BEA 2012

There were significantly less printed catalogs this year at Book Expo America, however, the whole show was much more upbeat than I've seen in quite a few years. Digital strategies were abundant and it seemed that despite the impending DoJ lawsuit against key publishers on handling ebook pricing, I dare say, I sensed hope.

The print books on the horizon for knitters were fewer in number than past years, but it seems as though the quality of them might have gone up a bit.

RANDOM HOUSE - Potter Craft

Boyfriend Sweaters: 19 Designs for Him That You'll Want to Wear
$21.99 | December 2012 | Hardcover and Ebook
Bruce Weinstein with photos by Jared Flood

On the catalog page for this book is a hounds-tooth sweater that I've fall in love with. So, the title, at least, is accurate! The description even says that the patterns in the book explain how to modify the sweaters for a more feminine shape. Honestly, the book is probably worth getting for those tips alone!



ABRAMS - STC Craft

Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers
$19.95 | October 2012 | Paperback
Norah Gaughan & The Berroco Design Team

I don't need to tell you I have a long-term knit crush on Norah Gaughan. I might need to tell you that I've reached that point in life where just as many of my friends are getting married as are having children right now. This has lead me to need to knit more baby stuff than ever before. I can already count 2-3 babies in my life that don't have hand-knits from me (the same!). All the patterns in this book, as you can imagine are knitted with Berroco's yarns. I find their yarns both affordable and of decent quality. There are pastel patterns in here to be sure, but there are also some bright colors, which is much more my baby knitting speed. Already I can see a bib with an octagonal shape that I'm just going to need to knit, and a blanket with half circles that looks to be a blast! With 50 patterns in the book, there's bound to be something for every baby.

Knitting From the Center Out
$27.50 | November 2012 | Hardcover
Daniel Yuhas

While I've never heard of this designer, his bio says that he's been published in Interweave, Knitty, Knitcircus and a few books. All of the patterns in this book are knit, as the title suggests, from the center out. That, however, doesn't mean all the patterns are shawls. There are some, to be sure, but there are also socks, pullovers, hoodies, hats and blankets. The hoodie on the catalog page is imminently knitable, with stunning seams. Of all the books I've seen, this is the one I'm most excited about. Too bad I'll have to wait until November to pick it up!

ABRAMS - V & A Publishing

Knitting: Fashion, Industry, Craft
$60.00 | October 2012 | Hardcover
Sandy Black

When KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave came out several years ago, I was interested in it, but it seemed to chronicle more knitters qua artists than knitters qua crafters. I'm somewhat interested in knitting as an art, but I can relate more to knitting as a craft. Knitting explores more of the craft and industry side of knitting through spectacular photographs. From its beginning as a hand-craft, to its progression as a computer controlled process and including everything from everyday wear to haute couture, this book documents it all. The $60 price point makes this one a book I probably won't buy for myself, but I would for a friend as a gift. To close friends and family reading this: hint hint!

Muslin
$55.00 | October 2012 | Hardcover
Sonia Ashmore

Some of us might think of Muslin as that cheap fabric we use as a test for how a garment might turn out. In-fact, "muslin" is used as a noun not only for that fabric, but also for the test garment made out of that fabric. The fabric, however, has even been used to clothe royalty. I'm super fascinated about the role this fabric has had in developing contemporary fashion and can't wait for its release!



Kaffe Fassett: Dreaming In Color
$40.00 | September 2012 | Hardcover
Kaffe Fassett

While I'm not interested in knitting many of his knitting patterns, I completely appreciate Kaffe Fassett for his adoration and use of color. This autobiography seems a little different than most other autobiographies I've seen in that it includes vivid photographs and unprecedented color. I am incredibly fascinated in Kaffe Fasset's life and what drove him to use so much color.




INTERWEAVE

November Knits
$24.95 | October 2012 | Paperback
Kate Gagnon Osborne & Courtney Kelley

Interweave's catalog doesn't have as many images of the patterns in each book. The cover pattern is mostly all there is to go by. This book is divided into 3 parts: Farm Hands (described as "rustic, casual and durable garments"), Ivy League (described as "smart knitwear with bold colors and classic styling"), and Southern Comfort (described as "bringing warmth and comfort to slightly dressier garments"). Knowing Interweave, the 20 patterns in this book will be classically elegant. I'll have to see more about this book in order to determine if I really want to buy it, but it sounds like it would resonate quite well with my New England roots.

Finish-Free Knits
$24.95 | December 2012 | Paperback
Kristen TenDyke

Whose got two thumbs and hates seaming? THIS GIRL. Accordingly, I'm quite excited about this title. While I know quite a bit about altering patterns from knitting flat to knitting in the round, there are quite a few things about not finishing garments I don't know. While I might not be sure about the patterns, I'll probably pick this book up for the instruction alone.

Book Expo America 2011

Book Expo America (BEA) was held this week. As usual, I snagged a few catalogs from publishers I knew would have some crafty books. Interweave didn't have a booth this year, and I didn't know who was showing their stuff, so I missed out on picking up their catalog, much to my dismay.

Like last year's post, I'm taking advantage of the Amazon Associates program that Blogger and Amazon have teamed up on. In return for my linking to amazon (which I do all the time!), if someone actually buys something from one of my links, I get a (small) cut. Just wanted to mention it in the spirit of full disclosure, fully not expecting anything to come of it.

And now, on to the books!

STOREY PUBLISHING

$22.95 | October | Paperback

Undoubtedly Storey's key knitting book forhte fall, this book seems to be derived from that Life List Mem that circulated the internet a few years ago (My response can be found here). More than just a list, this book also has 122 tips and tricks to help you complete your knitting bucket liest, 33 yarn fibers to try before you die, 64 personalities to meet and 69 styles and traditions to explore at least once. There's a promotional sweepstakes for a trip to a fiber arts festival (Maryland or Rhinebeck - I'm not sure which), some Storey craft books and a fiber shopping spree. Visit their website for details.

$24.95 | February 2012 | Paperback

The author of The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques is back with this comprehensive book of circular knitting techniques. Radcliffe covers Fair Isle, twined knitting, helix, tubular knitting, and double knitting techniques. Patterns for each technique will help cement the concepts learned. I'm not sure if I'll pick this one up. It might prove as a handy reference, but I'm not sure how much is included in this book that I won't know. If there's a pair of knee high argyle socks though, count me in!




$35.00 | June 2011 | Hardcover

This book is billed as "a one-of-a-kind photographic encyclopedia of more than 200 animals and the fibers they produce." To me, this seems to be the yarn porn edition of The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber. And I don't think that's a bad thing. :)






$18.95 | February 2012 | Hardcover

I have a pair of jeans that I love which I've recently realized shouldn't be worn. I'm sure you have socks with heels and toes that have worn right through. This book seems to take a creative approach to the process of patching and darning. I can't wait to take a closer look!








Somewhat unrelated, I just now realized that Storey has The Sewing Answer Book! I have The Knitting Answer Book and have found it helpful. I might pick this book up since my sewing skills are nowhere near my knitting skills. I would like to be a better sewer.

STEWART TABORI & CHANG

$22.50 | September 2011 | Hardcover

"If Betty White can host SNL, then it's time we give Grandma the credit she deserves."

From the description, this book seems to be part tribute to grandmothers, part pattern book. Knitterati share their stories of knitting with family members as well as patterns inspired by those family members. I'm always amazed by how contemporary vintage knits can look in modern yarns. Also, I have to say that this book touches a kind of sentimental and nostalgic note for me, and I'll probably pick it up.

$27.50 | Septmeber 2011 | Hardcover

I really liked the patterns in Custom Knits and am rather looking forward to this book. While I'd wished for more techniques in the first book, I'm hoping that this second book can fill in the blanks.








$24.95 | September 2011 | Paperback

As previously stated, I'd love to hone my sewing skills. I think that because I don't take the time to do so, this goal could take a while. The up-side for publishers means that I pick up all manner of sewing technique books hoping that one will finally make me feel confident enough to sew an amazing dress. That kind of confidence will never come from a book. But this book looks so pretty and complete that I'll at least look at it and maybe even take it home with me in the hopes that it will explain everything I need to know

$16.95 | November 2011 | Hardcover

Bad holiday sweaters can happen to anyone, don't be that knitter! Appearently, this book is derived from a website (who knew there was such a site!?). While not a knitting book per se, I think this would be a great gag gift to any knitter!








POTTER CRAFT

$30.00 | October 2011 | Hardcover

I have both of Clara's other books and have found them to be extremely well researched and informative. To that end, I'm rather excited about this new addition to the series. I haven't really sen too many books that focus on the yarn being used (perhaps the only exception is Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn) In addition, the book features 20 patterns from sock knitterati. The best part, in my opinion, is that the book will be available as an ebook, though at the same price as the hardcover.


$19.99 | November 2011 | Paperback

Ah, the perennial problem. Most stashbusting books fall a little short from my perspective. I'll check this book out when it publishes. I seem to fall for Melissa Leapman's patterns anyway. The ebook for this will also be available, and will also cost the same amount as the paperback.






CHRONICLE

$27.50 | September 2011 | Hardcover

I love Liberty fabrics. I love their store in London. I think I might just love this book. It looks absolutely lovely. I do have some Liberty fabric that I just don't feel good enough to sew. While I don't think this book will make me good enough to sew those precious fabrics, I'll probably end up buying it for the photographs!

---

So the interesting thing I found this year at BEA is that there really was a lot of emphasis placed on ebooks. Personally, I've switched over. Since I bought my ipad in July of last year, I haven't really bought a paper novel. I've bought craft books and comic books/graphic novels, but no novels. I often end up scanning the patterns I want to use to pdfs so I can view them on my phone or iPad while I knit.

It's fascinating to me, as someone in the book publishing industry, to watch this transformation from pbook to ebook. A few years ago, when all of this was new, I told myself that I loved the feel of printed books and I'd never read off a device. Here I am though. maybe it was the need tomove all my books (except the knitting ones!) into storage. Maybe it was walking around with Winter's Tale (that 600+ page book was really good, but REALLY heavy!). Maybe it was Malia showing me that GoodReader can create a line I can move when following a charted pattern. At any rate, I'm feeling more and more like I don't really need a physical book.

The other thing I find fascinating about knitting books these days is the fact that authors can (successfully!) publish their own books. Knitterati like Cookie A and Ysolda publish their own books quite successfully without a publisher. To my knowledge, this doesn't occur in other genres. Sure, folks self publish books all the time. Where I think knitterati are unique is that it actually seems to work!

I'm hoping to get my hands on at least a few of these books to give them full on reviews. So look out for that in the future!

BEA 2010

BEA 2010 was recently held at the Javits Center. It was actually during the week (as opposed to on a weekend) this year which I think was great for publishers. The floor was actually pretty crowded, which was a great sign that having the show during the week is a good thing. I wandered around connecting with old friends in the industry and nabbed some crafty catalogs. In general, I found that there are a LOT less knitting books on the horizon this year than there were in past years, but that there are a lot more sewing books. I do, however realize that I missed a few publishers I normally hit up and while I didn't think that Interweave was there because they weren't with the group they used to be with, they actually were, and I totally missed their catalog. :(

I should also mention that I'm taking full advantage of the new Amazon Associates program that Blogger and Amazon have teamed up on. In return for my linking to amazon (which I do all the time!), if someone actually buys something from one of my links, I get a (small) cut. Why not, eh? Just wanted to mention it in the spirit of full disclosure. If it feels too pushy, just let me know. On the up side, the Amazon Associates program will totally liven up this blog post with nifty boxes of the books being reviewed (when they're on Amazon).

At any rate, here's a recap of what I've found in the catalogs!

STEWART TABOORI & CHANG
$27.50 | October | Hardcover

I'm sure we all remember Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top. While that book is an immensely useful resource, McGowan's Modern Top-Down Knitting gives Walker's book a bit of a face-lift for these modern times. The book is actually endorsed by Walker herself, a coup for McGowan. Modern Top-Down Knitting includes patterns not just for dresses, but also for dresses, skirts, tunics and accessories. This one is sure to be a captivating inspiring resource!




$27.50 | September | Hardcover

Go ahead, tell me you don't love the cover of this book. It's freaking adorable, isn't it?! The projects from Joelle's last book were really great. Somehow, I think that this book will be just as good, if not better. Personally, I'm ready to knit that hershey kiss hat for bunches of kids this winter!









CHRONICLE

$29.95 | October | Hardcover

I do love Amy Butler's fabric prints. I also have a love affair with bags. I sometimes even sew. So logically, I'm pretty excited about sewing some nifty Amy Butler bags from this book. I have found some of her pattens to be a little bit complicated, so I'm hoping that her bag book won't be as difficult as other patterns I've tried to make of hers. The description does say that the book includes only 12 basic patterns for bags, however, if you're familiar with her style, you might realize that those 12 basic patterns will be able to create even more different looks (26 according to the catalog).



ANDREWS MCMEEL PUBLISHING
All Wound Up (I'm surprised this isn't on Amazon yet)
$16.99 | September | Hardcover | Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

This is kind of a no brainer. If you knit and you have a sense of humor, you're obviously going to want to buy this book. It's really a shame that the book isn't listed on Amazon yet, because the cover is absolutely adorable.

$14.99 | November | Paperback

I know, I know, you have a knee jerk reaction to hate anything Ed Hardy. I know that having the sentence "Hardy's tattoo-inspired art is carried at stores ranging from Nordstrom to the Saks companies and is a regular favorite of cast members on Jersey Shore" doesn't quite sell it to you either (keep in mind that these catalogs are targeted towards buyers at bookstores, not the public). However, you have to admit that tattoo art makes a much better cross stitch design than those lame Laura Ashley flowers. I'm not going to lie, this is totally going on my wish list. I can totally see having some sort of Ed Hardy cross stitch pattern framed in my bathroom. I also need to mention for your stitchers out there that there's a similar Manga Cross stitch book out there!

 WORKMAN

$17.95 | November | Paperback

You may be thinking I reviewed this last year. As things are so often the case in publishing, this book seems to have been delayed. More time on the book, however, means it's going to be one awesome book though, right? I know I use her first book constantly to refer to techniques for the basics. I'm hoping this will be an amazing reference of advanced techniques I can refer back to like the first book.






STOREY

$18.95 | October | Paperback

So, the first One-Skein Wonders
book was rather meh. I did end up buying 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders: A world of possibilities inspired by just one skein and thoroughly enjoyed it (I know it's silly, but I still can't wait to knit something from it - there are many contenders). I must say that with all this sock yarn I've accumulated, even though I love knitting socks, it'll be great to get some other ideas as to how to use it. I'm really looking forward to perusing this book and hope to make some awesome things out of it!




POTTER CRAFT

$22.99 | October | Paperback

I'm not sure about this one. It seems to be rather short and is somewhat expensive. I am, however, totally in love with one of the sweaters I see on the spreads here. A massive cowl with ribbing that changes around the waist.










$22.99 | November | Paperback with Flaps

I recently read Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously, which is about the author's quest to complete an Alice Starmore Sweater. I was quite inspired by this book to knit an Alice Starmore Sweater actually (I'll write a review sometime soon!). However, since I haven't knit too much with color, it might be a good idea to practice first. I have loved each of Melissa Leapman's previous books on cables. I tend to gravitate towards her cabled afghan patterns. I'm very much looking forward to her modern take on color knitting. Also, if anyone's interested, it looks like her previous books on cables are available in paperback.


WATSON-GUPTILL

$19.99 | October | Paperback

I'm not a huge fan of knitting stuffed animals. I knit the Baby Bobbi Bear because it has no seams and it's all knit in one piece and there's really no sewing. That being said, all the wild animals in this book are adorable. There are several different spreads in the book pictured. Of all of them, I think the giraffe is probably my favorite. With all my friends having babies these days, I think this book might be a great investment.






$29.99 | November | Paperback

Lorna Miser, founder and original owner of Lorna's Laces authors this helpful book on dealing with variegated yarns. Now, I personally have a TON of variegated yarn in my stash. Certainly, I have a lot of sock yarn (which is a whole other book), but I do also have some bigger variegated yarn. It will be great to hear tips from the master of variegated yarn how to best show off the undulating colors of variegated yarns. There are also several projects specifically for hand-dyed and variegated yarns.





$22.99 | November | Paperback

I've been rather fascinated by dying. This weekend I'm going to a dying party actually, and while I think we're using Kool-Aid instead of hollyhock or indigo, these natural dyes are just as interesting and even more fascinating. The little bit that I've seen of this book (and understanding it's a revised and updated edition) certainly conveys excitement and inspiration, even though I'm not a big dyer.






STASH BOOKS
Lunch Bags! 25 Handmade Sacks & Wraps to Sew Today
$15.95 | July | Binding TBD

You know, the bags in this book look so cool that I think I'd actually be inspired to bring my lunch more.


DOVER

$29.95 | September | Paperback

This is a new and expanded version of Alice Starmore's previously published Aran Knitting which has been out of print for 10 years. The sell piece boasts 60 charted patterns for caps, sweater and shawls, as well as 2 new pattersn. It also claims that the revised work includes expanded size charts, as well as new photography and re-knitted patterns. I think you'll agree that this beats getting the previous edition somewhere online for $250-$300, right?
 





$24.95 | September | Hardcover

Calling all EZ fans. Dover's re-publishing the Knitter's Almanac in hardcover! There's a new introduction by Meg Swansen and a preface by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee! They've even re-shot the book so ti'll include all new color photos of the patterns that have been re-knit in more modern yarns. I hope this refresh might get EZ into the hands of newer knitters that haven't quite realized her awesomeness. It's taken quite a while for me to realize that patterns older patterns can be awesome and don't always look out dated when they're finished.

BEA 2009

This past weekend was Book Expo America in NYC. Some publishers scaled back significantly, some publishers didn't even exhibit. Unfortunately, Interweave Press wasn't at the show, which is a serious bummer because I love checking out their books. But many other publishers were there, and while they didn't all have dummies of the books lying around, I was able to nab some cool catalogs. Here's a recap with reviews of what I saw:

RANDOM HOUSE - POTTER CRAFT
The Knitter's Book of Wool
$30.00 | October 2009 | Hardcover
Clara Parkes

This looks to be a fabulous companion to 2007's A Knitter's Book of Yarn. There are tips as to which types of wool should be used for which types of projects as well as 20 projects. The projects look to be rather classic items (just the kind I like!). I'll probably end up buying this to compliment A Knitter's Book of Yarn. It seems to be a rather helpful reference.

The Sewing Bible
$35.00 | November 2009 | Hardcover
Ruth Singer

This seems to be a be-all-end-all sewing reference with 204 pages. Its got how-to info as well as patterns. It boasts the ability to guide one from beginners lessons like threading a needle to masterclasses like couture hemming. While this book seems all-encompassing and amazing, I'm sure it won't come near DK's The Sewing Book. Firstly, DK tried to show beginner and advanced skills, but I think we keep it to skills we think people will actually use. Ours is also 400 pages and has an index. So there.

Men's Knits
$21.99 | September 2009 | Paperback
Erika Knight

Men's knitting books are always a little dicey for me. I worry that the design might not be manly enough. I worry the colors won't be right or that even if I knit a monstrous sweater for one of the guys in my life that it will sit in a drawer un-used. I'm pretty sure that's where the Reflection Aran Pullover is (Ravelry Link). Erika Knight's book seems to be an answer to that, but I'm not convinced that some of the patterns are...shall we say, British.

RANDOM HOUSE - WATSON-GUPTIL
A Rainbow of Stitches
$24.99 | October 2009 | Paperback
Muriel Brunet

Now, it's a bit of a miss-placed book here I guess. This book is about embroidery and stitching, not knitting. The book looks much more contemporary than Super Stitches Crochet and Super Stitches Knitting (the comparative titles listed on the catalog page). I actually got quite inspired looking at the few spreads in the catalog. I've given embroidery a shot and kind of liked it, so maybe I'll pick this book up.

Haiku Knits
$29.99 | October 2009 | Hardcover
Tanya Alpert

Not surprisingly, Haiku knits pulls its inspiration from both Japan and nature. The sample garments shown in the catalog look rather simple, classic, and chic like you'd expect them to. From the catalog each pattern is introduced by explaining the inspiration behind it and there are five nature-themed categories

• Lingering Snow - covers cold-weather wear


• Wind and Stream - includes transitional garments for spring and fall


• Ocean Breeze - comprises of summer designs


• Fading Light - has designs for night time


• Beauty in Motion - is comprised of garments with a casual, relaxed feel.

I can see myself enjoying this book for similar reasons I enjoyed Knitting Nature.

STERLING - LARK
Luxe Knits
$24.95 | August 2009 | Hardcover
Laura Zukaite

there wasn't a lot of information on this book or the patterns within in Sterling's catalog. they mainly focused on Laura Zukaite, the author. She's billed as a rising star, though most of the information I could find on her was from 2005-2006. I do seem to like her style (think Dragonfly from Knitty and Rambling Rose from IK - both Ravelry links), but I'll wait to see more designs before I decide to buy the book or not.

Pretty Little Presents
$17.95 | August 2009 | Hardcover

There's not much to say on this book. It seems to be in direct competition with Last Minute Patchwork Gifts (just minus the patchwork part). The projects include coasters, napkin rings, a notebook cover, wedding portfolio, a doll and hanging art. I must say, I can't wait for this book to come out so I can whip up a few gifts of my own!

The Joy of Sox
$22.95 | October 2009 | Concealed wire-o
Linda Kopp

Something about this book is missing the mark for me. Maybe it's the fact that a pair of legwarmers are on the cover of this book when it's supposed to be about sox. maybe I feel they're using my team's name in vain. I'm not quite sure. It does look like it will include a diverse array of sock-like projects. it seems they had an online sock poll and the results of that are in the sock book. They'll also be offering a free pattern online when you buy the book. I just can't pin my finger on why I don't like this book...maybe it will surprise me.

AwareKnits
$22.95 | October 2009 | Paperback
Vickie Howell

There's not much on this book except its by Vickie Howell and uses "green" yarns like soy, corn and hemp. I'm not a fan of her style, but I am somewhat curious about this book.

Pure Knits
$19.95 | November 2009 | Paperback
Yahaira Ferreira

The author of Sensual Knits is back with this book! All the patterns in this book are knit in white luxury yarns. if you can look beyond these constraints (white for me is a magnet for pasta sauce and luxury yarns tend to be beyond my budget, but substitutions can always be made), I'm pretty confident you'll find some beautiful designs here.

Pretty Little Things to Make
$19.95 | August 2009 | Hardcover
Judith More

I really love vintage stuff from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. I know it doesn't seem that way, you never see me wearing such thing, but it's true. Especially when you throw kids into the mix. All 20 projects from the book are for babies and toddlers, so all you folks I'm friends with that have gotten married, you should like, start procreating so I can finally start working on smaller projects. Oh, and this is a sewing book, not a knitting book.

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch
$19.95 | November 2009 | Hardcover
Nicky Epstein

This book is sure to be as fabulous and ornate as Nicky's previous titles, though the cover is rather simple. I've heard of knitting a prayer with each stitch, but appreciate the title of this book for its secular (if cheesy) nature.

Noro
$24.95 | October 2009 | Hardcover
Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

You know the yarns, you know the colors, you've seen their patterns, but this...this is different. This brings the yarn back to the maker: Eisaku Noro. he discusses knitting, his craft and his dedication to sustainability. The book also have 40 (!) patterns, but honestly, I want to know about the man behind the yarn!

Hattitude
$19.95 | November 2009 | Paperback
Cathy Carron

Did you ever know there could be over 40 hat patterns? Well, it seems like there are because this book has patterns for so many. All hats all the time. This would probably be a rather fun reference to have, and great for anyone that knits hats for charity. Too bad it's not coming out any earlier so you could use it for holiday charity work.

Cardigans
$24.95 | January 2010 | Hardcover
Louisa Harding

OMG. Simple title, simple style, amazing designer, what more can one ask for in a book? Maybe a sooner pub date because I know I'm going to want to knit from this next week!

WORKMAN
Stitch n' Bitch Extreme: Take it to the Next Level
$16.95 | January 2010 | Paperback
Debbie Stoller

Yup! She's back! For those who want to go beyond the basics, Debbie's here to guide us! This book will go into lace, color work, double knitting, beading, steeks and crochet embellishments. She'll instruct how to make your own lace panel and how to design your own garments. if that's not enough, the book also boasts 41 edgy patterns, more than double the number of patterns in her previous titles. The description of this book is making me wonder if she's not the new Elizabeth Zimmerman (in the "you're the boss of your knitting" kind of way).

WORKMAN - Storey Publishing
One Yard Wonders
$19.95 | October 2009 | Paperback
Rebecca Yaker & Patricia Hoskins

I just sort of started sewing. I do have a stash, but it's a pretty small one. the one skein wonders books are good for stash busting, but I anticipate this book to be great for leaning how to do stuff with minimal amounts of fabric so that if I want to cheap out on a project, I can. This book is on the top of my Fall 09 want list.

STEWART TABOORI & CHANG
Knitted Socks East and West
$22.50 | September 2009 | Paperback
Judy Sumner

This title somewhat confused me until I read the subtitle: "30 Designs inspired by Japanese Stitch Patterns." The Japanese stitch patterns bring a fascinating new dimension to sock design, and all the socks in the book are named after an intriguing part of Japanese culture. I wonder if there's a cute pair of socks with a cherry blossom motif...

One More Skein
$19.95 | September 2009 | Paperback
Leigh Radford

The thing I hated about One Skein is that a lot of the projects took more than one skein to complete. There are many ways to use one skein of yarn, I feel, and if the majority of patterns in a book require more than one skein, the title should be changed. this book seems to be of the same vein, and I'll probably boycott it for that reason.

Reversible Knitting
$29.95 | October 2009 | Hardcover
Lynne Barr

So this book looks awesome! Stitch patterns that are reversible are swatched and photographed. But there are also 20 projects int a range of categories to knit with some great designers behind them (Norah Gaughan among them!). those of us who crave reversible scarves and blankets will be all over this like chocolate to a kid's face!

TAUNTON PRESS
Rowan's Greatest Knits
$24.95 | September 2009 | Hardcover
Edited by Kate Buller

So many popular musicians put out "best of" albums that I'm surprised that more magazines don't do so. Without really looking at all of the patterns in this book, I can't really say how good I think it will be. Kaffe Fasset wrote the foreword to this book, which also includes his design talent, as well as the design talent of the usual Rowan suspects.

I hope you find something in here you like. I know I did. I added so much to my amazon wish list while writing this post!

BEA 2008 in LA

I went to Book Expo America last weekend for work. I checked out a lot of the craft book companies to scope out what's coming for fall. Here's a recap with reviews based on either the pages from catalogs or samples I saw at the show.

RANDOM HOUSE - POTTER CRAFT
Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines: Patterns, Stories, Pictures, True Confessions, Tricky Bits, Whole New Worlds, and Familiar Ones, Too
$29.95 | HC | September 2008
Kay Gardiner & Ann Shayne

This book looks promising. I was very inspired by the first Mason Dixon Knitting and the little I've seen of this one doesn't make me think they will ever disappoint me. The Potter Craft catalog includes a witty excerpt describing the dos and don't's of knitting for kids.

Knitting Noro
$27.50 | HC | October 2008
Jane Ellison
I've always been fascinated by the colors I've seen in Noro, but it alway seems I try to use the wrong Noro. Kureuon or Keuron sock are probably not the best yarns for me because I'm such a sucker for softness. Oh wait this is supposed to be about the book. Well, the book looks like an expensive 128 page Noro booklet. Which makes sense since the author is the designer of like six Noro books.

Continuous Cables
$32.50 | HC | October 2008
Melissa Lapman

While I admit I haven't knit anything out of Cables Untangled yet, I will admit to having looked at it and wondering where I was going to find the time to knit all of that. I'm totally enamoured with cables, so these two books are very much up my alley. It looks like the author came up with some of her own cable motifs for the book which is both innovative and so difficult that she might even get me to buy the book for just that reason.

INTERWEAVE
Knitted Lace of Estonia
$24.95 | PB | November 2008
Nancy Bush

GOD! I have to wait until November for this to come out!? I got to see a few pages of it at the Interweave booth and it was just tantilizing. There was a lilly of the valley pattern that i was getting close to literally drooling on. Nancy Bush is nothing but a genius with wool and I'm sure that this title is no exception.

Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn
$19.95 | PB | February 2009
Carol Sulcoski

I'm not quite sure how a book publishing in February 2009 makes it into their Fall 2008 catalog. As we all know, the challenge with handpainted yarn is to show off the awesome colors while maintaining stitch definition in a pattern. I'm not sure if they just picked a bad example or two, but the photos in the catalog kind of scare me that Interweave might have missed the mark on this one. Also, the cover looked much different in the catalog than it does on Amazon.

It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons
$12.95 | HC | October 2008
Franklin Habit

I definitely don't read the Panopticon enough. Actually, blog reading is the first thing to drop from my schedule when life gets busy (which means i haven't been reading anyone's blog as of late). I am, however, just as familiar with Dolores as the next knitter, and am quite happy to see these cartoons come together in a book! Publishing in October means this book is well poised to be just the relief a holiday knitter will require after they've never fully finished those slippers for mom....

There were also a couple of books listed in the back of the Interweave catalog that I saw and feel a growing urge to buy:

• Inspired to Knit - I think this should be coming out shortly. Flipping through an advance copy at the booth, there were certainly quite a few knits that fit my style quite well.


• Knit so Fine - I actually went out and bought this last night at The Point on my way home. I couldn't get the image of the pink cowl sweater on page 81 out of my head. There were about five other patterns in there I can see myself actually knitting as well, although, I recognize that I look better in finer gauge knits.

STEWART, TABOORI & CHANG
Custom Knits
$27.50 | HC | September 2008
Wendy Bernard

I used to read Knit & Tonic habitually . Wendy blogged quite a bit about the process of creating this book and I can't wait to see what she's come up with. The synopsis makes it seem like there are tip b oxes along the way to tell you how to make the garment your own. Between Wendy's down to earth writing style and the sample photographs in the catalog, this book is definitely going on my birthday list!

Alterknits Felt
$24.95 | HC | October 2008
Leigh Radford

I hope the photographs for this Alterknits book are in focus. Felting isn't really my thing, to be honest, but there was an ottoman that caught my eye. I imagine that if I did like felting, I might like this book.

CHRONICLE BOOKS
Picture Perfect Knits
$19.95 | PB with Wire-O | November 2008
Laura Birek

This might even get me to knit with color! Some of the projects really looked awesome, and there were bunches of hip charted designs in the back that you could use for whatever project you wanted. The instructions were fairly well illustrated and looked to be in real English (as opposed to knotted and complex English).

WORKMAN - STOREY PUBLISHING
101 Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders
$18.95 | PB | October 2008
Judith Durant

I wasn't thrilled about the first One Skein Wonder book. the second one is pretty good though. Both of them, I thought, were better than Interweave's One Skein., though mostly because the One Skein Wonder books actually do keep their projects to one skein. This luxury yarn book, however, is probably where the series should have started. Firstly, it will make an amazing gift paired with a luxurious skein of silk yarn (for example). Also, if one wants to splurge on nice yarn, but are constrained by publishing salaries. All in all, though the quality of this book is going to be determined by the patterns held within, which I'm personally hoping are more like 1010 Designer One Skein wonders.

The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques
$29.95 | HC | December 2008
Margret Radcliffe

You know, it's hard to knit with color without knitting something that ends up homely looking. I think that's one of the reasons I don't really knit with colors. this one does look like it tries hard to be too homely, though. It does look like the color pairing guide I saw looked pretty cool, but eh overall feel of the book just didn't feel like the kind of stuff I would want to knit. It did seem like threw were some kind of cool techniques that were a bit different than intarsia and fair isle, which could be cool to read about.

STERLING PUBLISHING
Lost Sock: 200 Clever ways to use Your Single Socks
$9.95 | PB | August 2008
Cynthia L. Copeland

I know it's not specifically a knitting book, but whether that sock be lost to the washer machine, or lost to your stash (you know what I mean!), this book seems to have witty, instead of practical solutions to the age old problem of what to do with that single sock.

Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions and Techniques
$34.95 | HC | November 2008

I've never bought a Nicky Epstein book, but I respect her work quite a bit. THe edge books are rather ingenious. I'm curious to see what this book has between its pages.

Sterling also has a couple more Vogue Knitting On the Go books coming up. I so rarely find anythig knit worthy in them, but figure they're worth reporting. There's one on Granny squares and one on shawls.

so I hope that's enough for you...

Represent @ BEA

Yup! That's me from the Yarn Harlot's autograph line. My sock, frolicking with her sock. She was brilliant as usual, she recognized my Roundabout Leaf Tank from Knitting Nature.

This was the second time I got the chance to go to BEA, and I have to say I liked it a lot more than the first time. The first time I was completely overwhelmed. It is quite overwhelming when you realize just how much there is there. But if you go through the show methodically, it's not so bad. The best part about the show (besides meeting the Yarn Harlot, Debbie Stoller, Kay and Ann, God, a guy wearing a giant name-tag that said his name was Scott, and neo-nazi authors - no, I'm not kidding on that one - of course) is getting to see what all the other publishers have going on for the fall. Here's a quick run down by publisher. I wish I had cover art because some of these are beautiful, but alas, since these titles don't pub until the fall, I've got nothing.

WORKMAN

Workman publishes Debbie Stoller and Workman's imprint Storey Publishing, you'll have heard of from the Yarn Harlot. I missed picking up one of their fall catalogs (cause I can be a dope sometimes), but I did pick up a sell piece for Debbie's new book coming out.
Son of Stitch'n Bitch, like always, looks stunningly hip and awesome. I wish this had been around when I was looking for sweater patterns for my brother. This seems to be in this new trend of publishing patterns for men. I'd say DK (my company!) started the most recent burst of men's knitting pattern books with Knitting With Balls by Michael Delveccio. And includes the titles (I'm not linking to them all because I'm lazy): Men who Knit and the Dogs that Love Them and Never Knit Your Man a Sweater. This book will do really well because Debbie Stoller's amazing and the style of the patterns in her book is usually pretty hip and classic at the same time.

STEWART TABORI AND CHANG

My issues with Melanie Falick aside, I really enjoyed the Harry N Abrams booth. Only problem was that the knitting books always seemed to be right behind where a meeting was taking place. The third time i dropped by, I said screw it, and wandered back (respectfully of course) anyway. I was handsomely rewarded.

KnitKnit: Profiles + Projects from Knitting's New Wave by Sabrina Gschwandtner looks to be totally awesome. A verifiable who's who of push-the-envelope knitters. I only saw a few spreads in a dummy book, but I sooo can't wait to see it!

Knitspeak by Andrea Berman Price (seriously, what's up with the compound word titles here?) seems to be a ultimate guide to pattern reading. At 4 5/8" by 6 1/2", it's sized to fit in a knitting bag on the go for when you're stuck on the tarmac with no idea of what a sskpssoktyi (slip slip knit pass slipped stitch over and knit till you're insane - I just made that up, not bad is it?) could possibly mean.

On the short list, they've also got a book on knitting scarves (My hatred for knitting scarves is a topic for another post), knitting classic styled patterns and Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by (guess who!?) Joelle Hoverson. If I ever get a sewing machine, quilting is SOOO next up!

INTERWEAVE

Interweave is obviously awesome (someone please remind me to renew my subscription before it runs out with the fall issue) because they perpetually have their finger on the knitting world's pulse. They've got quite a few books coming out this fall that look hot.

The Best of Interweave Knits is edited by Ann Budd, so you know it should be good. The best patterns, and articles are reprinted here in one tome, which is pretty awesome. My BEA cohort suggested they come up with a pattern index or something similar for their magazines and sell that as well. The woman responded quite well to it. Time will tell.

Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding also looked pretty cute. I'm sooo not a girly girl, but the items I saw from this really struck me as pretty. Four chapters show Details as luxury, Urban luxury, Feminine luxury, and Warmth as luxury. Looks like some of the projects might be good for a little stash busting too!

The shortlist at the Interweave booth includes Kimono Style, Bag Style (which looked REALLY good! Johanna and I got to see a preliminary copy of spreads and got kinda excited. I don't even like using knitted bags!), and Folk Style (which seemed a lot less folky to me than I generally consider folk, but whatever).

WATSON-GUPTILL

I've no idea what these folks even publish. I just saw yarn on a cover out of the corner of my eye and hurried to the booth to check out the title. There's a couple interesting ones here...Vintage Crochet (which looked good even for a non-crocheter like myself!) and Super Stitches Knitting which is basically a stitch dictionary it looks like.

WILEY

Didn't see a whole lot going on there, but definitely check out Find Your Style and Knit It Too by Sharon Turner, if only for the pattern my Smittin w/Knittin friend conjured up!

I'm sure you can tell it was quite the exhausting show...and that's only the KNITTING/CRAFT section I looked at!! There were quite a few other books (novels etc) there that caught my eye, some I even managed to drag a copy home with me. Maybe I'll share, if you're good!!