Knitting with Icelandic Wool

Request Knitting with Icelandic Wool from the catalog.

Most knitters are familiar with the colorwork traditions of Scandinavia and Scotland. Iceland has similar knitting traditions, developed during or prior to the 17th century, and featuring a combination of yoked sweaters, stranded colorwork, and the use of wool (called "lopi") from Icelandic sheep. Jonsdottir, the head designer at Istex, Iceland's premier yarnmaker, designed most of the new patterns in this collection and adapted many of the vintage patterns. Each of the designs is created to highlight the beauty of the lopi. Colorwork sweaters for women, men, and children dominate, but there are also patterns for accessories. Library Journal (02/15/2013):

The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges

Request this title!!!


Budd, whose "Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns" is a go-to resource for knitters who dabble in designing their own sweaters, takes on the challenge of top-down sweater knitting in her latest collection. Focusing on four styles of top-down sweaters--seamless yoke, raglan, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder--Budd presents construction basics, followed by a pattern framework that can be easily customized based on the wearer's measurements and the knitter's gauge. As a bonus, patterns by well-known guest designers like Anne Hanson and Jared Flood are included in each chapter. VERDICT Knitters who want to design their own sweaters but don't want to figure out all the math will appreciate Budd's straightforward approach to sweater design, while knitters who are just looking for patterns will enjoy the variety of ready-to-knit patterns in this collection. Copyright 2012 Reed Business Information. Library Journal (10/01/2012):

The New Jewelers: Desirable Collectable Contemporary

Request this title!!!


Dupon ("The New Artisans: Handmade Designs for Contemporary Living") presents more than 100 established and upcoming artisans and jewelry designers who create pieces that range from classic to whimsical to cutting-edge. Filled with more than 800 illustrations and photographs, the book is divided into nine chapters, each highlighting a stylistic category. Artists within each category are arranged alphabetically with entries providing a brief biographical sketch; their website address; and colorful illustrations of their rings, pins, brooches, necklaces, bracelets, and other items that are prominently featured and identified. The dazzling result is a book offering a wide range of innovative designs that showcase both traditional materials from gold and silver to various other precious metals and gems, as well as nontraditional materials such as beads, fabric, feathers, porcelain, ribbons, and wood. The closing pages include a resource guide listing where these artists and their works are found. VERDICT While Dupon's delightful work may seem like a coffee-table book, it is much more. This guide to the new stars of jewelry should be found in a variety of libraries with collections focusing on fashion, decorative arts, and photography. Highly recommended.--Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission. Library Journal (02/01/2013):

Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas

Request this title!!!

Knitting is more popular today than it has been for decades. "Weekend Knitting" collects 50 unique, innovative projects and ideas for the beginning and intermediate-level knitter, many of which can be made in a weekend or less.

Knit Your Own Dog: The Second Litter: 25 More Pedigree Pooches

Request this title!!!

From the authors of the beloved and best-selling Knit Your Own Dog and Knit Your Own Cat comes 25 more easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for dogs of distinction. It's an irresistible guide to knitting the dog you've always wanted.

S Is for Stitch: 52 Embroidered Alphabet Designs + Charming Projects for Little Ones

Request this title!!!

 Embroidery is becoming increasingly popular as a hobby, and Czepuryk adds to the growing number of modern embroidery books with this collection of small motifs that can be made individually or combined into a child's alphabet quilt. Two variations are provided, one targeted toward girls (containing a ballerina, a tiara, and a purse) and one targeted toward boys (containing a baseball, a dinosaur, and a robot). A guide to embroidery basics and a stitch guide are included.  The motifs are sweet, and Czepuryk provides plenty of ideas for projects beyond the quilt, such as embellishing clothing or soft fabric blocks. Embroiderers who enjoy designs for children will appreciate Czepuryk's cute motifs. Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC.

Embellish Me: How to Print, Dye, and Decorate Your Fabric

Request this title!!!

Austin-based fabric designer Wisbrun explores the possibilities of fabric embellishment in her first book, which covers a diverse variety of techniques for adding pizzazz to sewing projects. After an overview of fabric types and design principles, Wisbrun gets into the nitty-gritty of decorating fabric, including printing, dyeing, and embellishing with beads, sequins, thread, and other elements. Interviews with professional fabric artists are included throughout the book, allowing sewists a peek inside several different studios. Wisbrun's techniques apply to all crafts involving fabric, from garment and accessory sewing to quilting to embroidery, so there's plenty of appeal here. Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC.

One More Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit

Request this title!!!

"One More Skein" features 30 diverse projects that can be completed with one or two average-sized skeins of yarn or multiple bits of leftover yarn. Projects include an earflap hat, fingerless mitts, sweaters, a multicolored blanket, and more.

Natural Knits for Babies and Moms: Beautiful Designs Using Organic Yarns

Request this title!!!

This inspired collection of patterns for mother and baby includes designs with a simple flare and an elegant, modern feel for use with organically grown, undyed yarns. The projects are designed for beginning to average knitters so that essential baby accessories such as booties, mittens, hats, and simple knitted toys are quickly completed and instantly cherished. A cot blanket is an example of a group project designed to be made in one evening, and slightly more ambitious designs include an adorable dress, a chunky jacket, or a kimono sweater for a baby and wonderful, cozy items for mothers such as an unusual "bump" sweater for pregnant women, nursing sweaters that are convenient and stylish, and herb-scented pillows that delight the eye and soothe the spirit.