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Big-Needle Knit Afghans, Edited by Jeanne Stauffer, Published 2005 by House of White Birches; Hardbound; ISBN: 1-59217-019-6 $24.95

Bringing knitting into home decor continues to trend up and nothing does this better than an afghan. Many afghans are reminiscent of the throws and blankets knit for babies two (or is it , now, three) generations ago. Most designs are ideal for new knitters although a few are up to challenging experienced knitters.

 Easy Afghans; Trisha Malcolm; 2003, Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN: 1-931543-25-9; $ 17.95

 The Ultimate Book Of Knit Afghans; Bobbie Matela; 2000, American School of Needlework, ISBN: 0-88195-936-7; $ 19.95

Heirloom Knits; 20 Classic Designs To Cherish, Judith Mc Leod-Odell; 2007,  St. Martin's Press, ISBN: 0-312-35996-9, hardbound with dustjacket, $ 29.95

Andean Folk Knits, Great designs from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Bolivia; Marcia Lewandowski; 2005, Lark Books, Hardbound with dustjacket; ISBN: 1-57990-582-X, $24.95

Cultural knitting, the exploration of garments and knitting styles unique to a specific culture, has its latest expression here. This book was inspired while the author was a Mennonite missionary in the Andean region more than a decade ago.  Like others of this genre, there is a concentration on a specific knitting application  –  here, the traditional purses and bags of the Andes – typical of the culture and an exploration of the regional variations in that application. In addition to the patterns, a survey of the knitting lore and techniques unique to the Andean culture is given.

 Armenian Knitting; by Meg Swansen and Joyce Williams, published 2007 by Schoolhouse Press, ISBN: 978-0-942018-27-1, hardbound, $ 24. 95.

The inspiration for this book was the Elsa Schiaparelli exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the specific technique used to work Elsa's signature Bow-knot Sweater. Dubbed Armenian knitting, the authors presents several de signs on this technique which is related to intarsia but perhaps older than, the inspiration for but different from intarsia.

Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone: Secrets of Traditional Fishermen's Sweaters, by Sabine Domnick, published 2007 by Down East Books, ISBN: 0-89272-688-2, softbound at $ 19.95

The sec-ond book by this German author explores the origins of the guernsey and jersey - named for Channel is-lands and in the British tradition, the forbears of the traditional fisherman working sweaters - distinguishable by the weight of yarn used, with ganseys knit of a worsted weight. Those who have Gladys Thompson's book will find this title expands her index of pattern stitches; knitters interested in the cultural origins of garment styles and pattern stitches will find this a useful read.

 Classic British Knits, 40 Traditional Patterns from England, Scotland and Ireland; Madeline Weston, 1986; Crown Publishing, INC., Hardcover; ISBN: 0-517-56477-7; $24.95

Country Knits II, 1998, E.P. Dutton, ISBN: 0-525-48419-1; $19.95

The Complete Book of Traditional Scandinavian Knitting, Sheila McGregor; 1984, St Martin's Press, First Edition, ISBN: 0-312-15638-3; $10.95

Folk Knits,  Traditional Patterns from around the World; Melinda Coss, 1990, Trafalgar Square Publishing; Hardcover; ISBN: 0-9439555-43-2; $65.95

Knits From Nature, Jenny Kee; 1990, Prentice Hall Press, ISBN: 0-13-517228-4; $19.95

 Knitting From The British Islands, 30 Original Designs from Traditional Patterns; Alice Starmore and Anne Matheson; 1982, Bell and Hayman, ISBN: 0-312-45857-6; $225.00

Knitting Ganseys, Beth Brown - Reinsel; 1993, Interweave Press, ISBN: 0-934026-85-8; $ 21.95 

Knitting Masterpieces, Ruth Herring and Karen Manners; Pantheon Books, Hardcover; ISBN: 0-394-56266-6; $24.95

Knitting Now, Gabi Tubbs; 1985, Scribner's; ISBN: 0-684-18379-X; $14.95

More Maine Sweaters, 30 Original Designs in Wool, Silk and Alpaca for Men and Women; Helen Rush; 1987, Down East, ISBN: 0-89272-233-9; $12.95

Scottish Highland Knits, by Sarah Dallas, published by Trafalgar Square Books, ISBN: 1-57076-377-9, softbound at $ 22. 95

Affiliated with the Royal College of Art since 1989, and since 1992 senior tutor, the author collaborates with two of her art fashion and textiles students in creating an introduction to highland knitting techniques using garment styles to withstand the tests of time and trend. Written for Rowan's Scottish Tweed ( Rowan sponsors the College's annual Design Award given following a student competition for garments with a high-fashion twist ) the 18 pattern heavily represent Sarah's own work ( with one exception, the four exceptional designs all come from Sarah's pencil ). Among the best: the wrap cardigan and lace top - both very knittable and wonderfully wearable.

 Stitches In Time, Over 70 Historically Inspired Knitwear Designs; Sue Bradley; 1986, Henry Holt & Company, Hardcover: 008050-0042-9; $24.95

 25 Bags To Knit,  Beautiful Bags In Stylish Colors; Emma King, 2004, Trafalgar Square, ISBN: 1-57076-282-1, spiralbound; $ 24.95 

45 Fine & Fanciful Hats to Knit; Anna Zilboorg; 1997, Lark Books, ISBN: 1-57990-0009-7; Soft; $18.95

Bag Style, 20 Inspirational Handbags, Totes And Carry-alls To Knit And Crochet; Pam Allen and Ann Budd; 2007, Interweave Press, ISBN: 978-1-9668-028-9, $ 21.95

 Caps & Hats Two, Vogue Knitting on the Go; Trisha Malcolm; 2003, Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN:1-931543-24-0; Hard, $12.95

 Flying Geese & Partridge Feet,More Mittens From Up North & Down East; Robin Hansen with Janetta Dexter; 1986, Down East Books, ISBN: 0-89272-214-2; $60.00

 Folk Bags, Vicki Square; 2003, Interweave Press, ISBN: 1-931499-25-X; $21.95

 Folk Mittens, Techniques And Patterns For Handknitted Mittens; Marcia Lewandowski; 1997, Interweave Press, ISBN: 1-883010-34-9; $ 21.95

Folk Shawls, 25 Knitting Patterns and Tales from Around the World; Cheryl Oberle; 2000,  Interweave Press, ISBN:  1-883010-59-4; $21.95

 Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Easy Designer Knits For Family And Friends; Louisa Harding; 2005, Octopus Publishing, ISBN: 0-600-61255-4; $ 17.95

 Hats On!; Charlene Schurch; 1999, Down East Books, ISBN: 0-89272-435-8; $18.95

Home Knits: Luxurious Handknits for Every Room of the House, by Suss Cousins published 2006 by Potter Craft, ISBN: 0-307-33591-7, hardbound with dustjacket at $ 32.50.

 Homespun Handknit, Caps, Socks, Mitten & Gloves; Linda Ligon; 1987, Interweave Press, First Edition, ISBN: 0-934026-26-2; $ 29.95

 Knitted Shawls, Stoles & Scarves, Nancie M. Wiseman; 2001, Martingale & Company, ISBN: 1-56477-331-0; $ 24.95

 Knitted Tams; Nancy Rowe; 1989, Interweave Press, ISBN: 0-934026-48-3; $15.95

Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles by Antje Gillingham published 2007 by Martingale & Co., ISBN: 978-1-56477-729-3, softbound     $ 24. 95.

Dedicated sock knitters know the charm of knitting socks as a pair simultaneously. With this method, orphan socks not only don't happen but true reversibility can be achieved - useful for the occasional pattern where on-line reversibility is required. The German-born author, and yarn shop owner, includes many helpful diagrams and a particularly useful chart for knitting socks for just about any size. A good little book to complete any knitter's repertoire in sock knitting.

Knitting Little Luxuries, Beautiful Accessories To Knit; Louisa Harding; 2007, Interweave Press, ISBN: 978-1-59668-054-8, softbound at $ 21.95

 Mittens & Gloves, Vogue Knitting on the Go!, Trisha Malcolm; 2002, Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN: 1-931543-20-8, Hardbound (no dustjacket); $12.95

New Pathways For Sock Knitters, by Cat Bordhi, published 2007 by Passing Paws Press, ISBN: 0-9708869-6-5, softbound at $ 28.95

 In the first of a promised series of three volumes exploring varying methods for knitting socks - in the author's word, sockitecture - Cat is at it again: demonstrating the seemingly endless opportunities which the knitting of socks can present. The major innovation pre-sented here is various styles for handling the increases or decreases which normally form the heel gussets - transforming those necessary stitches into what the author describes as eight different sock architectures but which she admits are really what they are, just variations on a theme ( among the most creative: coriolos architecture which gathers the increases into a banded arch expansion which can spiral around the leg of the sock - especially conducive to knitting with handpainted yarns ). A very intriguing book ( if not over-worked with too much self-created gizmo and gadget nomenclature and typographical signals - meant to be helpful but somewhat distracting and bothersome).

 Pursenalities, 20 Great Knitted and Felted Bags, by Eva Weichmann; published 2005 Martingale Company; softbound; ISBN: 1-56477-565-8; $19.95

The felting storm, which first washed the yarn market in 2000, continues to shower us with alluring ways to use this "first fabric". Here, felted handbags (after knitting them-oversized of course) is elevated to an art form. Written by a California yarn shop owner, and Finnish ex-partiate who learned to knit at an early age, this book presents tested designs for a variety of novelty purse styles-all to be knitted then felted. 

 Scarves, Vogue Knitting on the Go!; Trisha Malcolm (ed.); 2002, Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN: 1-931543-21-6, Hardcover; $ 12.95

 Scarves Two; Trisha Malcolm, ed., 2003, Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN: 1-931543-32-1; Hardcover (no dustjacket); $12.95

A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting, by Cat Bordi; published 2005 by Passing Paws Press; Softbound; ISBN: 0-9708869-8-5; $26.95

The Author's second book promoting the interesting joys of moebius knitting has a number of sheer fun projects for a knitter to master the moebius technique-some for felting and some not. Mobeius knitting is a perspective derived from twisting circular knitting, possibly revealing never-before-seen things. Cat's designs for both a cat's bed and a jester's hat are laughable to look at and can be fun to use!

Simple Knits With a Twist, Unique Projects for Creative Knitters; Erika Knight; 2004, Stewart, Tabori & Chang; ISBN: 1-58479-361-9; $19.95

 Simple Socks, Plain And Fancy ( Mittens Too! ); Priscilla Gibson-Roberts; 2001, Nomad Press, ISBN: 0-9668289-4-1, $ 14.95

 Viva Poncho, Twenty Ponchos and Capelets to Knit; Christina Stork and Leslie Barbazette; 2005, STC Craft: A Melanie Falick Book, ISBN: 1-58479-421-6; $16.95

The poncho continues to captivate knitters, and here are 20 fun, fresh designs for captivatingly unusual poncho shapes to fit every season and any dressing style and all knitting skills. In addition to warmth, ponchos-including a hooded poncho-there are designs for accessory ponchos to be worn for flair and color. "Greta", using short rows, and "Carson" with a wide butterfly collar, are perhaps the most intriguing. Most of the capelets are, but, disappointingly, easily dismissed diminutive ponchos.

Wedding Knits, Handmade Gifts for Every Member of the Wedding Party, by Suss Cousins, published 2007 by Potter Craft, ISBN: 978-0-307-34640-7, hardbound with dustjacket $32.50

 Yummy Yarns, Learn to Knit in 20+ Easy Projects , Featuring Fun Novelty Yarns by Kathleen and Nick Greco; published 2004 by Watson-Guptill Publications; Softbound; $19.95

Two Bucks County Illustrators collaborate in what is very much a basic book for beginners where the focus hardly strays from the yumminess of the yarns. Superb for illustrating to non-knitters how novelty yarns knit. Written for new knitters desiring to learn the craft, the authors survey well today's novelty yarns; some techniques discussed have been cast-off by knitters years ago. If the boundaries of your knitting have been set at scarves, this little book will help you explore new knitting horizons using the novelty yarns you love!

Anny Blatt, Timeless Classics from the Knit Collection, edited by Trisha Malcolm, published 2004 by Sixth & Spring Books, ISBN: 1-931543-2-1, hardbound with dustjacket at $ 29.95

America Knits, Thirty Projects for the Whole Family to Knit and Wear From the Country's Leading Artisans, by Melanie Falick; 1996, Artisan, ISBN: 1-57965-287-5; $19.95

A Season's Tale, Thirty-Five Knitting Designs from Rowan for Men, Women and Children; Kim Hargreaves; 2001, Rowan Yarns, ISBN: 0-9525375-4; $19.95 

Celtic Knits, Over 25 Designs for Babies, Children and Adults; Debbie Bliss, 2000, Trafalgar Square Publishing; ISBN: 4-57076-140-X; Hardcover; $11.95

Country Inspiration, Knitwear for All Seasons; Sasha Kagan; 2000, The Taunton Press, ISBN: 1-56158-338-3, Hardbound with dustjacket; $27.95

Denim People, 30 Designs from Rowan for Men & Women; Kim Hargreaves et al; 2004, Rowan Yarns, ISBN: 1-904486-12-X; $21.95

 Designer Knitting, Hugh Ehrman; 1986, Westminster, ISBN: 0-938953-00-1; Hardcover; $17.50

The Disney Book of Knitting, Melinda Cross and Debbie Robinson, 1987, St. Martin's Press, ISBN: 0-312-01355-8; Hardcover; $75.95

 Easy Knits, Over 25 Simple Designs for Babies, Children and Adults; Debbie Bliss; 2001; St. Martin's Press, ISBN: 0-312-29014-4; $21.95

 Family Album, More Glorius Knits for Children and Adults; Kaffe Fassett and Zoe Hunt; 1989, Clarkson N Potter, ISBN: 0-517-57385-7; Hardcover; $45.95

Fisherman's Sweaters, 20 Exclusive Knitwear Designs for all Generations; Alice Starmore; 1993, Trafalgar Square, ISBN: 1570760292; Paperback, $22.95

Fitted Knits, 25 Designs for the Fashionable Knitter, by Stefanie Japel, published 2007 by North Light Books, ISBN: 1-58180-872-0, softbound at $ 22.99

 Lacy Little Knits, Clingy, Soft And A Little Risque; Iris Schreier; 2007, Lark Books, ISBN: 1-57990-717-2, hardbound with dustjacket, $ 19.95

 Knitted Sweater Style, Inspirations in Color; Jo Sharp; 1997, The Taunton Press, ISBN: 1-56158-189-5; Hardbound with dustjacket; $27.95

 Knit and Crochet with Beads, Lily M. Chin; 2004, Interweave Press, ISBN: 1-931499-44-6, $21.95

 Loop-d-Loop, More than 40 novel Designs for Knitters; Teva Durham; 2005, Stewart, Tabori & Chang, ISBN: 1-58479-414-3; Hardbound with dustjacket; $29.95

The first book by a former editor of Vogue Knitting, and whose previous designs have been included in such best sellers as Scarfstyle and Vogue's On the Go Series, shows Teva's uncommon versatility with both edgy and exsquisite garments and accessories. Her corkscrew scarf is as enchanting ats the chain-linked scarf is an endearing way to consume tid-bits of mohair and her cowl scarf is eternally fresh. These designs envoke-and celebrate-both tension and comfort through the use of non-traditional approaches to traditional garments. Teva is a designer whose abilities will resonate for a number of years, if not decades, to come.

 Maggie's Ireland, Designer Knits on location by Maggie Jackson; 2004, XRX Books, ISBN: 1-8937621-8-1, Hardbound with dustjacket; $37.95

A lavish, "oh, take me there"artbook illustrating the the topography of Maggie's native land and her designing mind. Includes fully illustrated and diagramed patterns using native Irish yarns (Donegal tweeds and linens) or spun from Maggie's imagination (Maggie now has her own line of yarns, some of which are available in the shop). More than a knitting design , but a book for knitters all the same.

Patricia Roberts Knitting Book; Patricia Roberts; 1981, W. H. Allen, ISBN: 0-491-02635-8, Hardcover; $45.95

Romantic Hand Knits, 26 Flirtatious Designs That Flatter Your Figure; Annie Modesitt; 2007,  Potter, ISBN: 978-0-307-34696-4, hardbound with dustjacket, $ 27.50

 The Edina Roway Knitwear Collection, 35 Original Designs from one of the Most Exclusive Knitwear Designers; Edina Rowayl; 1988, St. Martin's Press, ISBN: 0-312-02384-7; Hardcover; $25.00

The Jean Moss Designer Knits Collection, More than 30 Original Sweater and Cardigan Patterns; Jean Moss; 1991, Macmillan Publishing, ISBN: 0-02-587555-8; Hardcover; $45.95  

The Sasha Kagan Sweater Book, 18 Beautiful Handknits by a Top Fashion Designer; Sasha Kagan; 1984, Dorling Kindersley, LTD., First Edition, ISBN: 0-245-31871-4, $14.95

Sweaters from the Seaton Collection, More than 20 Innovative Pullovers, Cardigans, Vests and Jackets to Knit; Jamie and Jessi Seaton; 189 Clarkson N. Potter, INC., ISBN: 0-517-57225-7; Hardcover; $30.00

Winter Knits, Jenny Kee; 1987, St. Martin's Press, ISBN: 0-312-02127-5; $13.95

Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters, by Donna Druchunas published 2006 by Nomad Press, ISBN: 0-9668289-7-9 softbound at $ 26. 95.

 Celebrating Qiviut, spun of the down of the arctic musk ox ( see, Fibre Facts on page 3 for more information about Qiviut ), the author shares her journey in discovering this fibre and the Alaskan Oomimgmak ( Musk Ox ) Cooperative. The bulk of the boo is neither a true knitting book nor a comprehensive ( nor, a critical cultural sur- vey ) but rather a collection of seemingly unrelated reminiscences, the book suffers from the author’s grudging and lethargic style, which lacks personality and purpose and is overly reliant on doses of political correctness.  Wonderfully illustrating the Cooperative’s lace patterns but without documenting those patterns, the book admits does, but does not explore, that spinning and knitting qiviut were unknown to traditional Alaskans but does document the late 1960’s introduction of knitting to Alaskan native people years after the re-introduction of the musk ox. Perhaps the best part is the fully illustrated section about lace knitting and the author’s lace stitches; we were enchanted with the North Star motif.

The Art of Shetland Lace, by Sarah Don, published 2007 by Lacis Publications, ISBN: 978-1-891656-80-4, softbound at $ 29.95

 Gathering Of Lace,  Meg Swansen; 2000, XRX Inc, ISBN: 1-893762-24-6; $ 29.95

 Heirloom Knitting, A Shetland Lace Knitter's Pattern And Workbook; Sharon Miller; 2002, Shetland Times, ISBN: 1-898852-75-8; $ 55.00. Imported

Stahman’s Shawls & Scarves: Lace Faroese-Shaped Shawls From The Neck Down and Seaman’s Scarves; Myrna A. I. Stahman; 2000, by author, ISBN: 0-9675427-0-7; $ 30. 00.   

The butterfly shape of Faroese shawls have a fit and fall ( drape ) appreciated by the wearer. Knitter’s who can’t quite get their fingers around lace weight yarns will appreciate the designs written for fingering, sports and DK weights. The chapter on scarf styles from The Seaman’s Church Institute ( you’ve got to wear one to feel the difference ) gives plenty of opportunities to practice grafting.

 Shetland Lace Knitting From Charts; Hazel Carter; 1987, self-published, $ 15.95

 Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls, Martha Waterman; 1998, Interweave Press, ISBN: 1-883010-48-9; $ 21.95

 The Bear Book, How to make Teddy Bears & A few close Friends; Diane Deakin; 1990, Sterling/Lark First Edition, ISBN: 8-8069-5820-0; Hardcover; $19.95 

Teddy Bear Knits, Over 40 Adorable designs to Knit and Crochet for your Teddy Bear; Patricia Ann Higgins; 1987, Ballantine Books, ISBN: 0-345-34492-8; $34.95 

 Knits for Barbie Doll, 75 Fabulous Fashions for Knitting; Nicky Epstein; 2001, Sixth & Spring, ISBN: 1-9131543-05-4; Hardcover; $25.95 

 50 Baby Bootees to Knit; Zoe Mellor; 2002, Trafalgar Square Publishing, ISBN: 1-57076-224-4, Hard Coilbound; $ 24.95

 The Baby Knits Book, The Ultimate Collection of Knitwear Designs for Newborns to 3-Year Olds; Debbie Bliss; 2002, Trafalgar Square Publishing, First Edition, ISBN: 1-57076-234-1; Hardcover; $24.95

Baby Knits: Hats & Booties, 15 Matching Sets for Noggins and Tootsies; Edie Eckman; 2006, Creative Publishing, ISBN: 1-58923-274-7, softbound, $ 19.95

 Baby Knits, 32 Original Designs for 0-3 Years Old;  Debbie Bliss; 2002, St. Martin's Griffin,  ISBN: 1-312-02061-9;  $19.95

 Baby Knits for Beginners; Debbie Bliss; 2002, Trafalgar Square Publishing,  ISBN: 1-57076-248-1; Hardcover with dustjacket; $19.95

 The Beatrix Potter Knitting Book; Pat Menchini; 1987, Frederick Warne & Co., ISBN: 0-7232-3457-4; Hardcover, $41.95

 Boho Baby Knits: Groovy Patterns for Cool Tots, by Kat Coyle, published 2007 by Potter Craft , ISBN: 978-0-307-38133-0, hardbound with dustjacket, $ 27. 50.

The editor's assembly of 20-plus garments, ranging in size and use from four-months to four years, for kids with ( or expected to have ) atti-TUDE. The designers' whimsy and creativity are both abundantly appar- ent - perhaps nowhere ore so than the Poet's Coat ( an Einstein adaptation ) or the Mobile Menagerie. Warning: except for the socks, this is not a book for dressing kids to a 'Junior League' look; most garments are designed for the Bohemian 'autre' a few do achieve the 'outre' look embraced by the editor. All are fun.

 The Children's Collection; A & J Starmore; 2000, Interweave Press, ISBN: 1-883010-80-2; $19.95