Adapting basic sweater patterns for personal preferences and measurements is the focus of this step-by-step guidebook that helps knitters refashion knitting schematics. The designs, illustrations, and photos demonstrate how to adjust patterns to different styles so that any knitter can customize sweater patterns into unique creations. Challenging projects--ranging from sweaters and vests to pullovers and jackets--and easy-to-follow instructions illustrate the basic elements of sweater design to inspire knitters at all levels. Learning how to fit the bodice; change yarns, proportions, neckline styles, sleeve length, and color and stitch patterns; and add collars and edgings will give knitters the confidence to alter any pattern to meet their needs.

With simple directions and tips on how to dye, paint, spin, and knit yarn to create authentic socks, this book offers all the information necessary to fashion socks with personality. Included are innovative patterns and tips for knitting socks with customized fit--even for all ten toes. Safe and easy directions are given on dyeing yarn from pour-dyeing methods to dyeing with Kool-Aid. With photos and illustrations of finished examples, sock patterns such as newborn socks and magic genie toe socks, and advice on how to create one-of-a-kind projects, it will appeal to all levels of knitters and spinners.

Learn how to become a laidback knitter-- one who enjoys the process as much as the product. Includes profiles, Web sites, patterns, and information on fibers, spinning, crochet.

Create your dream yarn! Discover the pleasures of designing and building custom-made yarn by spinning it yourself, choosing everything from color to feel and gauge. Jillian Moreno leads you through every step of yarn construction, with detailed instructions and step-by-step photos showing you how to select the fiber you want (wool, cotton, silk, synthetic), establish a foundation, and spin a beautiful yarn with the structure, texture, and color pattern that you want. In addition to teaching you the techniques you need for success, Moreno also offers 12 delicious original patterns from prominent designers, each one showcasing hand-spun yarns.

Have you ever tried spinning hand painted top or dyed rovings only to be disappointed with the color outcomes in your yarns or finished projects? This book clearly and artfully walks you through understanding color theory making it less intimidating for both novice and expert spinners alike. Never before has a book presented the same dyed top worked up into 20+ different approaches accompanied by easy to follow directions. You will be able to see how the techniques look in both a skein and a knitted swatch. Plus there are photos of finished products accompanying the techniques to make envisioning the spinning applications even easier. After reading this book you will be inspired to delve into your stash with excitement and colorful confidence in your spinning.

Scrumptious texture, winding cables, and mesmerizing colorwork will take your knitwear wardrobe to the next level of fashion. All of these pieces are designed to go from office to errands to weekends. They are polished yet comfortable, closet staples with interesting details that will make you feel well-dressed every time you put one on. From textured pullover to cabled raglan to wrap-front cardigan, the 16 designs in this book will take you anywhere you want to go. Knitting sweaters from the top down offers many advantages knitters appreciate, not the least of which is that it minimizes the amount of seaming you have to do to finish your sweater. It also allows more easy options for customization in the yoke, raglan placement, overall length, and armhole length. Since you can try your sweater on as you go, you can make sure that you are working to the exact fit you desire. Helpful tips for knitting top down Sizes from XS to XXL Guide to finding your best fit 16 patterns for pullovers and cardigans

Created for knitters who want standard sweater patterns in a variety of sizes and gauges, as well as those who want a template from which to develop their own designs, this book provides easy-to-follow charted instructions for 18 sweaters, three in each of the six most popular sweaters constructions. Each style is then provided in 15 sizes ranging from toddler to large adult, then further divided into six possible gauges: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 stitches per inch combining for 90 options for each of the six styles, or 540 patterns in all. The cardigan and neckline variations make for more than 1,000 patterns. Detailed schematics for finished dimensions are included, along with a glossary of techniques and a chapter on design considerations. This is a definitive resource for the passionate sweater knitter.