One surviving cotton sock tells us that the Egyptians were knitting as long ago as the first millennium AD. Tenderly preserved shawls and sweaters bespeak our great-grandmothers handiwork. And colorful strands of yarn escaping from a basket in the corner show that the tradition lives on with us. That tradition, celebrated in the stories and essays in this book, knits together a world of warmth and memory, wisdom and camaraderie. These writings--sometimes amusing, sometimes moving, always entertaining--comprise a charming scrapbook reflecting the myriad cultural and historical aspects of knitting. Ranging from the days of World War II to our own time, they include offerings by Jamaica Kincaid, Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Susan Gordon Lydon, Pam Allen, Lela Nargi, Perri Klass, Teva Durham, and many others. Artwork by Solveig Hisdal, fiber artists Debbie New and Karen Searle, and photographer Chris Hartlove, along with historical photographs, vintage advertising, and pattern booklets, brings the color and textures of these stories to vibrant life. Whether you ply knitting needles yourself or simply appreciate the art, this collection will enfold you in all the softness, warmth, and beauty of knitting today and yesterday.

A collection of works all celebrating the craft of knitting, including essays, stories, artwork and photography, all touching on different aspects of the popular pastime, with historical sidebars and vintage material providing a touching historical context.

'For the Love of Knitting' is an anthology of personal essays and stories that celebrates the appeal and love of this age-old art. The heart-warming, and sometimes sad tales of Jamaica Kincaid, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Melanie Falick, Meg Swansen, Perri Klass, Pam Allen, Naomi Dagen-Bloom, Susan Gordon Lydon, Lela Nargi, Teva Durham, Clinton W. Trowbridge, and Denyse Specktor touch on all aspects of knitting, from shearing the sheep and knitting the first stitch to giving the finely knitted hat, sweater, or socks as a gift.Historical photographs, vintage pattern books and advertisements, postcards, posters, artwork, and full-colour contemporary photographs by Chris Hartlove and others accompany the text.

Inspired by the people she has met and the manner in which they touched her life, twenty beautiful patterns are accompanied by loving tales in this beautifully illustrated craft book for knitters of all levels.

What could be more romantic than a hand-knitted gift for the special person in your life? Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements or weddings, All You Knit Is Love contains twenty knitting patterns to show you care. Knitted characters include animals such as penguins (‘You’re P-p-p-perfect’) and chicks (‘You’re Tweet’) as well as chillies (‘Hot Stuff’) and of course the famous pea (‘Ha Pea Valentine’s’). So forget flowers and chocolates and say it with knitting. Word count: 12,000

In her inspiring book, Love in Every Stitch: Stories of Knitting and Healing, master knitter, teacher, and widely published knitwear designer Lee Gant shares real-life stories about the power of knitting. As an employee of three different yarn stores, a teacher of countless knitting classes, and a volunteer with at-risk youth, Lee has had the opportunity to gather diverse stories. The stories Lee shares about herself and fellow knitters from around the world illustrate how each stitch and purl can comfort and calm, heal and renew. A suicidal teenager crochets through pregnancy. A dying woman finds comfort in the company of knitters. A woman finds the courage to face her estranged parents. A woman going blind realizes she can still knit — and experience life. And Lee’s life, riddled with more than just anxiety, has at last become stable and productive. This book includes stories of women, men, and teens who have experienced profound change and enlightenment through knitting and crochet.