Twentieth-Century Jewellery: From Art Nouveau to Comtemporary Design in Europe and the United States

Set against the background of global events and conflicts, this book wows the reader with a succinct and masterful text as well as a cavalcade of flawless photographs of dazzling jewels and inspired creations by renowned individual artists and international designers. Design critic Cappellieri (jewelry design, Milan Polytechnic, Italy) takes readers on a fascinating journey through six broad periods. This volume epitomizes the diversity of design and portrays the changing styles from the traditional to the futuristic, from the organic and geometric to the experimental, from couture to costume jewelry. Readers are treated to the sumptuous and iconic works of Lalique, Vever and Fouquet, Liberty & Co., Boucheron, Cartier, Fabergé, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels, as well as newer creations by Wolfers, Pomodoro, Grima, and others. Items are arranged chronologically and accompanied by a brief description including the artist's/designer's name, type of jewelry, materials used, and location, either in private or public collections. (Library Journal)
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Brave New Knits: 26 Projects and Personalities from the Knitting Blogosphere

Turjoman invited 26 of her favorite knit bloggers to contribute patterns to this collection. The first section includes a variety of sweater patterns in various styles, and the second section focuses on knitted accessories. There are some big names here Ysolda Teague, Connie Chang Chinchio, Anne Hanson, Stefanie Japel, and Clara Parkes, among others and, surprisingly, none of the patterns are the throwaways prominent designers often contribute to books that aren't their own. Given the diversity and quality of the designers represented, there's something in this book for everyone. An excellent introduction to the world of knit blogging. (Library Journal)
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Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers: Knitting with Simple Patterns and Amazing Yarns

The knitting trend is being fueled by wonderful new yarns like ribbon, frizzy, eyelash, and metallic. This books presents easy knit patterns that make the most of these irresistible novelty and decorative yarns. Knitters will learn the secrets of combining colors and textures while creating stunning accessories in no time. Each project has variations showing how different yarns will totally change the look. The easy knit stitches and techniques are taught step by step with photographs. Throughout, a yarn expert shares her tips to make knitting more enjoyable and successful. It is for both beginning knitters, who usually start with scarves and will love this way to take their craft to the next level, and experienced knitters, who are all yarn addicts!
(Quayside)

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Wrapped in Gems: 40 Elegant Designs for Wire-wrapped Gemstone Jewelry

Few people would argue against the beauty and appeal of gemstone jewelry, but some jewelry makers find themselves intimidated by the thought of working with these precious stones. With Wrapped in Gems, even inexperienced jewelry makers can learn to fashion their own beautiful gemstone creations using Mai Sato-Flores’s preferred techniques of wire wrapping and working with chain. This method allows gems to hang so that light can shine through and show off their natural beauty.

For the jewelry maker, inspiration can be found anywhere, but the exquisite beauty of nature is a favorite source. Take a moment to study the leaves of a tree or plant—the contours of a leaf suggest a shape for a pendant, the perfect combination of colors in the leaves and flowers hint at a color palette of precious gemstones to mimic it. The branches and twigs, the patterns of leaf growth, even the shape of the tree or plant itself can inspire ideas for earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. Wrapped in Gems shows you how to interpret all that you see in nature to create jewelry with wire, chains, and beautiful gemstones. (Random House)
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting

In The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Knitting, Becca Smith takes aspiring knitters step-by-step through her "learn-as-you-go" teaching technique. Knitters are guided from purl stitch to finished scarf with hundreds of clear and easy-to-understand photos along the way. Readers will also learn to make hats, mittens, blankets, pillows, sweaters, socks, even kimonos-as well as their own patterns. With The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Knitting, anyone can go from picking up a needle to becoming a master knitter. (Penguin Putnam)
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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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