One surviving cotton sock tells us that the Egyptians were knitting as long ago as the first millennium AD. Tenderly preserved shawls and sweaters bespeak our great-grandmothers handiwork. And colorful strands of yarn escaping from a basket in the corner show that the tradition lives on with us. That tradition, celebrated in the stories and essays in this book, knits together a world of warmth and memory, wisdom and camaraderie. These writings--sometimes amusing, sometimes moving, always entertaining--comprise a charming scrapbook reflecting the myriad cultural and historical aspects of knitting. Ranging from the days of World War II to our own time, they include offerings by Jamaica Kincaid, Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Susan Gordon Lydon, Pam Allen, Lela Nargi, Perri Klass, Teva Durham, and many others. Artwork by Solveig Hisdal, fiber artists Debbie New and Karen Searle, and photographer Chris Hartlove, along with historical photographs, vintage advertising, and pattern booklets, brings the color and textures of these stories to vibrant life. Whether you ply knitting needles yourself or simply appreciate the art, this collection will enfold you in all the softness, warmth, and beauty of knitting today and yesterday.

Through stories, tips, and spiritual truths this book captures the joy of knitting and inspires readers to share their beautiful creations with those around them.

From New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman and master knitter Lisa Hoffman comes Faerie Knitting, a magical melding of words and yarn where the ordinary is turned into the extraordinary and where imagination becomes creation. The magic of storytelling and the magic of knitting—woven together in 14 original patterns inspired by each story. “How fairy tales are told and remembered has a great deal in common with knitting traditions. It is no mistake that we describe storytelling as knitting a tale, or weaving a story, or spinning a yarn.”—Alice Hoffman, from the Introduction of Faerie Knitting Featuring fourteen original fairy tales, Faerie Knitting is an entrancing collection of stories of love and loss, trust and perseverance. Seamlessly woven into the plot of each tale is a magical garment or accessory inspired by the bravery and self-reliance of the tale’s heroine and brought to life through an imaginative and bespoke knit pattern. From the Blue Heron Shawl and the Love Never Ending Cowl, to the Three Wishes Mittens and Amulet Necklace, each project is as wearable as it is magical. Lush, atmospheric photography captures the enchanted faerie domain while beautifully rendered charts and instructions are well suited for beginner and advanced knitters alike. Presented in an elegant linen case with foil accents that evoke the fairy tale tradition, Faerie Knitting is a rare gift for creators—and lovers—of magic.

One surviving cotton sock tells us that the Egyptians were knitting as long ago as the first millennium AD. Tenderly preserved shawls and sweaters bespeak our great-grandmothers handiwork. And colorful strands of yarn escaping from a basket in the corner show that the tradition lives on with us. That tradition, celebrated in the stories and essays in this book, knits together a world of warmth and memory, wisdom and camaraderie. These writings--sometimes amusing, sometimes moving, always entertaining--comprise a charming scrapbook reflecting the myriad cultural and historical aspects of knitting. Ranging from the days of World War II to our own time, they include offerings by Jamaica Kincaid, Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Susan Gordon Lydon, Pam Allen, Lela Nargi, Perri Klass, Teva Durham, and many others. Artwork by Solveig Hisdal, fiber artists Debbie New and Karen Searle, and photographer Chris Hartlove, along with historical photographs, vintage advertising, and pattern booklets, brings the color and textures of these stories to vibrant life. Whether you ply knitting needles yourself or simply appreciate the art, this collection will enfold you in all the softness, warmth, and beauty of knitting today and yesterday.

Inspired by the people she has met and the manner in which they touched her life, twenty beautiful patterns are accompanied by loving tales in this beautifully illustrated craft book for knitters of all levels.

What could be more romantic than a hand-knitted gift for the special person in your life? Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements or weddings, All You Knit Is Love contains twenty knitting patterns to show you care. Knitted characters include animals such as penguins (‘You’re P-p-p-perfect’) and chicks (‘You’re Tweet’) as well as chillies (‘Hot Stuff’) and of course the famous pea (‘Ha Pea Valentine’s’). So forget flowers and chocolates and say it with knitting. Word count: 12,000

A guide for beginning knitters describes how to begin, stitch, and finish projects, provides patterns for accessories and furnishings, and discusses ways to customize designs for personal taste.--

Young designer Anna Wilkinson offers the cutest patterns ever for garments and accessories, plus comprehensive tutorials for beginners and intermediate knitters alike. Colorful, fun, and utterly adorable, Anna Wilkinson's designs appeal to beginner knitters who haven't been inspired by typical beginner projects. These 20 patterns in her first book are flattering to women of all shapes, exceptionally easy to wear, and surprisingly easy to knit. Learn to Knit, Love to Knit teaches the basics of the craft with clear, step-by-step photos and tips to guide knitting newbies through the fundamentals. The 10 basic "Learn to Knit" projects include a color-block scarf, quick-to-knit hats, and mix-and-match wrist-warmers in a rainbow of colors. The following 10 "Love to Knit" designs introduce more advanced techniques, including cables, slip-stitch patterns, and color work. Including a tweed cape, classic cardigans, and a tartan sweater, these unique pieces will inspire beginners to pick up a pair of needles and fall in love with knitting.

In these 20 heartfelt essays, Rachael Herron celebrated romance novelist by day, 911 dispatcher by night, and founder of the hugely popular blog Yarnagogo.com shows how when life unravels there s always a way to knit it back together again, many times into something even better. Honest, funny, and full of warmth, Herron s tales, each inspired by something she knit or something knit for her, will speak to anyone who has ever picked up a pair of needles. From her very first sweater (a hilarious disaster, to say the least) to the yellow afghan that caused a breakup (and, ultimately, a breakthrough), every piece has a moving story behind it. This beautifully crafted and candid collection is perfect for the knitter who loves to read and the reader who loves to knit.