The author guides the novice and the experienced knitters in short-cuts and construction tricks and offers twenty original designs.

“A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting—complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes” (Kate Jacobs, author of The Friday Night Knitting Club). A Knitter’s Home Companion is an illustrated collection of stories, patterns, and recipes from beloved knitter and essayist Michelle Edwards. This heartwarming title will appeal to knitters interested in not only stitches, yarn, and patterns, but also in the lives of other knitters, the lessons that can be learned from their craft, the ways knitting helps knitters cope during difficult times, and the role of knitting in family life. “Let [this book] keep you company when you need another knitter’s voice beside you,” Edwards writes in her introduction. Like a good friend, A Knitter’s Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles—sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters—Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy—stories range from “But She Doesn’t Have Any Underpants,” about the challenges of knitting for family to “Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper,” about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.

Zimmermann was a designer who stressed independent thinking. She outlines the construction and little more, in the hope that you will feel free to experiment and take your knitting in new directions. These garments serve as a jumping off point for you to knit a version in any size, and make it your own.

Expanded hardcover edition of expert's popular guide features 23 classic patterns for Aran sweaters, mittens, moccasins, and other items. Suitable for intermediate to advanced knitters. Includes new color photos, sizing charts, and more.

"A comprehensive guide to Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket, Adult and Child Surprise Jackets, and Circular Stranded Surprise Jacket, plus the brand new: Surprise Dress, learn-to-knit Surprise Scarf, Bolero/Shrug, Snuggle Suit, and many more variations." -- Back cover.

American knitting guru Meg Swansen shares tips, tricks, techniques, and secrets she has learned and discovered during her long knitting and designing career. The introduction gives the reader a candid look into the knitting world of the daughter of America's first famous knitter and author, Elizabeth Zimmerman. Full of original designs, this book includes instructions and charts for 22 sweaters, three vests, four fitted-arch socks, and three convertible-top mittens, each rendered in four-color fashion photography taken on-site at Meg's home. A section on techniques includes a glossary of relevant knitting terms, the famous EZ Percentage System, and various ways to cast on, bind off, increase, and decrease.

All swirls share the same basic construction-- an outer circular form that flows into a bodice and sleeve component. Learn to create a wide variety of styles and a wardrobe of possibilities from this unique sweater design.

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

Baffled by buttonholes? Perplexed by pockets? Stumped by seams? Cap Sease, knitting expert and author of the best-selling Cast On, Bind Off, will help you start--and finish--like a pro. Learn different ways to join balls of yarn or weave in ends, make buttonholes for the look you want, insert a zipper easily, discover ways to seam knitted pieces together, and much more. Find essential nuggets of knitting know-how that are rarely covered in your favorite patterns, here in one handy volume. Get the answers to all your finishing questions--before you even pick up your needles--in this essential reference Techniques are clearly demonstrated with close-up photos and easy-to-follow illustrations Ideal for all skill levels, from beginning to advanced knitters