Featuring more than 300 knitting patterns for beginners and experienced crafters alike – from clothing and accessories to baby clothes, home décor, holiday décor, and toys – Knitting Almanac also includes insightful sections on the basics of knitting, knitting techniques, knitting stitches, design trends, expert tips, and so much more! The perfect book to not only learn to knit, but also create the most on-trend gifts, clothes, and keepsakes, Knitting Almanac is a must-have project guide that belongs on every crafter’s shelf!

Fully illustrated descriptions introduce knitting needles, yarn, and accessories. Detailed, step-by-step sequences illustrate basic stitches and skills. In-depth skill workshops teach techniques needed to complete 10 attractive projects.

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.

An illustrated guide showing how to create beautiful, timeless pieces, whether you're picking up needles for the first time or a seasoned pro looking for advanced patterns From scarves and sweaters to bags, pillows, and more, you'll find lots of projects for practicing and perfecting your knitting skills in Knitting For Dummies, which includes an instructional online video showing you the actual knitting techniques being done step-by-step. Experienced and novice crafters alike can benefit from the book's step-by-step instructions that explain knitting in plain English. For anyone new to knitting, this hands-on friendly guide shows you how to Cast on, knit, purl, and bind off -- the four basic skills needed to complete any knitting Decipher pattern instructions and charts Combine knit and purl stitches with increases and decreases for different effects Create different kinds of cables, lace, and more Read the language and graphics in knitting patterns and charts Increase and decrease stitches and use these techniques to shape a project and create design It also shows you what to do if you drop a stitch or inadvertently add one. If you know the basics of knitting and want to expand your skills to include stitch patterns with more complexity, you've come to the right place: Combine stitch increases and decreases to create lacework Get familiar with Fair Isle patterns and simple intarsia motifs, which involve working in more than one color in one row Practice with plenty of projects to perfect your advanced knitting techniques Learn to add interest with stripes Have fun with fulling and felting Make sweaters, from blocking and assembling your pieces to adding finishing touches like neckbands, edging, and buttonholes Knitting For Dummies includes ten quick projects to make for gifts and exercises to "unkink" your neck and shoulders should you lose yourself for hours at a time in your craft! Finally, the book ends with a couple appendixes showing you more cool effects and a list of knitting software and helpful online resources. If you're itching to start stitching, grab this book to start crafting your knitted masterpiece today.

Quick and easy doesn't mean boring, as this vibrant crochet guide attests. Twenty-four simple patterns, each of which can be finished in 24 hours or less, include garments, bags, and home accessories. They're easy to pick up whenever you have a few moments to spare — but they're hard to put down! You'll be amazed at what you can create in such a short time. Patterns include stylish hats, scarves, sweaters, and purses as well as afghans, doilies, and baby clothes. Full-color photos illustrate the easy-to-follow instructions, and a helpful "Refresher Course" offers diagrams of stitches and describes gauge. From a cute little sweater to a trendy scarf and a little black bag for a night on the town, these 24 patterns offer a terrific variety of projects that make great gifts and treasured keepsakes.

"An intelligent, moving read" (Pages) and "a testament to women’s friendship and to Ann Hood’s talent" (Hilma Wolitzer). After the loss of her only child, Mary Baxter finds herself unable to read or write, the activities that used to be her primary source of comfort. She reluctantly joins a knitting circle as a way to fill her lonely days—not knowing it will change her life. As they teach Mary new knitting techniques, the women in the circle also reveal their own secrets of loss, love, and hope. With time, Mary is finally able to tell her own story of grief, and in so doing finds the spark of life again.

Full-color photos illustrate simple directions for quick projects. Includes accessories for the kitchen, bedroom, bath, and nursery, plus Christmas ornaments and gifts such as purses and totes, quilts, and other items.

It doesn't have to take months or years to make a quilt ― believe it or not, these patterns require only 24 hours or less! Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced quilter, these simple instructions for 20 projects offer everything you need to know from start to finish. You'll discover innovative, time-saving techniques that make fast work of cutting and sewing heirloom-quality quilts. Full-color photos illustrate directions for pinwheel layouts, zig zag arrangements, patchwork designs, and appliqué motifs. Create wall hangings, decorative throws, and traditional quilts of all sizes that will add charm to any room. This wealth of projects — many of which can be finished in just six hours—offers designs that look as if they took months to stitch. In addition to their keepsake value, the quilts make wonderful gifts for all occasions.