A slim volume that's easy to slip into a knitting book, Confessions of a Knitting Heretic is packed with information on all facets of hand knitting technique.

"Originally published by Unicorn Books, Petaluma, California, in 2002."

This book collects 25 fantastic patterns for socks inspired by knitting traditions from around the world. Patterns from top designers including Star Athena, Beth Brown-Reinsel, Candace Eisner Strick, Chrissy Gardiner, Janel Laidman and Anna Zilboorg are featured, along with an introduction from Nancy Bush, author of Folk Socks.

"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.

Looking for something sweet and sexy? Knitwear designer Annie Modesitt presents 26 new designs for clothing and accessories inspired by the silhouette of the past, but with a delicious modern twist.

- Contents:Basics -- Feltmaking tools and supplies -- Layout and felting -- 3-D basics -- Dyeing -- Carding -- Flat braiding -- Projects / Designs by Chad -- Airy fairy scarf -- Mr. Saturday night -- Boa boa -- Bark scarf -- Blackbeard -- Inge's fancy -- Dread nauts -- Lily pad wrap -- Magic muffler -- Bubble boa -- Designs by Jorie -- Dip dyed party scarf -- Fallen leaves collar -- Father's Day braided muffler -- Honeycomb scarf -- Granny Warner's lace shawl -- Wedding stole -- Lei collar -- Link muffler series -- Chalk drawings muffler -- Snow people scarf -- Rainbow ribbons.

Knit, sew, and craft your way to self-empowerment. Are you a Nasty Woman ready to smash the patriarchy with a needle and thread? Proudly proclaim your feminism with your very own DIY Bleeding Heart T-shirt? Or stage a protest with the rest of the girls, wearing knitted Pussyhats? Be part of the revolution by reclaiming the "domestic" arts of knitting, sewing, and more—to channel your feminist rage. With pictures, step-by-step instructions, bonus patterns, and tips for crafters of all skill levels from beginner to advanced, Crafting the Resistance is the book for women’s rights activists on a DIY path to self-determination. Put your homemaking and protesting skills to the test with thirty-five girl-powered, easy-to-make, kickass projects such as: "Snowflake" knitted wristers "Bleeding Heart" T-shirt Clear vinyl protest tote bag to speed up security screenings The Pussyhat as knitted hats, holiday ornaments, throw pillows, and cat beds “Nasty Nag” zippered pouch Well read bookmarks And More! Take politics into your own hands, literally, and craft your message out into the world. Including an essay and quotes on the history and importance of craftivism, Crafting the Resistance is the ultimate book for political crafters, DIY activists, empowered protestors, and any woman—or man—who is part of the resistance.