Last month, we revealed your top ten quilt books of 2012. And now, to kick off another fabulous and fiber-filled year, we’re revealing your favorite knit and crochet books of 2012! Find out which five books on knitting and five books about crochet you made bestsellers for the year.
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#5: Knitting Scandinavian Slippers and Socks by Laura Farson |
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The story behind the bestseller: Laura Farson, author of the popular New Twists on Twined Knitting, combines traditional Scandinavian designs with a modern twist in this collection of cozy slippers and socks for men and women.
Why you made it a bestseller: With instructions for twined and stranded knitting in the Scandinavian style and a pattern for making durable felted insoles for slippers, this book provides a delightful new challenge — and beautiful results. The finished product makes an excellent gift, for a loved one or for yourself! |
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#4: Seamless (or Nearly Seamless) Knits by Andra Knight-Bowman |
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The story behind the bestseller: Cleverly designed projects effectively eliminate finishing. With 19 garments that are either knitted in one piece or in multiple sections that are joined by simply picking up stitches, this book is a must-have for knitters.
Why you made it a bestseller: While knitting is fun, knitters know that finishing can be tedious and frustrating. That’s why "seamless" is such a hot topic! And Andra’s designs are some of the most stylish seamless garments out there, with interesting details and flattering shapes. Great for fashionable knitters of all ages!! |
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#3: Knitting Circles around Mittens and More by Antje Gillingham |
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The story behind the bestseller: Antje Gillingham, who brought us the two-at-a-time technique in Knitting Circles around Socks, returns with… mittens! Finishing those hand-warmers has never been easier, quicker, or more rewarding.
Why you made it a bestseller: Not only is this one of the best and quickest methods for finishing a pair of mittens or gloves (say sayonara to pairs with a mismatched fit), but knitters agree that Antje’s designs are cozy (some are double-thick for added warmth), adorable, and stylish. Plus, the book includes patterns for matching hats and scarves. You’ll be toasty with time to spare! |
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#2: The Sock Knitter’s Handbook by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott |
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The story behind the bestseller: Sock-knitting experts Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott (authors of Sock Club) bring together their expert advice, tips, and tricks into one handy reference guide.
Why you made it a bestseller: It’s small enough to fit in your knitting bag but has all the tips, tricks, techniques, and terms you need to get through every pair of socks and any pattern. With helpful charts and illustrations, as well as a stitch dictionary for popular texture patterns and more, this book is a sock-knitter’s best friend! |
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#1: Cast On, Bind Off by Cap Sease |
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The story behind the bestseller: With more than 120 ways to cast on and more than 80 ways to bind off, this is a wonderfully organized and illustrated encyclopedia of ways to begin and end your knitting.
Why you made it a bestseller: From common, workhorse methods to specialty embellishments, there’s something for every knitter and every project in Cap’s comprehensive reference guide. Having so many choices (as well as tips and suggestions for how and when to use each method) really adds to the knitter’s creative arsenal. Fiber artists everywhere love this treasure trove of techniques! |
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#5: Crocheted Softies by Stacey Trock |
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The story behind the bestseller: 18 patterns for kid-sized stuffed animals from all over the globe — including such unique designs as a jellyfish, an alpaca, and a kiwi — are created using earth-friendly yarns and presented in a delightful book with fun facts about the regions the animals come from.
Why you made it a bestseller: Stacey Trock, the author of the popular Cuddly Crochet, created these adorable, huggable softies with kids of all ages in mind. Large enough to squeeze and love (even for tiny hands), these softies have irresistible features and huge personality! |
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#4: Amigurumi Toy Box by Ana Paula Rímoli |
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The story behind the bestseller: Zany, crazy, creative toys fill the pages of this irresistible book. From silly hot dogs to princess frogs, unicorns, and tugboats, this delightful collection delivers hours of fun to crocheters and kids of all ages.
Why you made it a bestseller: It’s no secret that crocheters everywhere love amigurumi. And Ana Paula Rímoli creates some of the most lovable creatures around. These tiny toys are loaded with personality and quick to make — so stitch one, and you just might catch the amigurumi fever! |
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#3: Get Hooked on Tunisian Crochet by Sheryl Thies |
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The story behind the bestseller: In a beautiful collection of garments, accessories, and home decor items, Sheryl Thies gives the generations-old technique of Tunisian crochet contemporary flair. With a brief history and Sheryl’s excellent instructions, this book is a perfect introduction to a rewarding new technique.
Why you made it a bestseller: Sheryl’s flattering and unique pieces in her previous bestsellers are popular among knitters (Ocean Breezes, Nature’s Wrapture). When the knitting expert branched out to try something new, many of you were instantly taken by the beautiful patterns and knitting-like textures in her new designs. Even fiber artists who had never tried crochet were "hooked" by the Tunisian crochet revival! |
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#2: Amigurumi on the Go by Ana Paula Rímoli |
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The story behind the bestseller: With one daughter in school and another on her way, Ana Paula Rímoli created these unique and useful backpacks, book bags, snack containers, and more to delight and assist kiddos on the go — to school, to Grandma’s house, or to play dates.
Why you made it a bestseller: Ana’s clever and silly amigurumi bags, backpacks, and purses were an instant hit. Whether you too are sending little ones off to their first day of school or indulging your own inner child, these designs are both useful and irresistible. |
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The story behind the bestseller: Organized into one comprehensive reference guide is everything you ever wanted to know about crochet. From basics for the beginner to stitches and techniques for the advanced crocheter, this book is the go-to guide for crochet.
Why you made it a bestseller: For anyone who’s ever wanted to learn how to crochet, this book is the best guide to have on hand. It’s great for beginners who need to know the basics step-by-step, with easy-to-understand instructions — and the perfect reference for more advanced projects and techniques. It’s a beautifully organized guide that crocheters are using again and again! |
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What was your top knitting or crochet book of 2012? Share your top picks in the comments!
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I am a beginner knitter and didn’t know which book was the best to begin with, then at my local Chapters Store I found a little box with 5 mini knitting stitch books…Lark Books makes these mini knitters book sets that so far I’ve learnt 4 stitches…and a Patons beginners Next Steps series booklets from Beehive Knitting Store…together they are really helping me learn…Have a Great day…
—Darlene Krystal on January 11, 2013