Books, books and more BOOKS!

Y'all are going to get sick of pictureless posts from me... especially since I have even more things to show you, but there is some important stuff in the knitting book world to talk about today!

Those of you that have been around here for a while might remember posts of "swatches" and "secret project." And it wasn't just here... it was in random blogs around the knitblog-o-sphere. Then pictures came out... and more news... and finally Jackie was able to publicly announce that yes, she was working on a book of knitting stitches that would be published in 2007.

Jackie asked a group of knitters she knew to help her make the book swatches, and I was honored that I was a part of that group. I met Jackie in summer of 2006 at Kate's and I instantly just loved her to pieces. She is funny and friendly and has this great laugh that makes you smile. And not to mention that when Jason and Kate took us out on the two person tube thingy and sped us around the lake where I am sure I was crushing Jackie (I weigh twice as much as she does!), she never once complained. So the group of us swatched... and swatched... and Jackie was able to not only keep us organized and happy, but did so in the midst of moving from Boston to New York City.

Yesterday was the official launch date of the book... A Field Guide to Knitting!

The book is a pocket sized directory of 200+ stitches, the general amount of yarn used, and the possible use for each stitch. The best part, though... did you notice I said it was pocket sized? It can go right in your knitting bag!

Now, I've read a couple of things here and there about how these are not new stitches and blah blah blah... and no one said they were. The point of the book is to have a reference that you can readily carry with you so you can utilize it when inspiration strikes. It is a wicked cute book and I am just so geeked out over being a part of the project! Jackie... I am so proud of you!!

Next book to talk about... Soft and Simple Knits for Little Ones. I didn't have a hand in its creation, but Chesley did! She helped design some of the patterns and I've got to say, this book is super super cute. Chesley did a fantastic job! I don't physically have my copy yet since I'm waiting for the release party at The Knitting Experience Cafe on December 1st (my book is there... I'm patiently waiting!), but there are at least three patterns in it that I know I will be knitting up.

And finally... The Knitter's Book of Yarn. I will be honest and say that I have not yet purchased this book for myself- I have flipped through it, and I've read excerpts from it (there was one in the Winter Interweave Knits), but everything I have read about it is incredibly positive. It seems to be a wonderful reference in yarn properties and what kinds of yarn would be good for what kinds of projects. The neatest part to me, though, is that Amy has a couple of patterns in the book!

I'm super psyched that three friends have knitting books out this fall... I'm super happy for Jackie, Chesley and Amy!! I just love you guys!!