Editor's Picks: Great Knitting Books

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Felting your projects after you've knitted them is a hot trend in knitting circles these days, and it's no wonder--it really is like magic, the way an oversized knitting project becomes a normal-sized felted one in just a few simple steps. It's practically impossible to mess up, and the results are so soft and cozy, you'll be hooked on felting what you knit as well--no pun intended. Among the 25 knit-it-then-felt-it projects are unusual versions of the usuals--hats, scarves, slippers and totes/purses--plus a few surprises in the form of pillows, ear muffs, and a bear. There's even a wine bag and a tea cozy to keep your beverages as snug as you will be.

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You'll find a nice variety of projects in this stand-up easel book; actually, it's more like two books in one. Flip through it in one direction and you'll find information and instructions about various techniques and extras, like removing stitches and joining in another kind of yarn, with clear, simple illustrations. Turn the book around and you'll find 10 patterns for adults and children, including an adorable tassel hat, baby slippers and a bunny rabbit for little ones.

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If you like something pretty and a little different, you'll love this book. It features 30 designs that were inspired by original postwar patterns. Who knew you could knit a camisole? Plus lacy cardigans, pretty twin sets, mittens, gloves, jackets and more sweaters, all born out of 1940s and '50s designs.

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Combine your passion and savor the results--30 beautifully knitted sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves and bags, all jazzed up with the pleasantly surprisingly addition of sparkling beads. Techniques include bead embroidery, bead applique, beaded fringe, beaded knitting and bead knitting--yes, those last two are different. Projects are divided into two groups: beading knitted directly into your project or adding beads to finished pieces. Your wooly old gloves won't know what hit them! For intermediate to advanced knitters.

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Is there anything cuter than baby booties? Even non-knitters would just adore this book. Divided into four styles of booties for all kinds of tootsies--cuffed, sandal, felted and moccasin; but within those four categories is a whole world of variety, including cashmere, applique, animal feet, sequins and beads, patchwork and lace.

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What child wouldn't love to wear a sweater the same as their teddy bear is wearing? What bear wouldn't love a snuggly new sweater to match his child's? This book includes 15 surprisingly stylish projects, including sweaters, jackets, totes, hats and scarves. Both the children's and the bear's projects are sizeable. For children up to 3 "and perfect little replicas for teddies of all ages." Great use for leftover yarn, too!

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Another beautifully photographed book from Rowan, filled with stylish and unique designs from Kim Hargreaves, Rowan's highly respected resident designer from the United Kingdom. You'll find 30 sweater and sock projects in this book for men and women, ranging from pretty, demure florals to fun and whimsical patterns and dots--plus Fair Isle designs and simple but beautiful one-color designs full of special details. Inspired by the Yorkshire textile region of England.

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As if knitting wasn't enough fun already! These die-cut shaped books are just right for beginner or occasional knitters. This book has so many cute and unique stockings for every taste--rustic, Victorian, whimsical, traditional--and if that isn't enough, the mix-and-match stocking provides endless possibilities for your own unique designs.

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Once you've got the mittens, you'll need a hat to match!

Knit Hats! 15 Cool Patterns to Keep You Warm
Edited by Gwen Steege
Storey Books

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These little books are just the right size to drop into your knitting bag, backpack or purse. There are 15 fun projects in each book, with instructions for a range of sizes. Each pattern includes a nearly-life-size color photo of the completed mitten or hat, materials and equipment lists, gauge information, a color chart, special tips and hints, and detailed illustrations of any unusual techniques involved. Hats include a Sherpa hat, a felted hat, a beret and a headband project--even one with morning glories growing out the top; among the mittens, you'll find "fulled" (felted) ones, skier's finger mitts, fingerless mitten and ribbed fisherman's mittens--even a pair of mittens that doesn't match.

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What a fun book--you can mix and match to create your own "patchwork" afghans. It's like quilting with different squares. Includes projects with beading and embroidery, plus basic square instructions as well as instructions for piecing them together when you're done. Combining these squares in any way your heart desires will create hundreds of possibilities--you'll never need another afghan book again!

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From the editors of the internationally renowned Vogue Knitting Magazine "with input from more than 50 leading specialists," this encyclopedic volume is "the first and last word on knitting...no other book covers the field so comprehensively. Need guidance on yarns, needles, tools, basic techniques, specialized applications, terminology? It’s in here." With information on the history of knitting, knitting supplies, techniques and stitches, how-to for fixing mistakes and 1,600--yes, 1,600 full-color illustrations, it really is the ultimate knitting book. It even says so, right there on the front.

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Includes basic patterns for mittens, scarves, socks, hats and bags; reference information about yarn, techniques, sizing and pattern modification; a die-cut needle gauge and ruler in the front and back covers; graph paper pages for plotting dimensions and sketching your own designs; a needle inventory page; even a journal-like section to help you document your work in all its stages.

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Impatient knitters will love this book! Large needles and thick yarn make quick work of these 16 fluffy, chunky fashions, including scarves, hats, bags, sweaters and coats. Advanced knitters will appreciate the variations for each project, such as decorative additions and alternative finishes. Thorough instructions with plenty of photographs that we've come to expect from North Light Books.