Full-color reproductions of original pattern swatches, sweaters, and accessories from the Bohus workshop in Sweden, along with the history of the women who designed them.

    In nature, they're found in fern leafs and corals. In this book, they're found in the pattern for a scarf, the cables of a pullover, and the intricate hemline of a skirt. The pentagon is a familiar five-sided figure that, in nature, can be spotted in the starfish or sand dollar; in this book it's spotted in the yoke of a pullover, the textures of a cardigan, and the shape of a shawl. In nature, water waves and chemical waves abound; in this book, they flow as the patterns in a hat and mittens and in the gores of a skirt.Knitting Nature is a singular book created by one of the most innovative and respected designers working today. Norah Gaughan, who got her degree from Brown in both biology and art, has combined her knowledge to compile this book of 39 fabulous designs inspired by patterns in nature. With each design, Gaughan first explains where in nature the pattern can be found, such as the spiral in a ram's horn or seashell; then with step-by-step instructions she shows how she rendered that pattern in a skirt or tunic or coat. Complete with exquisitely beautiful photographs, this sophisticated book is truly one of a kind.

    They knit while traveling or commuting, while waiting for their kids, while socializing. Times like these call for projects that are easily transportable and have stitch patterns that are simple to memorize. Véronik Avery has created 30 such projects for Knitting 24/7, a collection of stylish clothing and accessories that make use of those “in-between” times when we’re busy, yet our hands are free. Ranging from sweaters, scarves, and shrugs to hats and mitts, the projects represent both what women want to wear and what they actually have time to knit. The book’s gorgeous color photographs capture women in a range of settings—a morning at work, a dinner with friends, a relaxing weekend afternoon—evoking the time of day when each wardrobe item might be worn.

    Part pattern collection, part resource book Ysolda shares all of her tips for successful sweaters that perfectly fit your body. Each of the seven inspiring designs is modelled by Ysolda herself and by her friend Amanda Allen, showing the garment in two different sizes and helping you envision how each design will look on your own shape. 15-17 sizes are included in each pattern, ranging from a 28-60 finished bust. With so many sizes to pick from, and guidance within each pattern on how to customise the fit, it should be easy to get a great result. The extensive reference section will equip you with all of the tools you need to achieve a perfect one.

    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.

    Let go of your fear of knitting, and take hold of The Chicks with Sticks® Guide to Knitting. With more than 30 simple, chic projects plus simple step-by-step instructions, this book is the complete guide to starting and enjoying this fun, rewarding hobby. New knitters can finish up their first projects in a weekend; more advanced beginners (that is, the ones who have knitted scarves before) can move to the next level. Call your posse and settle down in the living room or at the coffeehouse. The Chicks with Sticks will take care of the rest, from essential tools and materials to basic lessons to more than 30 doable projects, including cool belts, beautiful scarves, felted bags, stylish wraps, and snuggly sweaters.

    With 18 original designs, each a knitted interpretation of a traditional kimono style, this handbook makes knitting homemade kimonos deceptively easy. Projects are based on rectangular forms that require very little shaping, and are ideal first-garment projects for knitters wanting to venture beyond scarves. Clever details in stitch patterns and edgings, such as the use of silk, linen, and bamboo yarns, add sophistication and elegance to even the simplest designs. The flattering drape and luxurious style of the kimono will appeal to veteran and beginning knitters alike.

    Step-by-step instructions for knitting projects that can often be completed in a weekend are accompanied by full-color photographs, quotations about knitting, recipes for treats, and tips on stress- reducing activities.

    For the social knitter who likes to have one drink (or a few!), there are a variety of portable projects such as drink cozies and soft scarves that feature simple-to-follow patterns, plus tips and tricks for fixing mistakes should you have a bit too much while knitting. The pocket-size and quick-to-knit projects are perfect for the knitter on the go.

    Projects include jewelry, thigh-high stockings, retro bags, scarves, sweaters, shrugs, camis, and home décor objects, exploring color, texture, design, embellishment, and how to customize patterns to fit personal style. Basic crochet techniques are covered along with tutorials on sizing, design, and special techniques. Up-and-coming designers are profiled throughout the book to give an entertaining and inspiring insight into this new generation of crocheters, what inspires them, how they find community with other crocheters, and creative ideas for breaking the rules and representing their individual crochet style.

    The designs emanate from an extraordinary mind, ... but the author has written out detailed and comprehensive instructions for the rest of us. Some designs include: Form knitting, Scribble Lace, Swirl, Sculptural, Virtual, Cellular Automaton and Labyrinth knitting.

    In Knit Wear Love, she guides us through picking a base pattern that works for our inherent shape, then customizing it to suit our size and style—all with the skill of a top-notch teacher and designer and the honesty and humor of a BFF. Known for her uncanny ability to simplify what might initially seem complex, Herzog masterminded for Knit Wear Love an easy mix-and-match pattern system that allows us to choose among the eight key sweater forms (pullover, cardigan, vest, cowl, tunic, wrap, tank, and bolero/shrug); eight fashion styles (modern, classic, romantic, sporty, bohemian, avant-garde, vintage, and casual); a trove of customization details; ten sizes; and three gauges of yarn. The result? Sweaters we can knit with confidence, wear with pride, and love for many years to come.

    Herein lies the beauty of Custom Knits, which teaches knitters how to use improvisational techniques to achieve spectacular results—and to unleash their inner designers. Wendy Bernard, creator of the popular blog Knit and Tonic, provides 25 original designs for sweaters of nearly every type, plus variations, most knitted in one piece starting at the top, a method that allows you to try on as you go, alter as desired, and essentially design on the fly. “Make It Your Own” prompts in each pattern suggest easy alterations to suit your style and body type. And an in-depth reference section teaches how to alter key sweater elements, for example, change a crewneck to a V-neck, add sleeves to a vest, and much more. For the truly adventurous, the book concludes with guidelines for knitting sweaters with no pattern at all. Bernard’s friendly writing style and photographer Kimball Hall’s lively images create an inviting book of beautiful designs and key techniques that a knitter can use to customize nearly every garment she knits from now on.

    Whatever.If you would describe your favorite crafts as supercute" - no, let us rephrase: If the idea of handcrafting the most nauseatingly adorable plush bunny you've ever seen sets your heart atwitter - feel free to stop reading. We'll understand. Really.If you're still reading, you may be cynical and fed up with syrupy crafts as we are. (Huzzah!) For you and your likeminded AntiCraftspeople, we have hand-selected twenty-five projects from the most talented crafters you'll never find in the mainstream (whatever that even means). Behold:Creations your goody-goody little sister will roll her eyes at, including snake-motif thigh-highs and a duct-tape corset.Tips and sidebars to celebrate (with as much enthusiasm as any of us can muster) your delightfully dark nature, including suggested mood-enhancers (soundtracks, movies, etc.) for making each and every item.Basic techniques for knitting, crochet and jewelry-making virgins - complete with step-by-step photos to save you from the embarrassment of asking that annoyingly perky coworker for help.Join us in the AntiCraft movement - where self-expression, no matter how socially unacceptable, is given a scalpel and room to operate."

    The traditions of the quintessential knitting cultures of Iceland, Shetland, Norway, and Sweden are examined, from descriptions of the wools and yarns to the history of the clothing traditionally made from them, including breathtaking photo montages of these classic vintage styles. Exploring a range of techniques and knitwear construction, the projects in this guide feature knitting in the round, steeking, lace, cables, Fair Isle, twined knitting, and embroidery and show how to create pieces such as cardigans, sweaters, blouses, scarves, and hats. Note: The paperback edition is now out of print, but the book is still available in epub ebook and kindle formats.