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

Join us at 7pm every second Monday of the month for Knit Night in the Community Room.
All handcrafters of all skill levels are welcome. If you'd like to learn how, bring some needles and yarn and chances are someone will be happy to teach you. Bring your works-in-progress and your finished objects to show off! Knit Night is a casual, friendly evening, so drop in for some good conversation and handcrafting.