Knitting Block by Block

In previous tutorials, the popular designer Epstein has covered edgings, flowers, and felting, among many other topics. Here she discusses a very practical skill and provides some fine patterns for a very simple shape - squares. Knitters most often use squares, or blocks, as Epstein calls them, for gauge swatches. But, actually, they are the most versatile of constructions and can be used for sweaters, toys, and, of course, afghans. Although she begins by showing simple squares done in seed and garter stitches, Epstein quickly moves on to embossed, cabled, colored, and appliquéd squares, all of which will get knitters' hands twitchy. Then come instructions, in words and charts, for the patterns, some involved, like an afghan, and others, like a hat and scarf, fairly quick to make. A bag looks particularly enticing. Back matter includes information about edgings, a detailed glossary, and a list of charities on which to bestow finished projects. More than 180 color illustrations add to the pleasure of this appealing book. ( Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.) Request Knitting Block by Block from the catalog.

Vampire Knits: Projects to Keep You Knitting from Twilight to Dawn

Vampire Knits is the first collection of knitting projects for dreamy, mysterious vampires, and the fans who love them. These appealing and easy-to-knit projects range from cool sweaters to cozy neck protectors, fanged bat toys to a hunter tool belt Buffy would covet. Gloves inspired by Twilight's Bella Swann, blood-red jewelry, and a beautiful diary cover are just a few of the timeless items crafty vampire fans have been clamoring for. The projects are fun to make and evoke the spirit of beloved undead characters.
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Vintage Fashion Knitwear: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics

This stunning coffee-table book celebrates 100 years of couture knitwear, and the iconic designs that defined each decade.
Sumptuous and fascinating, Vintage Knitwear encompasses everything from the introduction of fashion hand-knitting at the start of the 20th century to the most up-to-date technical innovations. For each era, there's an overview of the most noteworthy designers, and coverage of important themes such as knit structure, fiber, silhouette, garment construction, pattern, and color. Gorgeous photographs showcase rare pieces from museums and private collectors. And lovers of all things vintage will even find a shopping guide! (Sterling)
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Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World

Margaret Stove is best known to North American craft artisans as a spinner and creator of Artisan Lace Wool yarn. But among lace aficionados, Stove’s designs are the pinnacle of the craft. With Wrapped in Lace, Stove shares her story as a lifelong student of knitted lace, including designing patterns, spinning lace yarns, and identifying the characteristics of lace traditions from around the world. Wrapped in Lace also highlights a significant part of Stove's personal knitting journey: working with the legendary “wedding ring shawl” a large knitted lace shawl so fine and delicate that it can be drawn through a wedding ring.

Framed by an engaging narrative of learning to create knitted lace from scratch, Wrapped in Lace describes each set of lace techniques, patterns, and traditions in depth, then gives an original pattern for a lace shawl, stole, or scarf. The projects are characteristic of knitted lace from the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Orenburg, Estonia, and lace motifs of New Zealand, as well as more contemporary European work.(Perseus Publishing)
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Dolce Handknits: Simple, Sophisticated Designs

With a growing reputation for gorgeous patterns, the owner of Dolce Handknits presents 16 of her top-selling designs. Stylish and contemporary, these patterns range from weekend casual to office chic.

Find something luscious for every season and skill level, including tanks, pullovers, and cardigans
Enjoy a skillful combination of fashion and wearability; you’ll reach for these garments again and again
Experience the joys of knitting—the patterns feature soothing, meditative repetition with just enough challenge to keep things interesting.

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Fresh Fashion Knits: More Than 20 Must-Have Designs from Rowan's Studio Collection

No one knows knitting like Rowan. They produce the yarns you love to cast on and design the patterns you can’t wait to put on. Their worldwide reputation for style, quality, and value makes them the only name you need to know in knitting. Fresh Fashion Knits features the best of Rowan’s Studio Collection, bringing runway trends into knitwear. These designs by Sarah Hatton offer a fashion-conscious knitter a wide range of garment choices and yarn weights to make something for every season and every occasion.

Layer a luxurious chunky cardigan over your favorite jeans. Pair a soft, delicate cardigan over a flowing dress for the perfect summer look. With stylish tops and casually chic sweaters and dresses, this collection will inspire you to make an entire wardrobe of fabulous knit fashions.

Plus, Rowan makes it easy! Not only are these patterns clear and easy to use, but Fresh Fashion Knits gives you the tips and techniques for the best results, no matter what your skill level. The 21 patterns included in this book will have haute couture at your fingertips.(Random House) Request Fresh Fashion Knits from the catalog.

Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics

It's a definitive publishing brand now, growing from workshops and knitting groups to a great (and funky) series called Stitch 'n Bitch. Once again, author-editor Stoller and her contributing designers hit the knitting needles with élan and nerve, basing the 41 patterns on the assumption that readers have mastered knitting and purling, and increasing and decreasing. This newest volume is definitely geared to the experienced stitcher, although brave knitters will be able to follow the up-front directions and illustrations for cables, bobbles, laces, intarsia, steeks, and, yes, even how to design it yourself. Instructions are detailed, with much colloquial language; the latter actual begins with chapter titles (for instance, Lace: The Final Frontier) and continues throughout. The designs, unfortunately, are not labeled in terms of ease/difficulty; plus many only capture one or two sizes. Yet the how-to's are rich, featuring each contributor's story as well as prefatory prose about the item's creation. With abundant photographs, illustrations, and charts, knitters can choose among a sea-and-surf sweater, a fertility blanket, and a Coco Chanel like cardigan with sequins. (Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.)
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Luxe Knits: The Accessories: Couture Adornments to Knit & Crochet

Luxe means different things: a Prada bag, travel on the Orient Express, or dinner at the French Laundry in Northern California. To sweater designer and now two-time author Zukaite (Luxe Knits, 2009), luxe equals knitwear fashioned of extraordinary materials like silk and bamboo, alpaca and leather. With that luxe comes lots of expertise; only a handful of her 28 items to knit are labeled "easy" or "simple" to execute. The rest demand skill not only with manipulating small needles and fine yarn, but also with techniques like cables and smocking. Yet it's hard to resist the seductiveness of her four collections (thanks to top model photography from Cathrine Westergaard and airy illustrations). Why not start small with a loose linen cowl or motorcycle rib headband, then graduate to a corseted belt and lacy rectangular scarf? Not luxe for less, but luxury with impact. (Copyright 2010 Booklist Reviews.)
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The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting

This volume is a comprehensive how-to book about all aspects of knitting. This book is a reference for all knitting techniques, beginning with the basics of how to knit. A large section of the book is devoted to showing different stitch patterns, arranged in style categories for easy reference. Special knitting topics will be explored in depth: cables, intarsia, entrelac, Fair Isle knitting, and lace knitting. A section will discuss yarns: fibers, how they are spun, gauge, and how to choose.(Quayside Pub.)
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Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting

One of today's hottest knitting trends is entrelac, a modular technique that results in striking basketwork designs of rows within rows and interlocking diamond patterns. Using only simple knit and purl stitches, knitters can create eye-catching pieces with incredible texture. Entrelac introduces both the history and how-to of this fun style, along with 20 patterns for a variety of garments, home décor items, and baby accessories. Comprehensive instructions and a wide array of swatches provide endless possibilities in lace, colorwork, and much more.(Sterling Pub.)
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Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living: A Fresh Take on Scandinavian Style

"Beloved designer Lotta Jansdotter's smart, organic design has earned her international acclaim. Now she shares her recipe for a stylish home: take a whole lot of Scandinavian influence, mix in a dash of flea-market finds, and then top it all off with expressive handmade touches. The result? An entirely fresh approach to home decor and contemporary living. In this lavishly illustrated book, Lotta shares her decorating secrets, design resources, entertaining tips, and family traditions. Tucked away at the back she s included stencil pages and perforated recipe cards featuring classic Swedish dishes. Equal parts inspiration and how-to, this charming book shows readers how to create a warm home with elements of simple Scandinavian-influenced style." Hachette.
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