“Fascinating . . . What is remarkable about this book is that a history of knitting can function so well as a survey of the changes in women’s rolse over time.”—The New York Times Book Review An historian and lifelong knitter, Anne Macdonald expertly guides readers on a revealing tour of the history of knitting in America. In No Idle Hands, Macdonald considers how the necessity—and the pleasure—of knitting has shaped women’s lives. Here is the Colonial woman for whom idleness was a sin, and her Victorian counterpart, who enjoyed the pleasure of knitting while visiting with friends; the war wife eager to provide her man with warmth and comfort, and the modern woman busy creating fashionable handknits for herself and her family. Macdonald examines each phase of American history and gives us a clear and compelling look at life, then and now. And through it all, we see how knitting has played an important part in the way society has viewed women—and how women have viewed themselves. Assembled from articles in magazines, knitting brochures, newspaper clippings and other primary sources, and featuring reproductions of advertisements, illustrations, and photographs from each period, No Idle Hands capture the texture of women’s domestic lives throughout history with great wit and insight. “Colorful and revealing . . . vivid . . . This book will intrigue needlewomen and students of domestic history alike.”—The Washington Post Book World

The patterns and instruction you need to start crocheting and kitting today! Knitting and crocheting go hand-in-hand and are the most popular yarn crafts today. This one-stop guide to all things needles, hooks, and yarn will give you everything you need to know to get started knitting or crocheting. The book covers absolute basics such as selecting yarn, casting on, and even how to hold the tools and yarn, to understanding stitches, checking gauge, and deciphering patterns. Hundreds of projects, from beginner to advanced, include complete, step-by-step instructions as well as detailed illustrations and photos, and instructional videos online. It includes content from: Knitting For Dummies Knitting Patterns For Dummies Crocheting For Dummies Crochet Patterns For Dummies Get started today and you'll be knitting and crocheting like a champ in no time!

This early works is a fascinating guide with much of the information still useful and practical today. Contents Include; I. The ancient art of needlework, II. The origin of implements and materials, III. Cross-Stitch, IV. Holbein Work, V. Bead Work - Ancient and Modern, VI. Embroidery Stitches, VII. How to Transfer Designs, VIII. Smocking - An Ancient Craft, IX. Applique Work, X. Broderie Anglaise, XI. Drawn-Thread Work, XII. Pretty Presents Simply Made, XIII. Crochet Work, XIV. The Art of Knitting, XV. Doll-Dressing. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Basic techniques, time-saving tips and hints help young people master the craft of knitting through the ticklish adventures of Mary Frances and her animated companions. Complete with detailed instructions and stitch patterns.