A classic of stitchwork, The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs has now been updated with all-new diagrams and full-color photography, and showcases 500 designs--from traditional favorites to originals found nowhere else. There are soft and lacy patterns; some that mimic knitting, weaving, or patchwork; and others that use large openwork and popcorn stitches. And every stitch design features a photo, reader-friendly instructions, and a diagram showing each stitch and its placement--so it’s easy to understand the entire design at a glance. The guide also includes a pictorial index, which displays the complete pattern, and directions for all basic crochet stitches. Both beginners and experienced crocheters alike will turn to this invaluable reference for years to come. A Main Selection of the Crafter's Choice Book Club.

Ganseys are hardwearing sweaters traditionally knitted for fishermen in and around the British Isles. Today, the styling and history of ganseys is as popular as ever and this collection of stitch patterns and projects brings the history of ganseys to a new audience. Learn all about the techniques used for knitting ganseys with this comprehensive sourcebook from experts in the subject, Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell. Di and Sheila are knitwear designers and makers based in Scotland where they teach regular workshops on traditional gansey techniques. Discover all the techniques you need to make an authentic gansey sweater with their special features which were developed for warmth and comfort in what were often, harsh conditions out at sea. Ganseys were designed with a special under arm gusset and a shoulder seam which prevented chaffing and improved movement for the wearer even when the jumper got wet and heavy. The authors explain these techniques with step-by-step instructions and artworks so you can replicate these details in your own work. Another key element to the gansey is the stitch pattern which was specific to the local area and often had a symbolism beyond the pattern itself and, some hoped, would act as a charm to keep the fishermen safe while they were out at sea. This collection features a comprehensive directory of 150 gansey stitch patterns so you can choose your favourite designs and motifs and learn which patterns were important to the fishermen in different areas. There are also 10 patterns for garments and accessories so you can practise your skills. The projects include a child's traditional gansey sweater so you can try out your skills on a traditional sweater but on a small scale. There are also some contemporary takes on the traditional gansey using lighter weight yarn and design details: these include a beautiful sweater with a gansey yoke; a contemporary take on the fisherman's kep; a gansey stitch cowl; a pair of mittens and socks; and light linen tank top. The smaller projects such as the mittens and hats are great for practising your skills before you attempt one of the larger projects.

Here are 150 original crochet blocks and motifs plus 51 gorgeous projects to inspire your creativity. Packed with ideas to get you going, this clever directory begins with a five chapters of motifs and blocks, from the simplest crosses and spirals to geometric shapes, pictures, lacy patterns, and bold, beautiful flowers. Use them to make up your own bags, throws, scarves, and cushions, designed just as you choose, or follow one of Melody’s foolproof projects—included are a butterfly brooch, holly greetings cards, an openwork afghan, cat pillow, button baby blanket, tie belt, and a cherry border cardigan, so there’s something for everyone to make and give. Each motif is displayed as a color photograph next to easy-to-follow instructions, with stitch diagrams for more complex motifs. The instructions are also written out in full so you can choose the way you prefer to work. Melody also advises on the type of yarn to use, the tension and the size of the motif, and gives tips on how to achieve the best result. There are also sketches and photos showing how the motif can be used, either on its own, with several together, or partnered with other motifs. Once you start, you will realize that the possibilities are endless.

A companion to Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, this ultimate stitch dictionary compiles the best of the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary series into a single volume. More than 800 stitches--including 100 that are brand new-- encompass knit and purl textures, cables, lace, colorwork, edgings, and other combinations, all pulled from Vogue Knitting. Patterns feature both text and chart instructions whenever possible. Featuring enhanced photography and hundreds of additional charts, this is beautiful, user-friendly, and a source of creativity.

A guide to the information services and sources provided to 100 types of small business by associations, consultants, educational programs, franchisers, government agencies, reference works, statisticians, suppliers, trade shows, and venture capital firms.

Step-by-step instructions and symbol charts put these 139 creative new border designs within reach for beginning and advanced crocheters alike. If you’re ready to chart your own crocheted course, Edie Eckman offers plenty of helpful design advice, including how to choose an appropriate border for each project and how to incorporate an element from the main stitch pattern into a new border design. She then explains, with the help of close-up photos, how the same pattern can have dramatically different results depending on the weight of the yarn. With each pattern diagrammed to approach in both rounds and rows, Every Which Way Crochet Borders is an inventive and invaluable resource.

Discover the satisfying fun of spinning your own yarn! This step-by-step guide shows you how to create 80 distinctive yarn types, from classics like mohair bouclé to novelties like supercoils. Covering the entire spinning process, Sarah Anderson describes the unique architecture of each type of yarn and shares expert techniques for manipulating and combining fibers. Take your crafting to a new level and ensure that you have the best yarn available by spinning it yourself.

21 original patterns in a variety of styles, colors, yarns, stitch patterns, and techniques--including traditional crochet, Tunisian crochet, and broomstick lace crochet--for beginning through experienced crocheters