Book picks similar to
A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen


knitting
knitting-books
non-fiction
crafts

Knitting Ganseys


Beth Brown-Reinsel - 1993
    Characterized by their dense, dark yarns, rich pattern combinations, and dropped shoulders, these simple square garments provide the modern knitter with a template for a wide variety of classic designs. Detailed, step-by-step line drawings and photographs, sidebars, and formulas help the reader build a foundation of skills. Pattern graphs and instructions for six of the author's own designs are included.

Finish-Free Knits: No-Sew Garments in Classic Styles


Kristen TenDyke - 2012
    Through clever planning and some simple techniques, the projects in Finish-Free Knits are shaped and joined during knitting— without sacrificing the pockets, buttonbands, shaped collars, and more that is accomplished in most designs by sewing together separate pieces. In addition, learn how to shape armholes, join pieces as you go, use short-rows for shaping, and more.Once these stress-free finishing techniques are learned, you will enjoy the freedom to apply variations of each method in projects beyond the book. With Finish-Free Knits you can avoid the dreaded “Some Assembly Required” phrase forever.

Comfort Knitting Crochet: Afghans: More Than 50 Beautiful, Affordable Designs Featuring Berroco's Comfort Yarn


Norah Gaughan - 2010
    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.

Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids


Susan B. Anderson - 2009
    If you could buy these imaginative playthings in stores, they would fly off the shelves! This book features stuffed animals, including a luscious lamb and a gigantic giraffe, and finger-puppet fruits that will delight babies and toddlers. With step-by-step directions, clear diagrams and drawings, and gorgeous photographs, knitters of all levels will find it easy to make the Pull-Toy Mama Duck and Ducklings, the set of Russian nesting dolls, and the Princess and the Pea Set. Even older kids will enjoy these, as well as the Felted Bouncy Ball, a felted version of a Super Ball that's perfect for indoor play. A series of five reversible toys—a frog that turns into a turtle, a mouse that changes into a cat, an egg in a nest that transforms into a blue bird, and so on—showcases the creativity that makes Susan B. Anderson a rising star in the knitting world.

Custom Knits: Unleash Your Inner Designer with Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques


Wendy Bernard - 2008
    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.

Knit, Swirl! Uniquely Flattering, One Piece, One Seam Swirl Jackets


Sandra McIver - 2011
    Using simple knitting techniques, she creates elegant sweater jackets in four dramatic silhouettes and three flexible sizes.

Tudor Roses


Alice Starmore - 1998
    They weave a narrative around the known facts of their subjects' lives using photography, art, and the only medium through which the Tudor women could leave a lasting physical record in their world—needlework.Tudor Roses includes fourteen patterns for sweaters and other wearables that follow the chronological order of the Tudor dynasty. A different model portrays each of the Tudor women, from Elizabeth Woodville, grandmother of Henry VIII, through Mary, Queen of Scots. The stunning design and photography appeals to knitters seeking designs that offer an attractive balance of historic and modern elements.

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.

Harmony Guides: Lace & Eyelets (The Harmony Guides)


Erika Knight - 2007
    this book is the second title of this new edition of the series. whether you are a designer or a knitting enthusiast the harmony guides will keep you in stitches for years to come. design consultant erika knight brings her considerable market expertise to inform the choice of classic stitches and to create twenty five new stitches in each book. this book features 250 stitches in all to knit. author erika knight. softcover 272 pages. made in usa.

Vintage Knits


Sarah Dallas - 2002
    From delicate camisoles to sophisticated jackets, these pieces marry the design details of the forties and fifties with the best of today's yarns and contemporary floral-inspired colors. Inside, readers will find clear, simple instructions and stunning full-color photos of to-die-for pieces including:*sleek crewnecks*lacy, feminine cardigans*textured twin sets*stunning striped sweaters*cabled mittens, Fair Isle gloves and more!As a gift for a friend or an indulgence for yourself, "Vintage Knits" is a must for every knitter's library.

Sock Innovation: Knitting Techniques and Patterns for One-Of-A-Kind Socks


Cookie A. - 2009
    The skills of the average sock knitter are increased through design exploration and advanced stitch manipulation, treating the sock as a knitted canvas where elements are strategically and intentionally placed. New designs of floral lace patterns, angular geometric shapes, and unusual cables are presented along with detailed instructions on modifications to suit needs and aesthetics. The incredible range of style and complexity in this guide runs from sweet and simple to delightfully imaginative.

Folk Mittens


Marcia Lewandowski - 1997
    Among topics covered are gauge, wool selection (including techniques for washing and felting wool), casting on, plait edging, ribbed and unribbed cuffs, and a long section on the ever-elusive thumb. Also detailed are techniques for hand-knit mitten cords, finishing, and sizing.

The Art of Fair Isle Knitting


Ann Feitelson - 1996
    Knit colorful hats, gloves, and sweaters in the Shetland tradition.

Knitting In the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather


Kristi Porter - 2009
    You'll find patterns to keep your needles clicking whether you're lounging by the pool or taking a break at the beach:5 sleeveless tops4 short-sleeved tops4 lightweight long-sleeved tops6 summer-weight cardigans2 skirts, a sleep set, and a wearable bathing suit9 accessories ranging from a beach hat to a cotton wrap to a beach chairWhether you're new to knitting or a seasoned stitcher, you'll find fresh patterns and compelling designs to create gorgeous lightweight pieces that will make a splash on sunny days.

Hip Knit Hats: 40 Fabulous Designs


Cathy Carron - 2005
    Most of the projects involve knitting in the round, so a thorough overview explains the technique, as well as basic hat forms, choosing a yarn, and accessible techniques such as felting. Try a shaped ribbon yarn hat with equally decorative and functional earflaps. A simple brimmed felted wool hat becomes a fashion statement with a brightly colored decorative edging. Whip up a chunky seed stitch cap in just a matter of hours. Even the simplest designs are stylish, using great color combinations and yarns with irresistible textures. And, because the patterns come with both medium and large sizes, you can knit to fit.