Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the best-selling author of "At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much" and celebrated blogger and humorist of the knitting world, is back! Funnier than ever, Pearl-McPhee continues her running dialogue with her knitting compatriots -- cheering them on to ever-greater heights in the climb to make knitting universally recognized as THE peak life experience.
Both a celebration of knitting and a sourcebook for practical information, this book is a collection of useful advice and emotional support for the knitter. Pearl-McPhee examines essential truisms of knitting, side by side with tongue in-cheek warnings, realities, and fantasies about the act of knitting and the people who do it.
In chapters on everything from yarn needles, gauge, and knitting bag essentials to hats, socks, shawls, and sweaters, Pearl-McPhee unravels the mysteries of what it is that makes knitting click, from the inside out. She dares to question longstanding rules and uncover the true essence of what makes a hat a hat, a sock a sock, and so on. Insights into why certain techniques work encourage knitters to take control and knit in the way that works best for them. As she says, " There are no knitting police."
The result is an illuminating, liberating (and hilarious!) look at knitting that will comfort the experienced knitter, surprise the mainstream one, and entice the beginner.

Includes a general overview of 500+ crochet stitches and helpful tips. Don't miss out on this special CD collection featuring our most popular stitch books all on one CD. The disc includes full-colour photography and complete instructions. The CD is both PC and MAC compatible.

Keiko Okamoto's Japanese Knitting Stitches presents 150 exquisite knitting and crochet stitches from one of Japan's most prolific and innovative designers. Her designs range from classic to ethnic to quirky in colours ranging from earthy to vivid. Keiko Okamoto is recognized around the world for her colourful and textural stitches, and this book features beautiful colour photos showing the full potential of these stitch patterns. An introduction by veteran Japanese knitting expert Gayle Roehm translator of Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible and 250 Japanese Knitting Stitches explains the ins and outs of using the Japanese-style knitting charts and executing the stitches in a way that is simple and easy for all knitters to understand. Full instructions and diagrams for crochet and knitting projects offer a chance to put these stitches to use. These projects include: A cardigan with charming crocheted strawberry garland A multi-coloured, fringed neck wrap A pair of funky, sculptural arm-warmers toasty and multi-textured A charming Fair Isle knitted basket bag A pair of fluffy, cuffed mittens An elegant A-line textured wool sweater suitable for any body type A chic Nordic-patterned short coat. This book will be a prized addition to every knitter's library, and a favourite reference for years to come!

Learn to crochet cables! Have you ever wanted to create a sweater with beautiful cables, but you didn't know how to knit? Now, in Contemporary Celtic Crochet, you can learn how to use basic crochet stitches to create the same stunning effect on sweater wraps, stoles, cardigans, and more. This book features easy projects, such as hats, scarves and device covers, and more difficult projects, including sweaters, wraps and blankets. Make the Hialeah Honey Baby Blankey to swaddle a newborn or create the Inisheer Sweater Wrap to stay cozy in cool weather. The Cables Meet Lace Cape is perfect for evenings out, and the Pennywhistler's Pack will let you carry your essentials on any day trip. These Celtic-inspired stitches and projects are the perfect addition to your crochet repertoire.

Learn 7 crochet stitch patterns and create a dishcloth at the same time! All dishcloths are made using cotton worsted-weight yarn, and measure 9" square. Six dishcloths use a size H crochet hook and one dishcloth uses a size K Tunisian hook. Designs include Openwork, Slanting Zigzags, Bead stitch, Puff Stitch, Jacob's Ladder, Herringbone, and Tunisian.

"Novice knitters will appreciate the variety of projects, as well as the helpful tutorials." --Library Journal 60 Quick Knits for Beginners is an essential volume for every novice knitter and anyone picking up needles for the first time! Offering a wide array of creative techniques and attractive patterns, this entry in the beloved 60 Quick Knits series is the perfect book for anyone learning to knit. Accessible, fun, illustrated with step-by-step instructions, and featuring insightful sidebars throughout, it demystifies complex skills and instills indispensable knitting wisdom. The projects themselves are everything new or experimenting knitters could ever want, from scarves, cowls, and mittens to shawls, socks, and baby clothes. And even though several garments have instructions specifically written for beginners, they're also chic enough for those with more experience.

Most crochet books have you follow a pattern, make so-many stitches of such-and-such a kind, and arrive at a predictable result. In freeform (also known as scrumbling), it's anything goes: mix different stitches and yarns, trust your own creativity, and produce original works of amazing art! "Freeform Crochet and Beyond" shows how to make various stitches and use them with simple templates, then add novelty patches, floral designs, stars, tassels, and other decorations. It also explains how to achieve special effects with felting, beading, and other techniques. For inspiration, a beautifully illustrated gallery section showcases spectacular bags, hats, scarves, shawls, and other items. Beginners and experienced crocheters alike will welcome this irresistible introduction to the fascinating possibilities of freeform.

Take the lead from Hollywood stars and glam up your pooch or cat with these fashionable, eye-catching outfits and fun accessories! All styles are catered for, from laid-back Sunday relaxing attire, to glitzy party wear. There are also fetching hold-alls to carry small dogs, comfy chairs for your pet to lounge in and exciting toys for them to play with. The projects are quick and simple to knit and come complete with helpful advice on measuring your pet and great suggestions for alternative colour palettes to suit your pet's personality. The book includes knitwear for dogs, such as a Stripe Hoodie, Mod Parka and Ballerina outfit plus accessories for both dogs and cats, such as a Scarf, Bandana, Corsage, Blanket, Fish Cushion and Shoe Chews. With wonderful colour artwork of dogs and cats modelling the projects, this book is bound to inspire you to get knitting and give your pet some style!

In Knot Bad Amigurumi, discover a world of 25 adorable and unique crochet creatures you'll love to make, keep, and display. Create the unexpected: a smiling rocket ship, a jubilant glass of boba tea, a joyful acorn, a breezy beach hat, and much more. These modern characters spring from the imagination of crochet artist Vincent Green-Hite (Instagram: @knot.bad; TikTok: @knotbad), who loves sharing his designs and techniques with the world. In addition to beginner-friendly patterns, the book includes a rundown of basic materials such as yarns and hooks, step-by-step stitch tutorials, instructions for embroidering appealing faces, advice on working with color, and ideas for customizing patterns. You'll learn how to give your amigurumi a clean, professional look with easy methods for stuffing, attaching, and finishing pieces. Build your skills and become a more confident creative as you work your way through each charming pattern. Knot Bad Amigurumi also includes: The incredible versatility of a few easy stitches that can be used to create an abundance of imaginative figures How a simple magic ring is the key to stress-free amigurumi How adding easy accessories, such as bows and hats, can add tons of personality A welcoming attitude that embraces anyone who wants to try creating amigurumi Explore everything that amigurumi has to offer and watch your creativity soar!

A step-by-step guide featuring 15 crochet projects to make the cutest beanies and matching booties. With designs for three sizes: preemie, 0-6 months and 6-12 months. Have you ever had an urge to crochet anything as soon as a baby arrives in your life? Head to Toe Crochet contains bright, modern patterns using simple stitches to make matching booties and beanies. Suitable for beginners or those who have crocheted for years, these accessories are quick to make and guaranteed to raise a smile. This book includes fifteen unique crochet patterns for beanie hats and matching booties, designed for three sizes: preemie, 0-6 months and 6-12 months, and step-by-step illustrated tutorials of simple crochet techniques. Little monsters, tigers and dogs are just some of the creations you can get your hooks into.

If you shy away from crocheting sweaters, cardigans, ponchos, or tops because you think they're complicated and take too much time to make, this book was designed just for you. Crochet in a Weekend offers 29 wrap, cowl, cardigan, poncho, tunic, sweater, and top patterns for every season of the year! Each design is made with a yarn that's easy to find (or substitute), stitches that create gorgeous fabrics (that are easy to memorize), and separate pieces that are portable and easy to seam together! You can start with simple designs like the Roving Stole or Date Night Poncho if you're looking for styles made with dazzling yarns! The Coboo Top and ZZ Twist Tee are worked with open stitches, creating oversized fits that are very complementary to wear. When looking for cozy, plush styles, the Charisma Poncho, Colour Made Easy Cardigan, and Weekend Blanket Wrap are classic pieces that you'll love to wear! Whether you're looking for a quick project, like the Picnic Vest or Warlock Wrap, or want to learn a new stitch or technique with the Mauve Cardigan or Speckle Sweater, your weekend crochet projects really can be gorgeous designs that you'll enjoy making!

Summertime, and the living is breezy These warm-weather accessories are so soft and light, you'll almost forget you're wearing them. All four designs -- three lacy short ponchos and a triangular shawl -- were crocheted with satiny yarns. The ponchos are each worked in one piece circularly from the top down.
The colors are reminiscent of saltwater taffy and butter mints, but these little treats would look just as lovely in patriotic hues of red, white, and blue. So when the mercury rises, reach for your summertime poncho. You'll look cool and carefree in your own lacy creation. Stapled; 8 pages.

Covering both toe-up and cuff-down styles, she introduces two techniques for starting a sock, three different heel techniques, and useful tips and tricks like the figure-eight cast-on and stretchy bind-off, as well as how to work with both double-pointed and circular needles. Once the basic techniques are mastered, knitters will be able to adapt them to create their own custom sock designs.

On Amigurumipatterns.net the most beautiful crochet patterns from all over the world are collected. With more than 160,000 fans the site has grown into a community and a meeting place where crocheters and designers meet and exchange tips and patterns.Each year Amigurumipatterns.net organizes a competition for designers. The theme of the latest contest, elaborated upon in this book, reaches new heights in terms of cuteness. You'll find the sweetest baby animals accompanied by their proud parents. A baby penguin is driven around in his eggshell buggy, baby sloth spends all day on mom's belly and baby bear celebrates his first birthday ... They will all steal your heart away.This book contains twelve of the participating patterns from the competition - 25 characters in total. Maybe you are making your very first amigurumi? Then don't worry. The book begins with a number of pages dedicated to explaining all the basics. More experienced? Then you'll certainly love the details in these designs!

Choose from 200 beautiful block designs and learn different ways of joining them to make blankets and throws that are both functional and decorative. From Art Deco geometric patterns to traditional chequer-board stripes and elaborate motifs, discover new ways to combine colour, pattern and texture. Crochet is one of the oldest and most fascinating ways of creating a fabric out of yarn. Find out how to create wonderful and unique afghans, wall hangings and accessories in a kaleidoscope of colourful contemporary and traditional designs. All stitches and techniques are clearly explained with step-by-step illustrations, from working in rows and in the round to joining blocks and making figures. At-a-glance symbols denote the methods used and level of difficulty, so both new and experienced crafters can easily create a crochet masterpiece.

Yarn lovers - keep your mind sharp and have fun with over 65 word puzzles for knitters and crocheters! With a wide variety of games you'll be entertained for hours.

Designer Ana Morais Soares has a great passion for colours and blankets. In this book she presents 15 colourful blanket projects, using different crochet techniques and styles. These patterns--a mix of simple and elaborate designs--will add colour and creativity to your home. Blankets are crocheted using yarns in linen, wool, cotton, acrylic, and a mix of these compositions--in beautiful bright or soft colours.

From selecting yarns and learning basic crochet stitches to assembling your doll or animal and adding whimsical details, The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals makes any amigurumi project possible! Hundreds of photos demonstrate the best crochet stitches to use, along with lessons on how to assemble amigurumi figures correctly and give them more personality. All the basic stitches and steps are explained in detail, including extra directions for left-handed crafters. This is the official guide created by The Japan Amigurumi Association--whose thousands of members are found all over Japan, the original home of amigurumi. It provides an authoritative overview of techniques and includes all the information that amigurumi enthusiasts need to know to create their own toy. This indispensable book shows you how to: Shape and proportion expressive heads, limbs and tails Assemble all the pieces together in a way that makes your toy come alive Add armatures so your toys can bend and stand on their own Create facial features that give your toy attitude and personality Make cute little accessories (zakka) like mittens, scarves and purses The Complete Guide to Crochet Dolls and Animals includes 3 start to finish project lessons to practice the skills you learn. Then style your own amigurumi with over 1,500 color photos and detailed diagrams instructing more than 100 crochet stitch techniques. This is a book you'll refer to again and again. Open it up, and get ready to crochet!

Life is a busy undertaking. We always seem to be on the go, with days (and nights!) never having enough hours. Bestselling author Melissa Leapman has just the perfect solution for today's busy makers: InstaKnits. The 24 sophisticated, quick-to-knit projects are each expertly designed, fun to make, and easy to wear. From accessories like scarves, hats, and mittens to gorgeous wraps and sweaters, all of the projects are ready for their social media close-up! Projects are divided into sections by the approximate length of time to complete, so it's easy to choose a pattern that both excites you and fits into your busy lifestyle. Take a look at Melissa's colorful pieces designed for instant gratification, and you'll be inspired to pick up your needles and cast on an InstaKnit today!

Ever wondered what Tunisian crochet is and how to get started? This fantastic workshop will help you on your way to mastering Tunisian crochet with step-by-step instructions, easy to follow stitch patterns and 12 stunning projects. This comprehensive guide has something for everyone - from complete beginners to those who have learned the basics but now want to expand their skills. Set out in a workshop format, graduating from the basics through to more advanced techniques with 16 lessons giving clear instructions and step-by-step photos as well as handy hints and tips along the way. This invaluable reference guide can be used by novices starting from the very beginning and working their way through each lesson, developing their skills and knowledge as they go. Or, for those who have already tried Tunisian crochet but are wanting to learn more, they can pick up from the Beyond the Basics section to learn many new stitches and stitch patterns, new techniques including shaping, joining, colourwork, working in the round and more. In addition to the ongoing swatch project added to throughout the lessons, the Projects section includes 12 beautiful, contemporary designs to hone your new skills, ranging from fashion accessories to decorative home wares.

Bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with four afghans all inspired by nature! Each crocheted blanket is made using the unique 'knotted half double crochet two stitches together' stitch. This simple stitch allows each stitch to be perfectly aligned on top of another, creating the nice angles and even stitches of the silhouettes. Designs include Mountain River, Desert Skies, Blue Mountain Lakes and Purple Mountain Majesty. All afghans are made using worsted-weight yarn.

Decorate your home with these six on-trend crochet wall hangings! All wall hangings are worked in single crochet from the bottom of the hanging up and are made using Scheepjes Softfun DK-weight cotton. Each hanging measures approximately 36cm x 51cm (14" x 20") and requires a 42cm (16 1/2") wood dowel rod. Designs include Funky Chicken, Hungry Goat, Herd That Cow, Christmas Truck, Rustic Barn and Wildflowers. Knowledge of chart reading required.