Must Have Knitting and Crochet Craft Books for Girls

You may remember when I featured It Girl Knits by Phoenix Bess. Bess's how to guide contains pretty designs for girls between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, but can be worked up and modified for any age. There are a few more books that I would like to bring to your attention today, to add to your craft library: Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies, 20 Yummy Treats to Wear and Cowlgirls: The Neck's Big Thing to Knit by Cathy Carron.

Chan's adorable book features 20 projects for the kawaii lover in your life. Carron's book offers the neck warmer and cowl lover an "ultimate feast" for the eyes and with over 40 projects to last all year long. Get your hands on a copy of these fabulous books. You will wow your friends with your knitting and crochet skills, and fashion sense.

Book Review: Vogue Knitting Knitopedia

Vogue Knitting Knitopedia, The Ultimate A to Z for Knitters, released this month,  retails for $34.95. This is the book for those that want a quick reference to every knitting term, technique, tool, designer, and fiber or tradition.  The pictures are big and beautiful, and include maps, photographs, technical drawings, schematics, and tables for every curious need. This book is best left at home, however, due to its size and hard cover.

On a more entertaining note, there are essays written by top names in the knitting world, peeking out at you throughout the book, ready for your eyes to devour. If you want to try your hand at design, there is some basic information on how to do that, and how to substitute yarns. The flow of finding what you need is so easy with extensive cross referencing on practically every page. In my opinion, Vogue Knitting Kniopedia would make a great gift for the beginning knitter, and for those that want to learn a lot about knitting in a short amount of time.

Book Review: Knitting on the Edge by Nicky Epstein

Nicky Epstein's most recent addition to her popular edging series, Knitting on the Edge, contains instruction for decorative cuffs, feather lace ruffles, garter stitch weaves, sea scallop edges, sugar drops, and more for your daring design desires. With 350 border options there is no limit to what you can do, with Epstein's creative approach to edges. In addition to all of that, there are a few sections in the back dedicated to stitches, abbreviations, techniques, and the most desired pattern section featuring each pattern pictured in the book. My favorite section is the part on "Flora" with special plant like stitch patterns, reminiscent of nature.

In addition, discover more of the series by the author:
Knitting Over the Edge
Knitting Beyond the Edge
Crocheting On the Edge

Book Review: Vogue Knitting Stichionary 5

If you are a knitter, you probably already know about the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary series. The latest edition, Stitchionary 5, Volume Five Lace Knitting by Carla Scott, will be published in June 2010. It is wisely divided up into seven categories as follows: Easy/Mesh, Allover, Panels, Edgings, Motifs, Combos, and Chevrons. I personally love edgings, because they give added interest to something that is minimal, or to some, boring. The book also features huge images in which you can see great detail, which is much needed for knitting. There are no garment patterns in this book, only the stitch patterns for creating that beautiful and fashionable piece for you to wear for years to come.

Also, don't forget to check out the other series of this collection:
Stitchionary Volume One Knit and Purl
Stitchionary Volume Two Cables
Stitchionary Volume Three Color Knitting
Stitchionary Volume Four Crochet