This collection of 33 patterns chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by yarn shops across the country is full of personal stories, knitting wisdom, and favorite tips from the people who have helped fuel today's knitting revolution. The patterns range from designer sweaters and knits for kids to small take-along projects. More than a pattern book, this delightful collection is like a trip to the yarn shop, a private session with the best knitters around, and a friendly chat with the country's most passionate knitters all rolled into one.
In this anthology from the author of The Yarn Whisperer, twenty-one devoted knitters examine a subject that is irresistible to us all: the yarn stash. Anyone with a passion has a stash, whether it is a collection of books or enough yarn to exceed several life expectancies. With her trademark wit, Clara Parkes brings together fascinating stories from all facets of stash-keeping and knitting life—from KonMari minimalist to joyous collector, designer to dyer, spinner to social worker, scholar to sheep farmer. Whether the yarn stash is muse, memento, creative companion, career guide, or lifeline in tough times, these deeply engaging stories take a fascinating look at why we collect, what we cherish, and how we let go. Contributors include New York Times–bestselling authors Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and Debbie Stoller, Meg Swansen and Franklin Habit, Ann Shayne and Kay Gardiner, Adrienne Martini, and a host of others. Named one of the top ten lifestyle books for fall 2017 by Publisher’s Weekly.
A popular instructor and designer outlines a variety of imaginative projects that use yarn odds and ends, explaining how to use specific yarn weights and techniques ranging from lace and cables to colorblocking and fair-isle to make creative wearables for every member of the family. By the author of Mastering Color Knitting. Original.
“Beautiful designs . . . children will love the whimsical results.” —Publishers Weekly Learn to make an adorable collection of knitted animal toys with these new patterns by the author of My Knitted Doll, Louise Crowther. Louise brings her unique style of coordinated knitwear with cute colorwork details to this new collection of toy animal knitting patterns. There are a total of twelve knitted animals—each with their own unique personality and style. The animals all have the same basic body, with a few color variations and tail additions, so the clothes can be mixed and matched between them to create endless outfit possibilities. Choose your favorite animals and outfits and have fun making the perfect gift for friends and family.
Drawn to a beautiful, unique yarn, but not sure what to do with it? Look no further. Gorgeous hand-dyed, variegated, self-striping, speckled, and other fun yarns abound for the knitter today, but sometimes the color variations and changes can make it difficult to find patterns that allow the yarn to shine. Oftentimes, the simpler the pattern, the more the yarn gets to take center stage. With this in mind, Toby designed all of the pieces in this book--hats, shawls, mittens, sweaters, and more--to let the yarn be the main feature. The 21 designs are written at a level for the motivated knitter who has made a scarf or two and is ready to move on to something a little more interesting and unique. Sidebars with photos and notes explain techniques that may be unfamiliar to beginners so that you can fearlessly make any piece. More experienced knitters can relax into these patterns and enjoy their showcase yarn as it slides along their needles and becomes a masterpiece of color.
Love knitting socks but sometimes hit a snag? Carry this handy answer book in your knitting bag! Well-known experts Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott demystify all aspects of sock knitting. Find clear instructions for both toe-up and cuff-down sock knitting Learn multiple techniques for knitting: casting on and binding off, working heels and toes, making size adjustments, and more Browse a stitch dictionary of favorite texture patterns; find options for creating your own unique socks
Learn how to knit in just minutes! Knitting is one of the most popular crafts among people all ages, but if you've never picked up a set of needles before, it's hard to know where to begin. Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides: Knitting teaches the basics of knitting in a series of lessons using full-color, step-by-step photo-rich instructions that enable you to clearly see how each stitch, finger movement, and yarn movement is executed. Lessons are accompanied by practice projects, allowing you to try out your newly learned skill. As the lessons become more advanced, so do the projects, so you'll not only get instant gratification by knitting a project right away, you'll also become more proficient as you learn and have the motivation to keep going. In addition, the book includes over 20 fun and fresh projects along with galleries of stitch patterns for beginner and intermediate-level knitters. This completely illustrated guide is an essential tool for every new knitter. Features include: • Tailored to the absolute beginner who has never picked up a pair of needles before, with clear, easy-to-understand illustrated instructions. • Clear, comprehensive, color step-by-step instructions for all the basic techniques of knitting—casting on, binding off, knit and purl stitches, and so much more. • Stitch galleries with nearly two dozen patterns for decorative stitches such as cable, seed, and lace. • Practice projects throughout help the reader learn and practice techniques. • Handy guides to teach you how to decipher a chart, read a pattern, increase and decrease rows, buy the right yarn for your project, and more.
DIVKnitting Yarns and Spinning Tales brings to life the unique and universal experiences of knitters from a variety of backgrounds. This exceptional collection combines lighthearted essays with more philosophical pieces from authors and experts such as Meg Swansen, Perri Klass, Lily Chin, Teva Durham, Lela Nargi, Susan Gordon Lydon, Suzyn Jackson, Amy Singer, Greta Cunningham, Laura Billings, Kay Dorn, Betty Christiansen, and Jennifer Hansen, who put down their needles long enough to share their thoughts and musings about the popular pastime. In these entertaining yarns, the authors provide insight into the warmth and enjoyment of knitting and crocheting. Join one writer as she shares a poignant Sunday afternoon in March shearing sheep with her father; travel to Sant ’Arsenio, Italy, where women gather on their door steps to knit, crochet, embroider, and chat; laugh at one woman’s memories of learning to knit in an uncomfortable classroom chair beside a World War II vet named Max; and smile at the essays that delve into the psyche of the knitter. If you live to knit, enjoy the companionship of other knitters, or appreciate the intricate handiwork of a handmade sweater, Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales is a must-read!/div
Easy, Beautiful Wraps for Every Season It’s all about the layers in Marie Greene’s new collection of 30 stylish, versatile shawls, wraps and cowls. Back from her must-have debut Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks, Marie has created gorgeous shawls that knit up in as little as 1 week and wear like a dream. Easy to memorize and portable, these patterns range from voluminous wraps to cute cowls, making it easy to enjoy the satisfaction of a finished project or last-minute gift, even when your knitting time is limited. With Marie’s signature foolproof instructions, these patterns are perfect for advanced beginners and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a light spring layer, a summer statement piece or a thick toasty shawl, you’ll find a wide array of colors, shapes and yarn weights to complement your style, no matter the weather.
Originally published in 1994, Folk Socks taught knitters in North America all about how to knit socks with Nancy Bush's careful instructions, charts, and illustrations. Folk Socks offers a collection of 18 sock patterns pulled from European and British traditions, including boot socks, Birkenstock socks, lacy stockings, kilt hose, cabled and clocked socks, and more. There is also a chapter on essential sock knitting techniques for heel turns, toe shaping, and top ribbing for knitters of all skill levels. Folk Socks still contains the same in-depth history and the same step-by-step instruction from Nancy Bush that sock knitters have come to love and depend on. Now you can get this popular resource with updated information on new yarns as well as modifications that Nancy has learned since first writing this book. A classic reference, now updated, this is a must-have for any sock knitter.