Here is the history of knitting around the globe, examining styles, techniques, and particular styles countries and regions—including England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, Peru, Bolivia, and more. Highlighted are 20 profiles of historically significant knitters who are using particular techniques today—plus 20 patterns that exemplify knitting traditions from around the world.

This reference provides a full history of hand knitting by tracing the development and refinement of the craft. With special attention to the social aspects of knitting, it examines the changes in tools and techniques within different regions. Examined in detail are the history of European knitting before 1500, knitting in Britain from Henry VIII to the Commonwealth, from the Restoration to 1835, during the 19th century, and during World War I and after. Further explorations consider local traditions in the British Isles, knitting as practiced east of the Adriatic, and developments in the Americas. Absorbing reading for knitters and nonknitters alike, this book also defines knitting in relation to other yarn crafts such as crochet and nalbinding and offers a historical glossary and a transcription of the earliest known English knitting pattern.

This is the black and white version of the book: Nalbinding - An Age-Old Technique Nalbinding was and is found around the world, but in most industrialized countries it is virtually unknown today. This was not always so. Only when knitting began to spread in the European Middle Ages, did nalbinding sink into oblivion there. Today, creative people are re-discovering nalbinding. If you are interested in how nalbinding developed, this book provides you with a historical overview based on the most important archaeological finds. If you are a textile artisan or scholar, you will find fascinating structures and diverse variations described and explained. And finally, if you have the courage to learn and revive an ancient handicraft, there are instructions for various stitches and practical projects.

A Knitter's Guide to Gloves introduces several construction techniques, alongside the possible materials and tools that are suitable for knitting the gloves you want. A chapter on design guides you through adapting and customising your glove knitting before outlining how to go about designing from personal inspiration. The book also traces the history of knitted gloves and is lavishly illustrated with examples from museum collections, some of which are rare or even unique. Patterned gloves from Yorkshire and Scotland are described, alongside the stories of examples that have survived into the twenty-first century. Selected gloves from Estonia are discussed, as well as some from UK collections including the Glovers Collection Trust and the Knitting and Crochet Guild. Includes step-by-step photos guide those new to knitting gloves through the key points of glove construction and making your first pair. Five further glove patterns then give a choice of styles to knit, from a plain pair through to colourworked gloves of varied complexity.

Knitting has recently exploded in popularity. Professionals, punks, and feminists are embracing this ancient craft, an activity that was previously relegated to the realm of the traditional woman, the mother and homemaker. While knitting books featuring such hip projects as iPod cozies and yoga mat bags abound, few explore the subculture of knitting in any depth. Who are these people? Why knitting, why now? Wills takes the reader on a fascinating tour of this subculture, complete with lively anecdotes and revealing interviews. Those who are new to the craft will enjoy a fascinating introduction to the knitting community, while those who have been unable to put down their needles since knitting that first scarf will glean new ideas for their next blog session, online shopping spree, or knitting group get-together. Knitting has recently exploded in popularity. Professionals, punks, and feminists are embracing this ancient craft, an activity that was previously relegated to the realm of the traditional woman, the mother and homemaker. Books that cater to this new generation of knitters are flooding the market with patterns for such contemporary projects as iPod cozies, yoga mat bags, and laptop covers. The attitude of these publications is decidedly hip, featuring models sporting tattoos or piercings. Missing from the avalanche of knitting books, until now, is one that fully explores the subculture of knitting. Who are these people? Why knitting, why now? Intrepid journalist and avid knitter Kerry Wills set out to find out. She takes us on a fascinating tour through the history of knitting, exploring the lives of such women as the revolutionary Elizabeth Zimmermann, whose strong opinions and classic book, Knitting without Tears, popularized knitting in the 1970s, anticipating current trends. Wills visits knitting groups that meet at such places as a feminist vegetarian restaurant, churches, pubs, and senior centers. She describes political activists who knit tree cozies to protect the trees against developers, groups that knit afghans for Afghans, and knitters who make shawls for people with cancer. She also explores online knitting communities. Those who are new to the craft will come away feeling more connected to the history of knitting as well as to their place in today's universe of knitters, while those who have been unable to put down their needles since stitching that first scarf will glean new ideas for their next blog session, online shopping spree, or knitting group get-together.

A collection of twenty unique hand-knit designs from Weardowney features detailed patterns, full-color photographs, and step-by-step instructions for an array of one-of-a-kind cardigans, skirts, tunic dresses, sweaters, and tops.