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

The Knitter's Handbook

Inside...
I never go anywhere that I plan to knit without The Knitter's Handbook (fortunately it comes in a portable size and weight, unlike many other things I carry along daily). Too bad I can't get it loaded onto my BlackBerry, then I would have one less thing to keep track of! It also shows signs of constant use because I have those little post-it yellow tabs hanging out of some of the important (right now!) pages. This is the one book you can keep at your side no matter what and get your problem solved.

This handbooks is 100% essential skills and helpful hints, abbreviations, terms and of course stitch illustrations and instructions. I have found things in this book that I thought I knew how to do right and learn, hey! This is really the way I should be doing this!

Includes as well a chapter on Crochet, because sometimes knitters encounter the need to crochet, and we all don't do it often enough to remember how it's done.

The Book...
Contents: basics-bind-offs--buttons, buttonholes & zippers--cables--cast-ons--circular knitting--color--crochet--decreases--edges & borders--extras--grafts & seams--increases--lace--shaping--symbols & charts--index--quick access

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