I believe that there are new things to be learnt all the time in knitting. It’s what keeps it interesting for me, and that buzz from learning something new is what I thrive on. If I’m lacking in mojo it’s generally a sign that I’m stuck in a rut and need to shake things up.
What could be better to inspire me to try something new, than a new book? Here are five book ideas that I’d be thrilled to unwrap this year, and maybe you would too?
Knitting Outside the Box: Drape and Fold by Bristol Ivy
I’ve mentioned my love of all things Bristol Ivy a few times over the years. She has a unique way of approaching knitting, refusing to be constrained by the “usual” way of achieving an end. Bristol’s designs often pair techniques in interesting ways, and I always learn something new when I read through her patterns. Her new book is no exception… Knitting Outside the Box: Drape and Fold takes the idea of knitted fabric and then studies in depth what can be achieved if you fold and join your fabric in different ways. The introduction reads somewhat like an origami lesson – but what an eye-opener that is! Each pattern takes one of the drape or fold concepts and explores how it can be used to make a garment or accessory. This results in garments that sit unexpectedly and show off the knitted stitch to its absolute highest form. If you love texture, elegance and interesting projects then this book should be on your shelves.
Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters vol. 2 by the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers
You may recall that some time ago we wrote about a project Jim and I had both worked on with the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers and Dyers. Members had submitted patterns for a book and our job was to wrangle them into a consistent format, ready for publication. What was immediately obvious when we received the submitted ideas was that there were far too many to put in a single book and recently, the second volume of designs has been published.
This book is far more than a selection of patterns - it gives a real insight into the history of the Guild, as well as an insight into the different knitting traditions within Shetland. I found the Q&A section particularly interesting. It turns out that, just as the geology of the archipelago changes as you go from island to island, different communities across Shetland knit differently. There is no single “Shetland way” of doing anything, as you would get a different answer to a question depending on who you asked.
The patterns are graded by difficulty and include a range of accessories and garments. There are a number of designs that are what I would think of as traditional Shetland patterns, like Linda Shearer’s North Park Hat, a beautiful Fair Isle hat in natural fleece colours, as well as more modern interpretations such as Rachel Hunter’s graphic Lucky Purple Clover Tunic or Brita Hövenmark’s Lingonberry and Milk mittens, which combines Swedish twined knitting techniques with Shetland snowflake motifs.
If you are in any way interested in Shetland knitting, then this is a must-add to your collection. The book costs £21.99 and can be purchased from Jamieson & Smith.
Shoreland by Hunter Hammersen
Hunter Hammersen is another designer whose work I greatly admire. Whether she is creating small frivolities that make me want to stop what I’m doing and knit a star or a peach or a tree, or turning her hands to exploring new techniques as she did with dip stitches in her book, Firmament, I love knitting her designs. Hunter’s latest book is Shoreland, and it features seven fabulous sock patterns which are all inspired by the shore. The stitch patterns are sinuous and flowing, and there are a range of different techniques, including those addictive dip stitches. Each pattern is sized for both 4ply and DK yarns, so a large range of finished sizes are available. I have a feeling that 2020 is going to involve lots of sock knitting, so this is a book that you need on your shelf!
Making a Life by Melanie Falick
If you are looking for making inspiration that goes further than knitting, then I’d definitely recommend putting a copy of Making a Life on your wishlist. This is an exploration of why making with our hands is so fundamental to human life. Melanie, who has been a force for knitting and craft within the publishing world for many years, travelled across continents to meet people making extraordinary things. From potters, woodworkers and metalsmiths to quilters, dyers and print makers, Melanie brings together their stories and reconnects with what it is about making by hand that is still relevant in today’s increasingly screen-oriented world. The book features stunning photography and is itself a thing of beauty.
Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guides
OK, so this last book is really a series of books, rather than just one. But I’m not going to apologise for that, as I think these Field Guides are the perfect stocking fillers! Each Field Guide from Mason-Dixon Knitting takes a different theme and runs with it. These little books are perfect for curious knitters, knitters looking for fun projects, and each edition has witty articles and more packed into its pages.
The latest addition to the range is Master Class, featuring six basic patterns from the legendary Kaffe Fassett, along with 12 stripe and 21 stranded colourwork charts that can then be worked in a mix and match way with the base patterns. This little book is a fiesta of colour! (And we have more copies on their way if you don’t catch one of the last few copies currently on our shelves.) I have a mountain of Felted Tweed ready to cast on for a party of colour over the holidays…
If you’re after a quick gift knit before the end of the year, then definitely have a look at Big Joy. Jen Geigley’s patterns will fly off your needles and be appreciated by recipients large and small. I’ve got my eyes on the Brambleberry Cowl for one of my family as well as a hat or two…
For the sock knitters among you, or the soon to be sock knitters, then Wanderlust is a book brimming with possibilities. Wendy Bernard has provided mix and match stitch patterns as well as instructions for both toe-up and cuff-down socks, which will keep you in happy sock knitting for months!
And if you are more of a garment knitter then why not have a look at Isabell Kraemer’s Field Guide No. 10, Downtown? The Petula Pullover is a gorgeous colourwork yoked sweater, and the Bottom Line Pullover has a pretty lace yoke. Both sweaters are worked from the top down (hence the book’s name – Downtown!), and a heap of fun to knit.
And that’s before I’ve mentioned Revolution (mix and match cables in fabulous garments and accessories, designed by the Queen of Cables, Norah Gaughan), Merry Making (beautiful, fun-to-knit accessories by Thea Colman), Ease (Julia Farwell-Clay’s perfect mix of simple but fascinating to work on), Transparency (light summery projects by Amy Cristoffers and ideal if you’re in the southern hemisphere), and my current obsession, Sequences (Cecelia Campochiaro combines knits and purls in clever ways!).
There is a Field Guide for every knitter! So why not pick up a bundle of them?
I hope that some of those book ideas have tempted you to try something new! I’m looking forward to sharing my progress on a couple of knitting projects later in the week. In the meantime, happy knitting and happy reading, and do let me know in the comments if there’s a book you would love to unwrap this year!