Mosaic Knitting was originally published in 1976 and then languished out-of-print for many years. Every knitter interested in exploring a fascinating method of color pattern knitting, or just seeing yet another example of Barbara Walker's astonishing depth of research and comprehension of technique, can rejoice that this book is again available. Walker has even created 116 more mosaic designs which are (gasp) rotationally symmetrical. I especially love her embrace of ancient symbols - you will find dozens of variations of Sun Symbols, labyrinths, Wheels and more. Meg Swansen is right - this woman never ceases to amaze.

For those not familiar with mosaic knitting, it is a method of two-color knitting in which you need to deal with only one color per row; you'll need to know only how to knit (sometimes purl) and slip a stitch. In the author's words, mosaic knitting is a "beginner's paradise." The first chapter contains instructions for reading the charts; once you've mastered that, you can sail on through the charted designs.

Barbara Walker is the knitting genius who pioneered the "top-down" technique that has since become well-known and widely used. Her book on the subject, still the very best available, unfortunately lapsed out-of-print for 20 long years.

Available once again, it is startling to reread it and discover just how amazingly complete and clear it it is. It covers not just basic technique for top-down knitting, but the basics and not-so-basics of garment design, and offers instructions for everything from basic raglans to capes, skirts, pants and sleeveless sweaters, blouses and caps. There are many variations on these themes which are also thoroughly discussed.

If you've ever wanted to explore this technique -- which has a lot of advantages so far as fitting and design are concerned -- or, if you'd like to refresh your memory about how to go about it, here it is. It's really great seeing this book back in print!

A Treasury of Knitting Patterns - Vol. 1
Contents:

500 different patterns, including

• Knit-Purl Combinations
• Ribbings
• Color-Change Patterns
• Slip-Stitch Patterns
• Twist Stitch Patterns
• Fancy Texture Patterns
• Yarn-Over Stitch Patterns
• Eyelet Patterns
• Lace
• Cables
• Cable-Stitch Patterns

 

A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns - Vol. 2
Contents:

700 different patterns, including:

• Knit-Purl combinations
• Slip-Stitch Texture and Color Patterns
• Mosaic Patterns
• Fancy Texture and Color Patterns
• Twist Stitch Patterns
• Cables and Cable-Stitch Patterns
• Yarn-Over Patterns
• Eyelets
• Lace
• Lace Panels and Insertions
• Borders and Edgings

 

Charted Knitting Designs - Vol. 3
Contents:

350 different charted designs, including:

• How to Read Charts
• Textured Fabrics
• Twist Stitch Patterns
• Cables
• Closed-Ring Cables
• Cable-Stitch Patterns
• Lace
• Lace Panels
• Mosaic Patterns
• Color Patterns
• Uncharted Miscellany

 

A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns - Vol. 4
Contents:

100 Charts and the complete text from Barbara Walker's book Sampler Knitting plus 82 new, hertofore unpublished designs and a brief autobiography

Ideal for adults and teens who want to learn to knit, or wish to explore the world of stitch patterns - but beware: knitting these squares can become addictive!

This book caught my eye because I'm someone who doesn't like to waste time or materials on the sort of projects that are often suggested as ways to learn a craft. It also intrigued me because I had concocted such an afghan way back when I was in high school, and I wanted to see how Barbara Walker approached the task.

Barbara's offers us an enticing combination of clear, orderly, progressive instruction and great design. The squares that become the afghan, and upon which you will practice your new-found skills, are presented with each one building upon the skills of the one before it. Her sense of design -- which she teaches you -- results in an afghan which is as lovely to look at as it is warm and cozy to snuggle up in.

By the time you finish the 63rd square, there will be very little you do not know about stitch pattern techniques, finishing techniques, and basic design strategies -- and, you will have a snug and beautiful afghan as a bonus.

Very highly recommended. A plus is that the publisher, who also sells great wool yarns, will create a kit for you with the yarns used in the book!