The Complete Idiot's Guide To Knitting (3rd edition)
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 A Knitter's Template: Easy Steps to Great-Fitting Garments by Laura Militzer Bryant and Barry Klein 144 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale Tired of looking for sweater patterns after you've selected yarn again? This book offers a great solution and should help you to begin to understand how garments are constructed so you can soon design your own garments. All you do is take your measurements and fill in the blanks of the templates. The templates include everything you need to knit in gauges from 2 stitches per inch to 6. The finished chest sizes range from 30 to 60 inches. There are four body types, four necklines, three sleeve types for cardigans and pullovers. Plus 20 patterns are included which is really just a bonus. |
Amazon Price: $24.47 |
 Knitted Sweaters For Every Season by Nancie M. Wiseman 112 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale Includes 16 patterns for women's sweaters, vests and bags but this is much more than a pattern book. You'll learn four different techniques: Slipped Stitch, Entrelac, Diagonal Knitting, and Short Rows. Patterns for each technique walk you through step by step-ensuring not just a successful project but lessons learned. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 The Knitter's Handy Book Of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd 218 pages, spiral bound, $26.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press This book will allow you to knit just about any sweater style in any size and any gauge. Just plug in the numbers and you're off! More than 1500 options in all! |
Amazon Price: $17.79 |
 Knit It Now! by Julie Montanari 144 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale & Company The 23 sweaters for women in this book are shown in one yarn, with sample swatches also shown in at least one other yarn. The total amount of yards needed per size and in a few different gauges. You'll need to have at least a basic understanding of how gauge works to take advantage of the options. The sweaters are classics...nothing wild or trendy. |
Amazon Price: $23.77 |
 The Knitter's Handy Book Of Patterns by Ann Budd 112 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press If you already understand the basics of following a pattern but are always looking for simple patterns in a certain size at a specific gauge, this book is for you. It will also help you to understand the basics of designing and how projects are constructed. Do not expect to find these patterns written out as the book uses charts to tell you which number to plug in at the appropriate time. The result? Multiple basic projects with a total of 350 options. There are charts and instructions for mittens, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, socks, v-neck vests (cardigan and pullover) and crew neck sweaters with set in sleeves. Lots of tips are included for adding personal touches that are left up to you. Each project offers many choices of size and gauge but each is a little different as you would expect. Sweaters are at gauges of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 stitches to the inch (whole gauges only) while socks are at a gauge of 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 stitches per inch. Sizes range from newborn to very large (54" chest measurements for sweaters), depending on the project. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 A Treasury Of Rowan Knits Edited by Stephen Sheard 320 pages, hardcover, $39.95 (U.S.), Martingale This is a collection of 80 Rowan designs from the past 20 years. Classic patterns that will never go out of style, they range from simple to complex, to plain, cabled or colorful. The book includes patterns for men, women, kids, and babies. There are enough patterns here that everyone will find something they like. They're divided into four sections, called Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. As expected, the weight of each project falls roughly into each season. However, there are so many patterns I would have found the Table of Contents more useful if it listed the designer, yarn used and if it was for a man, woman or child rather than simply the name of the pattern. |
Amazon Price: $27.97 |
 Kaffe's Classics by Kaffe Fassett 144 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton Originally published in hardcover in 1993, this book has now been released in a less expensive softbound version. It features 25 designs for jackets, sweaters and vests and includes a pattern for a throw as well. Patterns are for men, women or unisex. As usual with Kaffe's work, color predominates...the more, the better! |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 A Close-Knit Family by Melissa Leapman 154 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton This book offers wearable, knitable sweaters for the entire family including men, women, children and babies. There are a total of 14 color or texture designs; each design has patterns for at least two members of the family, often more. They're knit in a variety of commonly available yarns. Each design is rated from advanced beginner to expert. |
Amazon Price: $24.95 |
 Knit It Your Way by Cynthia Yanok Wise 126 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale Eventually, every knitter will say: "I love this pattern but would like to use a different yarn. How do I substitute?" This book offers the basics of yarn substitution. The important lesson is swatch and then swatch some more. As a means of illustrating her point, the author offers 19 patterns knit in two and sometimes three different yarns. They included women's sweaters and vests, scarves, socks and a purse, mainly in one color pattern stitches. They're offered in multiple sizes and rated according to skill level. The patterns use yarns not widely available, giving you a change to put your new yarn substitution skills to use. |
Amazon Price: $19.00 |
 Knitting With Hand-Dyed Yarns by Missy Burns, Stephanie Blaydes Kaisler, and Anita Tosten 112 pages, softbound, $28.95 (U.S.), Martingale & Company This book contains 20 lovely sweaters and vest for women (with a few for the guys!). They all use lovely hand-dyed yarn, as the title would have you guess, that show off the yarn to it's full extent. Hence, you won't find a lot of complex stitch patterns...just lovely yarns that make lovely sweaters. |
Amazon Price: $19.69 |
 Knitted Shawls, Stoles & Scarves by Nancie M. Wiseman 96 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Martingale Wiseman creates a plethora of patterns, utilizing cables, entrelac, and more. From fine lace to bold and chunky, you'll learn techniques that will teach you how to create your own masterpieces. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Knitting With Novelty Yarns by Laura Militzer Bryant and Barry Klein 144 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale If you've ever wanted to try a novelty yarn but felt daunted by the thought of exactly how to use it when you don't have a pattern, this book is for you. It has a large section with wonderful photos that explains all about different types of novelty yarns. It shows you basic stitch patterns knit in a variety of yarns, illustrating just how different the same pattern can look when done in a different yarn. The book includes 16 patterns done in two entirely different ways, one by Laura Militzer Bryant of Prism and one by Barry Klein of Trendsetter Yarns. Their different approaches to the same pattern with different yarns shows you just how important yarn selection is to the final outcome. |
Amazon Price: $24.47 |
 Hip To Knit by Judith L. Swartz 96 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press Taking advantage of the knitting craze among the younger crowd, this book provides "18 contemporary projects for today's knitter". Actually, they're mainly classic patterns that don't go out of style-sleeveless turtlenecks, a drop sleeve rolled collar pullover, hats, socks, and a purse. Knit with primarily heavier yarns, they start out simple and move to intermediate patterns. Includes some "how to" information. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
 Knitter's Stash edited by Barbara Albright 180 pages, paperback, $19.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press More than a pattern book, Knitter's Stash pays homage to local yarn shops and understands the love affair knitters have with them. The book features 33 patterns for everything from sweaters to baby outfits to felted fish, each designed by the owner or staff of a different shop. Interesting background stories on each shop prefaces the patterns and useful tips are interspersed throughout the book. They're wonderful patterns...but the real stars are the yarn shop stories. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
 Family Circle Easy Sweaters by Trisha Malcolm (Editor) 144 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Sixth & Spring Books Reprinted from various issues of Family Circle Easy Knitting ths book features 50 knit and crochet sweaters for the entire family. Primarily very simple but ranging to intermediate, there's a wide selection of styles and yarns used. The emphasis is on classic designs and yarns, not novelty yarns. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Irresistible Knits by Kirsten Cowan 128 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale This is a collection of 19 sweater patterns for men, women and teens appropriate for fall, winter and spring. A few patterns could be worked by beginners but most feature more complex color and texture patterns. The sweaters for teens are primarily smaller versions of women's sweaters. They are classic styles, you can knit and wear for years to come. The patterns feature yarns by Patons, Berocco, Naturally and other commonly available yarns. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 Brilliant Knits by Brandon Mably 128 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton The influence of Kaffe Fassett here is unmistakable with multitudes of colors and repeating geometric designs. The book features 25 cardigans, pullovers and vests for women and men; many are unisex. Due to the complex color work, most are oversized and patterns are for only one size with a variety of final chest measurements; a few patterns are available in a range of 38 to 44 inches. The designs use Rowan and Jaeger yarns and exact colors and charts are provided for those wishing to duplicate them. Most are done in intarsia but there are a few fair isle patterns. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 The Ultimate Knitter's Guide by Kate Buller 176 pages, hardcover/spiral bound, $39.95 (U.S.), Martingale This hard cover books is also spiral bound so the pages lie flat and stay open. It's also split, with patterns on the top and a learning to knit/reference section on the bottom. Designers Kim Hargreaves, Brandon Mably, Kaffe Fassett and more have contributed 25 patterns for men, women and children. Each pattern cites the page of the reference section where the technique used is explained. The reference section covers all the basics with plenty of illustrative photographs. It also goes well beyond, discussing bead knitting, short rows, correcting errors and more. All patterns use Rowan yarn. However, complete descriptions of the yarns are given to aid in substitution. |
Amazon Price: $27.97 |
 The Ultimate Knitted Tee by Laura Militzer Bryant and Barry Klein 144 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale & Company This collection of 20 fairly simple short sleeved pullovers has great appeal. Although simple, they rely on beautiful colorways and novelty yarns. For those who can afford the yarn, you'll find more than one sweater you'll want to knit. |
Amazon Price: $19.77 |
 Simply Beautiful Sweaters by Beryl Hiatt and Linden Phelps 143 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale The owners of Tricoter in Seattle, WA offer 20 sweaters for women to take you from summer through fall. All have excellent schematics and standard written instructions for 3 sizes. Most are not very complex but lovely none the less. The secret? They've used an outstanding collection of expensive yarns by Prism, Noro, Missoni, Colinette and others. Although the authors encourage yarn substitution, many of the sweaters will look decidedly different if not knit with the original yarn. |
Amazon Price: $34.95 |
 Simply Beautiful Sweaters For Men by Beryl Hiatt and Linden Phelps 143 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale The owners of Tricoter in Seattle, WA offer up a second helping of patterns following Simply Beautiful Sweaters, this time for men. The collection of 21 beautiful designs includes sweaters, vests, a scarf, afghan and golf club covers. They are mainly for intermediate knitters and feature texture designs. As with their first book, very expensive yarns are used. The patterns here use cashmere, pashmina and silk. Many of the yarns are solid colors with little texture, so substitution is possible. |
Amazon Price: $24.47 |
 Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified by Ann and Eugene Bourgeois 128 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale The owners of Philosopher's Wool Company present 16 colorful sweaters for men, women and children. Because all the garments are knit on circulars, they require you to steek or cut your knitting in order to finish them. Excellent instructions are provided. In addition, you'll find instructions for two handed fair isle, or how to knit in the continental and English style at the same time; this technique considerably speeds up color knitting. An interesting background story on Philosopher's Wool Company is included as well as a nice presentation of their available colorways. The sweaters are striking. Traditional fair isle patterns are included as well as geometric designs. This book is for advanced to adventurous intermediate knitters. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 Knitting Bazaar by Jo Sharp 108 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.),Taunton Intermediate to advanced knitters will enjoy the 15 patterns offered in this book. The patterns feature color or texture designs, while some patterns offer a combination of both. Includes pullovers, cardigans and vests and one pillow pattern. Patterns are for women, while some are unisex. All patterns are knit with Jo Sharp's own line of 8 ply DK pure wool handknitting yarn. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Knitting Emporium by Jo Sharp 108 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Taunton This collection of 14 sweaters and vests for men and women includes unique color patterns as well as simpler patterns for beginners or the less adventurous. They're shown in different colorways of Jo Sharp's 8 ply DK yarn, providing not only alternatives but inspiration. The photography is excellent and affords close up views of these beautiful garments. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Rudgyard Story by Jo Sharp 110 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Taunton This is an interesting collection of garments for men, women and children as well as a patterns for a bag and a hat. They're all classics that will withstand the test of time. What's interesting about this book is that most of the patterns are offered in multiple looks. A sweater might be shown as a cardigan and a pullover, or as a cardigan and vest. Some patterns are seen in different colorways, or even as a solid color and a multi-color garment. There are 25 patterns total in the book. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Country Inspiration by Sasha Kagan 170 pages, hardcover, $27.95 (U.S.), Taunton This book offers a large collection of complex color patterns. As the name implies, the designs include lots of flowers and leaves, inspired by country settings. Very feminine sweaters predominate the collection; a few patterns for hats and throws are included as well. Not for the faint of heart, most of these patterns are knit at 6-8 sts/inch with Rowan yarn. The charts are large and in color, most helpful when knitting any of these challenging designs. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Family Album by Kaffe Fassett & Zoe Hunt 200 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton Originally published in hardcover in 1989, this book has now been released in a less expensive softbound version. The King Of Color brings his distinctive designs to the entire family with this collection. Worth the price for the photography alone by Steve Lovi, the book offers 33 basic patterns and almost 80 variations for men, women, children and babies. In addition to sweaters and vests, the collection also includes patterns for skirts, rompers and hats. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Creature Comforts by Amy Bahrt 136 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Sixth & Spring Books Knit up an adorable pullover, cardigan, hat, mittens or blankets for a special baby. Bahrt's collection of 20 whimsical motifs makes it easy to mix and match. From animals to fire engines, these are small motifs that you can place anywhere on any project or follow along with the pattern as written. The motifs require either intarsia, stranding, or both but since they are tiny don't let this frighten you if you've never done color knitting before. |
Amazon Price: $16.47 |
 More Paintbox Knits by Mary H. Bonnette & Jo Lynne Murchland 144 pages, softbound, $31.95 (U.S.), Martingale This book includes 41 colorful designs for kids, primarily in sizes 2T-8. Most are easy to knit, yet delightful. Hats, dresses and even a backpack are included in addition to sweaters. These are definitely patterns designed with children in mind, not scaled down adult patterns. Complete information on yarn is given which is helpful when substituting. |
Amazon Price: $22.37 |
 Clever Knits by Kristine Clever 96 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Martingale Most of the 15 projects do look like they're for children, instead of mini versions of adult sweaters so commonly seen. The patterns aren't rated for skill level but they range from simple to intermediate. Primarily sweaters, they range in size from 2 to 12. |
Amazon Price: $27.95 |
 Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick 128 pages, hardcover, $17.95 (U.S.), Artisan I heartily recommend Kids Knitting for all beginning knitters regardless of age. The illustrations of the knitting and garment creation processes are top-notch. Melanie explains lots of interesting things not found in most beginning knitting books, such as how yarn is made, dyeing yarn with Kool-aid and making your own knitting needles. The projects start out really simple with a bean bag. Melanie doesn't forget anything in her instructions; not even the beans! Next is a cool scarf with pockets and a matching hat. She covers things like making tassels and weaving in ends at logical points in the book, rather than putting all the techniques in one area. Other projects include an afghan, a backpack, and dolls that look like gingerbread men. She has more advanced accessories such as a purse, a sweater, and spiral rib tube socks. Overall this book is delightful and informative. |
Amazon Price: $17.95 |
 Too Cute! by Debby Ware 112 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Martingale Includes 16 adorable projects in Tahki Cotton Classic for toddlers. All are colorful designs kids will love. There are patterns for hats, booties, sweaters, and overalls. Ranging in sizes from 3 months to 4-T, they are for advanced beginner to intermediate knitters. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Tadpoles & Tiddlers by Rowan 87 pages, softbound, $19.95 (U.S.),C&T Publishing Kim Hargreaves and Louisa Harding offer up 32 adult patterns scaled down for kids. There's a good balance of patterns for babies and children, from newborn to 10 years. They feature Rowan worsted and DK yarn. A few easy patterns are included but most are complex, heirloom pieces. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
 Paintbox Knits by Mary H. Bonnette & Jo Lynne Murchland 143 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale Almost all of the 33 patterns in this book are knit in cotton by Tahki or Cascade; there are a few patterns done in wool, alpaka or blends. This is a collection of cute colorful patterns that span all seasons. There are lots of color change patterns and a few that feature texture. The patterns are not rated for skill level but they are primarily for intermediate knitters. There are patterns for dresses, jumpers and tops for boys and girls. The sizes range from 18 months to size 6. Also included are a dozen small whimsical motifs to help you design your own original pattern for any child. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 Pipsqueaks by Kim Hargreaves 86 pages, softbound, $19.95 (U.S.),C&T Publishing Featuring 35 designs for children, most sized 2-10, this book offers a wide variety of sweater styles as well as patterns for bags, a blanket, scarves and a hat. Textured patterns predominate with a few color work patterns and many are suitable for beginners or advanced beginners. They're adult looking patterns, scaled down to childrens' sizes and use a variety of Rowan, lighter weight yarns. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
 Monkeysuits by Sharon Turner 154 pages, softbound, $19.95 (U.S.), Taunton This book offers 25 whimsical patterns, definitely designed with children in mind. Featuring a wide variety of projects from hats to mittens to coats, most are sized for babies to size 4. Some patterns are sized for older children as well and a few are mini-versions of adult sweaters (an aran sweater for example) and include adult sized patterns for those who like to dress alike. They are knit in commonly available yarns, moderate to expensive in price. Most of the designs are easy enough for beginners or advanced beginners. Photos are clear, without distracting backgrounds. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
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A Close-Knit Family by Melissa Leapman 154 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton This book offers wearable, knitable sweaters for the entire family including men, women, children and babies. There are a total of 14 color or texture designs; each design has patterns for at least two members of the family, often more. They're knit in a variety of commonly available yarns. Each design is rated from advanced beginner to expert. |
Amazon Price: $24.95 |
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Family Album by Kaffe Fassett & Zoe Hunt 200 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton Originally published in hardcover in 1989, this book has now been released in a less expensive softbound version. The King Of Color brings his distinctive designs to the entire family with this collection. Worth the price for the photography alone by Steve Lovi, the book offers 33 basic patterns and almost 80 variations for men, women, children and babies. In addition to sweaters and vests, the collection also includes patterns for skirts, rompers and hats. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Knitting With Wire by Nancie Wiseman 90 pages, softbound, $16.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press Knitting with wire is an adventure into a whole new world of knitting. Objects such as baskets, jewelry, and flowers take on a whole new dimension. These 30 projects with complete instructions on knitting with wire will inspire you...in an entirely new direction. |
Amazon Price: $11.87 |
 Comforts Of Home by Erika Knight 128 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale Beginning knitters will enjoy this collection of over 20 simple patterns. Included are pillows, throws, a basket, rug and more. It has a nice introduction to fibers and basic knitting instructions, as well as where to purchase the suggested yarns. The photography is interesting but doesn't always show off the final project as a knitter would like to see it. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 Knitting For Your Home by Nicky Epstein 152 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton With a title like this, one might expect a collection of afghans and matching pillows (and there are plenty of delightful patterns for those). But this book offers much more. Knit a stuffed bear, a felted apple, lamp shades, doilies and much more from Nicky's ingenious patterns. Designs include color or texture and are knit with commonly available yarns. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Christmas Stockings edited by Elaine Lipson 96 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press These are mainly non-traditional Christmas stocking patterns and sure to be treasured for years to come. Featuring 18 patterns from different designers, they range from simple to complex. Clear information is provided to enable you to use the yarn of your choice. The book also provides basic instructions and illustrations for knitting socks as well as for techniques used for some of the stockings such as duplicate stitch and applied I-cord. For those wishing to add traditional elements, charts for letters and numbers are included. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
 Knitted Throws and More for the Simply Beautiful Home by Beryl Hiatt and Linden Phelps 96 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Martingale This is a collection of 12 beautiful afghans and pillows-and recipes (cooking, not knitting). As with their other books, the majority of the projects are simple but rely on very expensive novelty yarn for their beauty, which can't easiy be replicated with substitutes. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 Dogs In Knits by Judith L. Swartz 95 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press Aran, cardigan, Icelandic...dress your dog up or down for any occasion. All patterns come in four sizes to fit puppies to 75 pound dogs. The collection of 17 patterns also includes a dog motif Christmas stocking, pillow and blanket. The book also includes a very basic knit and crochet sweater. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
 The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook by Lynne Vogel 296 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press This isn't a pattern book of socks. It does provide an excellent basic pattern for socks knit at 6.5 sts/inch. If you're new to sock knitting and want a great step by step tutorial, you'll enjoy this book. It also explains in detail different cast on techniques, how to knit toe socks and much more. A good portion of the book is spent on learning to colorfully dye roving. You'll have to spin the roving into yarn (this isn't a spinning book) but it's worth a look if you're interested in trying your hand at dyeing commercially spun yarn. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
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Christmas Stockings edited by Elaine Lipson 96 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press These are mainly non-traditional Christmas stocking patterns and sure to be treasured for years to come. Featuring 18 patterns from different designers, they range from simple to complex. Clear information is provided to enable you to use the yarn of your choice. The book also provides basic instructions and illustrations for knitting socks as well as for techniques used for some of the stockings such as duplicate stitch and applied I-cord. For those wishing to add traditional elements, charts for letters and numbers are included. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
 A Passion for Knitting by Nancy J. Thomas and Ilana Rabinowitz 270 pages, softbound, $20.00 (U.S.), Simon & Schuster This is a wonderful title because that's what this book is truly about-our passion for knitting. Included are fully illustrated instructions for learning knitting basics and beyond, as well as 30 easy patterns for everything from preemie hats to afghans. But this book, perhaps more importantly, is also about a knitter's passion for the art. It uniquely discusses, over the second half of the book, everything from organizing your stash to knitting for charity to knitting on the web. It's packed with fascinating tips and stories...get ready to go on a knitting journey. |
Amazon Price: $20.00 |
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A Close-Knit Family by Melissa Leapman 154 pages, hardcover, $24.95 (U.S.), Taunton This book offers wearable, knitable sweaters for the entire family including men, women, children and babies. There are a total of 14 color or texture designs; each design has patterns for at least two members of the family, often more. They're knit in a variety of commonly available yarns. Each design is rated from advanced beginner to expert. |
Amazon Price: $24.95 |
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Hip To Knit by Judith L. Swartz 96 pages, softbound, $18.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press Taking advantage of the knitting craze among the younger crowd, this book provides "18 contemporary projects for today's knitter". Actually, they're mainly classic patterns that don't go out of style-sleeveless turtlenecks, a drop sleeve rolled collar pullover, hats, socks, and a purse. Knit with primarily heavier yarns, they start out simple and move to intermediate patterns. Includes some "how to" information. |
Amazon Price: $13.27 |
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Simply Beautiful Sweaters by Beryl Hiatt and Linden Phelps 143 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale The owners of Tricoter in Seattle, WA offer 20 sweaters for women to take you from summer through fall. All have excellent schematics and standard written instructions for 3 sizes. Most are not very complex but lovely none the less. The secret? They've used an outstanding collection of expensive yarns by Prism, Noro, Missoni, Colinette and others. Although the authors encourage yarn substitution, many of the sweaters will look decidedly different if not knit with the original yarn. |
Amazon Price: $34.95 |
 Domino Knitting by Vivian Hoxbro 96 pages, softbound, $16.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press Domino knitting is the modular knitting technique previously brought to the attention of US knitters by Horst Schulz. Where Schulz's books concentrated on sweaters and provided just enough information to get you started on your own, this book packs in tons of patterns for things such as potholders, shawls, afghans, and a back pack. It provides clear step by step instructions. |
Amazon Price: $11.87 |
 Vogue Knitting-The Ultimate Knitting Book by Vogue Knitting Magazine Editors 280 pages, hardcover, $38.95 (U.S.), Sixth & Spring Books The patterns have changed in this updated edition along with other minor changes. If you own the first edition, it's not worth purchasing again. However, if you're a serious knitter or think you might become one, this remains a definitive knitting reference book. No stone is left unturned and you will never want for answers or inspiration to try something new. |
Amazon Price: $27.27 |
 Vogue Knitting Quick Reference by Vogue Knitting Magazine Editors 144 pages, spiral bound, $19.95 (U.S.), Sixth & Spring Books Small and spiral bound so it lies flat, this book is designed to be taken along with you as a reference when you knit in public. Taking the basics from the pages of its big sister, Vogue Knitting-The Ultimate Knitting Book, it covers all the essentials. It's adequate for a learning to knit reference book but won't take you beyond the very basics of knitting. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
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A Passion for Knitting by Nancy J. Thomas and Ilana Rabinowitz 270 pages, softbound, $20.00 (U.S.), Simon & Schuster This is a wonderful title because that's what this book is truly about-our passion for knitting. Included are fully illustrated instructions for learning knitting basics and beyond, as well as 30 easy patterns for everything from preemie hats to afghans. But this book, perhaps more importantly, is also about a knitter's passion for the art. It uniquely discusses, over the second half of the book, everything from organizing your stash to knitting for charity to knitting on the web. It's packed with fascinating tips and stories...get ready to go on a knitting journey. |
Amazon Price: $20.00 |
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Knitted Sweaters For Every Season by Nancie M. Wiseman 112 pages, softbound, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale Includes 16 patterns for women's sweaters, vests and bags but this is much more than a pattern book. You'll learn four different techniques: Slipped Stitch, Entrelac, Diagonal Knitting, and Short Rows. Patterns for each technique walk you through step by step-ensuring not just a successful project but lessons learned. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
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The Ultimate Knitter's Guide by Kate Buller 176 pages, hardcover/spiral bound, $39.95 (U.S.), Martingale This hard cover books is also spiral bound so the pages lie flat and stay open. It's also split, with patterns on the top and a learning to knit/reference section on the bottom. Designers Kim Hargreaves, Brandon Mably, Kaffe Fassett and more have contributed 25 patterns for men, women and children. Each pattern cites the page of the reference section where the technique used is explained. The reference section covers all the basics with plenty of illustrative photographs. It also goes well beyond, discussing bead knitting, short rows, correcting errors and more. All patterns use Rowan yarn. However, complete descriptions of the yarns are given to aid in substitution. |
Amazon Price: $27.97 |
 The Knitter's Book Of Finshing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman 144 pages, hardcover/spiral bound, $24.95 (U.S.), Martingale Finishing involves more than sewing seams. Details make the difference in the finished look of any project. Wiseman covers not only seams but casting on, increasing, decreasing, three needle bind off, grafting, attached I-cord and much more in this spiral bound book that lies flat-making it easy to follow along with the color photos. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
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Knitting With Novelty Yarns by Laura Militzer Bryant and Barry Klein 144 pages, softbound, $34.95 (U.S.), Martingale If you've ever wanted to try a novelty yarn but felt daunted by the thought of exactly how to use it when you don't have a pattern, this book is for you. It has a large section with wonderful photos that explains all about different types of novelty yarns. It shows you basic stitch patterns knit in a variety of yarns, illustrating just how different the same pattern can look when done in a different yarn. The book includes 16 patterns done in two entirely different ways, one by Laura Militzer Bryant of Prism and one by Barry Klein of Trendsetter Yarns. Their different approaches to the same pattern with different yarns shows you just how important yarn selection is to the final outcome. |
Amazon Price: $24.47 |
 Welcome Home by Kaffe Fassett 128 pages, hardcover, $29.95 (U.S.), Martingale This tour of Kaffe Fassett's London home is exactly what one would expect from the master of color...one huge canvas for working with color, patterns and texture. Not mimicking Architectural Digest, the book, like all of his work, is meant to inspire not replicate. The adventure in design also includes instructions for 5 quilts, a quilted pillow, 4 latch hook rugs and mosaic tile instructions you can use for any number of projects. |
Amazon Price: $20.97 |
 The Knitting Goddess by Deborah Bergman 261 pages, hardcover, $19.95 (U.S.), Hyperion Experienced knitters know about the meditative, relaxing qualities of knitting. Some of us even feel a spiritual connection as the yarn passes through our hands. Author Deborah Bergman weaves thoughts of how we connect with the yarn and each other through ancient Egyptian, Native American and Celtic (among others) goddesses. The books also has some basic information on how to knit as well as 10 illustrated patterns. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
 Crochet For Babies & Toddlers by Betty Barnden 112 pages, softbound, $24.95 (U.S.), Martingale This book features 26 projects from layette sets to blankets to stuffed animals. A rabbit hat and a fruit hat are particularly adorable! Garment patterns come in multiple sizes. Skill level required ranges from beginner to intermediate. |
Amazon Price: $17.47 |
 Crocheted Sweaters: Simple Stitches, Great Designs by Susan Huxley 128 pages, softbound, $27.95 (U.S.), Martingale Think of crocheted sweaters as granny squares sewn together? Think again. This book features 20 stylish sweaters with shaping! Each pattern comes in four sizes, from extra small to extra large. The patterns feature yarns by Lion Brand, Red Heart, Brown Sheep, Patons and others. There are close up shots of each of the yarns used to assist you. |
Amazon Price: $19.57 |
 365 Knitting Stitches a Year: Perpetual Calendar $19.95 (U.S.), Taunton Now here's a neat idea. A calendar that never ends, 365 color stitch patterns and instructions, and daily knitting inspiration...all in package! The flip calendar sits on your desk and since there are no days of the week, June 22 will always be June 22 no matter what the year. |
Amazon Price: $13.97 |
Color In Spinning by Deb Menz240 pages, softbound, $26.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press This is truly an encyclopedia of spinning with color. It's the perfect reference for painting rovings, plying multi colors, immersion dyeing, and more. Filled with illustrations and photos, it's a complete resource of dye formulas as well. |
Amazon Price: $17.79 |
Yarns To Dye For by Kathleen Taylor
104 pages, softbound, $21.95 (U.S.), Interweave Press This book provides a lot of information on creating self-patterning yarns by teachng you to dye it yourself. It should keep you busy and having fun for hours on end. Most of the book, however, is devoted to patterns you can knit up with your new yarn. I would have preferred the entire book to be related to dyeing. |
Amazon Price: $14.93 |