"Outdoors/Landscape PhotographyKey 20: Create Better Landscape PhotosKey 21: Shooting In Bad WeatherKey 22: Two Horizon Photo TipsKey 23: More On Level HorizonsKey 24: Stunning City Skyline PhotographyKey 25: Shoot Better sunset PhotosKey 26: How To Get Intense Sunset Photo ColorsKey 27: Filters To The RescueKey 28: The Indispensable Rubber BandKey 29: Recovering The GroundKey 30: Amazing WaterfallsKey 31: Making Clouds "POP!"Key 32: To Buy Or Not To Buy Colored FiltersKey 33: Storing Your FiltersKey 34: Using Kodak Yellow!Key 35: Fireworks And Lightning - Part 1Key 36: Fireworks And Lightning - Part 2Key 37: Flowers And Spider Webs - Part 1Key 38: Flowers And Spider Webs - Part 2Key 39: Turn AroundPet PortraitsKey 40: Pet Portraits - Great For Camera MasteryKey 41: Better Pet Portraits In 3 Easy StepsKey 42: In Pet Portraits The Ears Matter!Key 43: Problem AnimalsPortrait PhotographyKey 44: Tips For Improving Your PortraitsKey 45: 2 Easy Portrait Photography TipsKey 46: The "Photographic Ground Modification System!"Key 47: Visually Lose Weight!Key 48: The Ultimate Portrait Photography Tip!Key 49: Size MattersKey 50: Basics Of Lighting Portrait PhotographyAdditional Training:

    Projects are broken down into four different categories by style and include hats, mittens, purses, wraps, tops, sweaters, and socks--all of which are simple to make and require minimal yarn. Tips are provided for embellishing each project with different fabrics, edgings, and stitching patterns, making personalization easy, even for novices. Beautiful photographs and color illustrations detailing how to create each piece, as well as contemporary designs and small, quick projects make this guide a must-have for the gift-giving knitter.

    In this book, you'll discover the secrets of minimalist design-how to find beauty in the basic elements of your environment. These projects deliver exciting, vivid results with solid color fabrics. City Quilts was named one of the Best Books of 2010 in the Fiber Crafts Category by Library Journal, and is a finalist in the 2010 Foreword Book of the Year Awards."

    The stitch patterns and clear instructions make it easy for even procrastinators and the less-than-diligent to create a ruffled cravat, a drawstring bag, a tank top, cozy scarves, arm and leg warmers, lace wristlets, fingerless gloves, a mohair pillow, and even a sweater for a baby. Several projects do not require any new yarn at all—instead projects such as the Felted Striped Tote or the Labyrinth Circle Rug are designed using up a skein's worth of leftovers from other projects. A guide to terms and techniques, a resource directory, and a bibliography are also included.

    There's a Russian Shawl Quilt, inspired by traditional motifs of Russian folk art, a Floral Frocks Quilt inspired by summer dresses, flower gardens and herbaceous borders and a Suits and Ties Quilt reusing sober woollen suiting contrasting with extravagant silk ties designed in an Irish Chain.Finally, a practical section covers all the knowledge you’ll need – from chainpiecing, hand-quilting and sandwiching to binding, storage and caring for your quilt. Armed with the design tools, you can embark on your quilting journey and begin creating your own personal masterpiece.

      Today's avid, busy knitters love small patterns that knit up in a day or a weekend—and Stephanie Dosen’s clever knits fill the bill. Right now, knitters also love animal-themed knits, and they can’t seem to get enough of Stephanie’s delicately beautiful patterns that incorporate deer, fox, owl, and other woodland themes (plus pretty flowers and vines) and look like nothing else on the market.   Here are 20 cute, contemporary projects to knit—including all the quick-to-make favorites—hats, scarves, wristlets, bags, wraps, and mitts. Traditional, straightforward stitches combine with wonderful yarns and clever patterns to produce accessories with an expensive boutique look.

     “How fairy tales are told and remembered has a great deal in common with knitting traditions. It is no mistake that we describe storytelling as knitting a tale, or weaving a story, or spinning a yarn.”—Alice Hoffman, from the Introduction of Faerie Knitting Featuring fourteen original fairy tales, Faerie Knitting is an entrancing collection of stories of love and loss, trust and perseverance. Seamlessly woven into the plot of each tale is a magical garment or accessory inspired by the bravery and self-reliance of the tale’s heroine and brought to life through an imaginative and bespoke knit pattern. From the Blue Heron Shawl and the Love Never Ending Cowl, to the Three Wishes Mittens and Amulet Necklace, each project is as wearable as it is magical. Lush, atmospheric photography captures the enchanted faerie domain while beautifully rendered charts and instructions are well suited for beginner and advanced knitters alike. Presented in an elegant linen case with foil accents that evoke the fairy tale tradition, Faerie Knitting is a rare gift for creators—and lovers—of magic.

    There are some amazing homemade gift ideas that can be made by real-life moms on a real-life budget!In this book you'll find step-by-step instructions for sixty gifts that you can make using easy to find items and you don't have to be an expert crafter to do it!

    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.

    You'll get 18 patterns for making one-of-a-kind Irish knits, encapsulating projects for women's, children, and men's wardrobe pieces, and accessories like bags, blankets, and shawls. Plus, you'll get easy-to-follow instructions and guidance on how to construct and enhance your knitting experience to make for a more intuitively put-together knitted item.This all-new collection is exactly what today's knitter is looking for, and complemented by inspiring design and photography. If you're a knitter looking for innovative patterns, enhancements to your skill sets, and a chance to broaden your range of knitterly knowledge, Contemporary Irish Knits is for you. It features: contemporary Irish designs created using traditional techniques and stitch patterns implemented in new ways; a broad range of projects; guidance on working with different construction methods; and much more.Features an elegant design and 18 enjoyable-to-knit, one-of-a-kind patternsPatterns are just challenging enough to be fun to knitAll projects are thoughtfully designed for a beautiful finished projectWhether you're an intermediate or advanced knitter, Contemporary Irish Knits gives you the skills, projects, and know-how to create truly gorgeous knitted pieces that celebrate Ireland's living knitted tradition with a modern, contemporary twist.

    * Easy to follow How To Crochet illustrations * Fun and simple projects to make * Learn a variety of crochet stitches and skills * Perfect for absolute beginners * Projects include hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, scented hearts, granny squares and more! This is the ONLY beginner's book you'll need to start to crochet today!!