New books for knitters.

Right as you walk into the shop, you’ll find a small wooden teacart, though you may not recognize it as such. We’ve disguised it by keeping it piled high with the newest books and magazines, along with the ever present swift and ballwinder. The past few weeks have brought a variety of new books to the teacart, from the silly to the serious.

DSCN5663

Knit Superheroes is Rebecca Danger’s newest book of knitted toys, a collection of caped, masked creatures with lots of personality. Each critter can be made in either fingering weight or worsted weight yarns, depending upon how large a super-raccoon you intend to create.

DSCN5665 DSCN5664

On the more serious side is Elizabeth Doherty’s Top Down: Reimagining Set-In Sleeve Design, which is both a collection of attractive sweater patterns and a designer’s reference book on this rather specific subject.

DSCN5666

DSCN5667I’ve always been fond of knitting books with an abundance of technical information, as I like how seriously they take their subject, and the promise of learning something new. This one is here to present practical methods for perfectly-fitting set-in sleeves, for those who prefer the seamless top-down approach to sweater knitting.

DSCN5668DSCN5670

Another designer’s reference now in stock is Kate Atherley’s Beginner’s Guide to Writing Knitting Patterns, which is exactly what it sounds like. Pick this one up if you’d like to try your hand at pattern-writing, or for some insight into all the hard work that goes into designing, writing, editing, and publishing knitting patterns.

DSCN5704

DSCN5705

Look for these and other new books on the teacart here at the shop! See you there.

Finish-Free Knits.

Last week, we got a new book from Interweave that focuses on seamlessly knitted sweaters: Finish-Free Knits, by Kristen TenDyke.

DSCN0900

There’s great variety in these designs. Some are patterned with cables or lace, others with smooth stockinette, simple ribbing, or garter stitch. Some are long sleeved, some are short sleeved, some are cardigans, some are pullovers, some are cropped and others tunic-length.

DSCN0901

For knitters who love to work sweaters seamlessly in the round on circular needles, Finish-Free Knits is definitely worth a look.

DSCN0903

Find it on the teacart. See you at the shop!