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Knitting

Books - DVD and VHS - Websites - Pittsburgh Resources

Books

Knitting is hitting a peak of popularity these days, and what better way to try it out than by checking out some knitting books from the library? Here are a few titles that can help you get started, plus some to try once you've mastered the basics!

For additional books, browse the subject headings Knitting and Crocheting

Getting Started

Knitting for dummies Allen, Pam
Knitting for dummies
TT820.A5125 2002x

The complete idiot's guide to knitting and crocheting Breiter, Barbara
The complete idiot's guide to knitting and crocheting illustrated
TT820.D58 2003x

The yarn girls' guide to simple knits Carles, Julie
The yarn girls' guide to simple knits
TT825.C37 2002

Chunky knits: 14 quick and easy step-by-step projects Clewer, Carolyn
Chunky knits: 14 quick and easy step-by-step projects
TT825.C6325 2003x

Knitting: 20 simple & stylish wearables for beginners Ham, Catherine
Knitting: 20 simple & stylish wearables for beginners
q TT825.H355 2003x

Knit Scarves: 18 Cool Patterns to Keep You Warm Jensen, Candi
Knit Scarves
Do you want a quick and easy project for beginners? Try a scarf!
TT825.J48 2004

So simple knits: a fabulous collection of 24 fashionable and fun designs Mackin, Hilary
So simple knits: a fabulous collection of 24 fashionable and fun designs
q TT825.M1595 2006x

Start to Knit: from casting on to binding off Macris, Gina
Start to Knit: from casting on to binding off
Are you interested in becoming a serious knitter? This book will teach you the basics.
qTT825.M163 2005x

The knitting experience: inspiration & instruction Melville, Sally
The knitting experience: inspiration & instruction
TT820.M475 2002

Stoller, Debbie
Stitch 'n bitch: the knitter's handbook
TT820.S86 2003

Teach yourself visually knitting & crocheting Teach yourself visually knitting & crocheting
TT820.T368 2004x

Knitting without tears Zimmermann, Elizabeth
Knitting without tears; basic techniques and easy-to-follow directions for garments to fit all sizes
TT820 .Z55
This is a classic!! Learn how to knit without a pattern.

The Basics and Beyond

Loop-d-loop: more than 40 novel designs for knitters Durham, Teva
Loop-d-loop: more than 40 novel designs for knitters
qTT825.D77 2005

Fee, Jacqueline
The sweater workshop
q TT825 .F43 1983

Donna Kooler's encyclopedia of knitting Kooler, Donna
Donna Kooler's encyclopedia of knitting
q TT820.K7464 2004x

Holiday knits: 25 great gifts from stockings to sweaters Lucas, Sara
Holiday knits: 25 great gifts from stockings to sweaters
TT820.L84 2005

Knitorama Matthews, Rachael
Knitorama
TT825.M3355 2005x

Knitting in plain English Righetti, Maggie
Knitting in plain English
TT820 .R54 1986

Stitch 'n bitch nation Stoller, Debbie
Stitch 'n bitch nation
TT825.S75 2004

Knitting & Crochet on DVD & VHS

The Art of Knitting (DVD)
Demonstrates the intricacies of knitting in an effective manner and presents the history, the basics, the experts, the fun, and the creativity that make knitting a popular craft

Learn to Knit (DVD)
Presents techniques for beginner to advanced level knitting projects, including: casting on and off; multiple stitches; increasing; decreasing; knit gauge; mitten sizing; stitch markers; stitch holders; thumb placement; seaming; patterns; changing colors; double sided cables; scarf length; blocking; and fringe.

Learn to Knit with Laura Jean (DVD)
Demonstrates the basics of knitting, with a separate index menu of techniques. Shows how to knit a sweater, a hat, a dog sweater, a purse, and a baby sweater. (DVD)TT825.L388273 2005x

The Art of Knitting & Crochet 2 (DVD)
Whether you're a beginner or advanced knitter, several designers and instructors will show you how to knit and crochet with simple, understandable demonstrations that you can play over and over again.

Knitting, Crochet, Quilting: Advanced Methods (VHS)
Instruction in advanced quilting, crochet, and knitting techniques.

Websites

  • About.com: Knitting
    http://knitting.about.com/
    Web resources on knitting maintained by Barbara Breiter
  • Family Circle Easy Knitting
    http://www.fceasyknitting.com/
    The website for this Family Circle magazine on knitting is useful for its collection of "Related Knitting Sites" which includes links to yarn manufacturers, some of whom offer free patterns online.
  • Interweave Knits
    http://www.interweave.com/knit/
    This is the website of the print publication. It offers the table of contents of the current issue plus some "web exclusive" project patterns.
  • The Knitting Guild Association
    http://www.tkga.com/
    Includes chapter guilds throughout the United States, including the Pittsburgh East Knitting Guild #149 and Three Rivers Knitters #164. They also publish a magazine, Cast On.
  • Knitting Help
    http://www.knittinghelp.com/
    This site includes online videos that you can download and view. Both British and Continental methods of knitting are shown.
  • Knitty
    http://www.knitty.com/
    An online knitting magazine, community, offering patterns.
  • Librarians' Internet Index: Knitting
    http://www.lii.org/pub/subtopic/2865
    Links to a variety of online knitting websites and magazines.
  • Lion Brand Yarn Company
    http://www.lionbrand.com/
    Free knitting instructions and patterns.
  • Socknitters
    http://www.socknitters.com/
    Socknitters is a mailing list for anyone interested in knitting socks by hand. Their website includes many patterns.
  • Standards & Guidelines for Crochet and Knitting
    http://www.yarnstandards.com/
    Do you ever scratch your head over abbreviations in knitting patterns: p2tog, psso, wyif? Next time check this website from the Craft Yarn Council of America. They have abbreviations for both knitting and crocheting.
  • Victoria & Albert Museum: Knitting
    http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/knitting/
    Not only does this British museum have information on knits from its collection, it also has patterns that you can download and use, links to knitting websites and webblogs. Very good for an English perspective on this ancient craft.
  • Vogue Knitting
    http://www.vogueknitting.com/
    The website of the print publication, also includes links to yarn manufacturers.
  • Wool Works
    http://www.woolworks.org/
    A noncommercial, volunteer-run site full of information for handknitters. Here you can find knitting guilds and stores in your area.

Pittsburgh Resources

  • Berroco: Yarn Shops in Pennsylvania
    http://www.berroco.com/shops/pa.html
    This is a page from Berroco Yarns listing yarn shops in the Pittsburgh region carrying their yarns but it is a good list for anyone looking for yarns. Pittsburgh shops are at the top.
  • Carol's Needleworks
    http://www.carolsneedleworks.com/
    Designer yarns, buttons, classes, finishing in Bridgeville, PA.
  • Jo-ann Fabrics
    http://www.joann.com/
    Go to store locator to find a superstore near you in the Pittsburgh area that offers classes. They offer both knitting and crocheting.

  • Michaels
    http://www.michaels.com/
    This arts and crafts store chain has multiple stores in the Pittsburgh area. Search for Pittsburgh in their store locator and then click on "This Store's events" to see when they offer "Learn to Knit" and "Learn to Crochet" classes.
  • Pittsburgh East Knitting Guild
    http://knittingpittsburgh.tripod.com/
    Pittsburgh East Knitting Guild promotes hand knitting within the greater Pittsburgh community by offering a monthly meeting place, in the eastern suburbs, for all knitters from beginning to advanced levels.

  • Pittsburgh Knit and Bead
    http://www.pghknitandbead.com/
    Pittsburgh Knit & Bead in Squirrel HIll is the city's resource for knitting, crochet and beading with a wide selection of yarns, hand-crafted beads, patterns, magazines and books.
  • Pittsburgh Knitting
    http://www.pittsburghknitting.com/
    Information about Pittsburgh Knit-Togethers, Guilds, Blogs and yarn shops.
  • South Hills Knitting Guild
    http://www.cobweb.net/~knitting/
    A group of knitters three dozen strong, ranging in age from 20 to 80, that meets in Mt. Lebanon. New members are always welcome.

Pennsylvania