Wendy knits lace: essential techniques and patterns for irresistible everyday lace by Wendy D. Johnson — Knitting lace doesn't have to be complicated. Even the most simple-to-learn lace knitting techniques can look extremely impressive, and a knitted lace accessory can bring a real flair to your wardrobe. There are projects for all skill levels here, and items ranging from scarves to shawls to sweaters to socks and more.

The knitting book by Frederica Patmore, Vikki Haffenden — This large book includes a wealth of information of value to beginning or experienced knitters. From tools, materials, and equipment to stitch patterns and techniques to actual projects for knitters of all skill levels, this book has it all. Bright, crisp photographs make it a treat to look at as well as being a useful resource.

Knitting in the details : charming designs to knit and embellish by Louisa Harding — There are a variety of techniques you can use to bring a little something extra to your knitting projects. This book covers embroidery, duplicate stitch, beading and a number of other such techniques. It's amazing what a difference a seemingly small effort can make.

Lacy knits : 20 delicate projects in soft, luxurious mohair-silk yarns by Alison Crowther-Smith ; photographs by John Heseltine — Knitting lace can seem intimidating, but it really doesn't have to be difficult. There are many lace stitches that are almost as simple as knitting a basic rib pattern. Lace knits feel so indulgent and can be a great way to spoil yourself or someone you care for. This book includes patterns for scarves, wraps, shrugs, and even pillows and corsages.

Closely knit : handmade gifts for the ones you love by Hannah Fettig — Are you looking for ideas for quick-to-make holiday gifts? There are a number of them in this book, as well as projects for speedier knitters or those whose gift-giving occasion is further in the future. Hats, scarves, bags, sweaters, and a few special unique items are included here.

The fleece & fiber sourcebook : more than 200 fibers from animal to spun yarn by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius — Have you ever wondered about the differences between various kinds of yarn? How is Merino defined, and what are the different types? What are all the animals from which fiber can be collected? What exactly is Cheviot? This book explains all that and much more. Large photographs make the illustrations quite clear and the background information for each type of animal and fiber is detailed and of interest to all fiber enthusiasts.

60 quick baby knits : blankets, booties, sweaters & more in Cascade 220 Superwash — Handknit clothing and items make excellent baby gifts. This book is a compilation of dozens of patterns for making such items, in sizes from newborn to toddler. All of the patterns here will work well with the title yarn, or with any baby-friendly worsted/10ply yarn.

Knitting vintage : 30 knitting projects inspired by period fashions by Claire Montgomerie — Many of us admire vintage styles, but it can be challenging to find actual vintage knits in good condition in the right size for a reasonable price. This book offers patterns for sweaters, hats, and other accessories in vintage styles inspired by the twenties through the eighties. It may be difficult to think of the 80s as vintage, but the Striped Mohair Sweater is not to be missed.

The knitter's companion : expanded and updated! by Vicki Square — If you're looking for a guide to knitting that you can keep at hand and will cover any questions you might have while you're working or learning knitting, this is a great choice. Small enough to fit in your knitting bag, this spiral bound book provides instructions with illustrations to explain all the basics. It also includes a knitting needle gauge and ruler that you can use on the go, and there are two DVDs with instructions as well.

The knitter's year : 52 make-in-a-week projects-- quick gifts and seasonal knits by Debbie Bliss ; photography by Penny Wincer — The projects in this book are categorized by season, and there are just enough of them that you can knit one a week throughout an entire year. They're also manageable projects that most knitters could expect to complete in a week or less. The items range from useful items like a pincushion and a pencil case to accents you can wear like a belt and a corsage. All the projects have a simple, refined style that can easily be embellished if desired.

Quick Nordic knits : 50 socks, hats and mittens by Ann- Mari Nilsson — Here you'll find plenty of small projects to knit, all with a Nordic look. You'll also find a quick guide to wool, the natural fiber preferred for this style of knitting. These hats, socks, mittens, and gloves are so straightforward and quick to knit up, if you start now, you could have a whole wardrobe by the time it's cold enough to need them.

Modern top-down knitting : sweaters, dresses, skirts & accessories inspired by the technique of Barbara G. Walker by Kristina McGowan ; photographs by Gudrun Georges — Many knitters prefer to knit top-down. It often comes with benefits such as requiring less finishing, fewer pieces to handle, and the ease of being able to try on things like sweaters even when you've only made a little progress so far (just slip it over your head!). This book contains patterns for sweaters, dresses, hats, and even things that might not have a traditional "top," like wraps.

Knitting block by block by Nicky Epstein — It is amazing how many projects can be constructed by using blocks. In this book, renowned knitter and designer Nicky Epstein shows 150 different blocks you can use to create sweaters, afghans, bags, scarves, and a bunch of other items. She includes so many different techniques in these blocks that even experienced knitters may learn some new ones.

Simple knitting : a complete how-to-knit workshop with 20 projects by Erika Knight ; [photography by Yuki Sugiura] — The "simple" in the title of this book refers to the fact that knitting doesn't have to be difficult, but it also points to the streamlined, unadorned style of these projects. Made from mostly earth-toned yarns and in earth-friendly fibers, these knitted objects have a modern feel.

Knitted wild animals : 15 adorable, easy-to-knit toys by Sarah Keen — If you're looking for a cuddly, cute gift for a child, it's hard to beat a handknit toy. Included here are patterns for animals including the tiger you see on the cover as well as for an elephant, zebra, panda, crocodile, snake, warthog, koala, moose, penguin and more. Also included are basic knitting instructions, tips for construction, and other helpful hints.

The very easy guide to lace knitting : step-by-step techniques, easy-to-follow stitch patterns, and projects to get you started by Lynne Watterson — Lace knitting can be intimidating. It looks intricate and time-consuming and that tiny little yarn can seem difficult to work with. All of these things can be true, but they don't have to be! This book is a great place to start (or continue, if you're already familiar) and includes instructions, tips, basic stitch patterns, and project patterns for easy lace knitting.

Vogue knitting knitopedia : the ultimate A to Z for knitters — Looking for information related to pretty much any aspect of knitting? Look no further, as this knitopedia has brief entries on just about everything, from Aran knitting to yak fiber, from bobbles to traveling stitches. This is one of those books that is both fun to flip through and useful when you need to look up something specific.

Best in show : knit your own dog by Sally Muir & Joanna Osborne — Looking for a low-maintenance pet with an extremely high cute factor? Look no further - this book has it covered. Whether you're looking for an Afghan Hound or an English Bull Terrier, a French Bulldog or a Siberian Husky, all of these breeds and many more are included. Even if you don't end up making any of these plush pets, the photos are fun to look at and may just satisfy your cute quotient.

Mastering color knitting : simple instructions for stranded, intarsia, and double knitting by Melissa Leapman — Colorwork techniques are among the most intimidating to many knitters. It's so easy to get your strands tangled, or for a carefully worked intarsia pattern to end up puckered or stretched. This book includes a lot of instructions as well as tips for making your colorwork come out looking like you hoped it would, and has twelve projects to try.

Wild color : the complete guide to making and using natural dyes by Jenny Dean — This guide not only provides instructions on how to dye your own yarn, it also includes an extensive, detailed list of plants you can use to make your own natural dyes. In addition, there is a handy chart for determining what dyeing method is best for which types of fiber, and each plant listing shows swatches of what colors you can expect to create with it. Many of these plants may already be growing in your garden!