. . Mary Thomas's Knitting Book. It's a veritable encyclopedia of knitting, clearly and definitively explaining and illustrating every method, operation and stitch, and a good number of the patterns you are ever likely to need or use. After an engaging history of the craft and its implements, Miss Thomas carefully lays the foundation of knitting in the opening chapters ― how to hold needles, wind yarn, gauge stitches, control tension, etc. ― and builds gradually upon it in the following sections. These explain in lucid progression every operation in common knitting, from basic knit stitch and purl, casting on and casting off, shaping by decreases and increases to turning, triangular shapes and mitres, and knitting on the diagonal or bias. For the reader who has mastered these fundamental procedures, Miss Thomas devotes the remainder of the book to fancy knitting stitches and techniques, including color knitting by stranding and weaving; pattern weaving; knitting woven, by frame with its complement of stitches (plain, raised, rib, etc.), looped, beaded, embroidered by chart, using cross stitch, honeycomb, etc.; and making patterns for garments and working out their details (armholes, belts, buttonholes, collars, hems, necklines, pockets et al). To put what the reader learns into practice, she offers instructions and patterns for making various Shetland shawls, gloves, and socks. More than 250 technique diagrams clearly illustrate every operation and pattern as to position of hands, yarn, and needle, so the knitter will have no trouble in following along. For all knitters, whether beginner or adept, a chapter of helpful knitting hints on blocking, picking up dropped stitches, lengthening, knitting up, mending, taking-back (correcting), etc. completes these invaluable and personalized lessons.Unabridged republication of original (1938) edition.

    Helps knitters make customized socks with only two measurements.

    Dive into a special section on the health benefits of the craft, catch a glimpse of knitting’s superstars in conversation with Howell, or try your hand at loads of how-tos and projects from the likes of Bristol Ivy, Kaffe Fassett, Diva Zappa, Amy Small, and many more.  “Pick up some yarn, start where you are, get creative” is the message Howell weaves through the book and her online series, The Knit Show. Gathering inspiration from all facets of the knitting universe, the book offers chapters on The Makings (go-to knitted gifts), The Surroundings (cool projects for your knitting space), and The Intention (vibe-y rituals, yoga, and self-care all every knitter—and would-be knitter—craves).

    The projects are built around a focal cabochon and incorporate seed beads and crystals in imaginative ways. Designers learn to make the jewelry shown in the book, and they also use the techniques learned to create innovative jewelry pieces of their own.

    Covering a wide variety of knitting techniques such as felting, intarsia, Fair Isle, lacework, and cables, the unique examples in this resource include buckles and bolts to close an intricately cabled belt, a chain handle to finish a felted bag, and grommets to complete a half-felted handbag. This collection of modern, stylish patterns will inspire beginning and intermediate knitters with its uncommon techniques and materials, dressing up quick and easy projects with head-turning flair.

    This heartwarming title will appeal to knitters interested in not only stitches, yarn, and patterns, but also in the lives of other knitters, the lessons that can be learned from their craft, the ways knitting helps knitters cope during difficult times, and the role of knitting in family life. "Let [this book] keep you company when you need another knitter's voice beside you," Edwards writes in her introduction.Like a good friend, A Knitter's Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles--sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters--Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy--stories range from "But She Doesn't Have Any Underpants," about the challenges of knitting for family to "Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper," about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.Praise for A Knitter's Home Companion: "This charming book is like reading a letter from your best friend . . . The recipes, beautiful drawings, anecdotes, and helpful hints on every aspect of our favorite craft . . . will bring a smile to your face and a comfort to your soul." - Love of Knitting "These reflections on knitting will resonate with knitters of all stripes. Charming stories supplemented by delightful patterns and recipes open a window to a knitter's inner life . . . From here, straight through to the end of the book you will feel a personal connection to this author who knits to celebrate, soothe and pass the time." -Knitch Magazine"This is a charming and utterly alluring book that makes you want to cook and knit and have a little chat about the kids. I love Michelle Edwards' drawings, and the design of the book is an artwork in itself. This is a book you want to buy for yourself, and maybe to give to a few close friends, as well." Jane Smiley, Author of many novels and knitter of many sweaters"A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting --complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes--to leave you feeling warm and inspired." Kate Jacobs, Author of Friday Night Knitting Club series and Comfort Food"Michelle Edwards' writing remind me of a simpler time when I grew up in a small town where family was the center of everything. When I read her stories, I think about the legacy I am leaving to my daughter by teaching her the craft that I love so much and what a treasure a handmade gift really is. Beyond the delightful and heartwarming stories, the patterns, and the recipes is a wonderful message about what is really most important in life." Vanna White"It was Edwards' love of knitting and her desire to find a nurturing community that led to her newest book, A Knitter's Home Companion, which is a love song that she's written to knitting and the process of forming a community around her lifelong passion of shaping strands of wool into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, mittens, and even egg warmers." -Wordswimmer.com

    Teacher, author, and master knitter Norah Gaughan shares her design principles and offers clear cable-making instruction throughout, always in a conversational, easy-to-understand voice that proceeds naturally, as one cable idea leads to the next. Master the art of cable knitting, then test your newfound skills with the 15 garment patterns for wraps, sweaters, and accessories. Also available from Norah Gaughan: Knitting Nature,Comfort Knitting and Crochet: Afghans and Comfort Knitting, and Crochet: Babies and Toddlers.

    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.

    The patterns are suitable for almost everyone, whether adventurous beginner or expert. You can create a single-colour bear, a two-tone bear, a striped bear and even a panda – all from one basic pattern. There are also instructions to create a host of clothes, including bride & groom outfits, a graduation outfit, a Santa costume, a ballet outfit, and a sports outfit. If you’re after a cute dress, nightshirt, coat, hat, sweater or dungarees – you’ll find patterns for these, too. The designs can be personalized and you can ‘mix and match’ items to create the perfect gift, not just for new babies and children, but for all bear lovers and almost any occasion! The teddy bears and outfits are all knitted using light worsted/double knitting/8-ply yarn and size US3 (3.25mm) straight knitting needles. The bears are about 7in/18cm tall. The patterns include both US and UK knitting terms. INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR WHEN DID YOU LEARN TO KNIT? More years’ ago than I now care to remember! My Mum’s twin sister Sheelagh taught me when I was about seven years old, just before she emigrated from the UK to Canada. HOW DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS? Partly from the toys and dolls I loved when I was little, but I’m also as addicted to online browsing all the beautiful creative websites out there as anyone else. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT KNITTING? With toys and dolls, which are my knitting of choice, it’s about seeing the little creatures develop their own personality when you sew them together and embroider the features. I’m always amazed that you can create something so cute from just some oddments of yarn and a pair of needles. There’s a bit of effort needed too… but really, not that much. WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO BEGINNER KNITTERS? Like any skill, knitting takes a bit of patience. So start with something small. Think baby hats, fingerless mitts or a knitted lavender bag… definitely not a scarf. They’re simple but they take too long for beginners. And choose some lovely yarn. If you’re putting in all that effort, you’ll appreciate it! WHICH OF YOUR KNITTING BOOKS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Well it has to be my Knit Your Own Royal Wedding back in 2011 when William and Kate tied the knot. Suddenly I found myself being interviewed by newspapers and magazines across the world… I still find it hard to believe. And frankly, it's going to be hard for me to top that! WHAT WAS THE FIRST PATTERN YOU EVER DESIGNED? Apart from some pretty dodgy dolls’ clothes when I was about eight, it was a pink and blue striped owl. I still have it perched on a shelf in my little work room upstairs. The first knitting book I designed was called Knitivity which was a knitted nativity. WHAT NOTIONS CAN'T YOU MANAGE WITHOUT? I’m actually quite a good improviser but I was quite annoyed recently when I lost one of my favourite very short knitting needles which are ideal for knitting small items. Thankfully my son eventually found it by accident, behind my row of knitting reference books. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE KNITTING STITCHES? I love simple combinations of stitches like wide ribbing stitch and waffle stitch. They’ve got enough interest to keep you alert but are still simple enough to keep mistakes and unravelling to a minimum. WHAT'S THE MOST IRRITATING THING THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE KNITTING? Well there’s the obvious one of knots in a ball of yarn that you don’t see till you’re mid-row.

    They share their knitting triumphs and disasters as well as their life triumphs and disasters…These essays will break your heart. They will have you laughing out loud." —Ann Hood, from the introductionWhy does knitting occupy a place in the hearts of so many writers? What’s so magical and transformative about yarn and needles? How does knitting help us get through life-changing events and inspire joy? In Knitting Yarns, twenty-seven writers tell stories about how knitting healed, challenged, or helped them to grow. Barbara Kingsolver describes sheering a sheep for yarn. Elizabeth Berg writes about her frustration at failing to knit. Ann Patchett traces her life through her knitting, writing about the scarf that knits together the women she’s loved and lost. Knitting a Christmas gift for his blind aunt helped Andre Dubus III knit an understanding with his girlfriend. Kaylie Jones finds the woman who used knitting to help raise her in France and heals old wounds. Sue Grafton writes about her passion for knitting. Also included are five original knitting patterns created by Helen Bingham.Poignant, funny, and moving, Knitting Yarns is sure to delight knitting enthusiasts and lovers of literature alike.

    Everything from how to make homemade hairspray and gels to how to ditch the shampoo and grow magnificently manageable hair that you'll finally love!

    Crafters of all levels can easily crochet up a storm—or just make a simple snowflake or two. The designs range from simple ones requiring only a few rows to large intricate ones for more advanced stitchers. Starting with a review of crochet basics, a discussion of materials and finishings, the structure of snowflakes, and methods of blocking and starching your finished flakes, anyone can easily learn to craft one of these gossamer creations. Then onto the Snowflake Selector to browse for a pattern that matches your skill level. However, as you work through the book, you will improve your skills as you go along! These lovely flakes—intricate, delicate, and symmetrical—can be used as appliques, to hang in windows, or to adorn your Christmas tree. With full patterns and lots of project ideas for your finished snowflakes, you’re certain to find hours of enjoyment and inspiration from the next book in our bestselling series.

    She calls on her years of experience as Knitty's Managing Technical Editor, where she has edited hundreds of sock patterns, to share this information in a way that is easy to understand with patterns that inspire.So go ahead and treat yourself to these 15 original sock patterns that are easily customizable and work with any needle configuration. Your feet will thank you!

    With clear photographic step-by-step tutorials on key stitches and 20 easy-to complete projects, Crochet Step by Step helps to master the basics while gaining confidence. Brimming with useful tips, advice, and ideas, Crochet Step by Step contains everything needed to get started on developing a passion and skill set that will last a lifetime.

    A perfect blend of ease and functionality, the small, portable rigid heddle loom can be used to easily produce loose, drape-friendly fabric as well as dense, sturdy material. Eighteen projects—for scarves, bags, belts, tops, and a bevy of household goodies such as pillows, rugs, and blankets—explore how to combine colors and create textured fabrics using a variety of techniques. Additional tips on adding crocheted edges, beaded fringe, and needle-felted flowers are also included.