Books

Give your bathroom a fabulous retro touch with the most iconic of bathroom accessories: the toilet roll cover. You will discover a wonderful range of knitted novelties in this tongue-in-cheek guide. Toilet Roll Covers features 30 knitted and crocheted projects which are great fun to make and show off. The projects are fully illustrated and the patterns are straightforward to follow. There is a comprehensive techniques section to get you started, so you will find it easy to create your woolly work of art, even if you are an absolute beginner.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ GMC Publications (September 1, 2007)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 156 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1861084994
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1861084996
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.25 x 0.38 x 8.25 inches

17 stunning Tunisian crochet garments to make with love and wear with pride, from elegant summer tops to cozy winter jackets.

Tunisian crochet is a popular technique that shares similarities with both crochet and knitting. The versatile range of textures it can create, from richly dense to delicate and lace-like, is used to full effect in this sumptuous book from Danish designer and teacher Helle Kampp Mathorne. Ideal for experienced crafters, the book blends Tunisian crochet with elements of both standard crochet and knitting to create 17 stunning garment designs for all seasons.

Choose from:

A richly textured skirt with a knitted rib hem;
An elegant camisole with glitter stripes and crocheted straps;
A long jacket with wheat stitch pattern and raglan sleeves;
A stylish camisole with a flower-lace back;
And warm, huggable wardrobe staples including roll-necks, cardigans and sweaters.

The designs are written for sizes 2 to 14 (UK sizes 6 to 18). Charts are included, and a thorough techniques section features the Tunisian crochet stitches and techniques you need with step-by-step visuals. The stunning photography and easy-to-follow patterns will provide both inspiration and guidance when creating your own slow fashion, handmade wardrobe.

New! Includes CMYK and RGB formulas, plus Hex numbers for web site design Improved! Larger color swatches and expanded guidelines for use - 24 color cards plus an in-depth instructional guide make color planning easy - Handy, take-along size-refer to it at home, in your studio, or while shopping - Based on the Ives Color Wheel - Over 100,000 sold!

Publisher: C&T Publishing
ISBN13: 9781607052357
Pub Date: Mar 15, 2011

by Robin Hansen

Filled with a wide array of classic knitting patterns, this book is, in essence, the ultimate mitten book. The patterns are organized from simple to difficult, and their origins range from traditional Scandinavian and Canadian maritime patterns to more contemporary sewn and windblock patterns from Maine. Rounding out the patterns is useful information on caring for and repairing woolens; tips for adding details such as buttons, straps, or leather palms to mittens; and a list of yarn suppliers.

Size: 10.01" x 9.97"

Pages: 222

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781608936243

Unexpected Afghans presents 29 innovative interpretations of a favorite at-home essential. From best-selling author Robyn Chachula comes an in-depth look into crocheting traditional afghans using contemporary techniques, colors and patterns.

Expert designers including Kristin Omdahl, Kathy Merrick, Kimberly McAlindin, and many more, provide an abundance of fresh patterns and projects that are perfect for new and advanced crocheters as they start out beginner-friendly and become more complex, allowing a crocheter to build skills and confidence. Designers at any level will enjoy:

• A detailed technique’s workshop in every chapter including cables, motifs, color, lace, and Tunisian crochet.
• Helpful tips from designers for working through each afghan project.
• Easy-to-follow charts and diagrams.
Along with tons of beautiful afghan projects for all skill levels, you’ll find many of your favorite designer’s biographies–giving you an exploration into their inspiration.

Paperback, 159 pages. 

Crochet Your Way Over the Rainbow and Into the Mystical Realm of Unicorns!
In this book you’ll find everything to make your heart skip a beat: fifty fantastic projects from the fabulous world of unicorns await you. Crochet fluffy woolen unicorn friends, glittery pink accessories, and much more. After reading this book, you’ll be able to create unicorns in all the colors of the rainbow!

For advanced crocheters, there are many exciting and magical projects, including a small challenge here and there. After all, unicorns are curious and fearless! Numerous small, extra-cute, and simple projects serve as an ideal introduction for beginners. With easy-to-follow instructions, this guide is perfect for fans of anything unicorn-related!

Grab a crochet hook and find your way to magical crocheting adventure!

Hardcover | 125 pages

It is time to get excited for 11 new urban designs for men featuring many of Jody Long's iconic yarns. This collection for men has something for every guy. Look your best no matter the occasion with a variety of designs in different styles, fibers, and textures. The publication features the following complete knitting patterns: 

• Joshua Sweater
  
• Daniel Hooded Pullover
• Matthew Cable Knit Sweater
• Carl Fair Aisle Sweater
• Jordan Cable Sweater
• Billy Double Breasted Cardigan
• Sean Fair Aisle Vest
• Dylan Scarf
• Martin Hat
• Lewis Fingerless Gloves
• Liam Socks

Softcover/Magazine Format
48 pages
Designer: Jody Long
Copyright 2022

Adorn Your Home with Colorful Florals & Geometric Patterns                                        by Melissa Lowry

With these 20 punch needle projects, crafters of all levels can create stunning pillows, wall hangings and more, for a handmade look with a fraction of the work of traditional embroidery.

Melissa Lowry, author of Handmade Animal Dolls, shows readers how to embellish their home with the trending quick and easy art of punch needle embroidery. Readers can follow Melissa’s gorgeous patterns and simple step-by-step instructions to create one-of-a-kind pieces. With just a punch needle—available at any craft store or online—yarn, and fabric readers can get started right away. Unlike traditional embroidery, knitting and crochet, there are no complicated stitches or special techniques. Slip the yarn into the needle and punch through the fabric to create a textured design. It’s a relaxing, meditative craft, easy to do while chatting with friends or watching a favorite show.

Inspired by Melissa’s Mexican heritage, these patterns reflect the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of traditional textiles, with a modern touch. The book includes full-size templates, so readers can replicate Melissa’s signature designs. Beginners can get that amazing handmade look in a just an hour or two, creating beautiful pillows, hoop art, napkins and placements from scratch. Readers who want to dive deeper into the craft can tackle large-scale rugs and wall-hangings along with more detailed designs. Contemporary, colorful, and truly unique, these projects make it easy to pick up a satisfying hobby and personalize your home.

Size: 8" x 9"                                                                                                                  Pages: 144                                                                                                                  Format: Paperback                                                                              ISBN: 9781645670117

Over 40 traditional and modern Norwegian knitwear patterns for all seasons and all the family. From Internet sensation Lasse Matberg.

“This book offers intermediate and experienced knitters an inspiring guide to create eye-catching, durable knitwear that will never go out of style”. – Publishers Weekly

Lasse L. Matberg comes from a family who, for generations, have been working to create beautiful, quality crafted items by hand. Viking Knits is a tribute to good-quality, practical needlework, inspired by the Vikings’ warm, all-weather garments.

Discover and knit over 40 items for men, women, and children, designed for all occasions and seasons. From tough-wearing sweaters and outerwear to elegant cardigans and jackets, all have made been made in a quietly beautiful Scandinavian style. Whether you love traditional, Nordic colorwork patterns and cables, or modern, textured knits, there is something for everyone.


18 men’s sweaters
9 women’s sweaters
6 children’s sweaters
10 cozy accessories

“… it will be the rare sweater lover who doesn’t find something on these pages that they’ll yearn to make.

Hardcover | $29.95
Published by Search Press
Oct 18, 2022 | 192 Pages | 8-1/4 x 10-2/3 | ISBN 9781800920774

Carefully transcribed from vintage table, dowry, and bed linens, this treasury of easy-to-use patterns allows today's stitchers to enrich their projects with original 1800s touches.

Sharing the result of her years combing dusty attics, archives, brocantes, and antique shops for vintage handstitched items and rare needlework manuals, embroidery expert Véronique Maillard here offers the patterns used by  French women in the 1800s and early 1900s to prepare their dowry chests or to customize their household linens.

This is a genuine gold mine for stitchers: letters and motifs in shapes, sizes, and styles that can be adapted to any piece. 

Until a few generations ago, French women spent winters monogramming or marking their household linens. Today's crafters can do the same or apply these alphabets, flowers, and borders in creative ways to other projects.

• The hundreds of patterns are digitally transcribed to make them clear.
• All patterns are designed for cross-stitch embroidery, either over one or two warp or weft threads. 
• Features photos of projects featuring the patterns, to offer inspiration. For example: a dish towel with stitched message in a mix of letter styles; personalized napkin rings using borders, for each guest to keep as a memento; a little heart to hang at the front door to welcome visitors, embroidered on an old piece of bedsheet using three colorways.
• An index allows selection of designs by letter height, by border size, or by motifs ranging from flower baskets to hens.
• Includes the most outstanding designs from 1800s and 1900s "mark manuals" by cross-stitch design publishers including M. Rouyer, Sajou, L.V., and Alexandre. Sharing the result of her years combing dusty attics, archives, brocantes, and antique shops for vintage handstitched items and rare needlework manuals, embroidery expert Véronique Maillard here offers the patterns used by  French women in the 1800s and early 1900s to prepare their dowry chests or to customize their household linens.

Size: 7.5in x 9.5in  |  Pages: 448  |  434 color photos & color / b/w pattern charts

Binding: Hardback
ISBN: 9780764367649

Knit 20 glamorous sweaters as worn by the stars

The chic knitwear worn by a galaxy of Hollywood stars on the silver screen can now be recreated in your own home.

Play the vamp in Dorothy Lamour’s figure-hugging beaded sweater, or achieve a pouting innocence in Judy Garland’s fluffy embroidered cardigan, or allow the man in your life to adopt an air of elegance in Cary Grant’s casual cricket sweater or Gary Cooper’s stylish ski jumper.

The easy-to-follow patterns were created by fashion designer Bill Gibb, and have been fully updated so that vintage-loving knitters can recreate these iconic looks with modern yarns.

The easy-to-follow patterns are illustrated with clear charts and sketches as well as superbly reproduced images of each of the twenty legends. A section on knitting know-how explains all the tips and tricks you will need to capture your very own piece of Hollywood style.

About The Author

Bill Gibb was a renowned Scottish fashion designer who specialized in knitwear. He often collaborated with his friend Kaffe Fassett, and was known for his colourful and sometimes fantastical designs. Gibb’s work is represented in the permanent collection of many museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He was featured in the Fashion and Textile Museum’s exhibition KNITWEAR! Chanel to Westwood in autumn 2014. He died in 1988.

ISBN 978-1-910496-08-4

“Crack out the crochet, Lad!” and learn how to make the dynamic duo -- with costume changes -- then crochet a cast of supporting characters, including Wendolene Ramsbottom, Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw and Piella Bakewell! 12 iconic characters in amigurumi.

The official crochet book from the Oscar-winning creators of Wallace and Gromit, The Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep, Arthur Christmas, and Morph!

Take up your hook and with the expert guidance of crochet and amigurumi expert Sarah-Jane Hicks, recreate the wonderful world of Aardman Animations' beloved twosome, Wallace & Gromit and their friends and foes!

Taking inspiration from the award-winning short films A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave and A Matter of Loaf and Death, you too can crochet not only 8 of the key characters from the films, and 'props' including the Cooker and rocket from A Grand Day Out, plus sheep from A Close Shave, but also the characters' accessories and costumes, including.

Gromit's raincoat and sou'wester from The Wrong Trousers
Shaun the Sheep's trademark woolly jumper (from A Close Shave)
Master criminal Feathers McGraw's 'cunning disguise'...

Sarah-Jane Hicks introduces the key crochet techniques required to make up the characters, then features the patterns required with images of the finished works, all elaborated with stills from the films they appear in.

Featured characters include:

Wallace
Gromit
Feathers McGraw
Shaun the Sheep
Wendolene Ramsbottom
Piella Bakewell
Preston the Cyberdog and
Fluffles the Poodle

Summer Delight - Warm Days: A book featuring 9 new knitting designs using Jody Long's Summer Delight yarn. 

Designs Included: 

1. Amber Tanktop 
   
2. Diamond Cardigan
3. Peridot Beret
   
4. Quartz Pullover
5. Ruby Cardigan
6. Sapphire Scarf
7. Spinel Throw Blanket
8. Tourmaline Shawl
9. Zircon Cardigan

Norma Smayda, Gretchen White, Jody Brown, & Katharine Schelleng

This book features the original sample collection and handwritten drafts of the talented, early 20th century weaver, Bertha Gray Hayes of Providence, Rhode Island. She designed and wove miniature overshot patterns for four-harness looms that are creative and unique. The book contains color reproductions of 72 original sample cards and 20 recently discovered patterns, many shown with a picture of the woven sample, and each with computer-generated drawdowns and drafting patterns. Her designs are unique in their asymmetry and personal in her use of name drafting to create the designs. Bertha Hayes attended the first nine National Conferences of American Handweavers (1938-1946). She learned to weave by herself through the Shuttle-Craft home course and was a charter member of the Shuttle-Craft Guild, and authored articles on weaving.

Iridescent fabric shimmers and glows, changing colors depending on how the light hits it. Different colors appear in the folds and pleats, adding surprising layers of color to fabric. To the uninformed it appears magical and difficult, but the truth is that weaving iridescent fabric is accessible to any handweaver who knows the tricks.

Bobbie Irwin has been teaching the techniques for weaving iridescence in person and through articles for more than ten years. In this book, she delivers her most comprehensive course yet, covering the details from how to evaluate and choose yarn to achieve your desired effect to the ways weave structure affects iridescence to the best uses for your iridescent fabric. Hands-on project instructions will have you exploring what you've learned right away.

If you have been looking to add some shimmer to your weaving, this is the only book you will ever need!

Size: 11.11" x 8.41"
Pages: 132
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9780811716284

Upcycle newspapers, advertising flyers, brochures, and other waste paper into decorative and functional baskets, cushions, organizers, and more.

Find the creative potential in every pile of old newspaper. Dorothea Schmidt teaches you the techniques for recycling and upcycling waste paper into household items that are not only practical and sustainable, but beautiful as well. Learn to use various sizes and lengths of rolls of newspaper, advertising flyers, brochures, and junk mail to create

• large and small baskets
• desk organizers
• trays and bowls
• seat cushions
• napkin holders
• hanging candleholders
• tote bags
• and more!

Whether you've ever woven a basket before or not, the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and clear photos for each project will guide your through this fun—and addictive—paper craft. Using only rolled scrap paper and minimal additional materials and tools, you can make all of the 13 stylish and refined projects in this book. You'll also explore various finishing techniques, including varnishing, dyeing, stenciling, and applying buttons and other decorations. Then use the techniques to make your own unique woven creations with whatever scrap paper you have piled up in your home—or any paper that is delivered to your doorstep or appears in your mailbox.

Put your junk mail and other paper waste to good use. Decorate your home and enhance your life with woven paper—don't throw it away!

Narrow bands woven in colorful patterns are a centuries-old part of Baltic craft tradition. The double slotted heddle makes patterned band weaving quicker to learn and easier to do, and this is the first book that offers beginners instructions for using it. The craft doesn't involve bulky equipment—all you need can be stored in a shoe box! Learn how to weave these beautiful bands step by step, from the simple 5 pattern threads to the more complex 7 and 9 patterns. Color photographs illustrate the instructions for learning to weave. More than 140 patterns are included, along with principles for planning your own unique designs for contemporary uses such as straps, belts, bracelets, and even handfasting bands. The breathtaking range of colorful bands woven in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway are explored and offer additional inspiration.

by Tom Knisely

Every weaver weaves a rag rug--or two, or three. In this long-awaited book, well-known weaver and teacher Tom Knisely shares his knowledge and expertise in this collection of favorite rag rug patterns.

Size: 11" x 8.5"                                                                                                             Pages: 127                                                                                                                  Format: Softcover                                                                                  ISBN: 9780811712125

Learn how to make colorful, gorgeously patterned rugs using the 200-year-old techniques of the Shakers. The author researched and analyzed textiles at five historic Shaker village sites before developing a method to create new versions of these classics. You’ll learn how ten original rugs were woven and then get detailed instructions on how to make ten reproduction rugs, with full explanations of the dyeing, the warp material, the weft materials, and how to weave, as well as instructions for weaving Shaker tapes. Learn about the history of the Shakers in America and the impact of their craftsmanship on our arts tradition. Like all items used in daily Shaker life, these rugs have three outstanding characteristics: they are unusual in their design, they are perfect for the purpose they are meant to serve, and they are beautiful in quality.

Size: 8.5in x 11.0in  |  Pages: 144  |  89 color photos
Binding: Paperback / softback
ISBN: 9780764349072

Sakiori is an approach to rag weaving used by Japanese peasants to cope with the scarcity of new cloth for clothing and household textiles. In modern times, there is instead an overabundance of cloth filling up thrift stores and being discarded. Weavers can use this source of “rags” to make useful and surprising new cloth. Depending on the fabric used, results can be rugged and utilitarian (like cotton rugs) or fashionable and delicate (like silk scarves).
The book begins with an overview of the history and context of sakiori in Japan, followed by methods and tips for successful rag weaving with a variety of materials and looms, including rigid heddle looms as well as floor looms. Charts and worksheets make it easy to find the information weavers need to get started, and 21 projects with instructions and drafts provide inspiration and ideas.

Weave with wire and fiber to produce metal fabric—an entirely new art material that can be used for jewelry, sculpture, basketry, and more.

Use a four- or eight-harness loom to weave an entirely new art material that you may never before have considered—metal!

By using a wire warp and fiber weft, intermediate- to advanced-level weavers can create a woven metal fabric that is strong, malleable, and sculptural.

Expert weaver Christine K. Miller has been weaving with wire for 30 years, and her online and in-person workshops are highly sought after. She's the only weaver teaching this amazing technique.

Learn about

the materials and supplies needed for this metal fiber technique
planning your project
preparing and beaming the warp
and choosing the weft
Christine then takes readers step by step through a "Foundation Project," a basic woven wire fabric serving as the basis for creating their own metal fabric crafts.

Readers can be inspired by Christine's work and what she has made with woven wire—baskets, jewelry, sculptures, and more—with detailed information on how she made them. They can then re-create these pieces or use them as a foundation to craft their own metal fabric creations.

In addition, Christine includes a fascinating chapter on using the principles of art and design to let the reader's imagination soar when crafting with woven wire fabric.

Modern weaving projects like you’ve never seen—within easy reach of anyone.

Weaving is a satisfying hobby for making home or clothing accessories that look plucked from your favorite stores. Here are Pinterest-worthy projects for creating earrings, clutches, pillows, wall hangings, and more, all organized by skill level. From complete beginner to intermediate, Weaving Within Reach allows you to craft at your comfort level, even if you don’t yet know the difference between the warp and the weft.

Lacking a loom? Most of the materials can be woven on found objects—such as an embroidery hoop or cardboard box—or achieved with a simple over-under pattern using no loom at all. As you progress, there are plenty of exciting designs for a frame loom to keep you inspired. With a detailed introduction, stunning lifestyle and step-by-step photographs, and a helpful resource section, Weaving Within Reach unravels the possibilities of the beautiful things you can make with your hands.

Paperback, 190 pages. 

Zero waste is key to Maria Sigma's renowned weaving designs, and here she shows beginners—and more-accomplished weavers too—how that philosophy can transform what you weave. Enjoy learning the basics of both heddle loom and frame loom weaving and succeed at six guided projects you'll enjoy adding to your home and wardrobe, while also learning how Sigma has built her practice on sustainability. "Without our attention on the materials and process and how they relate to the world, no design is at its best." She  shows how to consider the environmental impact at every stage of the design and making process, as well as within your daily work environment and studio space. Learn ways to decrease yarn waste and avoid unnecessary cuts, as well as how to consider carbon footprints in terms of your use of machines, water, and petroleum-sourced energy. With this guide, you can make handweaving an even more sustainable craft.

Size: 9.0in x 9.0in  |  Pages: 176  |  200 color photos

Make the most of that stash of yarn that so many of us have lurking in a cupboard or drawer with this exciting collection of patterns.

Each fun project uses between 2 and 4 balls of yarn to create something delightful for your home, to give as a gift or to enjoy yourself.
Suitable for different levels of knitting expertise, there's something to suit every knitter and every stash.
Projects include: beanie hat, baby booties, blanket, mug hug, scarf and hot water bottle cover.

Step out in a brand-new look with this collection of creative stitches and stylish crochet patterns for cute tops, fun accessories, and more!

This is not your grandma’s crochet book! This craft book is inspired by today’s hot trends—the bold, bright, and colorful that will bring life to your yarn. With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow tips and tricks, this comprehensive handbook will introduce newcomers and bring lifelong crafters to the unique and versatile world of crochet. Learn how to choose and substitute materials, read a crochet pattern with ease, and create a project with confidence based on your body measurements. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, What About Yarn will teach you how to take crochet to the next level. Patterns include:
Bright and colorful tops
Cool patchwork cardigans
Playful matching sets
Funky bucket hats
Cute minidresses
And so much more!

So grab your favorite yarns and your crochet hook and get ready to turn your ideas into fashionable, modern-day outfits.

Publisher: Ulysses Press (May 23, 2023)
Length: 128 pages
ISBN13: 9781646044573

The best resource on natural dyeing is back, updated to make your colorful hobby even more beautiful and rewarding.

A practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants, Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, offers the latest information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs.

This comprehensive book outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibers and plant parts, choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing, test color modifiers and the fastness of dyed colors, and obtain a range of gorgeous colors from every plant, from alter to woad, shown in more than 250 swatches.

Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, is the all-in-one resource for fiber enthusiasts, including knitters, sewers, and weavers; gardeners who are interested in new uses for traditional dye plants; and eco-conscious DIYers who want authoritative information about the natural dyeing process and the plants that are essential to it. 

Paperback, 144 pages. 

An elegantly designed, practical, and inspirational guide to choosing, blending, and spinning richly textured artisan yarn for weaving, knitting, and other textile art applications.

In this elegantly designed book Imogen Bright Moon reveals the secrets of her practice, explaining:

• How to choose raw fibers for use in your work: the author’s are ethically sourced from various ecologically responsible sources, including a rescue flock of sheep on the South Downs.
• How to put together different types of fibers—raw sheep’s wool, plant fibers such as hemp, soya and wild silk, alpaca hair, and much more—to create richly textured yarn.
• The delicate art of blending naturally occurring pigments, working with shade and tone to create subtle and nuanced colors, a process that Imogen likens to a painter mixing paints on a palette.
• The principles of hand-spinning, from a simple, single-spun thread to more complicated yarns such as triple-chain ply yarn, using a traditional floor spindle.
• Ideas for taking your yarn into finished craft and art projects, with stunning images of the author’s own work.

With an emphasis on engagement with nature, the rhythms of the seasonal craft cycle, ethical making, sustainability, and mindfulness, this book is ideal for weavers, textile artists, and anyone seduced by the joys of yarn.

Imogen Bright Moon is a British Romani textile artist. She creates large textile-based installations, using tapestry weaving and cloth weaving techniques, featuring painterly hand-blended-and-spun yarns. Her practice is founded in material processes, material ethics, and heritage craft processes. She is also a researcher, writer, and textile-crafts historian. In 2022 she was a recipient of Gypsy Maker 5 from the Romani Cultural & Arts Company/Arts Council Wales. She is based in Brighton.