With input from more than 50 leading specialists, no other book covers the field so comprehensively. Need guidance on yarns, needles, tools, basic techniques, specialized applications, terminology? It's in here--with lots more, from diagnostics to blocking to designs. "This indispensable reference has...up-to-the-minute designer patterns."--"Family Circle Homecrafts." "The ultimate reference guide."--"House & Garden Magazine."

Knitting is a relaxing and therapeutic pastime, and this winning combination focuses on mindfulness and the perfect stress-busting knitting projects. Whether you choose a portable project to knit on the go, a group project to do with friends, or one that introduces new skills to stimulate a creative mind, this book is the perfect path to keeping calm. The book is aimed at beginners as well as more advanced knitters, but does not include anything more complex than basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing and some simple colourwork. Lynne Rowe covers the essential techniques at the start of the book, followed by projects that have been specifically designed for mindfulness. The projects themselves are split into five sections: Quick and Easy, Portable, Group, Big, and New Skills. Within these sections, you can choose to make things such as a wash cloth, a hat, a blanket, a shawl and an evening bag, amongst others. Every single one has been designed to promote calm and mindfulness and all the projects are beautifully photographed with clear and simple knitting patterns. The Introduction is written by Betsan Corkhill, an experienced healthcare professional who founded the community interest company stitchlinks.com in 2005. It has grown into a global online community for those who enjoy the therapeutic benefits of craft, and in particular, knitting. Betsan has also advised on the projects included in the book and repetitive techniques to promote a calm state. The five sections have different ways of promoting calm and the feelgood factor: Quick and Easy: the projects in this section are designed for when you when you feel like a quick fix to raise your mood. Use your favourite colours and textures to enhance the benefits of the rhythmic movements and the feelgood effects. The feeling of success you experience will motivate and inspire you. Portable: These smaller projects are even more portable, so keep one in your bag at all times. Use it to manage stress on the go, on your commute to work, in your lunch break, when travelling or at any other time when life is getting a bit much and you need to feel calm. Group: Getting together with friends to knit, chat and laugh over a cuppa is one of life's joys. Supportive friends help us to live longer, healthier, happier lives so why not combine the calming nature of knitting with the support of being with friends? It's a powerful way to switch off your stress fight-or-flight response and switch on a bit of fun, play and laughter. Big: It's a lovely cosy feeling to sit quietly at home with your Big project on your lap, keeping you warm as you knit. Let it be your constant friend, the one you turn to to find calm and consistency when the world around you feels a bit frantic. As you get into the flow of the pattern, its familiarity will enable you to settle into a soothing rhythm whenever you need to knit yourself calm. New Skills: Learning new skills on a regular basis is essential for nurturing a healthy brain, opening new neural pathways and even encouraging the growth of new brain cells right into old age. This section focuses on a range of new skills to encourage you to experiment with different stitch patterns and combinations of colour and textures. They are designed specifically to stimulate your creative mind. Whatever your skill level, there are plenty of projects in this book to help you achieve calm, bust those stress levels and enjoy a pastime which is creative, fun and produces beautiful projects to wear, or for the home.

Looking for a unique baby gift? Here are twenty gorgeous shoes, booties and pumps to crochet in a range of colours and styles, for both boys and girls. Choose from red strawberry-style shoes with flowery toes, smiley car shoes, Christmas booties and even shoes shaped like frogs! Each pair of shoes requires relatively small quantities of yarn and can be crocheted quickly, easily, and on the go using the clear instructions provided. Each project is accompanied by lists of the materials and equipment required and inspiring photographs. As all babies are different, sizes and age suggestions are given for each project, from birth to twelve months, but general advice is also given at the beginning of the book on how to increase or decrease the size of the projects.

The Yarn Harlot strikes again Best-selling knitting author and humorist Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is back with an irresistible collection of witty observations on how knitting and life wisdom are spun together.
In "Things I Learned From Knitting (Whether I Wanted To or Not)," Pearl Mc-Phee examines age-old aphorisms in light of knitting. From "Hope Springs Eternal" to "A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed" and "Birds Of A Feather Flock Together," Pearl-McPhee casts a fresh, off-beat light on these sayings. Presented in quick, punchy takes, each entry in this book calls out to be read aloud and shared with anyone who enjoys playing with yarn and needles.
Pearl-McPhee's observations are hilarious; the situations she describes strike a familiar, "not you, too?" feeling in the heart of anyone who knits. Interspersed throughout the book are her notes on the things that "Knitting is still trying to teach me. . ." That no matter how well you knit, looking at your work too closely isn't helpful. It's like kissing with your eyes open. Nobody looks good that close up.

This delightful book from best-selling author and knitting designer Sue Stratford provides patterns for 21 charming birds for you to knit. Featuring beautifully clear colourwork charts that make patterns super-easy to follow, you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can create your own flock of characterful knitted birds. Whether you choose a seagull, puffin, flamingo, bullfinch or parakeet, your bird will take on a personality all of its own and no sooner will you finish one than you'll want to start on another little feathered friend to keep it company. As well as the birds themselves, there are ideas for how to display them, and at the end of the book are instructions for a hanging nest, a felt nest box, branches, flowers and leaves, in addition to all the templates you need to make them.

Crochet is a quick and easy craft and can be addictive! This latest title in the A-Z series will have you create beautiful pieces in no time. Don't know where to start? If you have never held a crochet hook before, the simple instructions and easy-to-follow photographs at the beginning of the book will have you working like an expert in no time. Learn about bobbles and clusters, loop stitches, picots and popcorns, shells and spikes. An expert, but you want to expand your repertoire? Discover broomstick crochet, entrelac crochet, filet and hairpin crochet, Irish crochet, surface and tubular crochet, Tunisian crochet and so much more. We show you how to achieve a perfect finish to your crocheted project and how to add your own special touch with fringes, spirals, edgings and three-dimensional motifs. It's 164 pages of hooking bliss!

All children love a farmyard so, they're bound to enjoy these lovely little knitted farmyard characters! You'll find all their favorite animals, from cows to hens to ponies, lambs and ducks. There are also the farmers and farm workers to knit, plus a tractor, farmhouse and accessories. All the characters can be played with on the large playmat, which is also included as a pattern. The 25 projects feature best-selling author Sarah Keen's popular and charming style. They're durable and washable, using readily available DK yarn. There's a comprehensive techniques section too, so beginners will be able to tackle the projects. They make wonderful gifts for little ones, and will provide many hours of fun and educational imaginative play.

The essential beginner's guide to knitting know-how, with more than 150 illustrated knitting stitches and techniques. Knit Step by Step shows you everything you need to craft stunning knitted pieces. Master basic stitches and classic techniques, including ribs, Fair Isle, and intarsia, or try your hand at one of eight eye-catching projects. Fully illustrated and easy to use, Knit Step by Step will have you knitting with confidence in no time.

Discover all the essential skills one stitch at a time. With clear step-by-step tutorials and charts you'll find the stitches quick and easy to learn. The blocks are organised according to skill level, progressing from basic knit and purl stitches to more challenging techniques such as cable and lace. Practice one new stitch at a time before you're ready to move on to the next one. At the back of the book, you'll find a handful of inspirational projects that teach you how to combine your blocks for unique and stylish results.

An inspiring collection of 200 classic and new crochet stitches! The perfect resource for new and experienced crocheters alike, The Step-By-Step Guide To 200 Crochet Stitches offers 200 stitches with detailed written, charted, and photographed instructions. This essential book stitch dictionary includes: - Basic stitches - Fans & Shells - Bobbles & Clusters - Spikes - Relief stitches - Mesh & Filet - Waves - Crossed stitches - Decorative stitches You'll learn essential crochet skills, such as changing color, fastening off, and forming basic stitches. Each stitch is accessible with written, charted, and step-by-step photo instructions that clearly explain where the yarn goes each step of the way. Plus, large finished swatches in eye-catching colors show off the beauty of each stitch inspiring your hook through the entire book. The Step-By-Step Guide To 200 Crochet Stitches is the must-have stitch dictionary you'll want in your reference library.

Originally released in 1993, Beth Brown-Reinsel's bestseller, Knitting Ganseys, is a classic in the hearts of traditional and modern knitters alike, bringing this historic tradition to your needles for 25 years! This completely revised and update version of the perennial bestseller includes 100% new photography, new patterns, and more!

This special edition celebrates with new patterns for sweaters in the traditional gansey style as well as new explorations of modern gansey-inspired patterns. Full-color, step-by-step photography walks you through a variety of traditional gansey techniques and construction methods, plus contemporary sources for traditional gansey yarns are shared, making this as vital to your knitting library as the original.

Knitted Menagerie provides 30 easy-to-follow knitting patterns for an eclectic array of animals. Within the pages of this bright and fun book, you'll find 30 adorable animals to knit, ranging from sealife to birds, insects to mammals. You'll find everyone's favourites, including a lion, an elephant, blue whale, meerkats and a llama. The patterns vary in complexity, ensuring there's something for everyone. Complete beginners or more experienced knitters can be reassured by the comprehensive illustrated techniques section provided. Packed with fun and enticing photography that shows each of the projects from different angles, this book is sure to delight the knitter and the lucky receiver of these gorgeous, knitted creatures. AUTHOR: Sarah Keen works as a freelance pattern designer and finds calculating rows and stitches challenging, but fascinating. She is experienced in designing knitted toys for children and also enjoys writing patterns for charity. This is Sarah's tenth book for GMC Publications. Sarah lives in Ceredigion, Wales, UK. SELLING POINTS: Projects are safe, durable, and made from readily available yarn Suitable for beginners through to experienced knitters Plenty of bright, fun photographs of the animals throughout the book, including a dedicated gallery section 30 brand new patterns with favourite animals as well as the more unusual and exotic Latest knitting book from best-selling author Sarah Keen 50 photographs, 30 illustrations

Sometimes when you realize you need a new hat or mittens--It's going to be freezing tomorrow and I'm going hiking! It's my best friend's birthday and I don't have a gift!--you need it NOW! This is the book you can turn to again and again for just the right pattern, knowing that every project in it can be completed in a matter of minutes or hours. Designed for maximum style in minimum time, the knits in this book were created with busy knitters in mind. From twisty mitts to a family hat, a cozy alpaca scarf to cozy ribbed leg warmers, and a cable pattern that can be adapted to make wrist warmers, mitts, a headband, or a hat, you will have a quick pattern for every knitted essential in just this one book.

Richly illustrated with photos, charts, and drawings, this guide to Scandinavian knitting features patterns for a wealth of handmade treasures. More than 100 graphed patterns in the authentic Nordic tradition include children's and adults' sweaters, jackets, caps, mittens, stockings, and shawls. Simple in cut and striking in decoration, the patterns are based on practical and aesthetic values.
After a brief look at the historical development of wool into yarn, the Introduction provides tips on using the right tools, following patterns, incorporating designs, and making edgings and decorative borders. Above all, this book offers suggestions for adapting classic patterns to suit individual needs and to express personal tastes. In addition to scores of helpful diagrams, the chatty and informative text is complemented with many photos of finished projects as well as historical images depicting people dressed in these beautiful sweaters, hats, and other forms of wearable art.

Crochet decor that kids will adore! Bring kids' bedroom decor to life with this collection of seven sensational animal rug designs, by popular crochet designer Ira Rott. Choose from an amazing elephant, a sweet giraffe, a cute cat, a fun-loving monkey, a cool crab, a friendly dinosaur and a rock-star panda, each with a coordinating pillow and accessory to crochet to continue the theme. With accessories ranging from security blankets to stool covers, bed book tidies, placemats and toy bags, this collection features over 20 animal-themed designs to crochet. Crochet rugs are the perfect place for children to read and play. They make a great conversation piece with a unique style. You can decorate a child's room or nursery with items from this book and spend only a few evenings making each piece. So get creative and transform a child's room into a magical modern bedroom inspired by animals!

Design your own crazy critters with this amazing book of mix-and-match crochet patterns. Choose the body parts that take your fancy from our extensive selection and use your favourite colours. Add stripes, spots or scales, and then turn to the sew-on extras section to select hair, eyes, horns, wings or tails... The flippable pages make it easy for you to follow the patterns in any combination. With 30 heads, one basic body, and 30 different pairs of arms and legs, projects are crocheted in one go from the top down. With step-by-step instructions for all the basic crochet techniques that are needed, this is perfect for beginners. In addition to the flip pattern pages, there are 30 pages of colour photography showing a selection of finished creatures to inspire you.

Restyled, and with fresh new photography, Crochet for the Absolute Beginner is the ideal novice's guide, containing crochet expert Pauline Turner's clear, step-by-step guidance, inspiring projects and helpful hints and tips. The close-up photography and no-nonsense advice leads beginners through the basic stitches and techniques, showing them exactly what they should be doing, while the exciting projects - from scarves and bags to lacework - gradually increase in difficulty to challenge and inspire the reader as they progress through the book. The smaller, wire-bound format is ideal for crafters, as it will fit comfortably into a bag and will sit open while in use for easy reference. Previously published as Beginner's Guide to Crochet; ISBN 9781903975466

Martin Storey and Sarah Hatton are legendary for their luxurious textured designs using Rowan Yarn. In this collection of 22 patterns for men and women, they have outdone themselves with head-turning sweaters, hats, and scarves. Sarah designed the 11 "Knits for Her," which include a sloppy joe, aran coat, and twisted cable sweater. Martin's 11 stylish designs for men include a textured sweater, neat tailored jacket, and herringbone cardigan. Each pattern is sized from Small to XL (men's patterns) or XXL (women's patterns), with full row-by-row instructions and charts as needed. Entertaining to knit and sumptuous to wear, these modern classic knits will be favorites for years to come.

This is a wonderful collection of 80 knitting stitches for mixing and matching to create your perfect blanket. Best-selling author Doreen Marquart shows how to feature your favourite stitches in eye-catching afghans. Readers will gain an understanding of gauge, stitch counts, and repeats, and how to work confidently with any stitch from any source. Featuring a library of 80 stitches, plus 11 appealing projects - including samplers as well as repeat-block and single-stitch designs - and instructions on how to turn designs with different stitch counts into blocks of the same size to mix and match, Pick Your Stitch, Build a Blanket is a book crafters will come back to again and again.

Spark your imagination and bring crafting into your Witchcraft with this fun and accessible guide to the magickal power of crochet, knotwork, and needlework. Witch and crochet expert Opal Luna shows you how to move magical intention from your mind into your hands through practical exercises, creative techniques, and more than 60 craft projects. Fiber Magick provides many ways to enhance your magick through fiber arts. Discover the tools of the trade, the power of color, and a variety of weaving, braiding, and knotting methods. Learn how to use sigils, deities, and correspondences in your practice. Explore how fiber magick can be woven in your holiday celebrations and rites of passage. From healing and protection magick to making poppets, this remarkable book offers everything you need to reach your goals.

Elementary design principles and Sara Delaney's unique, straightforward formulas provide everything readers need to start creating their own crocheted scarves, cowls, fingerless mitts, mittens, gloves, hats, and socks. At a glance tables, variation explanations and a substantial stitch dictionary-with 27 solid and lacy stitches, both basic and advanced - ensure crocheters will never lack for ideas on how to personalise their custom designed accessories. Eighteen sample patterns designed by the author feature the formulas she used to make them, illustrating clearly how each technique is put to use. This beautiful and practical package will give readers both the information and confidence they need to venture into a whole new world of crocheting possibilities.