French Girl Knits: Innovative Techniques, Romantic Details and Feminine Designs by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes

The nearly twenty patterns in this book all have two things in common: they are fitted to a woman's curvy shape and they have subtle feminine details that make them special. Also included are detailed instructions for tailoring and achieving the kind of fitted looks seen in this book. These garments are beautiful and fit a variety of body types; despite the cover, the models inside vary in size and shape and all the garments accentuate one's positive aspects.

The Knitter's Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber by Clara Parkes
Wool is one of the most-used fibers for knitting and this book contains all the info you could possibly want to know. There are dozens of varieties of wool outlined here, as well as advice for handling and use and twenty patterns that show off the beauty of this natural fiber.

Aware Knits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher by Vickie Howell and Adrienne Armstrong
Many popular knitting patterns are designed to take advantage of and show off the myriad of man-made fibers available today, but a lot of crafters prefer to be more environmentally responsible. The patterns in this book are designed to highlight the beauty of natural fibers and even some creative materials like reused newspaper. These projects are not only eco-conscious, they are lovely and useful.

Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Summer on Blossom Street

Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street books have many fans and now you can knit and crochet ten projects inspired by the series. This book is designed with ease in mind - the print is large and you can easily refer back to the patterns without losing track of the stitches on your needles. The patterns are simple yet elegant and range from beginner to intermediate skill level.

Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
What is art? Is knitting good for more than sweaters and scarves? This book takes a detailed look at the subversive movement of beautifying public spaces and objects with handmade art pieces. This book includes instructions, tips, and techniques, as well as patterns for traditional projects like sweaters and gloves. Teach yourself to knit and decorate your world.

Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids by Susan B. Anderson

The handknit toys featured in this book are cute, classic, and are sturdily constructed. It's a winning recipe for both the knitter who makes one and the child who is the recipient. There are a wide variety of creations here, including a bunny, koala mama and baby, a monkey, nesting boxes, and more. The last section even includes some reversibles, like a cat that turns into a mouse and an egg that turns into a bluebird nest.

Men's Knits: 20 New Classics by Erika Knight

It's not always easy to find knitting patterns for men's garments that actually look like clothing your husband, brother, or other real-life man might wear. In contrast, these patterns are all wearable, designed for comfy fibers in masculine colors and without any frilly or fussy details. As a bonus, these patterns are very easy to follow and don't involve any advanced techniques.

All New Homespun Handknit: 25 Small Projects to Knit with Handspun Yarn by Amy Clarke Moore

Knitting with handspun yarn is a treat, but it's also quite different from knitting with machine-spun yarn. It's not necessarily consistent in texture and thickness and it often surprises you as it knits up. The patterns offered here are perfectly suited to handspun and are, as the title says, small, which is also perfect as you often only have a limited amount of handspun in any given colorway.

Fairy Tale Knits: 32 Projects to Knit Happily Ever After by Alison Stewart-Guinee

Fairy tales are the source of so much pleasure, wonder, and imaginative play for children, and the patterns contained here are fanciful without sacrificing wearability. From the Snow Queen to Robin Hood to magic carpets, these projects explore classic fairy tale characters that are staples of playing dress-up. The garments are for the most part versatile enough for everyday wear as well, which will delight everyone who sees them.

Haiku Knits: 25 Serenely Beautiful Patterns Inspired by Japanese Design by Tanya Alpert

Alpert has filled this book with gorgeous garments that are elegant in their simplicity. She uses a wide variety of types of yarn for a beautiful range of textures and effects. All of the patterns are inspired by natural elements, from a flickering flame to ripened wheat to a hazy moon. The book is also put together expertly, with close-up photos that truly show off the beauty of each piece.

Faith, Hope, Love, Knitting: Celebrating the Gift of Knitting with 24 Beautiful Patterns by Lorna Miser
This book of patterns by the founder of Lorna's Laces (drool-worthy fibers available locally at the Old Village Yarn Shoppe) includes patterns for socks, mittens, sweaters, stuffies, and even how to make your own decorative knitting needles. Interspersed with the patterns are brief stories explaining how Miser came up with the pattern and how it connects to her life.

Feminine Knits: 22 Timeless Designs by Lene Holme Samsøe
Filled with mostly sweaters and jackets, this book offers delicate, girlie knits you can craft by hand. Many of the patterns feature lace and other decorative elements that give the garments something special. While feminine, most of the garments also appear sturdy enough for everyday wear.

HatHeads: 1 Man + 2 Knitting Needles = 50 Fun Hat Designs
by Trond Anfinnsen, photography by Klaus Nilsen Skrudland

Knitting a hat is very satisfying because it follows a predictable, easily memorized pattern and it is nearly instant gratification - a few hours and you're done! This book offers 50 variations on a basic skull cap. Make one and you're on your way to an infinite number of possibilities. Pick up your favorite yarn and go!

Vogue Knitting Beginner Basics

This small book is the perfect beginner guide. It's so compact that you can easily put it in your knitting bag with your project and take it wherever you're going. The instructions for learning how to knit are clear and the accompanying illustrations make things easy to understand. The basic projects range from very-first absolute beginner level to some items that are a little more involved for someone who has been knitting for a while.

The Alchemy of Color Knitting: The Art and Technique of Mastering Exquisite Palettes by Gina Wilde
There are so many beautiful fibers available for knitting in retail shops and online, but sometimes it can be challenging to combine colors for a pleasing finished product. This book includes a wide variety of projects with a wide variety of color combinations and offers tips on how to combine colors successfully. I've been wanting to learn how to embroider on my handknits, and I think that the Somewhere Over the Rainbow Gloves may be my first attempt.

Knitting in Tuscany: Fabulous Design, Luscious Yarns, Shopping Secrets, Food & Wine, Travel Notes by Nicky Epstein
Knitting guru Epstein returns with a gorgeous book that is equal parts travel guide and pattern book. Filled with stunning photographs, it at times resembles a scrapbook of the author's experiences in this ever-inspiring corner of the world. The patterns range from elegant to rustic, but all evoke the beauty and old-world charm of Tuscany.

Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys includes instructions for knitting a variety of adorable hats for newborns, babies, and toddlers. The patterns vary from very basic beginner level to more advanced, and all of them are mega cute.

One ball knits: Purses: 20 stylish handbags made with a single ball, skein, hank, or spool by Khadija Fatema and Hajera Habibur-Rahman
The title says it all - this book includes knitting instructions for 20 purses, each requiring just one skein of yarn. There are five patterns for each season, and styles including totes, satchels, coin purses, duffels, clutches, and more.

Whether you already know how to crochet or are looking for a new hobby, I definitely suggest checking out Amigurumi World : Seriously Cute Crochet. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and it doesn't get much cuter than this!

Knit Night is Monday, March 9 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Drop in to enjoy time with other handcrafters of all ages. Compare projects, ask for help with a tricky stitch, or learn how to knit! Crochet, embroidery, and other handcrafts are also welcome.

photo by Todd Huffman used under Creative Commons license