Chinoiserie by Louisa Harding This collection is inspired by the Orient and showcases the two gorgeous yarns Fleuris and Aimee. Chinoiserie is a French term used to describe a European fantasy vision of China and the east. The style originated in the 17th Century and is characterised by the use of fanciful imagery of flowers, birds, bridges and temples which imitate Chinese porcelain and decoration. Louisa is drawn to the aesthetics within Chinese design especially the irregularity, fantasy, asymmetry and whimsical contrasts of scale which create an interesting disorder. The twenty five projects have borrowed elements characteristic within Oriental design, from the motifs used in lattice work, large flower blossoms, scallops and fluting to the simple shapes distinctive with clothing from the Far East. Whilst you might not want to style your hair or eye make-up quite as dramatically as the models you'll see that the garments are practical whilst being beautiful and sophisticated and create a wonderful collection. Pieces include cardigans, tops, vests, sweaters, shrugs, a scarf, a beautiful bag and Louisa's trademark capes. All 25 designs for an amazing pricePer book £7.50 Yarn Quantity:
Bag Style by Pam Allen Custom handbags and handcrafted purses are hotter than ever - bags have become the trendy way to show off personal style. As knitters move away from the scarf, bags are replacing them as the most popular small project to make. Whether knitted, crocheted, or felted, there are endless ways to personalise and customize a bag. From a tiny pouch to carry an iPod or a generous tote based on 19th century carpet bags to a felted messenger-style bag or a delicate purse with handles made of bracelets, knitters and crocheters will find loads of practical projects and inventive inspiration from twenty top knitwear designers. Each project features gorgeous photographs and step-by-step instructions, and all techniques are explained in easy-to-understand detail. In addition to 22 innovative patterns, the Design Notebook chapter examines the essence of the knitted bag and how to create a bag of your own. You can learn ways to give a knitted or crocheted bag shape, depth, stability, handles, closures, and fasteners. Whether you're an avid bag knitter (or crocheter) or you're creating one for the first time, "Bag Style" has all the inspiration, technique, and details you need. £15.99 Yarn Quantity:
Alterknits Felt by Leigh Radford From the creator of AlterKnits comes an all new, imaginative array of thirty colorful projects that combine the techniques of knitting and felting to create fashionable designs for clothing, accessories, and items for the home. There are lots of gift ideas including a selection of knit, felt, and embellished bracelets and rings - buttons, decorative balls, pincushions, and Christmas tree ornaments in a variety of colors and shapes. All can be made in under an hour with leftover yarn you have at the bottom of your knitting basket. This is a collection of fun, funky projects for a wide range of skill levels and interest levels, all backed into a hefty hardbound volume with exceptional photos that are both artistic and allow a good look at the projects. £12.99 Yarn Quantity:
25 Bags to Knit by Emma King Here is a unique and exciting selection of 25 contemporary hand-knitted bags, specially created by knitwear designer Emma King. They range from big stripey hand-held bags, to small clutch bags, to super-functional baby bags, to chic evening purses. The designs use a wide range of techniques, including intarsia, embroidery, crochet, Fair Isle and entrelac. Each bag is illustrated with a stunning full-colour photograph, plus a close-up detail of the pattern, and comes with full knitting instructions and accurate charts. There is a handy workshop section that covers basic techniques and also offers alternative colourways and embellishment options for each design. There is also a very useful section focusing on the best yarns to use, how to add linings and inspirational ideas for eye-catching handles and fasteners to add those all important finishing touches to your work. £12.99 Yarn Quantity:
Boutique Knits by Laura Irwin With "Boutique Knits", you can make your very own knockout accessories. If you love showing your personal style with the "it" handbag, funky scarf, or the hat that makes heads turn, then this book is for you. Laura Irwin designs knitted accessories for the trendsetting indie designer fashion boutique Seaplane in Portland, Oregon, and is particularly known for her felted hats and stylish bags. In this book, Laura presents designs for knitted accessories that stand out from the crowd. Patterns cover a variety of knitting techniques, including felting, intarsia, Fair Isle, lacework, and cables. Get comfortable with your crafty side as you incorporate non-knitting tools and techniques to transform your knitting to achieve that one-of-a-kind boutique feel: pliers, hammers, a sewing machine, use of millinery techniques, and handsewing techniques. Vintage lace, beads, ribbon, and fabric-covered buttons also appear and the author uses knitting and felting techniques to create effects like ruffles, shibori-style pleats, and clever shaping. Transform your knitting with "Boutique Knits"! £14.99 Yarn Quantity:
Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring/Summer 2010 This is the fourth magazine by Debbie Bliss and once again she has produced a beautiful issue to get us into that springtime feel. She says, "The new Spring issue of my magazine has a personal feel to it as last year my daughter Nell and I stayed with friends on Long Island and the beautiful light, relaxed ambience and stunning views inspired the fashion feature Creme de la Creme, relaxed knits for the perfect weekend, in classic shades of cream and stone. In keeping with the coastal theme the home section Hamptons Home has nautical style throws, cushions, bunting and a great carry bag for the beach. Top Tanks features sophisticated knits which are perfect to give a touch of class to your holiday wardrobe. In contrast to the pale beauty of the East Coast we have Moroccan Sunset, a collection of knits shot in the sun drenched desert of North Africa, in my earth and people friendly organic Fairtrade yarn Eco Aran. I have also launched a finer version of the aran weight Eco Baby which is soft against a child's skin and therefore perfect for Pure and Simple, four easy knits in summery sorbet shades for toddlers. There are 35 knits, 18 new designs and some of the most popular styles from previous collections plus the regular features and new ones such as a fascinating article on knitting in Elizabethan England." Eco Aran and Eco Baby are both available from Texere as well as Debbies classic tweeds for sumptuous wintery knitwear. Each £4.50 Yarn Quantity:
Wire Knits by Heather Kingsley-Heath The author shows how to create 27 original and exciting projects using wire, beads, metallic threads and basic knitting skills. The book is beautifully illustrated with full colour photography throughout and shows just how versatile working with wire can be. It is divided into technique based chapters of getting started, simple shapes, folded layers, flower designs, tubular knits and flounce and spirals. Projects include cuffs and bracelets, scarves and collars, necklaces and earrings, brooches and corsages, bags and bangles, keyrings, flowers and hair clips. The lovely colourful wires now available mean that wire knits can be delicate and pretty whilst giving a structured and contemporary effect. £8.99 Yarn Quantity:
Mirasol Collection Book One by Jane Ellison A beautiful book by Jane Ellison (designer of many Noro books) using the fantastic Mirasol Collection of yarns, supporting communities in rural Peru. Jane says, "Welcome to the very first Mirasol book! I was very excited to be involved with, and design for, the Mirasol Project. Throughout this project the ancient Andean culture has been an amazing source of inspiration for me. For the photo shoot we travelled to the remote area that inspired the Mirasol project. This journey made me realise how much we take for granted and also allowed me to experience the stunning scenery and ever changing climate of the region first hand. The distinct nature of the light throughout the day and the changing weather that combine to create this climate are mirrored in the Mirasol yarns as each one produces a completely different look and feel, and yet they all work together as a collection. I hope you enjoy knitting the designs, whilst knowing that by purchasing Mirasol yarn you are making a difference." The book is packed with fantastic photography showing off the gorgeous designs and the amazing landscape, including images and information about the project. There are cardigans and tops, jumpers and jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and socks - 29 patterns in total. Many standard yarns will knit to the tension of Mirasol yarns, just check the tensions on the individual yarns is you need a comparison. £9.95 Yarn Quantity:
Knit so Fine by Lisa R Meyers, Laura Gurtzeck & Carol J Sulcoski Put down those chunky yarns and fat needles and discover the creative possibilities of thin yarns. Think thin yarns are slow and boring to knit with? Think again! This information-packed book features more than twenty stylish and contemporary projects knit with lightweight yarns. Thin is in! Lightweight yarns have a bad reputation: slow to knit with, unfashionable, limited to socks and lace, and fussy to deal with. Give those skinny yarns another look! Projects knit with thin yarns can range from quick, easy, and daring to bold, elaborate, refined, and sophisticated. Perfect for all skill levels, the projects in Knit So Fine show that garments knitted with thin yarns fit more precisely, are more flattering to the figure, feel better against the skin, are great for layering, and offer more versatility for fashion elements like ruching, ruffles, gauzy layers, and drape. Knit So Fine educates knitters about fine yarns: what they are, the many advantages of knitting with fine yarns, plus tips and techniques to make the knitting process more enjoyable. Knitters will also find stylish and contemporary patterns from quick knits and small projects to long-term projects that are worth the wait. £15.99 Yarn Quantity:
Inspired to Knit by Michele Rose Orne Get inside the artistic mind of talented knitwear designer Michele Rose Orne and discover her secrets to creating beautiful handknits for any season of the year. Inspired to Knit features four mini workshops with twenty-four patterns and spectacular photography conceptualized to help knitters think creatively, find inspiration in their surroundings, and shape those elements into garment design. Along the way knitters will pick up invaluable tips and tricks of the trade plus a wealth of inspiration. Stunning patterns are arranged by season, reflecting the colors and beauty of nature that inspires Michele's feminine designs. From an amber beaded cardigan that captures the feeling of hay fields drying in the sun to a long, belted coat with a spray of feminine coral roses inspired by flowers in her local market to an intarsia jacket that evokes memories of a fall hike in a forest, each pattern is rich with color, detailing, and romantic knitting style. The design workshops throughout the book guide and challenge readers to find inspiration in their surroundings, build color palettes, swatch creatively through knitting and sketching, and finesse their style and fit. Think more creatively about knitting and unleash your inner designer with Inspired to Knit! £15.99 Yarn Quantity:
Beachcomber Bay - The Accessories Collection A collection of beautiful designs for hand knitted accessories using Louisa Harding yarns including Sari Ribbon. Many of the patterns use 4ply, DK and aran yarns, so even if we don't stock the specific Louisa Harding yarn you can use our Good Fortune, Double Top and Vision and Glitter yarns which would be perfect. There is gorgeous colour photography throughout and the accessories combine soft and fresh cotton yarns with glittering luxurious yarn making fabulous contrasts of textures. The designs, photography and colours have a fresh, summery feel and are items to where on the beach or in summery evenings. There are patterns for bags, belts, hats, long tunic tops, a camisole, a skirt, a shawl and a sarong. £4.90 Yarn Quantity:
Laines du Nord Simple Knits Book 5 by Jane Ellison To accompany our Laines du Nord yarns we are offering three knitting pattern books at an unbeatable price. The patterns in Jane's fifth book are simple knits that are easy to make, but produce a classic, contemporary design that should work with any wardrobe. There are stylish designs using simple stitches to great effect, plus cables, reverse stocking stitch and classic stripe colour combinations. This time she has included patterns for the littlest member of the family. These five baby patterns are like miniature versions of the adult designs and are excellent for beginners who want a quick project. The remaining 11 designs include tops, cardigans, jumpers, a blanket, a scarf and a cushion. Although we don't stock many of the yarns why not have a go at using some substitutes and experimenting with textures to recreate the effects. Jane uses mainly DK, aran and chunky yarns, so it's easy to find alternatives from our collection including Airedale Aran, classic King Cole DK or for some luxury try Sublime DK. RRP 7.50, so our price of just 2.50 is the price of many individual patterns and you get a book of 15 designs! £2.50 Yarn Quantity:
Modular Knitting by Pat Ashforth & Steve Plummer Simple modular techniques for making wonderful garments and accessories. Make original clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes and forget about complicated increases and decreases; forget about poring over pattern books. With knowledge of just a few basic stitches you can effortlessley create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves and ponchos. Step-by-step photographs demonstrate the foolproof way to knit two-dimensional shapes, and methods of joining them to form fantastic three-dimensional garments. Clear instructions and diagrams explain each stage of the process, from measuring and calculating yarn requirements to combining colour, shape and texture. It includes ten inspirational projects with suggested variations and alternative palettes, and advice on how to create your own designs. Now you can carry on with your knitting anywhere, without having to drag a whole bulky garment along with you. Pat and Steve came to visit our mill years ago and first introduced us to modular knitting and the calculations involved through large throws and afghans that we displayed on the walls. It's really great to see their books in print and people embracing modular knitting! They are both maths teachers and they use fabric and fibre in many teaching situations with groups as diverse as university professors, Women's Institute groups, and children of all ages. £10.99 Yarn Quantity:
One Skein Leigh Radford 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet. This is a great book full of easy, stylish designs that just use one skein of yarn. Obviously skeins are different sizes and sometimes the larger sizes will require some extra yarn, but for the most part you just need 1 x 50g or 1 x 100g of yarn. This is an American book and therefore uses American yarns, but as many of the projects are simple items it isn't absolutely crucial to get exactly the correct yarn. As long as the meterage of the alternative yarn and the fibre content are about the same you should be fine (please give us a call if you need help). The patterns include scarves, gloves, hats, socks and legwarmers; items for baby; bags and purses; lovely felted bowls, cushions, lavender sachets. Plus there is a handy "stash" section where the items are slightly larger, but you use up odds and ends of yarn. This is a great book to either give as a gift to a busy knitter friend, or to buy for yourself and make quick and simple gifts. £14.99 Yarn Quantity:
Glamour Collectables Erika Knight - 15 timeless designs to knit and keep forever by this well respected designer. Glamour is a must-have portfolio of 15 sensuous knits inspired by latter-day Hollywood sirens. These stunning designs provide an easy glamour for both day and night time by combining flattering shapes with sumptuous textures. Inspiring full-colour photographs are followed by a practical section giving complete instructions and patterns for this highly desirable collection of delightfully chic garments. Knitwear has never looked so sexy; these garments all provide an easy glamour by combining slinky shapes with sumptuous textures. Designs include scarves and gloves, shrugs and a cardigan, tops and sweaters, a cloche, a bracelet and a choker, a handbag and a clutch bag, The yarns are sensuous, tactile and opulent: velvet chenille, flowing satin and luxurious silk. The collection is worked in a seductive palette of palest pink, ripe peach and delicate pastel green through to rich teal, gold, damson and grape, and occassioanlly trimmed with lace and ribbon, or embroidered and beaded. £12.99 Yarn Quantity:
Easy Knitted Accessories Jeanette Trotman - Fashionable projects for the novice knitter. Jeanette Trotman specialises in funky, cutting edge accessories combining a passion for colour and texture with a flair for embroidered and beaded embellishment. She is also the designer of the Artesano sock patterns. These 30 projects combine the traditional craft of knitting with contemporary styling, with patterns to inspire knitters of all abilities to create beautiful and desirable accessories.. From simple stitches and basic colour techniques to intricate beading and brushed and felted textures, all the designs come with easy-to-follow instructions and full colour photographs. Items include scarves and wraps, poncho and shawls, hats, gloves and mittens, bags and purses, socks and legwarmers. Useful tips will help you to acquire new knitting skills and a quick and easy technique section will make complex looking effects achievable. The yarns used are all DK, aran or chunky etc, rather than specific brands so it is very easy to substitute any standard yarns to knit to the patterns. I have already made socks, a hat and a scarf from this book and was surprised just how many of the other items I wanted to make as well. I think the beauty of the designs here is that nothing is too wacky or impractical, but they are funky and contemporary and you could imagine wanting to wear or give any of the items. A great all round book - highly recommended! £10.99 Yarn Quantity:
Easy Knitted Socks Jeanette Trotman - Fun and fashionable designs for the novice knitter. Jeanette Trotman specialises in funky, cutting edge accessories combining a passion for colour and texture with a flair for embroidered and beaded embellishment. She is also the designer of the Artesano sock patterns. Knitting socks has never been so easy. The ultimate in creature comfort, soft and snuggly hand knit socks are one of life's little luxuries, and this user-friendly book features 20 simple and stunning designs, many of which can be made up in a weekend. Each design is accompanied by step-by-step photographs showing important stages in the process. Learn basic stitches and construction methods, from the simplest techniques using two regular needles to easy ways with double-pointed and circular needles. Items include baby bootees, slippers, felted boots, Argyle socks, cable socks, Fair Isle socks, stockings, stripy socks, lacy socks, chunky socks, short socks, long socks and legwarmers. Tools, materials and core techniques are clearly explained, and you'll find advice on making extra-special socks using sumptuous yarns and embellsihments. The yarns used are all DK, aran or chunky etc, rather than specific brands so it is very easy to substitute any standard yarns to knit to the patterns. A great book to take you through all different types of socks and techniques. £10.99 Yarn Quantity: