From booties and scarves to art and fashion, "The Culture of Knitting" addresses knitting since 1970. Investigating knitting as art, craft, design, fashion, performance and as an aspect of the everyday, the text uncovers the cultural significance of knitting. Drawing on a variety of sources, including interviews with knitters from different disciplines as well as amateurs, the text breaks down hierarchical boundaries and stereotypical assumptions that have hitherto negated the academic study of knitting, and it highlights the diversity and complexity of knitting in all its guises. "The Culture of Knitting" investigates not merely why knitting is so popular now, but the reasons why knitting has such longevity. By assessing the literature of knitting, manuals, patterns, social and regional histories, alongside testimonial discussions with artists, designers, craftspeople and amateurs, it offers new ways of seeing, new methods of critiquing knitting, without the constraints of disciplinary boundaries in the hope of creating an environment in which knitting can be valued, recognized and discussed.

Traditional or modern, vibrant or subtle, the possibilities of granny squares are endless! They captivate tones and lines much like a yarn canvas and come together as snuggly blankets, soft cushions, smart garments and much more. This unique granny square collection combines the styles of 23 creative designers from all over the world, who each bring their best game to the table. With ample suggestions for captivating combinations, written instructions as well as clear graphs for every square in the book, stitch instructions and techniques for blocking and joining, this sourcebook goes above and beyond to show you the endless possibilities of granny square crochet. All motifs match in both size and stitch count, so they can easily be combined into stunning combinations, bringing you the best of this unbeaten crochet classic! - 100 unique granny squares by 23 amazing designers - Each of the 100 squares can be mixed and matched with all others - Including charts and written out patterns in US terms for each square - Including basic crochet tutorials, instructions for blocking and joining - Advice on gorgeous square combinations - Clear photography - Beginner-friendly squares as well as challenging patterns for experienced crocheters

Knit or crochet 138 unique gifts to give away or keep them for yourself The cover shows all 33 Native American designs that are included in this book. This book also includes written instructions on how to read and use it's graphs/ charts to make knitted or crochet wash/ face/ dish cloths, bath mats, place mats, throw pillows and blankets of all sizes. These graphs can also be used for cross stitch, plastic canvas, beading and/or anything else that needs or uses a graph.

Crochet these quick and easy Christmas coffee cup cozies for yourself or to give as a gift. The coffee cozies can be made up in less than an hour and make great last minute gifts. Cheerful and bright in colorful Christmas colors or make them in any color you wish. The patterns in this book are suitable for beginners but you should already know some basic crochet stitches and terminology before trying them. The patterns are for coffee mug cozies and coffee sleeves that fit over standard sized coffee mugs. The sleeves fit most coffee cups.

You'll fall head over heels for the animal crochet patterns in this book! Fans know this new book in the Zoomigurumi series assembles the cutest crochet animals, explained in straightforward patterns. You'll be amazed at the designs you can create with a few simple stitches. This new collection of 15 projects, featuring designers from all over the world, provides enough fresh inspiration to keep you crocheting! Surprise your family and friends with handmade gifts, or simply make them for yourself! In this book you will find Rudy the red panda, Mortimer the mammoth, Carlos the hummingbird, Manu and Brigitte the dachshunds, Shawn the shark, Alvin the hedgehog and many more. Projects cover a variety of skill levels, from beginner-friendly to suitable for advanced crocheters, and are accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and explanations of all stitches used.

I knit so I don't kill people --bumper sticker spotted at Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival For Adrienne Martini, and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters--her own Mary Tudor, whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experienced knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle-style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martini explains, is a knitter's Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you. And so she took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband--without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle. A wooly Julie and Julia, this epic yarn celebrates the profound joys of creating--and aspiring to--remarkable achievements.

Have you ever thought that you’d like to learn the craft of crochet, or improve your skills? If so, A Beginner's Guide to Crochet is for you.

A Beginner's Guide to Crochet is the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to learn how to crochet. It is a structured course of 20 workshops and projects, which starts by showing you how to hold your crochet hook and leads you through all the techniques and stitches you will ever need to know. The Getting Started section includes advice on which yarns and equipment to buy, step-by-step illustrations which show how to work all the stitches and essential information on how to understand crochet patterns. This is followed by the workshops, each of which introduces new techniques and reinforces skills already learned. Each workshop finishes with a project which consolidates these skills. The projects range from items for the home, such as cushions, throws and blankets, through to clothes and accessories, including a striped sweater and a cute camisole, a beanie hat and a bobble bag. Experienced teacher Nicki Trench takes you by the hand and shows you the easy way to learn. And with plenty of projects to spur you on, you’ll soon work your way up from crocheting the simplest of squares to creating your own garments.

You can create your own crocheted keepsakes from some of the most beautiful afghan patterns of yesteryear. Get out your odds and ends of yarn because all these Afghans can be made with scrap yarn Not only are they vintage beauties they are economical too. This collection is from the 1930's to 1950?s. I have re-designed each pattern so you can crochet these wonderful Afghans. This pattern booklet is printed in black & white. Pictures of the six afghans are shown in color on the back cover.