One Skein


Leigh Radford - 2006
    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.

The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques


Nancie M. Wiseman - 2002
    This comprehensive reference gives you the know-how you need to get gorgeous, polished results every time. More than 50 expert techniques cover increases, decreases, seams, blocking, decorative finishes, and more Master each method with step-by-step illustrations, easy-to-read text, and dozens of color photos Bring along this handy guide wherever you go--the spiral-bound design lies flat for trouble-free knitting

The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom


Jane Patrick - 2010
    The Weaver's Idea Book presents a wide variety of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom, accompanied by harness drafts for multishaft looms. The techniques include leno, Brooks bouquet, soumak, and embroidery on fabric. Each chapter contains weaving patterns along with swatches illustrating the techniques, accompanied by step-by-step photography.The book is arranged by structure or type of weave, from variations on plain weave to doubleweave. With traditional patterns from around the world, bands, and fabrics woven on two double heddles, The Weaver's Idea Book brings together a variety of ways to create exquisite cloth. Weaving tips and tricks help weavers at all levels achieve their textile dreams. In addition to pattern drafts, Jane offers project ideas that guide the reader through creating functional woven projects, from wearables to home decor.Weaving, especially on rigid-heddle looms, is enjoying a resurgence, and contemporary weavers are in need of a book to bridge the divide between basic books and complex text designed for advanced weavers with sophisticated tools. Celebrating the immense potential for creativity possible with the simplest of tools, The Weaver's Idea Book opens new avenues for exploration on both the rigid-heddle and multishaft looms.

Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspire Your Stitching


Jenny Hart - 2009
    Now she takes stitchers one step further with instructions and diagrams for more than 35 stitches, some published here for the first time. To top it off, Embroidered Effects includes dozens of original (and reusable) iron-on transfers. With lots of project photos for guidance, even beginners can learn how to stitch faux tattoos on their shirt sleeves, cheeky fan dancers on their shower curtains, and many more fun projects.

Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns


Mary Thomas - 1972
    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.

The Artful Wooden Spoon: How to Make Exquisite Keepsakes for the Kitchen


Josh Vogel - 2015
    In The Artful Wooden Spoon, Vogel shares more than 100 gorgeous pieces from his workshop gallery, providing rich visual inspiration along with explaining the principles behind handcrafting spoons and sharing simple instructions and step-by-step photographs—no expertise and very few tools required. With more than 225 photographs of Vogel's stunning specimens, this visual introduction to the craft is an invitation to explore an age-old art and to create a timeless gift.

Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting


Alice Starmore - 1988
    A designer from the region, Alice Starmore explores the history and techniques of the art and provides instructions for over 15 of her own knitwear designs. 100 color photos.

Knitting Pattern Essentials: Adapting and Drafting Knitting Patterns for Great Knitwear


Sally Melville - 2013
    Pattern drafting has never been easier to understand as Sally breaks down each skill, including how to • calculate your personal measurements, ease, and stitch patterns• create a pattern for an existing garment that you love• shape a variety of necklines, shoulders, sides, sleeves, and hemlines• combine garment elements for an endless array of design possibilities• rescue a project when it doesn’t turn out as expected• finish your projects with a professional look• knit 10 original projects that showcase the elements covered in the book With Sally’s knitting expertise at your fingertips, you have all the tools you need to adjust patterns to fit you better than ever and create patterns that finally make your dream designs a reality.

Folk Bags


Vicki Square - 2003
    From the fish-shaped Japanese felted bag to the Persian carpet–inspired handbag, each bag is a product of its cultural history. Each pattern begins with a brief history describing the source behind these contemporary interpretations of folk designs. Folk stories also accompany many projects. Included are designs for bags for work or play, and bags of all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. Using this collection, knitters can create bags for children, for market, for everyday, or for a special evening event.

Sock Architecture


Lara Neel - 2014
    This thorough, imaginative collection of sock shapes and patterns gives you the tools to construct an astounding variety of custom socks.All heels and toes are carefully explained and clearly photographed, and you can plug in your own numbers to work at the exact size and gauge you want. If you'd rather just pick up the needles and start knitting, Sock Architecture also includes 17 fully designed patterns. Most span five sizes, from women's extra small through men's large. And most of the patterns offer guidelines for an adjustable size so you can choose your own gauge, size, or both. Make socks that are as unique as you are!Lara demystifies popular sock-knitting techniques and gives you tips and tricks that could only have come from the mind behind the Math4Knitters blog and podcast. Terrified of grafting? Love afterthought heels but hate retrieving those tiny left-on-hold stitches? Adore the look and fit of your usual top down heel, but hate picking up gusset stitches and dealing with that weird little hole at the top of the heel flap? Lara gives you all the tools and methods you need to address these issues and build your own great socks.

Crocheting in Plain English: Easy-to-follow lessons in patterns, Sensible solutions to nagging problems, The only book any crocheter will ever Need.


Maggie Righetti - 1988
    Even if you've never held a crochet hook before, Maggie Righetti's sound instructions and encouragement will help get you startd. If youre an experienced crocheter, you'll find dozens of tips for perfecting your techniques. This comprehensive, common-sense guide covers virtually everything you need to know about crochet:Selecting threads and yarnsDetermining gaugeWorking with the right toolsHow to interpret patterns and instructionsIncreasing and decreasingHow to fix mistakesBasic stitches (chain, double, triple, slip)Sixteen different fabric pattern stitchesAssembling the finished productHow to block, clean, and care for crocheted articlesand much moreEach technique is illustrated with clear drawings, charts or photos. Complet with a detail glossary of crochet terms, Crocheting in Plain English is one sourcebook no crocheter should do without.

Modern Folk Embroidery: 30 Contemporary Projects for Folk Art Inspired Designs


Nancy Nicholson - 2016
      This collection includes 30 embroidery designs with project ideas to show you how to use the designs to create beautiful and practical home decor items and accessories. The techniques for the stitches and project instructions are shown using Nancy’s stitch diagrams so extremely easy to follow whether you are an experienced stitcher or a newbie.   The projects are divided between felt and fabric sections and include: pin cushion, lampshade, tote bag, cushion, table runner, coaster and pinafore.   Nancy’s distinctive folk art style perfectly captures this trend and will appeal to stitchers of all ages and abilities.   “I was blown away by the beautiful photography, the lovely, easy-to-follow projects dripping with inspiration, and the conversational tone of the writing . . . The instructions to make up the projects are clear and easy to follow.” —Kate & Rose

Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot Unravels the Mysteries of Swatching, Stashing, Ribbing & Rolling to Free Your Inner Knitter


Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - 2006
    Stephanie Pearl-McPhee unravels the mysteries of tangled yarn, confusing patterns, and stubbornly unfinished projects. Daring to question long-standing rules and encouraging crafters to knit in the way that works best for them, this illuminating, liberating, and hilarious look at the world of knitting is full of surprises and delightfully inspiring ideas."

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.

The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes: Personalize Your Craft with Organic Colors from Acorns, Blackberries, Coffee, and Other Everyday Ingredients


Sasha Duerr - 2010
    Duerr demonstrates how to create complex and complimentary colors by using plants grown or resources found in the garden or collected from sidewalks and vacant lots. Simple and sustainable, her methods will work on fabrics, paper, shoes, lamp shades, wood beads, leather, and even hair. This is a book for any gardener, sewer, fabric lover, or do-it-yourselfer interested in adding safe and spectacular colors from everyday ingredients.