"How to--skill building techniques made easy, moving beyond the basics"--Cover.

Sweaters are the ultimate showcase for knitters - but most patterns require complicated piecing that can be a little tricky. These don't... and they look fantastic, too! The seamless, top-down knitting method eliminates challenging construction, allowing knitters to focus instead on the individual details that make each sweater special. Not only does this guide thoroughly explain how the technique works - with information on reading patterns and understanding sizing - but it also teaches beginners how to design their own generic patterns for pullovers and cardigans in different yarn gauges.

Elegance at the tip of your needles! Cables and lace are special enough by themselves, but there is something graceful, even magical, about combining the two. Refined Knits concentrates on these two techniques, along with incredibly unique Aran Lace which combines the two, and the results are sure to impress. • Enduring Cables: discover cable-work with interesting structure in its details • Graceful Lace: explore the delicate sophistication of open-work • Elegant Aran Lace: combine lace and cables in unexpected and stunning ways Knitwear designer Jennifer guides you through knitting these timeless, classic techniques, resulting in finished garments and accessories with a decidedly modern feel you'll treasure for years to come.

Offering a stylish alternative to the typical crocheted sweater, these five easy projects provide instructions for creating fashionable cardigans, jackets, and vests that require only basic crochet and stitching skills. Incorporating yarn weights from light to bulky and adjustable for sizes ranging from small to 4XL, the projects provide variety and allow for versatility. The patterns use minimal shaping and construction, offering an approachable introduction to wearable crocheting without sacrificing the professional look of the finished product.

A comprehensive guide to knitting sweaters and designing and modifying sweater patterns, by the author of You Can Knit and Knit to Flatter. Yarn and fiber enthusiasts everywhere will celebrate the latest addition to Amy Herzog’s beloved knitting series (which includes You Can Knit That, Knit to Flatter, and Knit Wear Love). This essential guide details every aspect of sweater knitting, starting with instructions for four basic sweater types: yoke, raglan, drop shoulder, and set-in sleeve. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges for broad appeal. Following the basics for each of the four sweater types are a diverse range of customizing options, including how to add a hood, cowl neck, turtleneck, pockets, and zip or cardigan front, just to name a few. Amy’s clear instruction and expert tips expand the many knitting possibilities, creating the essential knitting resource for knitters everywhere.

In her attractive new collection, famed knitwear designer Louisa Harding shares her patterns for gorgeous cardigans in styles ranging from romantic and feminine to fun and flirty. Knit in Harding's own line of luxurious yarns, the projects include an adorable cardigan with picot edging and a sailor collar; one with short puffed sleeves and lace trim; a swingy cropped cardigan; a summery striped version with a single-button closure; and, a comfy knee-length cardigan with pockets.

From the initial spark of inspiration to the sewing of the last seam, this advanced manual to knitwear design provides knitters with the foundation to take their projects to the next level. The five exceptional projects demonstrate the level of uniqueness and beauty that can be achieved with these expert techniques and how to achieve the elusive "perfect fit" that defines a successful end product. Knitters will gain a clearer understanding of commercial pattern instructions, improve their attention to detail with a meaningful test swatch, and acquire a stronger knowledge of proper body and garment measurements.

The authors of The Tunic Bible craft a “clever guide to the DIY creation of tried and true staples of a woman’s wardrobe . . . truly inspiring” (Publishers Weekly). Discover the secrets to sewing a stylish wardrobe with staying power! This spirited guide walks you through thirty timeless garments to make for yourself, including a must-have button-up shirt, tailored trousers, a flattering A-line dress, and the indispensable modern classic pencil skirt. With a conversational narrative, the authors have created an engaging, informative guide to sewing by tracing the origins of each garment, along with styling and sewing tips, charming fashion illustrations, and a modeled photo gallery. Pencil skirt pattern and instructions included! “This delightfully illustrated book featuring a conversational narrative chronicles 30 beloved classic silhouettes that lie at the core of women’s wardrobes . . . Each garment chapter laced with fascinating facts and trivia tidbits gives new meaning to why we wear what we wear . . . [a] keen guide to creating a fresh collection of timeless garments.” —Elysian “It should be inspirational to those just beginning to sew for themselves as well as those who just aspire to it! . . . With this book in hand, you will both sew and dress with confidence and style.” —Fifty Dresses “This book is so well-written and the illustrations are amazing.” —Girls in the Garden

Even if you're a beginner, you'll find success knitting these gorgeous wearables! Designs blend simple, classic shapes with stylish details for a fresh take on fashion. More than twenty projects include pullovers, jackets, cardigans, tees, and tanks Easy stitches and minimal shaping means you can knit a project over just a few weekends Learn to add buttons, zippers, and edgings and embellish sleeves, collars, and cuffs Projects for all seasons include breezy cotton and rayon yarns and cozy winter-weight wools

Find out what we wore and why we wore it in The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Clothing in American History-Twentieth Century to the Present. This fascinating reference set provides two levels of information: descriptions of styles of clothes that Americans have worn and, as important, why they wore those types of clothes. With volume one covering 1900-1949 and volume two covering 1950 to the present, the first half of each volume provides four chapters that each examine the impact that political and cultural events, arts and entertainment, daily life, and family structures have on fashion. The second half of each volume describes the important and everyday fashion and styles of the period, decade by decade, for women, men, and children. The set also includes helpful timelines; resource guides listing web sites, videos, and print publications; an extensive glossary; and illustrations. Fashion influences how we view other people and how we view ourselves. Find out what we wore and why we wore it in The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Clothing in American History - Twentieth Century to the Present. This fascinating reference set provides descriptions of styles of clothes that men, women, and children have worn in the U.S. since 1900, and, as important, why they wore them. In addition to chapters describing fashion trends and types of clothes, this work examines the impact that cultural history has on fashion and how fashion may serve as an impetus for change in society. With volume one covering 1900-1949 and volume two covering 1950 to the present, the first half of each volume provides four chapters that examine the impact that political and cultural events, arts and entertainment, daily life, and family structures have on cultural life and fashion. The second half of each volume describes the important and everyday fashion and styles of the period, decade by decade, for women, men, and children. The set also includes helpful timelines; resource guides of web sites, videos, and print publications; an extensive glossary; and illustrations. Fashion is not for the exclusive use of the social elite and the rich, nor can it be simply dismissed as just showing off. We use fashion to express who we are and what we think, to project an image, to bolster our confidence, and to attract partners.