I thought long and hard about what books belonged in a section dedicated to getting all aspiring knitters off to a great start -- they needed to be clear on techniques, but not at the expense of design and, well, excitement. Sally Melville's books are at the top of the stack in every category I could think of - they are simply an unbeatable way to discover the joy of knitting.

I did not believe that a book devoted to only the knit stitch could be anything other than something for plodders (and I don't know any knitters who are plodders!) -- was I ever wrong. The Knit Stitch is not only a sparkling clear introduction to the techniques and approaches of basic knitting, it is one of the most exciting design collections on the planet. You will find scarves, wraps, sweaters, jackets, purses, evening wear and more in styles that are the perfect marriage of classic lines and eye-catching surprises. These are garments and accessories that will not wind up in the back of anyone's drawer -- the sort of clothing men, women and children of all ages and builds will pick out to wear every chance they get. And all of them are constructed using only the knit stitch and basic technique! It's hard to believe that anyone could combine beginning instruction with cutting edge style, but Sally Melville did.

If you have never knit before, this is the book for you. If you, like me, have been knitting for years and years, this book will open your eyes and inspire your hands with it's approach to design and garment structure. It has become one of my own most-often-looked-at knitting volumes -- I'm confident you'll love it, too.

Having mastered the knit stitch and filled your closets with delicious clothing and accessories, you will want to move on to discover the delights of the purl stitch. As Sally shows us, once you add purling to your knitting repertoire, the design possibilities blossom in all directions. Just when you're wondering where you are going to put your next beautiful knit jacket, Sally gives us a second book filled with even more jaw-droppingly wonderful clothing than in the first book. Here are knit dresses, jackets, socks, sweaters and vests in styles ranging from whimsical to work day practical to gracefully elegant -- trust me, you'll want to wear them all.

Wow! Am I inspired! This is the most exciting book on color knitting to come along in years!! 40+ projects that explore knitting with color. Knitters move from being intimidated by the choices to being excited by the possibilities as the skill-building chapters put color into practice. Clear, step-by-step photographs lead knitters through a progression of new methods punctuated by fabulous and fun projects to knit. The 36 designs range from simple to classic to unexpected and are presented multiple times showcasing different techniques, mixing and matching to yield more than 80 total projects. Sally helps us all to take our craft to the next level. Sizes go up to 2X.

Knit Happens!

So proclaims the back of this edgy, hip, and ultimately addictive book. I confess it took me a while to take a close look at Stitch 'n Bitch (I've just clued all of you into how old I am, haven't I?) -- between the title and some of the project names ("punk rock backpack," "big bad baby blanket") I was not expecting a knitting book I could love. But after I sat down and really read it, I discovered one of the best introductions to knitting written with an infectious enthusiasm, really funny commentary, and designs that even a mother could love. My daughter, who is 25 and learned to knit when she was 7, tells me that it was only after reading Stitch 'n Bitch that she discovered that there are only two stitches in knitting -- knit and purl. With that simple discovery, years of trepidation fell away and she was able to embrace yarn and needles with an energetic creativity.

Stitch 'n Bitch is just that kind of book - nothing basic is left out and no creative thought is left behind.

Oh - and there are Stitch 'n Bitch groups meeting all over the USA. Check the internet for the location nearest you (or start your own if there are none nearby).

Plus: How to make any knitting pattern your own, insider tips, profiles of groups and more.

The free-spirited frolick through the world of knitting continues, showcasing the designs of Stitch 'n Bitch group members from all over the US. These are designs to love (even if you're a boomer like me), blazing trails where no knitting has gone before: yoga mat bags, fishnet stockings, wrist cuffs, along with the usual (well, maybe not usual) sweaters, vests, scarves and more.

At each step of the way, Debbie Stoller shares techniques you'll want to know and sets you free to explore your yarn your way. Learn to make your own patterns, to modify whatever instructions are before you and to share in what has to be the most exuberant approach the craft of knitting has yet seen.

Elizabeth Zimmermann is really the godmother of the creative joy that modern knitting has become. Had it not been for her, blazing past line-by-line directions to set us all free to knit what we wanted, free to shape and design as our bodies, lives and taste demanded, I would not have this bookshop and you would not be reading about these wonderful knitting books. There is not a single book on this page or any other in the Knitter's Bookshelf that does not owe its existence to this amazing woman.

Elizabeth starts with the basics and quickly moves on to teach you how to design all manner of sweaters, jackets, hats, mittens and socks with only the measurements of the intended wearer as your starting point. In less than 120 pages, she takes her readers from beginner to expert -- no small task, but then Elizabeth was no small woman.

If you haven't discovered the joy of Elizabeth's writing and the wisdom of her approach to knitting, I can only say that you've got a treat in store for you. Knitting Without Tears is not just a classic knitting text -- it is the foundation and heart of everything there is to love about knitting.

The television show that launched a million knitters! It's hard to imagine it, but until Elizabeth Zimmermann came along, knitting was actually on the verge of extinction. Few people did it, almost no one could sit down and design their own sweater, and the idea that knitting was a creative endeavor, well, there was a thought few entertained for long. Knitting had become something that people who enjoyed and were skilled at reading line-by-line directions did -- the rest of the world found other ways to occupy their time.

Elizabeth changed all of that, and we are still reaping the fruits of the seeds she sowed. By 1981 her books were already pretty well known, but with the broadcast of this video, suddenly it seemed like worlds opened up that stretched into corners her books had not yet gone. Yarn stores stopped languishing and expanded, people began to see knitting as something that allowed them to create what they wanted, the way they wanted it, and a whole new day dawned on the world of fiber arts. In fact, it was this series that inspired the original Knitters magazine - which used to be not just a good magazine, but a truly great one (those first 20-30 issues are like walking into a room of knitting geniuses, all of whom want to sit down and teach you something wonderful).

This newly-produced DVD is just as wonderful and useful today as it was back in the 80s. You can begin at the beginning with Elizabeth showing you what has to be the very best way to wind a ball of yarn, move through casting-on and the basic stitches. And then, the real fun begins as you discover with her the magic of circular knitting, knit your own hat based on your own yarn and gauge, and dive head-long into sweater design. It is no exageration to say that by the time you finish, you will be a master at the honorable, creative, artistic craft of knitting. And have a pile of sweaters and hats to show for it, too.

Inside, you will find:

• Part 1: Beginnings. Follow along as Elizabeth winds a center-pull ball of wool to begin your first project: a hat knit in the round.
• Part 2: Intermediate. After completing the hat, you have learned enough basic technique to knit a seamless yoke sweater - discover how EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System) can free you from patterns forever; then go on to make a color-patterned dropped-shoulder pullover.
• Part 3: Master Classes. Elizabeth discusses and shows examples of traditional Fair Isle and Guernsey knitting as well as garter-stitch and lace; seven seamless shoulder shapings!
• As a special feature, Part 3 also has a new interview with Meg Swansen about making this series with Elizabeth

Learn from the master, with the master. What could be better?

Elizabeth's Knitting Workshop book provides the basic material of her PBS Series in written form. Great by itself or as a way to reinforce what Elizabeth just showed you - this book is not just a classic, it is perhaps the most comprehensive, easy-to-follow knitting how-to ever written. Go from beginner to master in a little under 200 pages!

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!

Because crochet technique is such an important part of knitting, and because crochet in and of itself is a wonderful, creative approach to fiber, I have included this book here.

Cindy Crandall-Frazier has created the book I've always hoped for to help teach children (and anyone else!) how to crochet (part of the 3rd grade handwork curriculum in Waldorf education). In it you'll find a perfect marriage of joyful enthusiasm with clear instruction featuring creative techniques and new learning approaches. It is fabulous. Cindy's background as a homeschooling mother and Waldorf Kindergarten teacher shines through the book as well: though written for a broader audience, she has incorporated so much of what makes the Waldorf approach to teaching fruitful and beloved:

• She includes a verse with instructions for making the slip knot as well as a diagram for those who are visually oriented
• She created new labels for the parts of the hook, so that using the hook can be more clearly explained
• Her technique of having students skip the first 2 chains when beginning a row is brilliant because it makes it much, much easier to see the first stitch and to keep correct count
• She includes a very helpful chart of hook sizes coupled with yarn weights - very helpful.
• You'll also find LOTS of information about different fibers and color - wonderful stuff!
• and, her projects just sing with the kind of excitement that will urge children or adults on to more learning and eager skill development

There's lots more to love, much more - but I'm hoping you'll get a copy, grab your hook and yarn, and discover them for yourself. Your children will come to think of the crochet lesson as one of their favorite parts of the day!