Essentially Feminine Knits features a collection of 25 must-have garments and accessories for every occasion, casual to dressy. Designer and author Lene Holme Samsoe's patterns express her joy in knitting and embody a sometimes delicate, but always fashionably ladylike approach while relaying her inspiration--the sea that borders her home and it's subtle, simplistic colors. Focusing on Samsoe's signature botanical lace motifs, this collection offers designs with a variety of beautiful effects. Inside you'll find original sweaters, tops, jackets, hats, scarves, and mittens. Each pattern reveals elegant detailing, a flattering silhouette, and classic style, all of which are combined with a playful and modern sensibility. The projects featured in this book range from simple and quick to more in-depth--with the use of unique pattern instructions. Samsoe's unique style guarantees boldness and authenticity, and the patterns from Essentially Feminine Knits will keep you refined, chic, and simply feminine.

Distinctively modern, perfectly feminine knitting designs. Knitters will delight in patterns that effortlessly combine a thoroughly modern sophistication with a certain delicate femininity. Author Lene Holme Samsøe explores striking shapes, refined details, and lovely textures in a collection that includes knitted sweaters, cardigans, a poncho, scarves, stockings, mittens, and possibly the prettiest hat one's ever seen. A number of knit patterns have optional variations that transform the garments in subtle ways. From relaxed weekend attire to an office-ready garment or a lightweight sweater that can double up as a piece in one's winter wardrobe, Lene has knitters covered for all occasions. With patterns both easy and more complex, there's something for every level of knitter. Look for knitting designs made up in an elegantly restrained palette using yarns that range from sheer to heavier-weight and see examples of how different some knit patterns can look depending on the shade of yarn used.

Collects patterns for twenty-five sweaters, scarves, stockings, and other garments using a combination of garter, purl, and other classic stitches and design elements.

Fiber and yarn enthusiasts nationwide will celebrate Ann Budd's latest addition to The Knitter's Handy Book series. Answering to a growing interest in knitting sweaters from the top down and knitting seamless sweaters that require little finishing, this handy book offers instructions for knitting five basic sweater types: circular yoke, raglan, modified-drop shoulder, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges and for a broad age group. Following the basics for each of the five sweater types are three diverse patterns from top designers that illustrate some of the many ways that instructions can be used as springboards for creative expression, including color, texture, and shaping variations. Also included for intermediate to advanced knitters are personal design touches, detailed charts, clear instruction, and quick tips to expand knitting possibilities and maintain creative originality. A key reference for knitters of all skill levels, this is the new essential knitting resource on your bookshelf.

Fall in love with knitting all over again with this intriguing pattern collection that blends captivating designs with flattering, feminine silhouettes. Knitters will be eager to start and delighted to finish each project that includes skirts, jackets, tank tops, pullovers, and accessories. An excellent showcase of texture, lace, and unusual pattern construction, each project is inspired by current and vintage fashion and the mathematical aspect of design. Featuring projects for every season, skill level, time commitment, and occasion, each collection is full of elegant finishing and the kind of impeccable detail that makes transforms each piece into a classic. This manual, packed to the brim with timeless yet fashionable patterns, also features beautiful photographs that highlight the detail and feminine silhouettes of each finished piece.

“Fascinating . . . What is remarkable about this book is that a history of knitting can function so well as a survey of the changes in women’s rolse over time.”—The New York Times Book Review An historian and lifelong knitter, Anne Macdonald expertly guides readers on a revealing tour of the history of knitting in America. In No Idle Hands, Macdonald considers how the necessity—and the pleasure—of knitting has shaped women’s lives. Here is the Colonial woman for whom idleness was a sin, and her Victorian counterpart, who enjoyed the pleasure of knitting while visiting with friends; the war wife eager to provide her man with warmth and comfort, and the modern woman busy creating fashionable handknits for herself and her family. Macdonald examines each phase of American history and gives us a clear and compelling look at life, then and now. And through it all, we see how knitting has played an important part in the way society has viewed women—and how women have viewed themselves. Assembled from articles in magazines, knitting brochures, newspaper clippings and other primary sources, and featuring reproductions of advertisements, illustrations, and photographs from each period, No Idle Hands capture the texture of women’s domestic lives throughout history with great wit and insight. “Colorful and revealing . . . vivid . . . This book will intrigue needlewomen and students of domestic history alike.”—The Washington Post Book World

Create Beautiful, Long-Lasting Knits with a Story to Tell Take a journey to more thoughtful, sustainable knitting with Christina Danaee’s gorgeous patterns. Discover the story behind your knits, from the way the fiber was produced to the yarn that inspired the design. Striking details like easy-to-execute lace, clever colorwork and extra-plush ribbing turn these simple projects into handmade heirlooms you’ll wear today and keep forever. The classic striped sweater gets an update in the Odiorne Point Pullover, complete with a comfortable, flattering shape and a cinching cowl neck for blustery days. Style blends with function in the Point Richmond Cap, a warm, double-layered hat topped with a modern Nordic-inspired pattern. The Trescott Slippers, featuring a chevron texture that knits up quickly using bulky yarn, are perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for a masterpiece, try the Celo Cardigan: the allover hexagon pattern creates a stretchy, luxurious fabric that’s easier to make than it looks! With accessories, shawls and even tunics, these are versatile patterns you’ll return to through the seasons. Christina’s tips for creating meaningful, durable knits, substituting yarns and sourcing local fiber at any price point make this an essential guide for any knitter.

Patterns for Uhura’s dress, Hobbit slippers, a Summer Queen shawl, and other projects for crafty geeks . . . The best of science fiction, manga, and animaguiri meets knit one, purl two as knit siren and part-time roller derby girl Joan of Dark offers up an out-of-this-world assortment of knitting nerdiness. The patterns for thirty iconic clothing and accessory items inspired by popular TV shows, books, films, comics, and more—including Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Firefly—are presented alongside full-color photos showcasing completed projects, such as: * Lieutenant Uhura’s sexy Star Trek minidress * Hobbit feet slippers * Firefly-inspired scarf, socks, hat, and jacket * Tank Girl socks * Hermione Granger’s secret beaded bag * Manga-inspired leg warmers * The Big Bang Theory-inspired his and hers sweater-vests * Lord of the Rings-inspired shrug In addition to a wardrobe of costume finery, hobbyists will also find instructions for practical projects such as an e-reader cover or a laptop bag crafted of checkered fabric that serves double-duty as a chessboard and carryall, as well as patterns for plush toys inspired by Star Trek, robots, and the comic book Squee! Wear your nerdiness on your sleeve with Knits for Nerds.

Casual Sweet Clothes offers you gorgeous tops, dresses, jackets and skirts with a designer edge. Simple step-by-step instructions and diagrams guide you through the process of sewing each garment, and the full-size patterns included at the back of the book guarantee perfectly fitting results every time. The 18 simple but stylish casual pieces in this book make the foundation of a hand-made wardrobe that will last for years.