Cable Confidence: a guide to textured knitting

Think cables are too tricky to master? Debunk that myth today! Cabling is just a series of knits and purls. If you can knit and purl, you already have the foundation for making gorgeous textured sweaters. A new knitting world will open up as soon as you learn the basics.

Unlock the mysteries of reading stitch charts, using cable needles, swatching, and much more with this beginner-friendly guide

Start with the easiest stitches, and then move on to more complex techniques, one step at a time

Knit up starter projects like pillows, scarves, and an afghan, and then move on to gorgeous pullovers and cardigans—14 projects in all

Romantic Hand Knits

Romance is alive and well in the sweet and sexy clothing and accessory designs you’ll find in Romantic Hand Knits. Exquisite drape married with figure-hugging silhouettes show off a woman’s curves in a most ladylike manner, creating flirtatious and flattering fits to please any knitter. Loosely based on ultra-feminine styles from fashion history, the designs in Romantic Hand Knits have an undeniably modern appeal.
•A lace camisole is lengthened and reinvented as a lovely summer slip dress
•A late-eighteenth-century corset cover inspires the design for a lacy fitted top with elbow-length sleeves
•Silk stockings favored by Elizabethan ladies of the royal court return in a sexy and fresh incarnation
With the new fibers available today, knitting guru Annie Modesitt knits up fabrics that cling delicately to a woman’s body, creating an elegant hand-tailored look. Now every woman will be able to create fitted garments that make her look as pretty, desirable, and sexy as she feels.
For knitters who want to heat things up in a whole new way, the alluring designs in Romantic Hand Knits will help them light the fires.

Lace Style

Traditional to Innovative: 21 Inspired Designs to Knit. by Pam Allen and Ann Budd, Editors of Interweave Knits

This book is about knitting lace, as well as lace projects to knit. Simple lace projects such as hats, leg warmers and shrugs, to cardigans, shawls, socks, shells and tops....even a dress and a skirt. Plus a chapter than demystifies the elements of lace, pointers on how to correct and avoid mistakes and an extended glossary.

Fitted Knits

Fitted Knitts features 25 projects, beginning with simple T-shirts and shrugs and moving on to more advanced sweaters, cardigans and skirts. The book also includes a comprehensive section covering the skills necessary to create a well-fitted garment, removing the guesswork from customizing patterns. Each project includes customization tips and tricks, describing how to tell when and where increases should be placed to create the most attractive shaping.

Charmed Knits: Projects for fans of Harry Potter

You'll soon be knitting enchanting things you didn't know were within your powers. Charmed Knits offers dozens of patterns for items that evoke the mystique of Harry Potter - a Wizard Robe, an Invisibility Shawl, a Quidditch Sweater, Ron's Ragg Raglan, a Clock Blanket, Harry Christmas Ornaments, and more. Easy-to-follow patterns, color photos of the finished projects, and illustrations of special stitch patterns and design elements make it easy for all knitters - from beginners to those at Mrs. Weasley's level - to work knitting magic. Charmed Knits whisks you away on a wonderful journey. Along the way, you can pick patterns inspired by the Weasleys, stock up at Diagon Alley, show your house colors, conjure up gifts, or create pieces to help you feel at home in the magical world of Harry Potter.

Folk Vests

Vests are festive, warm, easy-fitting, and practical—just the thing for contemporary knitters, who will delight in these 25 traditional and innovative patterns collected from around the world and through the ages. Both functional and decorative, these wonderful projects for men’s and women’s vests are accompanied by folk stories and regional histories from the countries of origin: Germany, Nepal, Peru, Japan, and the United Kingdom, among others. More than a pattern book, this is a book of inspiration, appreciation, and history. Readers will feel connected to the cultures behind the projects as they bring these traditional designs to life.

Never Knit You Man a Sweater (unless you've got the ring!)

Is he sweater-worthy? Not until he's as committed to you as you would be to that sweater. But where can you find stylish projects for your guy that won't take too long to make (just in case the relationship finishes before you do)? Never Knit Your Man a Sweater (Unless You've Got the Ring) is filled with 22 projects that take the guesswork out of choosing commitment-appropriate gifts, from the Dinner Date Scarf in his favorite team's colors, to the more involved iPod cover, socks, and mittens when he starts introducing you as his girlfriend, and finally to a handsome merino/cotton blend Half-Zip Pullover reserved for The One.

Angelika's note: There's actually some really good stuff in this book. It is geared to the younger man and the styles are very appropriate. Personally, some of these projects even appeal to me! Perfect book for the 20 & 30-something knitters (and receivers).

Top Down Sweaters

When it's time to knit a new sweater, start at the TOP! With this collection of comfy, cozy sweaters, you can start at the neck; then try on projects as you knit to make the bust, length, and sleeves fit to a T. Sweaters knit from the top down seem to knit up faster too. Try the clever top down technique in 15 easy knit-and-purl designs. Keep these versatile sweaters casual with jeans, or dress them up for stylish workday wear. Knit most projects in the round for minimal seaming and finishing work

Silk Knits

Learn the ins and outs of knitting with silk and silk-blend yarns. Discover essential tips for working with silk and silk-blend yarns, such as how different yarns will behave depending on the stitches and textures you use. Create sumptuous garments with a wide variety of silk fibers, from delicate bouclés to chunky strands. Twenty seasonal patterns include vests, pullovers, cardigans, shells, and shawls.

Knitting Beyond Scarves

Everybody learns to knit in the same way: garter stitch. Just plain knitting. That means scarves--and plenty of ‘em. Scarves for every day of the week. Scarves for herself, her friends, her sisters and her cousins and her aunts. Scarves until even her mailman says, “No more!” When that day comes--and it will come--best-selling author Melissa Leapman will be standing by with Melissa Leapman’s Knitting Beyond Scarves. It develops basic skills with a progressive series of lessons, each supported by cool projects that go way, way beyond scarves. Hats, bags, wraps, pullovers, skirts, jackets, a tie-front cardigan, even a camisole--all of Leapman’s designs are kicky fun to make and to wear. Packed with clear illustrations and glowing photographs, Melissa Leapman’s Knitting Beyond Scarves is a hand-holding, confidence-building, inspiring knitting course that will delight beginning knitters (and their sisters and their cousins and their aunts and their mailmen).

Skirts!

Knit or crochet these beautiful stylish skirts. Patterns are lacy, feminine, and easy to make. Lengths range from below the knee to floor length, and are for daytime wear or evening dress in classic styles. The full-color, 16-page book includes 5 projects (3 crochet, 2 knit). Sizes S to 2X.

Modern Classics

128 pages. Take a timeless approach to knitting with classic styles that spotlight a distinctly modern twist. More than 20 pullovers, jackets, and cardigans feature easy coloring, textured stitching, and trouble-free details. Try three different yarn weights; then get a perfect fit with expert sizing secrets. Simply alter details for an endless variety of unique looks.

Knit 2 Together by Tracey Ullman & Mel Clark

Although she has been knitting since the age of four, Tracey Ullman was, she says "helpless to make anything other than long, holey scarves" until she met Clark, who taught her how to follow a pattern and knit for real. Passionate and funny, serious and spirited, Knit 2 Together features lively lessons for beginners and more than 30 original designs for knitters of all abilities and stripes--from witches britches and house slippers to a saucy apron and a table skirt. Complete with sidebars and vibrant color photographs, the book also relates Ullman's personal stories and reflections on her life in knitting. This one-of-a-kind brainchild of two perfectly matched creators--one a master of knitting, the other a master of wit--is sure to delight veteran and novice alike.

Andean Inspired Knits

Designs in Luxurious Alpaca by Helen Hamann

Create dazzling knitwear designs with Andean Inspired Knits, a collection of patterns inspired by pre-Columbian textiles from the culturally-rich Andes in South America.

Author Helen Hamann draws inspiration from historic fabrics and motifs to create this modern collection of wearables, all in soft alpaca, a fiber that boasts unique luster, warmth, and durability. Hamann is deliberate in her choice of fibers, as alpacas and their fleece played a central role in the development of pre-Columbian cultures.

Skilled knitters will love the eye-catching patterns that incorporate geometric forms and unique silhouettes. Helen’s fresh approach to form and fit will appeal to knitters looking to learn new techniques while being challenged by ambitious designs.

Much of the rich textile tradition in Peru can be attributed to the alpaca, which made its home in the Peruvian highlands centuries ago.

Projects range from a geometric scarf based on a bold striped stepped pattern, an intricate Fair Isle Bolero with mitered corners, a patchwork kimono with matching beaded cap, a lacy crocheted poncho/top with flowery beading, a colorfully embroidered wrap, and a showy lace cardigan with ruffle trim. Techniques include short-rows, mitered corners, intarsia, Fair Isle, and embroidery. Gorgeous photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and illustrations guide the knitter through each project. Photos of the Andean landscape, information about the evolution of alpacas, and details about Peruvian culture and textiles round out the rich history of the Andean tradition. Knitters will love seeing original textiles and the sophisticated, updated patterns in Andean Inspired Knits.

Everyday Style

From weekday office to weekend casual, this collection of handknit sweater designs combines simple knitting with timeless style. A special section on achieving a great fit will have knitters reaching for these comfy classics first. Fourteen sweater designs spotlight simple knit-and-purl patterns, plus a few easy adventures in color work. Instructions are provided for a variety of sweater sizes, from small to 2X. Information on "wearing ease" will help you choose the right size to knit for a perfect fit

Desperate Knitting

When you're positively aching to create something with those new, oh-so-touchable yarns, let us satisfy your cravings! There are 24 designs in all, from fur-trimmed toppers and slinky tanks that will really make you feel like a woman, to a cute little apron and other practical items when you've planned the perfect dinner party. 64 pages, full color, softcover.

Saturday Sweaters: Easy to Knit, Easy to Wear.

Make the leap from knitting basic scarves to creating striking sweaters! These trouble-free designs are simple to knit. And with their cozy, built-in comfort, they're the sweaters you'll reach for first, day in and day out. Knit up a dozen sweaters that spotlight figure-flattering silhouettes and easy stitches. Choose from a tunic, a cardigan, pullovers, jackets, and more. Get just the right fit with multisized patterns; finished chest measurements range from 33" to 60".

These sweaters have minimal shaping and small knit/purl stitch repeats. A great book for the new knitter that is tired of scarves and hats. Drop shoulder styling. All styles are DK, Worsted or Bulky Weight. A couple of the styles were written 3 separate times so that you can take your choice of DK, Worsted or Bulky Weight. The gauges 5.5, 4.5 & 3.5 sts per inch are basic standards, so if you don't have that exact yarn, a substitute will be easy to find.

Vogue Knitting QUICK KNITS

If you are a knitting enthusiast looking for stylish, no-fuss knits you can wear time and time again, you will love VK Quick Knits.

I was really impressed with the lovely, classic collection of knitwear. Very lovely garments to flatter! Beautiful stitches! Modern day styles that any figure type can wear. I was a pleasure to go through this collection and I was itching to start a number of them!!

After Dark: Uncommon Knits for Night Time

After Dark is a singularly sensuous collection of high-style knits from celebrated designer Jil Eaton. All in glorious yarns and eye-popping colors, there are twenty fabulous projects to choose from-including the sexy sequined halter, the sleeveless tee, and the knockout obi belt. Knit in a jiffy from fabulous novelty yarn, it's perfect for dressing up satins, silks, or even a favorite pair of jeans. There's a collection for kids' night out, too-a cozy cardi for tea-time tots, a party-pretty frock, and lot's more. High-fashion sweaters, an easy-knit scarf, past-the-elbow gloves, and an oh-so-soft wraparound shawl are all knit with the celebration of color and the chic silhouettes that are Jil Eaton's trademarks. 20 Cool Knits for Hot Nights . . . * Sexy beaded halter * Knock-out obi belt* Sizzling sleeveless tee* Wraparound pashmini shawl* Party togs for stylish tots.. . . And much more. 144 pages, cloth with concealed spiral binding. 70 photographs, 30 color drawings

Hot Knits

by Melissa Leapman

Offering an ever-expanding market of youthful knitters 30 fresh and fashionable designs, this knitting guide will appeal to busy knitters at all skill levels. The quick-knit designs fit into modern wardrobes and hectic lifestyles, and include patterns that flatter all shapes and sizes. Illustrated with dramatic fashion photography, this collection includes tanks, pullovers, cardigans, tunics, hoodies, jackets, a tube top, and a dress. The designs feature fun details such as ruffles, leather lacing, and fringed borders, and are worked in a variety of exciting colors and textures as well as price points of yarn. Also provided are "hot tips"-specific comments to aid in a garment's construction-and knitter-friendly details such as how to make successful yarn substitutions, an abbreviations list, and a guide to materials and instructional resources.

Melissa's book will appeal to seasoned knitters who want to maximize their knitting time, as well as to any knitters who want to knit last-minute gifts These are quick-to-knit designs combine youthful and sexy styles. The book is filled with gorgeous, fashion-forward photography.

Sirdar Book of Aran Knits #283

Beautiful Aran knits for ALL the family. This book is JUST PACKED with aran knits. I see hats, scarves, cardigans (buttoned and zippered), pillows, afghans, pullovers (some with hoods) and PONCHOES !!

Normally $12, now on special for (limited to stock on hand)

Pattern calls for Sirdar Denim Aran, which is a wool blend calling for a US#8 needle and 4.5sts per inch in stockinette. Most worsted weight yarns (that get 4.5sts per inch) with body will work these arans up nicely.

Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch. 

Sally picks up with The Purl Stitch, where The Knit Stitch left off.
Learn the purl stitch and additional skills.  Classic and comfortable designs, beautiful yarns,  that will have even the most experienced knitter rushing to start a new sweater.  Designed to take beginner knitters to the next step,
The Purl Stitch, will be another best seller. 

Includes 25 projects.

Knitting Experience Book 1:  Knit 

Sally Melville's book has hit the knitting world by storm. Learn how to knit beautiful garments and have to know only the knit stitch. Sally's book is extremely well written and laid out. Even the most experienced knitter will find inspiring ideas.