Knitting 24/7: 30 Projects to Knit, Wear, and Enjoy, On the Go and Around the Clock
Véronik Avery - 2010
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.
Simple Knitting: A Complete How-To-Knit Workshop with 20 Projects
Erika Knight - 2010
Each of the 20 projects in the book teaches a new skill, as well as building upon and consolidating those knitting techniques already learned through preceding projects. With a series of workshop-style masterclasses Erika Knight explains all the essential information--from achieving a perfect tension and substituting yarns or stitch textures, to more advanced cables and shaping--alongside broader design principles, such as building a color palette.Providing a unique opportunity to learn the design secrets of one of the world's most highly-respected knitwear designers, Erika shares her special tricks of the trade within this book. Erika's signature style, for which she has become renowned worldwide, is her sophisticated simplicity. Simple Knitting is the embodiment of that elegant reductivism. Her designs prove that you can make wonderful, original items for your home and yourself--as well as gifts for family and friends--at the same time as mastering a repertoire of skills. Likewise, her preference for a refined natural palette of earthy shades with the odd highlight hue is perfectly in tune with the current mood for relaxed, homely interiors.With inspiring photography by Yuki Sugiura that showcases each of the beautiful designs, supported with clear charts and artwork, Simple Knitting is the ultimate learn-to-knit book.
Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
Antje Gillingham - 2007
Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks "at the same time" on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.Get off to a great start with one basic sock pattern; then experiment with seven more designsMake cuffs, feet, and toes match exactly from sock to sock; no more measuring as you goDiscover how easy it is to convert any sock pattern for double-pointed needles to this ingenious method
Domino Knitting
Vivian Høxbro - 2000
Beginning with basic instructions and progressing to sophisticated projects, this guide shows how domino knitting allows for easy designing by allowing knitters to build squares on one another horizontally and vertically at will. Precise step-by-step instruction show how squares can be worked in a variety of stitches for multicolored effects. Included is a key to selecting the proper yarn for any project as well as care instructions for any creation.
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.
Romantic Hand Knits: 26 Flirtatious Designs That Flatter Your Figure
Annie Modesitt - 2007
Exquisite drape married with figure-hugging silhouettes show off a woman’s curves in a most ladylike manner, creating flirtatious and flattering fits to please any knitter. Loosely based on ultra-feminine styles from fashion history, the designs in Romantic Hand Knits have an undeniably modern appeal. • A lace camisole is lengthened and reinvented as a lovely summer slip dress • A late-eighteenth-century corset cover inspires the design for a lacy fitted top with elbow-length sleeves• Silk stockings favored by Elizabethan ladies of the royal court return in a sexy and fresh incarnationWith the new fibers available today, knitting guru Annie Modesitt knits up fabrics that cling delicately to a woman’s body, creating an elegant hand-tailored look. Now every woman will be able to create fitted garments that make her look as pretty, desirable, and sexy as she feels.For knitters who want to heat things up in a whole new way, the alluring designs in Romantic Hand Knits will help them light the fires. An interview with Annie ModesittWhat’s your philosophy on the “romantic look”?There is a certain cultural shorthand that implies that “romantic” means lots of lace, billowy skirts, low-cut bodices, and a little more leg than usual–sexy with an extra layer. But I think that, like everything deeply personal, romance has its own specific look for each person. Romance is not so much about being desirable to another as it is about reveling in and celebrating our own hearts’ desires.In the introduction to Romantic Hand Knits, you say that romance is about dreams and hope, and how in knitting, as in romance, much of the joy is in the dream. How has knitting brought romance into your life?Knitting allows me to enjoy my time, my imagination and my mind more than I might without needles and yarn. When my mind is free–and powerful–the way it feels when I knit, then my soul soars a little and all of this adds a layer of joy to my life. Not to put too fine a point on it, this makes me love life, and love love, in a much deeper way, which in turn makes me more lovable. Nothing is more attractive than a quiet self confidence, which is what I get from knitting.You say in Romantic Hand Knits that the garment that dresses the top of the body sets the tone for the rest of your ensemble–and that this is perfectly demonstrated in the piece you’ve named Ninotchka. Can you elaborate?It’s hard to get away from the fact that the bust area–being the most important fit point on most women’s bodies and also being so near to the face–can send very strong signals. Usually we want these to be good signals: “this is a woman in control of her life and her wardrobe,” “I can trust what this woman tells me,” or “I feel this person is sympathetic and kind.”In Ninotchka, the well-supported bust area adds strength and stability to the design, allowing feminine details like the lace below the bust line and the thin twisted-cord shoulder straps to relax and soften, not weaken, the message this piece sends. “Here’s a woman confident in her femininity, but with a strong foundation.”Any stories to share from the development of Romantic Hand Knits?One of my favorite pieces, Streetcar Named Desire, was briefly a disaster! It was worked up quite beautifully by my knitter, who then attempted to block the piece. I generally like to block and finish most of the garments, and I hardly ever wet block, but in the blocking of this piece an interesting thing occurred. The fitted, springy little cardigan that I designed began to drape and hang in unexpected ways. The piece went from Sandra Dee to Blanche DuBois, and I couldn’t have been happier! It altered the way that I recommended caring for the piece (machine wash instead of dry clean), which, quite honestly, is how most folks want to deal with their clothing.With the addition of a waist tie, which can be moved to different eyelet rows to create a high, low, or natural waistline, the cardigan had an entirely different aspect–a sexier, “floatier,” more intriguing look.Is there a particular type of yarn that works best for this look? Why?I tried very hard to use a variety of fibers that represent a wide variety of price points. I do understand that not every knitter will be able to afford the silk to make Cleopatra, but I felt it was an important, inspiring piece and had to be included in a collection of romantic silhouettes. A firm, machine-washable Egyptian cotton might be a good substitute. One of the most useful skills to develop as a knitter is the ability to substitute yarn–this skill can only be honed with experience. This is why I suggest to new knitters that when they see a ball of yarn they like, they should get it and swatch it right away. Don’t wait for the right project to come along. If you swatch a yarn you love, you may just see that the right project’s been in front of you all along–perhaps in this book–just waiting for you to see the true beauty in the fabric knit from your new skein.Whenever possible I tried to use machine-washable yarns–especially for the skirts! I know that the idea of a hand knit skirt can be daunting–we’re all worried about the stretchy butt-pouch–but knit fabric is resilient and generally bounces back to its original drape. Machine washing a skirt ensures that it will return to its original silhouette. Is there a philosophy or attitude that each book shares? How is this book different from your other books?If there’s one philosophy that all of my books share, it’s that we all have a bit of genius–of brilliance–in each of us, and if we choose to show it through our knitting, so much the better! We’re all individuals, so we may do things in unusual or nonstandard ways, but that doesn’t make us any less legitimate when we’re knitting (or cooking or sailing).This book is different in that it focuses specifically on clothes for women, and clothes that are intended to be flattering and a little body-conscious at that. My heart is most definitely in this book, which has been in me for a long time. I’m so happy to see it out and looking so beautiful!Do you have a favorite pattern in Romantic Hand Knits, or one that has a special meaning to you?I would have to say the cover skirt is very special to me. I’ve shown that photo to many knitters, and I’ve heard some women say, “I’d make that skirt, if I had that butt!” I really want folks to understand that it’s not so much about having a tiny butt, or the “perfect” butt, as much as it’s about liking the butt you have. There are a lot of ways to get to this Zen place, but if you have the greatest looking figure in the world and you’re not liking it, you may as well wear a sack. Likewise, if you have a less than perfect shape, but you love all the amazing things your body can do and have a fondness for your shape, you’ll look good in an amazing number of things. Confidence is a terrific butt-lift. Plus, the skirt is designed to help trick the eye into seeing the derriere in the most flattering light . . .
Knit One, Felt Too: Discover the Magic of Knitted Felt with 25 Easy Patterns
Kathleen Taylor - 2003
The method is simple and magical — knit the project large and loose, wash it in hot water, and see it transformed into a soft and cozy garment or accessory. Kathleen Taylor encourages you to explore the possibilities of felted knitting with 25 spectacular projects that include mittens, slippers, hats, bags, stuffed animals, and more. Embellish your life with unique and stylishly comfortable creations.
Victorian Lace Today
Jane Sowerby - 2006
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.
The Natural Knitter: How to Choose, Use, and Knit Natural Fibers from Alpaca to Yak
Barbara Albright - 2007
Albright takes readers on a rich journey through the joys of all-natural fibers - materials that can make an incredible difference, both in your knitting and in the health of our planet.
Cowl Girls: The Neck's Big Thing to Knit
Cathy Carron - 2010
Among the more than 35 patterns provided here are a cozy neck wrap featuring a built-in iPod holder, a lacy drawstring hood, and a woven necklace sparkling with Swarovski crystals.
Knitting New Scarves: 27 Distinctly Modern Designs
Lynne Barr - 2007
Lynne Barr beckons all levels of knitters back to their humble beginnings and shows them 27 modern designs, each created using a new technique or a new take on a traditional one.
Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn
Carol J. Sulcoski - 2009
Focusing on how to make the most of these much-loved yarns, it explains how to design projects with hand-dyed material versus other types of yarns, how to avoid the pitfalls of pooling and splotching, and how to combine multicolored hand paints with other types of yarns. Fresh, modern sock patterns from a variety of contributors illustrate their successful techniques, showing that with creativity and a little technical know-how, knitters can fully take advantage of these beautiful, yet sometimes tricky, yarns.
Knitting New Mittens and Gloves: Warm and Adorn Your Hands in 28 Innovative Ways
Robin Melanson - 2008
Now this self-described “mitten and glove aficionado” shares her enthusiasm for these ordinary items by presenting 28 extraordinary ways to make them for year-round style.Featuring gloves, mittens, arm warmers, mitts, and fingerless gloves, this is the second book in a new SCT Craft series that introduces innovative approaches to creating popular knitted items. Knitting New Mittens and Gloves combines traditional and untraditional techniques—as well as influences as far-flung as Gothic architecture, Estonian lace, and Wagnerian opera—in a winning collection of patterns for adults and children. From wool mittens filled with unspun fleece and arm warmers with leather laces, to cotton-mesh fingerless gloves and silk-beaded mitts to be worn as adornments, each design has an unexpected twist.Because they are small, quick to make, and don’t require a lot of yarn, mittens and gloves are perfect projects for knitting throughout the year, and they also offer an ideal opportunity for beginning and more seasoned knitters to experiment with new techniques, yarns, and styles. With its fresh, original sensibility, Knitting New Mittens and Gloves will captivate knitters of every level.
Amigurumi Knits: Patterns for 20 Cute Mini Knits
Hansi Singh - 2009
Typically they are kooky little animals but they can also be inanimate objects, like vegetables, that are given faces and limbs.This book will have 20 designs, including animals and inanimate objects. A knitting basics section will provide instructions for all the techniques needed to make the projects.
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.