Each and every one of the 30 projects in America Knits are truly great designs that inspire and excite. The instructions are clear and complete, too. There aren't many knitting books about which that can be said, and even if America Knits were to have nothing but these patterns in it, we would be more than justified in naming it as a classic knitting resource, a must-have for any serious knitter's bookshelf.

But the patterns aren't really the heart of this book, the profiles of the 30 artisan knitting designers are. And these profiles are even greater than the patterns, which come as gifts from each knitter who is featured. Paging through America Knits is like going on a knitting roadtrip where we discover the flavors and colors of America as we meet one amazing person after another. The knitters covered here are golden, the tidbits they share about themselves and their work bring to life a world we all love but seldom see gathered with this intensity in one place. The people and places we meet are like knitterly icons, each opening a window onto a unique aspect of beauty within the knitting world. Even though America Knits was first published in 1994, meaning that there are some knitting designers who have risen since then who are not included, the artisans who are included read like a who's who -- all of them in ways large and small have helped create our modern knitting world.

There's Pam Allen before she became editor of Interweave Knits; Nicky Epstein, already at work at amazing embellishments; Morehouse Farm in earlier days; Barbara Walker (that entry just leaves me spellbound); Priscilla Gibson-Roberts, whose pattern contribution was a revised and improved Wimple, based on the Qiviut Wimple I've longed for since seeing it in an early Knitter's magazine; Sally Fox, whose Colorganic™ cottons have been a gift to the world; Nancy Bush, giving us with another spectacular sock pattern; Mary Walker Phillips, whose magnificent lacework inspired so many; Meg Swansen, one of the knitting world's greatest; an interlude at a Waldorf School with first graders learning to knit; and Lizbeth Upitis who presented Latvian knitting to the world.

There are about as many others who I did not name (it's a pretty long list already, isn't it?) but who are just as remarkable as those I did name. America Knits is THAT great a book - one to love and cherish and go back to again and again.

Would you like to knit by watching the fabric on your needles instead of detailed instructions? The way to do that, actually, the many ways to do that are all explained in this wonderful book, back in print, revised and greatly expanded. There is practically nothing about traditional sweater design and technique that is not completely and clearly explained here -- and there are some things that to my knowledge are explained no where else. I have yet to open this book to a random page without learning something new -- and believe me, I've opened it countless times.

Once you start thinking like a traditional knitter, you'll create your own designs, knit sweaters that really fit, and solve any problems you encounter as you go. This is when knitting changes from something to do to become a source of joy and discovery.

Needless to say, I consider Knitting in the Old Way to be an essential knitting book -- one that will guide you for years and set you free.

Nancy Bush's newest book is already one of my best friends. Her "remakes" of the classic Weldon's patterns are so wearably wonderful that my first impulse was to take off for a cave in the Himalayas with nothing but her book, yarn and, of course, a reasonable collection of needles. There, I was sure of it, I would have the time to do nothing but recreate these socks. Of course, reality intervened, I think in the form of Bob asking for dinner, and so I'm still here without all the socks knit (yet!). However, I'm working on it -- and know you'll want to do the same. This is a delicious book, one where knitting ideas intersect with history and stories of times past. I should add that Nancy, in her usual fashion, gives us all sorts of information about more sock construction techniques than most of us would have thought existed. Most important, to me at any rate, is that when she brought the patterns up-to-date, she in no way dumbed them down (unless you call changing the needle size from 00000 US to 1 US dumbing down -- I call it lifesaving, myself). You'll love this book, I'm sure of it.

I just love this book! The patterns are beautiful, the textures and colors tantelizing, and the instructions clear and easy-to-follow. As with her Folk Shawls books, Cheryl Oberle has done a magnificent job of gathering traditional designs, translating some from weaving into knitting, and using them to create garments we all want to wear. Whether your cup of tea is a Japanese Sakiori or a Peruvian Bayeta or even Prince Edward's Fair Isle, I predict you'll find a nearly endless supply of designs to love. I have made vests from this book that are among my favorite things to wear; you will, too.

Folk Socks is a joy - each sock has an elegant simplicity about it that beckons you to pick up your needles and yarn so that you can discover its joys, too. These socks speak volumes about the lives of the people who created the styles. I have made several and have been inspired to make many more that are variations on what I found here.

Plus - Nancy Bush's well-illustrated history of footwear is so interesting, you may need to learn how to knit and read at the same time! Not to mention that her section on sock making technique is thorough and comes with enough photos and drawings to calm any nervous questions you may have.

Enter the world of mittens - simple mittens, wondrous mittens, amazing mittens. They are all represented in this charming book that takes us around the world, stopping wherever traditional mittens are knit. Represented are traditional designs and construction from Europe, Asia, North America, South America as well as some whimsical newcomers of the author's fancy. The techniques sections does a remarkable job of conveying not only all the basics of mitten knitting, but illustrating and describing techniques and approaches that are unique to particular traditions. All in all, Marcia Lewandowski has given us a feast of history and knitting -- and some beautiful ways to keep our hands warm in the winter!

If you love knitting and felting, join Vicki Square for a whirlwind tour of the worlds best knitted bag traditions. You'll find bags in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes for work, play, or special evenings on the town. Included are the Guatemalan Saddlebag, the Persian-carpet-inspried handbag, a whimsical fish-shaped Chinese felted bag, a Bolivian Doll bag and on and on. What a intriguing and imaginative collection! And of course, the instructions are step-by-step and clear as a bell. Enjoy!