Manly Knits

Dave Fougner initially published this book in the hope that it would encourage men to take up knitting, or that those who did would openly embrace it. In it, he provides step-by-step guide for beginners as well as those taking up the needles again.

In this “wonderfully warm . . . laugh-out-loud funny” romantic comedy, a London career woman finds love and happiness at her family’s village knitting shop (Cressida McLaughlin, author of the Cornish Cream Tea series). When Dee Blackthorn’s brother breaks both wrists, he’s in need of a helping hand—or two—with the knitting shop he owns. Luckily, Dee has all the time in the world to help out—she’s just been unceremoniously fired from her demanding job amidst scandalous office rumors she’s certain her hot-shot nemesis, Ben, is behind . . . When Dee bumps into Becky, an old friend who is a new mum to a premature baby, Dee gets the brilliant idea to use her new role at her brother’s shop to enlist the knitting community to make tiny woolly hats to keep the little one warm. But when Dee’s good intentions backfire, she risks losing her friends and family. On top of that, Ben turns up, denying involvement in Dee’s sacking. It seems her office rival might just be the hero she needs right about now. “The book made me want to take up knitting and snuggle down with my loved ones.” —Rosie Blake, author of The Hygge Holiday “Relatable and vivid characters. . . . Clever, heartfelt, witty, romantic.” —Kirsty Greenwood, author of Big Sexy Love “Simply unputdownable.” —Claudia Carroll, author of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? “The feel-good book of the year.” —Vanessa Greene, author of The Vintage Teacup Club

Bring the traditions of simple, design-led Nordic style to your knitting repertoire. Nordic Knits is the complete collection of Nordic-inspired patterns that will bring the perfectly balanced, “less is more” Scandi sensibility to your knitting projects.This carefully researched book presents 44 knitted patterns inspired by this globally sought-after knitting tradition, including stylish, traditional projects from Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. From beautifully patterned sweaters, shawls, mittens, and socks to a red nisse “elf” hat, Dala horse garland, a Viking-ship pillow, and tote bags, each pattern is inspired by a knitted item or artwork from a historical collection or museum. To help you get the results you want, each project is partnered with: Complete illustrated patterns Four-color photography Schematics and diagrams Alternatives for yarns and needle weights and sizes A photo and brief history of the knitted artifact that inspired the pattern The patterns range from simple to more complicated, making this a great book to grow your craft at the same time as creating beautiful and giftable knits. Forever in style and always cool, the Nordic-style knits are the perfect gift for friends and family—or just a great self-gift anytime! Knit using traditional techniques as you work your way through these contemporary patterns based on historical practice.

Knitting instruction and relationship therapy all in one—with lots of laughs along the way. For as long as women have been knitting, they’ve been knitting garments for men—only to have men hide their lovingly created pieces in drawers and closets. Men aren’t being intentionally cruel; they’re just not comfortable in knitwear made with bright colors, itchy yarn, or flashy designs. So what’s a knitter to do? Understand the male psyche, says knitting instructor Bruce Weinstein. In Knits Men Want he presents ten hilarious essays, each based on a rule that helps women knit for men successfully. “Men Are Babies” explains why guys need to wear soft fabrics. “Men Hate Fittings” describes how to create a sweater based on one that’s in his wardrobe. Following each essay is a timeless master pattern, from socks, hats, and scarves to an array of sweaters, all in a range of sizes and most written for multiple gauges. With this book in hand, women finally have the secret to knitting garments that men will appreciate and actually wear.

Knit Knitavian Style encourages you to begin your knitting adventure by taking the Joyful Knitter Oath and discovering the state of mind called Knitavia. There are over 20 patterns in Knit Knitavian Style that are inspired by natural surroundings and can be used in your daily life. The author has included thoughtful blurbs, entertaining observations as well as interviews and resources for knitters. You'll meet Althea Crome of Bugknits and learn about her experience as a knitwear designer for the movie Coraline. Enjoy Christine Shively, the dynamic founder of Knots of Love, and discover how her organization has grown and is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients in the U.S. and Europe. Next you'll skip over to the hipster world of Rachel-Marie of KnittyDirtyGirl.com and soak in a fiberlicious day in the life interview. Give a cheer for Teresita Valadez, moderator of the Ravelry group, Hearts of Love, for her dedication to helping others in need and creating a sense of community. Margaret hopes you'll embrace the patterns, ideas and suggestions in Knit Knitavian Style. She'll be waiting for you to join her on the corner of Inspiration Avenue and Knitavia Blvd. Bring your knitting!