Fairisle and Colourwork Books — Loop Knitting

Books focusing on colourwork patterns and techniques, including Fairisle, stranded and intarsia knitting.

Now on Sale.

By Susan Crawford

Echoes: 24 Modern Knits Inspired by Iconic Women features knitwear patterns dedicated to incredible women — both real and fictional — who have influenced the designer Susan Crawford’s life. The array of icons includes authors such as Beatrix Potter and Virginia Woolf, the musicians Cyndi Lauper and Kate Bush, as well as activists, artists, garden designers and more.

This versatile collection features a variety of styles and techniques. It includes cardigans, sweaters, vests, jackets, and a dress, as well as shawls, socks, hats, mittens, and even a tie. Susan created the designs to resemble heirloom pieces, well-loved and handed down through generations, with stories interwoven into their fabric.

The book showcases the continuing impact of others on each of us, and how inspiration often works: creating layers within layers, echoes within echoes.

“Every piece of this collection is carefully intertwined with the next: stories, inspiration, colours and yarns are all different yet connected, creating a knitted tapestry, echoes of each one woven together. I hope you enjoy knitting them as much as I have done!” 

Susan Crawford is a British knitwear designer, fashion historian and author, known for her work on modernising vintage knitwear patterns. She lives in the Lake District in North West England — an area with stunning landscapes that also impact her work. Susan is particularly inspired by the stories carried within textiles and the intertwining of history and stitches. Echoes is Susan’s eighth book.

• 232 pages
• 24 knitting patterns (6 sweaters, 4 cardigans, 3 vests, 1 dress, 2 shawls, 1 cowl, 2 pairs of socks, 2 hats, 1 pair of mittens, 1 tie and 1 blanket)
• Hardback (Print only.)
• Language: English
• Dimensions: 276 x 211 x 26 mm
• Printed in Latvia

Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but it really is easy to do once you understand the basics.

Author Lynne Watterson starts beginners off with the basics of two-color knitting: reading a Fair Isle chart; what to do with all the fiddly yarn ends, and getting to grips with circular needles. The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful stitch patterns. Each pattern has clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations. Each of the main chapters includes simple, stylish projects demonstrating ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns - from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to contemporary cushion covers and throws.

Sweet little booklet of knitting and embroidery charts inspired by Muhu Island Birds.

This book is fabulous!

Alterknit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colourwork with 200 edgy, urban motifs.These non-traditional charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. 

Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from nature, geometric mountains, waves and spirals to modern bikes, skulls and sheep.

World-renowned artist and textile designer Kaffe Fassett provides a window into his creative process, offering readers new patterns, new ideas, and new inspiration

With successes like Bold Blooms and Dreaming in Color, the latest book from Kaffe Fassett brings together all the best elements of his work and life. Kaffe Fassett in the Studio will offer an in-depth look at his work and where he finds inspiration, paying particular attention to his color work. He’ll also showcase some of his greatest designs in the areas of needlework, patchwork, and knitting, as well as provide three to four new patterns in each of these areas. Lastly, Fassett will speak to his fabric design and painting processes. He remains an icon in the fashion and craft worlds. He partners with brands such as Coach and is regularly featured in the pages of Vogue. Fassett’s brilliant use of color set his work apart from other artists, and any collection of his work is a must have among fans and beyond.

Dimensions: 273 x 216 mm
Hardback

By Leva Ozolina

A collection of 50 patterns for traditional Latvian mittens, fingerless gloves and wrist warmers, made easy for knitters of all abilities. Knitted mittens have played an important part in traditional Latvian culture.  Little girls are still taught to knit at school and a dowry of knitted mittens is traditionally given out to guests at Latvian weddings

For anyone interested in serious colour knitting and for the tens of thousands of Melissa Leapman fans, Mastering Color Knitting will be the book for achieving breathtaking colour-work.

The author helps readers tackle one of the thorniest concepts of all: knitting with multiple colours of yarn! With her unique, helpful approach, she guides knitters through intarsia, stranded knitting and two-colour double knitting.

This book picks up where her last book (Color Knitting the Easy Way) left off. She continues to share her extensive colour-work knowledge and provides knitters with excellent value: in addition to the techniques there are also 12 original projects, 200 stitch patterns, knitting tips and tricks and design tips and tricks.

Melissa Leapman is a widely published knitwear designer, whose patterns have appeared in every premier needlework publication in America, including Vogue Knitting, Knitter's, McCall's, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens and Interweave Knits.
By Anne Bardsgard

This staggeringly beautiful new book from Norway is an incredible visual resource of the rich history of the Selbuvotter patterns and the importance of their place in the society and economy of the Selbu region of Norway. 

It has nearly 300 pages of charts and photos of these traditional Norwegian Mittens and gloves which originated in 1856.

With over 40 different thumb motifs, over 350 photos and charts and page after page of possible cuff motifs, charts for palms and backs of mittens,  it’s a genuine treasure.  

This book is in English but charts, drawings and photos transcend languages. 
Hardcover book.

Combining her love for the outdoors and knitting, Linka Neumann presents patterns for Scandi-style jumpers, cardigans and a headband that will keep you warm and dry, no matter how rough the weather is. 

Drawing on traditional Norwegian knitting methods, these designs for thick, woolly knits are not only comfortable and cosy, but also represent an authenticity and style that has stood the test of time. Linka takes inspiration from nature and wildlife for her fresh yet timeless designs. From the Norwegian forests, snow-covered landscapes and fjords to reindeer, wolves and her beloved Husky dogs.

Many of the designs come with variations to suit all tastes, whether you prefer a jumper or a cardigan, a thick or thin garment, sewn-on arms or round yokes. The patterns include instructions for a range of sizes and for both female and male body shapes. There is also a pattern for making Linka’s signature Wilderness Sweater in children’s size.

The projects are showcased in a stunning Norwegian landscape that will make you yearn for the outdoors. And no matter how long or short your adventure, you will be cosy in your bespoke, home-knitted jumper. These knits chime with an eco-conscious, anti-fast fashion sentiment and will literally last you a lifetime of adventuring!

More copies (in Estonian) have just arrived!

THE COPIES WE HAVE IN THE SHOP NOW ARE IN ESTONIAN.
THE ENGLISH VERSION IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NOW BUT IT IS STILL A WONDERFULLY INSPIRING BOOK.

Please be aware this book weighs 2.890 Kilos .  We can only ship 'printed papers' over 2 kilos internationally by Royal Mail. If your order includes other items we will ship the book separately.

The island of Muhu in Estonia may be small in area but it is certainly huge in its magnificent handicraft. A mere hundred years ago, this island in the Baltic Sea considered traditional arts and crafts and ancient traditions as an obvious part of life. All through the ages there have been girls and women who have been able to knit unbelievably fine-patterned gloves, mittens and stockings. They have loved crazy colors, the beauty of embroidered flowers and also rather sharp humour. Pride in one's handicraft abilities has endured throughout Muhu's history; from the traditional way of life of past centuries into modern times. Authentic garments from Muhu are unique in their pattern and color combinations.

One discovers inexhaustible riches when researching Muhu traditional clothing. This richness was fueled by the wish of every maker to have the most beautiful clothing, and even a bit more, in the village.

This substantial, nearly 400-page book will reveal the sense of beauty and joy of color cherished by the people of Muhu. Here one can find essential principles of how the various textiles and ornaments were made and what is the correct way to wear the traditional clothing. The reader will also discover a whole wealth of invaluable tips and patterns for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more. Thus, this publication should provide a foundation for new Muhu-inspired handicraft.

The items chosen to illustrate the text come from various museums and also from private collections.

Gorgeous book!

For centuries Estonian knitters have created beauty using needle and yarn - everything that caught their eye found its way into patterns simple and elaborate, full of colour and magic. Knitted items are not, nor were they ever, only a way to keep the body warm, they protect and adorn, showing the care and skill of the maker. This book includes complete instructions on sock and stocking knitting as well as a remarkable selection of the heel and toe constructions used in traditional Estonian knitting. Over 200 stocking, sock and leg warmer designs offer inspiration for both traditional knitting and the creation of new sock patterns. The author`s photographs encourage you to wear Estonian socks and stockings with modern clothing.

Note: This book is quite heavy (2 kilos) so it is a little expensive to ship.

Master beginner and advanced colorwork knitting techniques in Interweave's most comprehensive colorwork guide to-date! With chapters outlining more than a half dozen colorwork knitting techniques, The Colorwork Bible is your updated exploration of both beginner- and advanced-level skills with a vibrant, modern palette and inspired projects.

The Colorwork Bible: Techniques and Projects for Colorful Knitting [Book]

Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting (Dover Crafts: Knitting): Starmore, Alice: 8601300296920: : Books

Fair Isle Knitting Book – Alice Starmore

Scotland's Fair Isle has long been known for its distinctive, stranded-color knitting. A designer from the region, Alice Starmore explores the history and techniques of the art and provides instructions for over 15 of her own knitwear designs. 100 color photos.

Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting [Book]

Fair Isle Knitting

Fair Isle Knitting

Fairisle and Colourwork Books — Loop Knitting

Fairisle and Colourwork Books — Loop Knitting

It's the little things that tend to weave themselves inextricably into the fabric of our daily lives. Strands of Color adds a dash of luxury to these everyday wardrobe staples with detailed colorwork motifs. Manageably sized and beautifully designed, these 15 patterns range from accessories that add a burst of color to practical knits like a tea cozy or tablet case - all as useful as they are delightful.

Strands of Color [Book]

Scotland's Fair Isle has long been known for its distinctive, stranded-color knitting. A designer from the region, Alice Starmore explores the history and techniques of the art and provides instructions for over 15 of her own knitwear designs. 100 color photos.

Alice Starmore's Book of Fair Isle Knitting [Book]

Fairisle and Colourwork Books — Loop Knitting