Beginning in the 1950's and continuing until the present, a group of women and their families have been migrating from Anatolia to a windy hillside on the fringe of Istanbul. In their new settlement, Hisar †stŸ (Above the Fortress), a cottage industry begun in the mid-1950's still flourishes as an on-going knitwear business. It is to this group of women that the book is dedicated.

Our great-grandmothers took pride in their fine hand sewing, exquisite embroidery, delicate hemstitching, and intricate laces, and these timeless techniques are available today to those who appreciate heirloom quality textiles. The Anchor Manual of Needlework, compiled from instructional pamphlets dating back to the nineteenth century, explores hundreds of forms of traditional needlework, enhanced by more than a thousand illustrations.

This important reference work was first compiled in 1958 from instructional pamphlets created by Coats & Clark over a period of many years. This venerable company has its origin with James and Patrick Clark, who began manufacturing cotton sewing threads in Paisley, Scotland in 1812. J & P Coats was another Paisley thread mill; the two companies developed in parallel, opened manufacturing facilities in the United States after the Civil War, and eventually merging in 1954. Their line of threads for embroidery, crochet, and lacemaking bore the Anchor label; hence the title of this volume.

The list of topics and techniques covering in the book is very, very extensive and to long for us to list here. A short list of some of the topics covered is as follows: Running Stitch, Continuous back stitch, Tacking (or basting), Back stitch, The hem, Hemming, Flat seam (run and fell), Round seam, French seam, Method of joining two hems, Overcasting, Fishbone stitch, Gathering, Smocking, Stem stitch, Cable stitch, Vandyke stitch, Chevron stitch, Honeycomb stitch, Feather stitch, Herringbone stitch, Tucks, Rolled hem, False hems, Corded piping, Attachment of braids, Ric-rac braid, Attachment of lace by oversewing, Turkish stitch, Half-Turkish stitch, Paris stitch, Buttonholes, Buttonhole loops, Attaching buttons, Zip-fasteners, Elastic, Neatening of corners, Binding with crossway strips, Mending a tear, Repairing a hole, Application and insertion of a patch, Mending a tablecloth, Patching, Darning, Mending tulle - Patching tulle, Machine embroidery, Stem stitch, Chain stitch, Bullion knot, Fly stitch, Triangle stitch, Pekinese stitch, Double stitch, French Knot stitch, Couching stitch, Coral knot, Surface darning, Fishbone stitch, Lock stitch, Cretan stitch, Broderie Anglaise, Pisa stitch, Sicilian and Sardinian Draw-thread work, Hardangr Embroidery, Cross Stitch, Basket stitch, Assisi Embroidery, Holbein stitch, Canvas stitches, Gobelin stitch, Parisian stitch, Web stitch, Jacquard stitch, Florentine stitch, Embroidery upon Organdie, Shadow stitch, Embroidery on Tulle and Net, Lingerie, Tatting, Picots, Josephine knot, Weaver's knot, Macrame Work, Cavandoli Work, Teneriffe Lace, "Puncetto" Work, Rodi or Smyrna Stitch, Netting and Aemilia-Ars, Renaissance Lace, Venetian and Burano Laces, Modano Lace, Bobbin Lace, Crocheted Lace, Irish Lace, Orvieto Lace, Knitting, Italion Embroidery, Embroidery in Gold, Applique Work and Embroidery with Beads and Sequins.

The bags, purses, hats and other wearables are knit in a wide range of colours, from soft, natural shades to energetic, flourescent combinations, that reflect these specific regions of South America. The motifs, from floral to geometric, represent a village's customary style. You'll mostly use double-pointed needles, a set of straight needles with points at both ends. These needles will give you the freedom to knit even the smallest projects in-the-round, eliminating the need to sew seams.

Made of Alpaca yarn, the Argentine Coin Pouch, with its seven tassels, is an easy introduction to Andean knitting. The Hanging Unas Pouch from Bolivia is knit in a trapezoidal shape representing Pachamama (Mother Earth). The small pouches hanging off the bottom of the bag are perfect for storing small belongings. The Atacama Desert Purse duplicates the design of llama petrographs carved into Chilean cliffs. There's also a beautiful scarf from Chile that's reminiscent of the square woven blankets used by Andean women to carry babies on their backs.

The complete list of projects by country are from Argentina: "Slipper Bag", "Coin Pouch", "Argentine Ladies Handbag", "Belt Pocket", "Men's Cap", "Legged Purse" and "Leg Warmers"; from Bolivia: "Hanging Unas Pouch", "Llama Purse", "Mechero Purse", "Coca Bag from Ivo", "Mittens from Ivo", "Socks from Ivo" and "La Paz Ladies Handbag"; from Chile: "Mountain Coca Bag", "Atacama Desert Purse", "Seabird Bag", "Chalina Scarf", "Cactus Bag", "Striped Bag" and "Striped Muffler"; from Ecuador: "Coin Purse with Four Unas", "Gloves", "Dog Guardian Purse", "Pachamama Purse", "Dog Motif Bag", "Hidden Una Bag" and "Mitones Mittens"; and from Peru: "Ollantaytambo Bag", "Fish Bag", "Taquile Island Purse", "Winter Headband", "Campesino Purse", "Inca Cross Coca Bag" and "Jogger's Mittens".

Complete with maps and photos of the local people, flora and fauna of each country, Andean Folk Knits is both a terrific collection of projects and an insightful look at diverse cultures.

Author Helen Hamann draws inspiration from historic fabrics and motifs to create this modern collection of wearables, all in soft alpaca, a fiber that boasts unique luster, warmth, and durability. Hamann is deliberate in her choice of fibers, as alpacas and their fleece played a central role in the development of pre-Columbian cultures.

Skilled knitters will love the eye-catching patterns that incorporate geometric forms and unique silhouettes. Helen's fresh approach to form and fit will appeal to knitters looking to learn new techniques while being challenged by ambitious designs.

Much of the rich textile tradition in Peru can be attributed to the alpaca, which made its home in the Peruvian highlands centuries ago.

Projects range from a geometric scarf based on a bold striped stepped pattern, an intricate Fair Isle Bolero with mitered corners, a patchwork kimono with matching beaded cap, a lacy crocheted poncho/top with flowery beading, a colorfully embroidered wrap, and a showy lace cardigan with ruffle trim. Techniques include short-rows, mitered corners, intarsia, Fair Isle, and embroidery. Gorgeous photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and illustrations guide the knitter through each project.

The projects in this wonderful book are: "2nd-wing-knitting Angel", "Gold-wing-knitting Angel", "Ball-winding Angel", "Skein-holding Angel", "Rug-hooking Angel", "Spinning Angel", "Crocheting Angel", "Weaving Angel", "Embroidering Angel", "Quilting Angel", "Traditional Angel", "Contemporary Angel" and as a bonus, the author has included a pattern for "Angel bells". Each project is shown in a colour photograph and full instructions are provided. In addition, the book includes chapters on Lace Basics as well as a "School for Angels" where the required stitches are all explained.

Delicate and beautiful, these knitted angels make exquisite holiday ornaments. But you needn't stop there. A Knitter's Dozen makes the angels so easy to knit and assemble that you can give them away - one, a pair, or by the dozen, any day of the year!

Cute and cuddly or wild and woolly - here are 26 knitwear designs for babies and children, all featuring animal motifs. Zo Mellor's captivating new collection taps into the current fashion for colour and pattern, presenting a vibrant array of knitwear designs for babies and children up to six years old. Choose from the adorable garments: the Sheep Jacket, Duck Jacket, Rooster Sweater and Ladybug Hat - or accessories like the Lion Rucksack, Toy Dog, Farmyard Cushion and Elephant Bag. Each pattern includes instructions for a range of sizes, plus detailed charts and diagrams where appropriate. With every design illustrated in winning colour photos, Animal Knits is another welcome addition to the Zoe Mellor knitwear series.

Other designs in the book include the "Bunny Jacket", "Animal Booties", "Animal Blanket", "Camel Waistcoat", "Butterflies & Birds Jacket", "Butterfly Sweater", "Dog Sweater", "Elephant Jacket", "Tiger-stripe Jacket", "Farm Sweater", "Toy Rabbit", "Tiger Sweater", "Fish Jacket", "Fish Hat", "Cow-print Scarf & Hat", "Cow-print Jacket", "Ladybird Cushion" and "Ladybird Blanket".

The sweaters, jackets, and vests included in this book are designed by a group of the best-known designers in the knitting field. Knitters are introduced to cable techniques with clearly illustrated patterns for knitting updated versions of traditional Aran and Celtic designs. Women's, men's, children's, and unisex sizing and styles are included. These fabulous pieces are made in a variety of fibers including soft wools, cotton blends, shiny ribbons, and luxury yarns.

The 30 classic projects in this book are grouped into four categories. The first is Pullovers and includes: "Twisted Knotwork", "Wondrous Woven Cables", "Bebenhausen Windows", "Abbreviated Aran", "Celtic Geometry", "Future-Forward Aran", "Upside-Down Aran" and "Celtic Pullover". This is followed by Unexpected Celtics like "Viking Turid", "Ornamental Celtic", "Symbolic Knots" and "Swedish Thora"; Vests and Jackets like: "Sensational Shirttail", "Outdoor Ribbing", "Irish Moss", "Simply Shawled", "Bobbled Braids", "Refined Aran" and "A Vest of Many Stitches"; and Family Arans like: "Guernsey Gals and Guys", "Sailor's Rib", "Denim and Cables", "Cables with Heart", "Copycat Vests", "Tennis for Two" and "Wall Street Cables",

If you've never crossed a cable, this book will show you how. Or, if you're ready for a new challenge, you'll find it here. Clear instructions, excellent charts, close-up photographs, and fully illustrated techniques make knitting cables easy to understand and fun to do. The book also includes a technique section called Knitter's School, a list of Abreviations, a section of cables and charts and information on yarn and sizes.

From the first small items sold to fishermen and tourists in the nineteenth century, to the highly fashionable androgynous sweaters of the 1920s, to the large starry Norwegian patterns popular after World War II, to the hand and machine-made yoked sweaters of the 1960s and 1970s, Ann Feitelson applies ardent dedication to her research. She leads readers through the history of Fair Isle knitting to an examination of the style's techniques, explicating not only the unique colourways and patterns, but such valuable details as ways to hold the yarn.

An accomplished knitter herself, Feitelson presents twenty-three original Fair Isle designs, and encourages readers to create their own. A chapter on math is both easy to follow and invaluable for planning sizes and patterns, while a glossary of Shetland knitting terms links a way of life that is largely gone with the knowledge and skills that The Art of Fair Isle Knitting helps to preserve.

The author starts by giving an account of the history of the art of Shetland lace. She goes on to provide instructions for making sample squares of over 30 stitch patterns (each illustrated with a detailed photograph) and explains the techniques involved in making a garment. There are notes on dressing and stretching, basic constructions of shawls and scarves, adapting patterns and obtaining materials together with full instructions for seven projects. These are in different stitches and weights of yarn and include shawls, scarves, a baby's shawl and a christening dress - all destined to become heirlooms of the future.

The garments are all shown at the beginning of the book with 36 full page of beautiful colour photographs. Detailed instructions to produce each project then follow. All are made up in hard-wearing, machine-washable yarns and sources for materials are included in the Source Guide at the end. This is an excellent source for ideas to dress your little one in style!

Presented in three chapters - "Simple", "Cozy", and "Special" - her book offers ideas for every need and occasion. "Simple" has plenty of adorable designs for knitting novices and those short on time; "Cozy" offers warm and cuddly knits that babies and young children will love to snuggle in; and "Special" abounds with gift ideas for knits that will be cherished for years to come.

The complete list of projects, grouped by chapter include: Simple: "Coathanger", "Seed Stitch Hat, Scarf and Throw", "Tank Top", "Double-Breasted Jacket and Leggings", "Garter Stitch Jacket and Hat", "Kimono and Trousers", "Pompon Slippers", "Raglan Sweater", "Two-Colour Shoes" and "Classic Cardigan"; Cozy: "Donkey Jacket and Shoes", "Hooded Blanket", "Cable and Rib Sweater with Hood", "Circular Yoked Sweater", "Zipped Jacket with Contrasting Edges and Hat", "Cable and Seed Stitch Jacket", "Hat with Topknot and Socks", "Striped Sweater", "Bear in Lamb Sleep Suit" and "Dressing Gown"; Special: "Beaded Fair Isle Cardigan", "Beaded Fair Isle Shoes", "Dress with Lace Edging", "Embroidered Jacket", "Baby's Kaftan", "Sheep Dress and Shoes", "Cardigan with Frilled Sleeves", "Fair Isle Bag", "Embroidered Shoes", "Alphabet Blanket" and "Garter Stitch Shoes".

Whether you wish to create a simple baby blanket or a first cardigan, a chucky sweater or an irresistible pair of embroidered bootees, The Baby Knits Book is a must-have collection from an outstanding designer.

The patterns in this book are: "Alpaca Bolero", "Four-colour Cardigan", "Striped Coathanger", "Dressing Gown with Hat and Slippers", "Heart Cushion", "Simple Top with Picot Edging", "Snowflake Skirt", "Snowflake Bootees", "Cow Cushion", "Frilled Edge Crossover Jacket", "Hot Water Bottle Cover with Billy Bear", "Four-colour Sweater", "Kimono, Pants and Bootees", "Moss Stitch Coathanger", "Moss Stitch Jacket and Bootees", "Scandinavian Blanket", "Scandinavian Jacket", "Bobble Hat", "Scottie Dog Cardigan", "Scottie Dog Cushion", "Shawl-collared Tunic with Hat and Shoes", "Patchwork Blanket", "Nellie the Sheep", "Throw with Pockets", "Sheep Jacket", "Stocking Switch Sweater", "Striped Jacket", "Striped Cushion", "Striped Rucksack" and "Zipped Jacket". All are beautifully photographed in colour and include detailed instructions and stitch guides.

From a dressy purse to carry your essentials to a generous tote based on nineteenth-century carpetbags to a felted messenger-style bag, you'll find loads of practical projects and inventive inspiration from twenty top knitwear designers, including Pam Allen, Veronik Avery, Norah Gaughan, Mags Kandis and Kristin Nicholas.

From a tiny pouch to carry an iPod to a generous tote based on nineteenth-century carpet bags to a felted messenger-style bag to 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.

The list of projects include: "Zenith Carpet Bag", "Two-Tone Triangle Purse", "Cabana Backpack", "Knitting Needle Knitting Bag", "Rugged Messenger Bag", "Classic Crocheted Purse", "Hemp Market Bag", "Linen Tube Clutch", "Apple Ribbon Tote", "Felt Laptop Case", "Fair Isle Book Bag", "Lace Doily Purse", "Formal Boot Bag", "Yoga Mat Tote", "iPod Pocket", "Yo-Yo HoBo", "Celtic Weekend Tote", "Chullo Pouch", "Penny Rug Purse" and "Surface-Woven Tote". Each project features gorgeous photographs and step-by-step instructions, and all techniques are explained in easy-to-understand detail.

In addition to the 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.

Designs in this book include: "Market Squares", "Flaps", "Snaps", "Felted Pocketbook", "Three for the Road", "SoHo Sling", "Pocketbook in Blocks", "On Pointe Handbag", "Market Stripes", "Zigzag on the Town", "Gallery Bags", "Zigzag Bags", "Four-Square Mitered Tote", "It's in the Bag", "Season-Spanners Duo", "Fabulous Felted Backpacks", "Aran Pocketbook", "Road-Tested Aran", "Counterpanes to Go", "A Treasure of a Pocket" and "Wedding Day Lace". Each design is shown in full colour with instructions and graphs where necessary and is coded as "Easy" or "Intermediate" in terms of difficulty. The book also includes 6 pages of illustrated techniques and a list of abbreviations.

This book is the result of the author's hobby of collecting knit laces and the instructions for making them. Most of the more than 100 lace patterns were devised in the nineteenth century and several were to be found in print before 1850. All the patterns are made on two needles and the patterns range from five to ninety-five stitches in width and provide for almost every kind of need for an edging or a piece of insertion.

To record patterns that in some cases were created before photoengraving became an established art, the author has devised her own form of notation that makes use of familiar modern knitting notations. This system is explained along with detailed instructions explaining the stitches used in the designs as well as handling "Special Problems".

In a section entitled "Lace Stitches" the author provides instructions for 100 lace edgings and insertions giving the reader a marvelous reference of stitches to help with other projects.. This is followed by a collection of 10 "Background Stitches" and then on to the projects! The 19 wonderful designs presented include: "Shawl", "Mantilla", "Pleated Lace Collar", "Torchon Lace Collar", "Diamond Centerpiece", "Diamond Plate Doily", "Diamond Eight-Inch Bread-and-Butter Doily", "Diamond Six-Inch Tumbler Doily", "Card Tricks Centerpiece", "Card Tricks Doilies (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs)", "Star and Diamond Centerpiece", "Counterpane Strip", "Bedspread Strip", "Afghan", "Bedspread Square with Scalloped Leaf Edging" and "Bedspread".

Each of the stitches and designs includes a black and white photograph of the finished work along with Barbara's instructions. This revised edition of a classic work is a must-have book for lace knitters!

In this video, the instructor teaches every knitter to think logically and to simplify for the rewards of beautiful knitting .. a "custom" instead of a "home-made" look to their knitting garments. Topics covered include: knit, purl, cast on, slip knot, garter stitch, stockinette, ribbings, gauge, multiples, increases, decreases, 1 row buttonhole, pocket insert, simple cable, knitting shoulders together, picking up stitches, sleeves, the crew neck, the V neck, binding off, knitting hints, ripping out, dropped stitches, counting rows, knitting in a basting thread and joining wool.

This video also includes a basic knitting technique booklet for your knitting bag!

Projects in this book include: "Santa Fe", "Golden Gumbdrops", "Ruffled Net", "Simple Wrap", "Sculpturally Yours", "Right-Angle Weave Tubes", "Sparkly Wheels", "Cubies", "Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy", "Fandango", "Netted Ovals", "Beaded Beading Beads", "Turquoise Elegance", "Flowers and Vines", "Spirals", "Four Square", "Warped Jack", "Wirewovens", "Pinwheels", "Bead Cage", "Melon Bead", "Star Flower", "Diamond Band", "Story Beadz", "Delica/Wire Connection", "Crystal Cluster", "Bead Royale", "Tartan", "Carnival Tubes" and "Garden of Delights".

This third in a series of three books from the author is designed to expand your teddy bears wardrobe with patterns for 3 sizes of bears. Patterns include: "Off Shoulder Pullover in 3 sizes", "Knit Sideways Jacket and Cap", "Yoke Pullovers", "Twirly Cap", "Cable Stitch Pullovers", "Grass Skirt Pullovers", "Pooh Pullovers", "Caps with Gathered Top" and a collection of "Off-Shoulder designs that are done with a "Stars and Stripes", "Union Jack" or lettered design.

This booklet is illustrated with both black and white diagrams of the pattern and stitch charts and includes colour pictures of the finished product. The author also provides knitting tips, measurement information and instruction on making special patterns.

This book is filled with directions for over 50 unique and beautiful designs. Each is shown in full colour photographs, many shown with multiple colouways. Complete and clear knitting instructions are provided for multiple sizes and charts are included for clarity where needed.