25 more bags to knit

Inside...
This is the first handbag pattern book that I purchased that included instructions on finishing with a full lining - and for that I prize it. Emma King divides 25 more bags into three sections--Anytime, Weekend, and Evening. Any skill level can find something fun to try and succeed with, incorporating techniques such as knitting with color, beads, sequins and embroidery. Don't spend hundreds on a status bag! Instead, make something authentic, gorgeous and unattainable to everyone who lives close to the outlets.

The Yarn...
Sample projects:
Fleur pg 10
Yarns: Rowan Summer Tweed 1 3/4 oz (50g) balls, Rowan All Seasons Cotton 1 3/4 oz (50g) balls, Rowan Kid Silk Haze 1oz (25g) balls
Gauge (Tension): 17 sts and 25 rows to 4 in (10cm) using US 7 (4.5 mm) needles measured over pattern
Frill Seeker pg 26 Yarns: Rowan Felted Tweed 1 3/4 oz (50g) balls, Rowan Kid Silk Haze 1 3/4 oz (50g) balls 3 colors
Gauge: 14sts and 20 rows to 4in (10cm) using US 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles measured over reverse stockinette stitch

The Book...
Contents: ANYTIME: Fleur--True Blue--Very Berry--Tangerine--Frill Seeker--Crimson and Clover--Flutter--Cinnamon--Purple Haze WEEKEND: Ludo--Daffodil--Waffle--Whirl--Daydreamer--Orchard--Blancmange--Sky EVENING: After Eight--Treasure--Gem--Dash--Soiree--Cherry Drop--Vintage--Caramel TECHNIQUES: Yarn Information--Abbreviations--Acknowledgments and Suppliers

complete feltmaking

Inside...
Gillian Harris' complete feltmaking/ easy techniques and 25 great projects begins with a marvelous and succinct account of what real handmade or hand rolled felt begins as and what catalyzes wool fleece to link each fiber of wool to move and link together to "full". Fulled or felted wool becomes dense, hardened and shrinks the wool giving us a fire retardant, water repellent, warm and insulating, soft and cozy, breathable protective, pliable, colorful, non-fraying medium with which to create fiber art.

This book is a how-to resource and Harris passes along the tips and tricks she has collected and also encourages the reader to experiment and discover different ways of doing things for yourself. A range of projects is included to instruct and inspire and launch the reader into feltmaking with original ideas.

Recently, felted items seem to be showing some popularity in my favorite clothing catalogs (slippers, moccasins, purses, hats, garments), so taking this book out for a spin may help you refine your creative vision for it just a little ahead of the current trend. Aside from trends, fulling or felting has an ancient history that Harris reviews so you can regard it as one of the all time classics in fiber material processes.

Projects included are marked with skill level ranging from beginner through advanced techniques. Includes 3-D projects.

The Yarn...
for Flat Felting:
Wool fleece--wool tops or roving - Fine Wool
merino wool tops
Merino, Blue Faced Leicester, Jacob, Shetland
Grades: Micron, Bradford Count, Blood Count
for Knitted Felting:
at least 70% wool and NOT superwash wool - it will not shrink if it is superwash
100% wool works best

sample project knitted felting "Flirty Flower" page 78
Yarn: 1 ball South West Trading Company Karaoke wool--50% silk/50% wool; approx 110 yd. (101m) per 50 g ball, 1 ball Noro Kureyon approx 110 yd. (101 m) per 50 g ball (100% wool)
Needles: 1 pair of US 10 1/2 (6.5mm) needles
Shrinkage rate: approx. 25-30%

The Book...


Contents: introduction--history--wool fleece--equipment--SIMPLE FLAT FELT: petal play--paper chase--full bloom--ewe and me--heartfelt rug--3-D SHAPES: highly strung--dotty spotty--cute booties--tea time cozy--dapper flapper--KNITTED FELTING: flirty flower--icy stripes--carousel cushion--patchwork perfect--I love you--NEEDLE FELTING: tooth fairy pouch--heart to hearts--under cover--jingle bell--pouting trout--ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: cobweb cool--nuno felt shawl--blooming slippers--bowl over ball--field of poppies--templates--glossary--resources--acknowledgments

Knitting never felt better: the definitive guide to fabulous felting

Inside...
Nicky Epstein's guides are such a pleasure to browse through. This handbook for felting does not disappoint. Knitting an object or swatch from wool that is not washable and then washing it on purpose is the beginning of some very interesting textures and fabrics. Photos in this book are consistent in providing sample swatches throughout of different fibers, patterns and techniques all with before and after felting has occurred. Instructions are detailed and easy to execute. Each chapter offers several projects including shawls, scarves, jackets, hats, bags, dog coats and toys. Accessible for beginning knitters and all the way through to masters.

The Yarn...
favorite felting yarns recommended are:
Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride--Cascade 220--Crystal Palace Yarns--Iceland--Knit one, Crochet Too Paint Box--Noro/Knitting Fever. Inc. Kureyon--Manos del Uruguay/Design Source Handspun Semi-Solids--Plymouth Yarn Co. Galway--Reynolds/JCA Lopi--Nashua Handknits/Westminster Fibers Inc. Creative Focus--Shetland-type wools.

The Book...

Knitter's Bible

Inside...

This book is robust with resources for beginning and intermediate knitters - in a true handbook style including large photographs and very helpful illustrations of techniques and projects that work with them. The introductory chapter addresses yarn, needles, knit, purl, cast on, bind off, increase, decrease, ribs, and gauge (tension). The next section instructs on lace, fair isle, cables, embossed, short rows, twisted stitches, intarsia and circular knitting. Every aspect a beginner or intermediate knitter may need guidance on may be found in the following sections including projects, correcting mistakes, edgings, assembling garments and rleading knitting patterns. The stitch library is also a terrific resource to refer back to again and again.

The Book...