'The Culture of Knitting' addresses and investigates knitting as an aspect of both visual and material culture and as a culture of its own. Knitting is discussed as a practice, a process and a series of objects and artefacts that encompass a variety of different techniques, approaches, and materials, undertaken by both professionals and amateurs. The aim is to uncover the cultural significance of knitting, not just as a 'fashionable' commodity, but as an everyday practice. By uncovering these recognisable practices and objects, the book develops a way of looking at knitting which can encompass the process as well as the object.

From booties and scarves to art and fashion, The Culture of Knitting addresses knitting as art, craft, design, fashion and performance, and as an aspect of the everyday. Drawing on a variety of sources, including interviews with knitters from different disciplines as well as amateurs, the text breaks down hierarchical boundaries and stereotypical assumptions that have previously negated the academic study of knitting. The book also highlights the diversity and complexity of knitting in all its guises. The Culture of Knitting investigates not merely why knitting is so popular now but also the reasons why knitting has such longevity. By assessing the literature of knitting, manuals, patterns, social and regional histories, alongside testimonial discussions with artists, designers, craftspeople and amateurs, the book offers new ways of seeing and new methods of critiquing knitting - without the constraints of disciplinary boundaries - in the hope of creating an environment in which knitting can be valued, recognized and discussed.

Hundreds of knitting patterns complete with easy-to-follow directions and examples of finished work. Long section on fishermen's sweaters. One of the most comprehensive books available.

Knitting is the miracle of creating new dimensions from a strand of yarn. Let it bring that miraculous transformation to your spiritual life too. This book is about seeing and listening. It’s about becoming aware that through knitting you can hear and give attention to what’s in your heart and soul—that knitting can be a place of rest and thought and a place for the Divine. It’s about connection—to yourself, to the world, to others and to the Holy. —from the Preface What can you learn about yourself through your knitting? What deeper symbolism lies behind the loops and patterns that you create? How can this simple activity help you make your way down a spiritual path? Delve into these questions and more in this imaginative book that will become your spiritual friend, your teacher and your sanctuary. Follow the knitting journeys of the authors and other knitters to discover how they have used their knitting to explore and strengthen their spiritual selves, and how you can do the same. In this joyful and engaging look at a time-honored craft you are invited to: Find time and space that was previously hidden in plain sight Try creative, thought-provoking original knitting patterns Recognize and deepen spiritual connections through knitting Meet other knitters on the journey to spiritual and self- discovery Explore new ways to expand and savor your knitting community Recognize your own power to pass along the knitting wisdom

“Susan has placed the history of knitting within the context of American history, so we can clearly see how knitting is intertwined with such subjects as geography, migration, politics, economics, female emancipation, and evolving social mores. She has traced how a melting pot of knitting traditions found their way into American culture via vast waves of immigration, expanded opportunity for travel, and technology.” —Melanie Falick This is the history that Knitting America celebrates. Beautifully illustrated with vintage pattern booklets, posters, postcards, black-and-white historical photographs, and contemporary color photographs of knitted pieces in private collections and in museums, this book is an exquisite view of America through the handiwork of its knitters.

The premier volume of the Annual Review of Cultural Heritage Informatics (ARCHI), edited by Samantha Kelly Hastings, is the polestar publication for cultural heritage scholars, professionals, and students. Featuring sixteen original works selected by the distinguished editorial board of international scholars, ARCHI presents a broad spectrum of the cultural heritage informatics field. Whether one is interested in cultural heritage preservation, digitization, digital humanities, user behavior, technology, or educational practices, this book is the central source for current and emerging trends in the rapidly expanding cultural heritage informatics field. Major sections of this work include: Best Practices Digital Communities Education Field Reports Technology Reviews By challenging readers to explore a variety of contexts and offering critical evaluation of conventional practices, ARCHI promotes new ideas and offers new pathways of development for the cultural heritage informatics field. No one working in cultural heritage can be truly up-to-date without this essential new coverage of the field today.

Knitting is one of the most versatile and exciting of textile structures, and this book rediscovers its potential by exploring new ideas for design through the power of the stitch. Written for the dedicated knitter, it goes into the fine detail of how knitting works, questioning and examining how stitches can influence and shape the fabric by pulling in, pulling up, and making it stretchy or firm, thick or thin. Over forty projects are included that range from simple, straightforward scarves and bags to more intricate jackets and organic sculptural 3D pieces. Detailed, innovative and inspiring, it is invaluable reading for all knitters and textile designers. A dictionary of stitches compares each stitch with stocking stitch, and shows how the shape and feel of knitting can be changed dramatically, and a chapter explores different ways of shaping fabric around the edges and even within the knitting, using increases, decreases and short-row shaping to texture the surface or to make three-dimensional forms. Step-by-step instructions are supported with explanations, charts, diagrams and photos, and techniques are discussed in depth to help understand different outcomes and how 'problems' can be used creatively. A detailed and inspiring new book on knitting that pushes ideas and boundaries to encourage creative thinking and confidence in experimenting, with charts, diagrams and illustrations - 362 colour photographs in total.