Knitted accessories, machine knitting, workshops and more
Discovering machine knitting by Kandy Diamond
Published in 2023 by the Crowood press, this is the ultimate guide to machine knitting for beginners.
This book has been designed to help you demystify machine knitting. Perfect for beginners, it starts with how the machine works and how stitches are formed, all the way through to shaping garment panels to your desired size and fit. Each chapter focuses on different skills that build throughout the book, with lots of projects so you can put the skills into practice and make some knits for yourself.
Designer Profiles at the end of each chapter showcase the work of professional machine knitters to provide context, inspiration and celebrate the huge potential for creativity in machine knitting. From troubleshooting and looking after the machine to using more advanced techniques such as intarsia and shaping, this book will help you fall in love with your knitting machine. If you work through the step-by-step instructions and projects in this book, by the end of it you will be designing and knitting your own garments!
Knit and Destroy...Gets Handy by Kandy Diamond
Knit and Destroy...gets handy! brings you the best of Knit and Destroy's products from over the years in a fun, user friend
Published in 2013 by Cabin Creative, this book features 20 patterns to make a range of knitted goodies! You won't find any 'normal' knitting patterns in here; instead you'll find easy-to-follow instructions on how to fashion anything from a cupcake cushion to a candy cane brooch.
The patterns cater for a range of skill levels, and include links to online tutorials, so whether you're a novice with the needles or a dab hand, this book has a project to suit you!
Craftydermy by Tracy Benton and Ziggy Hanaor
Craftydermy, published in 2013 saw my ever popular 'Frinedly Fox Fur' scarf turned into a hand knit pattern, alongside a whole host of other great taxidermy themed craft projects.
"The current fashion for taxidermy is hard to avoid. It seems every trendy bar, restaurant or new boutique you walk into these days has the head of some animal or another gazing down from on high. For those of us who are reluctant for whatever reason to exhibit a decapitated mammal upon our walls, an alternative option has at last surfaced. Using sewing, crochet, knitting, paper mache, and in some cases just cutting and pasting, you can achieve the spirit of taxidermy without the morbid overtones.
Combining the twin joys of craft and taxidermy, Craftydermy presents a cabinet of curiosities that will delight, amuse and inspire."
(CicadaBooks)
State of Craft by Victoria Woodcock
State of craft, published in 2011 by Cicada books was the first book to feature one of my knitting patterns, the paintbrush scarf, can you spot it on the cover?!
"State of Craft featuress over 60 clearly explained step-by-step ideas ranging from pom-pom necklaces and cross-stitched tote bags to jam-jar lamps and old-jumper pouffes. Interviews with craftsters provide further inspiration and a how-to section covers the basics of knitting, crochet and sewing.
Craft’s second wave is upon us – it’s time to break away from the high street and into your toolbox!"
(CicadaBooks)