It's knitting - satisfying that two-skein-a-day habit, exploring new aesthetic outlets, relieving stress creatively, and turning a centuries-old pastime into a hip and practical hobby for America's young urban professionals. Unravel those preconcieved notions about what you can achieve. In The Urban Knitter, Lily Chin, named a "Master Knitter" by Vogue Knitting, profiles the most inventive, diverse and inspiring young knitters in the country to offer their unique designs and give the craft a fresh new look.

This book includes exciting, fast, totally original and easy-to-master patterns that include a sexy and slinky empire-waist dress, an apron-front halter top, an evening cardi-jacket, a ribbed matched hat/mittens/ascot scarf set, a lace capelet, cabled pullovers, unisex vest, slip-stich pillows and believe it or not, even shoes, bras, handbags and more!

To complete this work, the author has included a complete list of supliers from across the country, a list of on-line resources and magazines, a list of definitive books on the craft, and a guide to organizations to help the reader make contact with the HYUK (that's Hip-Young-Urban-Knitter) nearest them! Full-Colour photographs of all 28 designs are provided along with detailed instructions for each including diagrams and charts where needed.

Included are instructions for Victorian lace as the Victorians never saw it - in glorious detail, up-close and on location in and around Cambridge, England. The lace patterns progress from the first, most basic, edgings to the sophistication of "real" lace. Forty patterns are included - scarves and shawls, capes, and fichus - with comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting for beginners and enough challenges to keep experienced or ambitious knitters engaged. Delicate and decorative, historical lace patterns are within the reach of today's knitters in this book of adventurous ideas with a vintage touch.

Viking Patterns for Knitting is the result of years of research by Swedish knitwear designer Elsebeth Lavold, who explored patterns of ornamentation found on Viking artifacts, such as swords, buckles, combs, and rune stones. Now, by means of a clever knitting innovation (which makes it possible to start a knitted knot in the middle of a sweater), she has adapted these richly intricate knots and braids into gorgeous, fully modern garment designs. The 14 knitting projects include a hooded sweater with interlaced half-hitches; a cardigan with delicate figure-eight knots; an elegant tunic with serpentine rope-work; and father-and-son pullovers inspired by rune stones. Sixty motifs are clearly presented in pictures, text and charts, including the entire runic alphabet and a striking collection of Viking artifacts. Viking Patterns for Knitting is an adventure in Nordic forms with roots a thousand years deep.

After a brief introduction and explanation of how this book came to be, the author discusses the basics of Viking pattern analysis and then presents the projects with names like: Hermod, Siv, Hervor (shown on the book cover), Ragne and Frode. Each includes a full page, full colour picture of the finished project as well as knitting instructions, charts, close-up pictures of the design and the pictures of the artifacts that inspired the patterns. After this, a guide to reading the charts, instructions on how to use the author's new knitting technique and pages of "Tricks of the Trade" are presented to help the reader with such things as: seams, buttonholes, lining, ribbing and more. The author also includes sections on yarn, care of knitted garments and discusses a number of other subjects to help the knitter with the patterns.

Projects range from small, quick-to-knit items like hats, booties, and shrugs to larger, more challenging designs for sweaters, onesies, and dresses, including a lace christening gown. Beautiful photographs capture a bevy of adorable babies and toddlers wearing these knitted treasures. Also included are sidebars on baby fashion and knitting culture in this bygone era, and a complete reference section.

Projects in this book include: "Pearl Shrug", "Billie Beret", "Floyd Pullover", "Audrey Hoodie", "Milo Soakers", "Stella Pixie Hat", "Rufus Textured Cardigan", "Louise Cardigan", "Liza Sideways Sacque", "Jasper Diamond Hoodie", "Betty Lou Lace Cardigan", "Violet Sacque", "Rupert the Lion & Elmer the Elephant", "Bunny Blanket", "Horace the Horse", "Dewey Cabled Pullover", "Cleo Kitty Slippers", "Felix Cardigan & Pants Set", "Maude Honeycomb Blanket", "Daisy Soakers", "Otto Short-Sleeved Pullover & Archie Vest", "Hazel Cape", "Bobby Kimono", "Harry Sailor Sweater", "Monty Snowsuit with Cap & Mittens", "Ducky Onsie", "Frankie Striped Socks", "Jackie Cabled Set", "Gladys Fair Isle Bonnet", "Twyla Shoulderette", "Oscar Argyle Sweater", "Avery Christening Gown & Frock" and "Frances Nursing Shawl".

It's to this era, with its mood of renewal, that we look for fashion inspiration. After the frugality of the war years, women rejoiced in wearing swirling skirts, soft knitwear and exuberant prints. Men, back home once more and out of their stifling uniforms, relaxed in roll-necked sweaters and corduroy trousers, rediscovering the pleasures of color.

The book's creators have drawn on old photographs, films (such as Chocolat and Amelie) and archives of knitting patterns to bring this period look alive. While being true to the spirit of the age, they've updated and adapted classic designs to make them easy to wear. In the photographs they've created a look that exults in happy combinations; old and new, floral and stripe, texture and sleek.

The title for the collection, Vintage Style encapsulates the feel for quality materials, for lasting craftsmanship, for classic looks and above all for a real sense of style. The knitwear you will find here won't date in the passing of a season; it will improve with time and become a treasure in its own right.

Whether worn as a beach cover-up or donned as an elegant evening wrap, ponchos are everywhere. Now, with Viva Poncho, knitters can make the newest sartorial sensation their own. This fun, fresh book offers 20 poncho designs for every season and in every style-serapes, raglans, wraparounds, semicircles, rectangles, pullovers, capelets, and even a dog poncho.

Take the two-piece rectangular poncho "Sonya" for example; cast loosely with superfine wool in cheery summer colors, it's the perfect accessory for a day at the beach. Need something warmer for winter? Try the one-piece raglan poncho "Eleanor," knit in a bulky alpaca-and-wool blend with a turtleneck and a pretty cable running down the front and back. For fancy nights, there's the one-piece caplet "Eloise" knit in a satiny black "faux fur" wool and tied with a pink ribbon.

Stork, the owner of Article Pract, a "yarn shop for modern knitters" in Oakland, Calif., and Barbazette, founder of the accessories line Citizen Bags, provide plenty of advice for beginners, including tips for knitting with circular needles, dropping stitches on purpose and weaving in the ends as you go. Patterns suitable for both beginners and experienced knitters are included, all accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow explanations. A helpful chart at the beginning of the book also lists the skills needed and taught within each of their designs.

The complete list of designs in this book include: "Sanchez" square seed-stitch serape, "Carson" one-piece serape, "Eleanor" one-piece raglan poncho, "Greta" one-piece poncho, "Mash" one-piece wrap-around poncho, "Desiree" one-piece wrap-around poncho, "Gilda" one-piece poncho, "Tessa" two-piece poncho, "Ginger" two-piece poncho, "Sonya" two-piece rectangular poncho, "Mae" two-piece rectangular poncho, "Amelia" two-piece rectangular poncho, "Lola" two-piece rectangular poncho, "Frida" two-piece rectangular poncho, "Keiran" pullover capelet, "Eloise" one-piece capelet, "Monte" fluted capelet, "Ruby" one-piece capelet with hood, "Eudora" cardigan capelet and the "Duchess" puppy poncho.

Knitters the world over look toward American designers when they want the very best in handknit patterns. Their creative flair and innovative techniques have moved them to the forefront of the industry. From the grand dame of knitting, Elizabeth Zimmerman, to cutting edge designer, Lily Chin, the creativity of America's knitwear designers stand apart from all others.

Vogue Knitting: American Collection is a stunning anthology of classic and chic handknit creations drawn from Vogue Knittingmagazine's vast archive of fabulous patterns. Here you'll find almost two decade's-worth of garments and accessories from America's top knitting talents. Each of these renowned designers has especially chosen projects that give you the most benefit from their experience. With over 40 projects to choose from, there are sweater, dresses, jackets, hats and much more, with something for men, women and children in styles ranging from casual to dressy. Take a peek inside! Select from intricate colourwork, bold graphics, delicate lace and simple or intricate cables.

This book includes 41 patterns from 10 artists. Artists participating include: Pam Allen (Mother & Daughter Cherry Cardigans, Crazy Quilt Jacket, Ribbed Pullover and Child's Cardigan), Lily Chin (Reversible Rib Shawl, Colorful Caps, Embroidered Cardigan, Mohair Aran and Draped Pullover), Nicky Epstein (Tapestry Afghan & Hat, Diamond Aran, Paper-Doll Sweater and Chenille Leaf Pullover), Norah Gaughan (Cabled Vest, A-Line Tunic, Ribbed Cardigan and Dragonfly Pullover), Kristin Nicholas (His-and-Hers Pullovers, Leaf Pullover, Classic Guernsey and Embroidered Pillow), Deborah Newton (Pleated Pullover with Bows, Cashmere Pullover, Shawl-Collared Cardigan, Pink Pullover and Gauntlet Gloves & Hat), Mari Lynn Patrick (Summer Tunic, Summer Dress, Tailored Jacket, Wrapped Pullover and Cashmere Shawl), Michele Rose (Fair Isle Pullover & Cap, Western Jacket, Patchwork Cardigan and Fair Isle Pullover) and finally the team of Meg Swansen and Elizabeth Zimmermann (First American Aran, Twisted-Stitch Cap, The Moebius Ring, The Tomten Jacket, Garter-Stitch Blanket and Best Baby Sweater). All patterns are graded as suitable for either Intermediate, Experienced or Expert Knitters (with a couple very easy patterns). Each pattern includes a large full cover picture of the finished work being modeled along with complete instructions and knitting charts.

There's a handy section on knitting basics that offers a quick, reliable guide to knitting terms, yarn symbols, and reading the charts in this book. Each pattern is set forth with clear, complete directions that have been carefully updated with the latest yarns. And a complete list of yarn resources is included for your shopping convenience. This book offers a wonderful variety of timeless knitwear patterns that will delight and inspire you for years to come!

This is the most complete round-up of designer knits ever published. Styles range from casual to elegant, with something for every season and family member. These sweaters will inspire knitters of every skill level, whether novice or expert.

The patterns in this book are grouped by designer and include from Adrienna Vittadini "Zigzag and Bobble Pullover", "Argyle Cardigan", "Floral Pattern Pullover", "Cable and Garter Pullover", "Diamond Cable Turtleneck", "Cabled Cardigan", "Fur-Trimmed Cabled Cardigan" and "Allover Leaf-Rib Pullover"; from DKNY there is "Enchanted Forest", "Entrelac Pullover", "Interlocking Cable Tunic", "Cable and Leaf Motif V-Neck Pullover", "Openwork Cable Cardigan", "Counterpane Pullover" and "Flared Cable Tunic"; from Missoni there is "Man's Cardigan", "Hooded Cardigan", "Sawtooth Cardigan", "One-Piece T-Shirt Pullover", "Flame Stitch Cardigan", "Summer Cardigan" and "Funnel-Neck Short Pullover"; from Calvin Klein there is "Fitted Cable Sweater", "Stitchwork Cardigan", "Cable V-Neck", "Cable Cardigan" and "Cable Turtleneck"; from Perry Ellis there is "Bubble Sweater", "Stitchwork Turtleneck", "Cable Dart Cardigan", "Zebra Print Pullover", "Man's Aran", "Fair Isle Crew Neck" and "Short Top"; from Joan Vass there is "Eyelash Turtleneck", "Cropped Hooded Sweater", "Diagonal V-Front Sweater", "Tank Top", and "Family Cable Pullovers". In addition, a special section of designs from "The Innovators" includes "Gingerbread Cookie Cardigan" from Michael Simon, "Aran Pullover and Matching Hat" from Cynthia Rowley, "Aran and Bobble Cardigan" from Anna Sui, "Pony Print Pullover" and "Rose Tunic" from Betty Jackson and "Cropped Striped Pullover" from Todd Oldham.

Packed with more than fifty projects by some of today's hottest designers, Quick Knits showcases beautiful knitwear with the modern knitter in mind. By incorporating minimal shaping, simple stitches and decorative embellishments, each design is as stylish as it is quick to knit.

From urban chic to country charm-whatever your lifestyle or individual taste-these designs offer something for everyone. Whether you want to dress up or dress down, there are sweaters, coats, summer halters, accessories and much more.

Novice and expert knitters alike will appreciate the full-page photographs, easy-to-follow instructions and the handy reference chapter, that covers basic stitches and techniques and offers a guideline to selecting yarns and reading charts. All of the patterns have been updated with the latest yarns to maximize the potential of each design. You'll find a complete list of yarn resources in the back of the book as well.

Projects in this book are divided into 6 sections: The Cool and Casual section includes: "Boatneck Pullover", "Rolled-Neck Openwork Top", "Twisted Rib Pullover", "Garter-Stitch Cardigan Set", "Openwork Pullover", "Striped Twin Set", "Racer-Back Tank Top", "Sleeveless Seed-Stitched Top", "Rolled-Neck Pullover", "Cropped Top", "Sleeveless Pullover" and "Summer Twin Set". In Warm and Comfy the designs include: "Sweater with Mobius Collar", "Textured Rib Pullover", "Ribbed Pullover", "Easy Turtleneck Pullover", "Red Pullover and Hat", "Chunky Cabled Pullover", "Raglan-Sleeve Pullover", "Schoolhouse Sweater", "Snowflake Pullover" and "Horseshoe Cable Pullover". In the Terrific Texture section, designs include: "Oversized Seed-Stitch Pullover", "Relaxed Cable Pullover", "Cropped Pullover and Cap", "Funnelneck Pullover", "Mohair Basketweave Pullover" and "Chenille Pullover and Cap". The Chic Coverups chapter contains: "Belted Jacket", "Classic Twin Set", "No-fuss Poncho", "Floor-Length Vest", "Textured Twin Set", "Double-Breasted Mohair Coat", "Easy Hooded Poncho", "Drop-Shoulder Cardigan", "Fringed Turtleneck Poncho" and "Textured Coat". Designs in the Easy Elegance section are: "Bobble-Trimmed Shawl", "Zip-Front Vest", "Ribbon-Trimmed Pullover", "Sleeveless Cowlneck Top", "Short-Sleeved Top", "Pullover with Knitted Roses", "Easy Capelet" and "Surplice Wrap". The final section entitled Something for Everyone includes: "Ribbed Hooded Cowl", "Man's Moss-Stitched Pullover", "Boy's Zip-Neck Pullover", "Man's Basketweave Pullover", "Woman's Basketweave Pullover", "Arrowhead Pullover", "Man's Striped Pullover", "Boy's Rolled Neck Pullover", "Ribbed Drawstring Hat", "Man's Turtleneck Pullover" and "Girl's Cropped Top and Cardigan".

This little book includes 23 designs with names like: "Colorblocked Turtleneck", "Woman's Vest", "Kilim Tote", "Back-Buttoned Top", "Striped Pullover", "Cashmere Cabled Hat", "Argyle Vest", "Cap-Sleeved Top", "Striped Pillows", "Turquoise Turtleneck", "Textured Turtleneck", "Hounds-Tooth", "Weekend Pullover", "Fringed Bag", "Child's Cabled Jacket", "Easy Sleeveless Turtleneck", "Child's Sweatshirt & Hat", "Marled Turtleneck", "Easy Scarf", "Braided Cable Pullover", "Cabled Sleeveless Turtleneck", "Helmet Hat" and "Entralac Wrap". Each design includes a full colour picture, detailed instructions and colour charts where required. There is also a section on Knitting Basics to help new knitters.

The author's main objective in producing this book was that all of "Wee Knits" designs be fun and easy. When knitting for babies odds are that you are on a deadline. It ought to be fun, fast and look ahhh-some!

The 12 patterns in this wonderful book will enable you to build a wardrobe for the little ones in your life and who knows? You might even learn a new technique or two. Knitting these small items are a perfect way to stretch your knitting wings.