Category Archives: Books

Podcast Episode 198: Adorably Spooky Toys for Halloween

This week, we have another bonus episode of the Knit Picks podcast and it is chock-full of adorably scary projects perfect for Halloween! First, Stacey talks with Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land about her newest book Super-Scary Mochimochi. This latest collection of patterns still highlights the cute and clever knitted tiny toys that Anna is known for, but with a scary and creepy twist! Hear all about Anna’s design process for this book, what some of her favorite patterns are, her inspiration for the designs, along with fun behind-the-scenes stories. Next up, Stacey chats with crochet designer Deja Jetmir about her newest eBook Wonderfully Horrific Crochet. In her book, Deja celebrates all of the camp and fun of classic horror themes with 14 patterns for crocheted softies. Hear all about how Deja started designing her own crochet patterns and learn more about the ...

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Podcast Episode 197: Interview with Audrey Knight

In this week’s podcast episode, Kelley gets a chance to talk with designer Audrey Knight about her newest book Reversible Scarves! Audrey began knitting in 2004 and quickly began exploring the world of design. Hear all about her transition from knitter to knitwear designer, and how she came up for the idea for her book which features reversible patterns that are sure to “cure the wrong side blues” as Audrey says. Kelley walks through each chapter of the book, and chats with Audrey about the unique patterns and techniques for creating your own reversible patterns and designs. You can find Audrey’s newest book here: Reversible Scarves eBook Reversible Scarves (printed version) And don’t forget, Audrey also has several designs in the IDP program which you can find here: Audrey Knight’s patterns 3 easy ways to listen…

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Small Joys: Crafting Books with Peculiar Titles

As one of our resident copywriters, I get first peek at all of the varied and wonderful books available on the website. Often times, simply because of workflow and logistics, I see the book's title far before I see any related images, patterns or other content; that means that I am often unable to immediately "judge a book by its cover"—allowing hilarity to ensue! In honor of our super 40% off book sale, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite oddball, double-take, laughter-gifting titles. I apologize in advance. I cannot guarantee that you have the same sense of humor as I do.

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Let’s take a trip…

...through Scandinavia! My newest collection, Northern Lights, is out - just in time for fall knitting. The six patterns in this collection were inspired by the amazing knitting traditions of Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark and the Faroe Islands. The beautiful 8-pointed rose common in Norwegian designs becomes the highlight of the Aesa Pullover...

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I’ve decided on my travel project

The Five-Way Cable Shrug is designed by Lily Chin. It is a free pattern!! (it's also available in her gorgeous book Power Cables.) It is a simple design that is made stunning and practical by strategically placed buttons and crocheted loops. This so completely appeals to my love of useful knit projects.

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Podcast Episode 189: Interview with Nora Bellows

This week, Jenny chats with designer Nora Bellows, author of the new book Noni Flowers! Hear all about how Nora’s family, gardening, and flowers have influenced her process and designs, in addition to how Nora made the transition from teaching college classes to designing knitting patterns. Nora also reveals a behind-the-scenes look into the process of writing her book, how she began designing the collection of knitted flowers, and what sparked the idea for creating the unique photography of the knitted flowers. In addition to sharing tips and tricks for knitting up the flowers, Nora also shares her favorite techniques for how to use and attach the knitted flowers as embellishments on other projects. After hearing Nora’s enthusiasm and passion for her knitted flowers, you’ll want to cast on your very own garden of Noni Flowers right away! You can find Noni Flowers here: Noni Flowers And ...

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Noni Flowers – and a contest!

update 6/04 - Contest is over! We'll announce winners later today!   I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting knitting projects, so it was no surprise that when Noni Flowers came across my desk, I couldn't stop flipping through the pages! Filled with page after page of stunning photography of life-like knitted flowers, I was instantly mesmerized by the attention to detail that every flower was given. Designer Norah Bellows brings an amazing collection of knitted flowers to life, all while giving you guidance through techniques specific to creating these little beauties. Norah starts off by breaking down the anatomy of a knitted flower and then guides you through special techniques - such as how to create the stamen and how to add wire to your flowers.

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Weekend Hats

I’ve gotten so much in the habit of knitting socks that I have forgotten that hats have many qualities that make them ideal, portable projects.When I received a review copy of Weekend Hats it reminded me of the advice Elizabeth Zimmermann gave regarding knitting hats as swatches for sweaters. She suggested watch caps for quick swatch hats. But, I don’t really want to knit such simple hats. In their book Weenend Hats, Cecily and Melissa have provided me with a selection of stylish hats for our favorite waitress and I can pick out something for myself to swatch for the cardigan that has been on my To Do List for waaay too long.

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Color in Spinning

You’re spinning? Isn’t it just too much fun? Once you are confident with your skills, I know you are going to be happy for years as you feel all sorts of fibers slip through your fingers. But, handspinning isn’t just a tactile experience. Color is a whole other world of spinning. I think it is even more fun because it is a way for you to add your own color preferences to spinning. Color in Spinning by Deb Menz is a large book but Deb’s lessons make working with color completely approachable. The page sizes and quality paper provide a excellent canvas for the large, colorful, detailed photos.

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Knitting with the Color Guys

The very first photo in Knitting With the Color Guys takes me back to when I was learning to spin and knit. In the late 1980s, Glorious Knitting revolutionized the way knitters approached design and color. In the new photo, Kaffe has a project in progress draped over his knees with a basket on the floor overflowing with a variety of yarns. It makes me smile!

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