Every knitter, whether a beginner or an expert, wants easy projects for travel, gifts or those times when following a complex pattern is impractical. Sequence Knitting introduces a radical and simple approach for creating amazing fabrics by working a sequence of stitches over and over again. Beginning with 1-row patterns, the book delves into the possibilities of this technique, expanding into methods for creating complex designs that can be worked back and forth, in the round, or in shapes like triangles. The book includes stitch dictionaries with over 190 fabrics, many of which are new and reversible, as well as over 40 patterns for simple and elegant accessories. This groundbreaking book is sure to become a classic must-have for every knitter s reference library.
"I knit so I don’t kill people" —bumper sticker spotted at Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival For Adrienne Martini, and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters—her own Mary Tudor, whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experienced knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle–style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martini explains, "is a knitter’s Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you." And so she took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband—without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle. A wooly Julie and Julia, this epic yarn celebrates the profound joys of creating—and aspiring to—remarkable achievements.
The ultimate guide to every aspect of sock knitting for knitters of all abilities. Whether you've never picked up a double pointed needle in your life or you've already started your sock knitting journey, this book will help you on your way. The Sock Knitting Bible will break down all the different techniques and show wannabe sock knitters that there is nothing to be scared of. Covering everything from casting on to colourwork and everything in between, knitters won't find a better reference book for all their sock knitting needs. Whether you want to knit toe up, cuff down or even two at a time socks, we've got it covered. Sock knitting is the perfect portable project too - once you know the basics you can dip in and out until they are flying off your needles! There are a lot of sock pattern books out there but this is more than a pattern book - it covers all the different techniques and methods for sock knitting! There are step-by-step instructions for all the various sock knitting techniques so that instead of sounding like a foreign language making socks becomes your second language. There are also step-by-steps instructions for three basic socks so that you can follow them even if you are an absolute beginner and then start to choose your preferred method for sock making. Author Lynne Rowe explains what kind of yarns are best suited to different styles of sock and shares her techniques for how to get the best finish. We also look at the different kinds of tools available for making socks so you can experiment with double pointed needles, the magic loop method and small circular needles as well as innovative new products such as flexible dpns until you find your own favourite method. With this book you can put that beautiful skein of hand dyed yarn you couldn't resist to good use by making the perfect pair of socks because in addition to the extensive techniques there are also 10 projects by some of the most exciting and talented sock designers, illustrating a number of the different knitting methods and styles. Here you will find stripes, fair isle, cables, lacy, sparkly and snuggly socks: a pattern for all your needs. It won't be long before you are delighting your friends and family with your new found skills - just be sure to make yourself a pair too! But be warned: sock knitting is addictive!
The century-old GentlewomanÆs Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best pick yet! The thick, leathery tome Heather pulled out of the dusty cardboard box was definitely coming home with her. Not only was The GentlewomanÆs Guide to Love and Courtship an appealing curiosity by virtue of its title; it was also written by Smitten, Vermont native Pearl Chambers, a local gentlewoman from three generations back. Little did Heather know the repercussions this little curiosity would have on her and her friendsÆ romantic exploits. When Heather and her fellow book club members begin passing the book around, their respective interpretations are unleashed on their respective love lives . . . for better or for worse. Is it a mystery? An idealist fantasy? An intimation of Jane Austen? As romantic love finds its way to each woman, the Guide proves itself both surprisingly prescient and hilariously irrelevant. WhatÆs more, a handwritten inscription indicates that the arcane book might hold the only extant clues leading to buried goldùexactly what one of the members needs to keep her house. How could they not go treasure hunting? In this remarkable collaborative novel, besties Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt tackle the tale of the GentlewomanÆs Guide by writing for one book club member apiece. Smitten Book Club is a hopeful, hilarious story of friendship and healing, written by friends for friends.
Escape with popular romance novelists—and real-life BFFs—Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for four delightful intertwined tales of mystery and sweet intrigue. There’s a secret in Grandma Rose’s attic—a forgotten set of dog tags belonging to her first love. But David Hutchins was killed in action and never returned to Smitten. How did the dog tags end up in the attic? The mystery intrigues Rose’s three granddaughters—Tess, Clare, and Zoe—and they decide to investigate, though their mother, Anna, warns against meddling. But as the seasons turn and the mystery unravels, the three young women and their mother encounter some intriguing mystery men of their own. Has a sixty-year-old puzzle sparked something new for this close-knit family of women? Sweet, contemporary romance Happily ever after Includes discussion questions for book clubs Also by these authors: Smitten Smitten Book Club
Welcome to Smitten, Vermont. With the help of four friends, itÆs about to become the most romantic town in America. The proposed closing of the lumber mill comes as unwelcome news for the citizens of Smitten. How will the town survive without its main employer? A close-knit group of women think theyÆve got just the plan to save Smitten. TheyÆll capitalize on its name and turn it into a tourist destination for loversùcomplete with sweet shops, a high-end spa, romantic music on the square, and cabins outfitted with fireplaces and hot tubs. But is this manly town ready for an influx of romantically-minded guests? Country music sensation Sawyer Smitten, the townÆs hometown hero, wants to help by holding his own wedding there on ValentineÆs Day. And little MiaÆs lavender wreaths hang all over town as a reminder that faith can work miracles. Along the way, four women spearheading the townÆs transformationùenergetic Natalie, sophisticated Julia, graceful Shelby, and athletic Reeseùget in the spirit by reviving their own love lives. Join best-selling inspirational romance authors (and real-life BFFs) Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter for an inspiring stay at the (soon-to-be) most romantic town on the eastern seaboard. One visit . . . and youÆll be smitten too.
A new angle on knitting. Emerging knitwear designer Mathew Gnagy presents a fresh collection of fifteen projects for women and men with "Knitting Off the Axis." The projects are both classic and stylish, incorporating clever combinations of textured stitches and design details. Each of the fifteen patterns is designed in a one-of-a-kind way, focusing on knitting sideways or in an untraditional direction rather than the usual top-down or bottom-up construction. Knitting at different angles gives the projects unique shaping and fashion-forward silhouettes. Learn new techniques for knitting sideways and every-which-way and make fifteen contemporary, wearable patterns with "Knitting Off the Axis."