Authentic ancient motifs - from natural animals to mythological and imperial figures - are the basis for the charted designs in Enchanted Knitting. Here you'll find patterns based on the ancient Romanian beast-man Silvanus, figures in the Paleolithic caves of Europe, and tattoos from the famous Pazyryk woman of central Asia. China, Mexico, Nigeria, and Native American cultures are among the many other sources for these diverse motifs. Included are more than 200 charts, graphed at the correct proportions for knitted stitches, and annotated with discussions of the original motifs and their historical context. Look to the garment examples for ideas on how to combine motifs; look to the step-by-step knitting instructions for an imaginative African cap, Victorian-style drawstring bag, machine-knit knee socks, and calf-length hooded cloak.
Sit and Knit a Spell You'll soon be knitting enchanting things you didn't know were within your powers. Charmed Knits offers dozens of patterns for items that evoke the mystique of Harry Potter - a Wizard Robe, an Invisibility Shawl, a Quidditch Sweater, Ron's Ragg Raglan, a Clock Blanket, Harry Christmas Ornaments, and more. Easy-to-follow patterns, color photos of the finished projects, and illustrations of special stitch patterns and design elements make it easy for all knitters - from beginners to those at Mrs. Weasley's level - to work knitting magic. Charmed Knits whisks you away on a wonderful journey. Along the way, you can pick patterns inspired by the Weasleys, stock up at Diagon Alley, show your house colors, conjure up gifts, or create pieces to help you feel at home in the magical world of Harry Potter.
From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman and master knitter Lisa Hoffman comes Faerie Knitting, a magical melding of words and yarn where the ordinary is turned into the extraordinary and where imagination becomes creation. The magic of storytelling and the magic of knitting—woven together in 14 original patterns inspired by each story. “How fairy tales are told and remembered has a great deal in common with knitting traditions. It is no mistake that we describe storytelling as knitting a tale, or weaving a story, or spinning a yarn.”—Alice Hoffman, from the Introduction of Faerie Knitting Featuring fourteen original fairy tales, Faerie Knitting is an entrancing collection of stories of love and loss, trust and perseverance. Seamlessly woven into the plot of each tale is a magical garment or accessory inspired by the bravery and self-reliance of the tale’s heroine and brought to life through an imaginative and bespoke knit pattern. From the Blue Heron Shawl and the Love Never Ending Cowl, to the Three Wishes Mittens and Amulet Necklace, each project is as wearable as it is magical. Lush, atmospheric photography captures the enchanted faerie domain while beautifully rendered charts and instructions are well suited for beginner and advanced knitters alike. Presented in an elegant linen case with foil accents that evoke the fairy tale tradition, Faerie Knitting is a rare gift for creators—and lovers—of magic.
Hand-crafted clothing and hand-knitted gifts have a magic of their own. This collection of poems, spells and 19 knitting patterns for clothes and accessories is designed to connect the reader with their deeper selves so they can impart some of that magic into the finished makes. The 19 knitting patterns in this book are accompanied by poems – in the form of charms or spells – intended to call forth the power that resides in the reader and knitter and pass it on to the wearer of the finished garment. These poems are inspired Finnish folk music – in the past the seers and healers were often referred to as singers - these traditional rhymes and spells can be used to focus the mind and enhance a state of mindfulness. The authors are Meri Mort, a yoga teacher and writer, and Katinka Sarjanoja, a knitwear designer, and together they have created a unique collection of knitting patterns based on the themes and imagery of mysticism and folklore. As knitters know, knitting can be a meditative experience when the knitter’s mind is firmly focused on the tips of the needles and the stitches they are making. When you are knitting a gift for a friend or family member, your thoughts often dwell on the recipient and some of those thoughts also work their way into the knitting itself. Memories of the paths you have travelled together are knitted into a pair of much-loved socks, while a pair of gloves made as a gift absorb your appreciation of the loving hands they are going to keep warm. A scarf knitted for a parent conveys gratitude for the safe, nurturing childhood they gave you as you, in turn, protect them from the cold. Magic can also be knitted into clothes you will make for yourself. The stitches of the snake socks might be infused with courage in the face of change, knitting the grief socks might be a way to engaging with the grieving process, or knitting the fun women’s yoga socks might help you explore your relationship with joy. There are many ways to use this book so that it resonates with you and your knitting. Embrace the magic.
Nicky Epstein presents an enchanting collection of fantasy and fairy tale costumes for the popular 18-inch dolls. Twenty-five imaginative patterns feature favorite fantasy and fairy tale characters, from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Peter Pan to a dragon, wizard, and pirate. Plus, there are three matching accessory patterns for little girls, so they can dress up in whimsical knits, too!
Imagine a softly striped crib blanket knit in the comforting colors of the nursery. Or a sophisticated cashmere wrap featuring rich jewel tones that set off a favorite black dress. Knitting teacher and author Margaret Radcliffe presents a world of color techniques in a single comprehensive reference that you’ll consult every time two or more yarn colors are in play. Stitchers of every ability level will love the color-combining methods and professional secrets revealed in The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques. Multicolor knitting techniques are explained with step-by-step illustrations and photographs accompanied by instructive text. Complete chapters on stripes, stitch effects, succeeding with multicolor yarns, stranded knitting, and intarsia cover the theory and how-to behind each method and offer creative solutions for handling tangled yarn, estimating yarn quantities of each color, holding on to all those ends, and employing stunning finishing techniques. A final chapter describes more unusual techniques, such as helix, shadow, mosaic, and modular knitting.
When it comes to relationships, talk show host Grace Fisher won't stand for cheating—especially not from her fiancé, star hockey goalie Zack Hoolihan. Her weekly knitting group backs her up when she calls it off, but it doesn't entirely ease the sting of betrayal. She won't listen to Zack's indignant explanations of innocence—she just wants to tie up loose ends and move on. Until he winds up injured, that is, and she finds herself playing nursemaid ... Zack doesn't know how that woman got into his hotel room, but he does know losing Grace has put him so far off his game, he ended up with a busted knee and a broken heart. If things aren't mended fast, he'll miss the playoffs, miss his girl, and lose everything. But if Grace is willing to push him into physical therapy, maybe he can pull her back into his arms—before their truce unravels. This time, he'll do everything it takes to knit their relationship back together...
