Pocket Book of Knitting

Claire Gelder loves all things hand-made, hand-woven and hand-crafted. She has been crafting for relaxation and fun for over twenty years.In 2015, Claire left her career as an NHS Director to launch her new business, Wool Couture, which specializes in knitting, crocheting, weaving and macrame. She quickly got her DIY craft kits on the shelves of retail giant John Lewis and, in 2017, secured two Dragons' Den investors to help her pass on her passion of crafting to the next generation. Adding a modern twist to age-old pastimes knitting and crochet, Claire uses giant, chunky yarn and oversized knitting needles made in her own factory. As well as a successful entrepreneur, Claire is also a firm believer in the therapeutic side of craft, particularly its benefits to mental health and well-being.Claire has published three books with Search Press: Mabel Bunny & Co., Bonnie the Cow & Friends and Robyn Octopus & Friends. Claire's upcoming book Pocket Book of Crochet will be published alongside Pocket Book of Knitting. Claire lives in Wakefield, UK and is proud to be continuing Yorkshire’s textile tradition. Her website is www.woolcouturecompany.com

• A little bit about me and Wool Couture 6What's in this book? 12The three steps to becoming a knitter 13Your knitting place 16What you need to start knitting 20Yarn 24Knitting needles 34Your First StitchesSlip knot 40, Casting on 44, Knit stitch 48, Purl stitch 52, Stocking stitch 54, Casting off 56, Counting rows and stitches 58, Measuring tension (gauge) 62, Weaving in the ends 66, Joining in a new ball of yarn 68, Understanding abbreviations 70, Following a pattern 74, Reading through a simple pattern 75, Bronze level project: Garter stitch scarf 76Your Next StitchesSeed stitch 82, Slipping stitches 84, Knitting into the back of a stitch 86, Herringbone stitch 88, Decreasing stitches 90, Silver level project: Herringbone stitch blanket 94Other Stitch TechniquesIncreasing stitches 100, Loop stitch 106, Mattress stitch 110, Gold level project: Loop stitch pillow 114, Rib stitch 118, Making pompoms 120, Bonus level project: Simple hat 122

Alicia Gregov, The Novel Neighbor Booklstore, St Louis, MO“Fantastic introduction to knitting! There really is a need for very clear illustrations and dialog for teaching yourself to knit and I feel like this is a good resource. I will definitely be adding this to my library.”Library Journal Starred Review by Jacqueline ParascandolaFounder of the UK company Wool Couture, Gelder (Bonnie the Cow & Friends: 20 Loveable Animals & Birds To Crochet Using Chunky Yarn) has written a welcoming book for readers who want to learn how to knit but may not know how to start. This title offers the usual fare of required tools, appropriate needle sizes, and yarn types. Beginner techniques, such as a slip knot and casting on, are the main focus. Readers are also given clear instructions for executing stitches, such as seed, slipping, and much more. The book includes four easy projects and a wonderful introduction to knitting. The illustrations that accompany each lesson rank as the best feature of this guide. All aspects of this book make this a perfect choice for knitting novices.VERDICT This book will appeal to visual learners. Best for beginners or knitters who want a refresher course.