. . . new books and products from Schoolhouse Press . . .

New and Upcoming Books

Medieval-Inspired Knits

—Anna-Karin Lundberg

Medieval-Inspired Knits is a splendid new book. Swedish designer Anna-Karin Lundberg gives us 20 of her stunning designs; sweaters, vests, jackets, scarves and gloves for men, women and children. Each pattern is accompanied by a glimpse of the painting that inspired the design, all from the richly decorated medieval churches in Uppland, Sweden.The sweaters and vests are all-over-color-patterned and our Shetland Jumper Weight wool will yield the required gauge. Hardcover w/ dust jacket, $24.95

A Legacy of Shetland Lace

—Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers, and Dyers

A collection of 21 stunning projects designed by members of the Shetland Guild of Spinners, Knitters, Weavers, and Dyers. While some are strictly traditional, others are modernized and the patterns featured have designs planned for all levels of skill and experience. Softcover, 100 pages. $49.95

Knitting with Icelandic Wool

—Vedis Jonsdottir

A splendid new book has just arrived: Knitting With Icelandic Wool by Védís Jónsdóttir. Sixty-five (yes, 65) designs; mostly sweaters for men women and children, but also coats, hats, slippers, lace and even a dog coat called "Voff." Most of the lovely sweaters are either the original traditional yoke styles, or updated versions, and some are brand new. Hardcover, 255pp. $29.95

Schoolhouse Press is listed in the book as the source for Unspun Icelandic Wool (Plötulopi) and Icelandic Laceweight (Einband). We import both wools directly from Reykjavik and the Unspun Icelandic remains one of my favorite mediums. Because it is put up in unique “wheels” of roving, knitters have a choice to knit with 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-ply (or more). A single strand can produce lace at 3 sts to the inch or a patterned cap at 7 sts to 1". 2-ply will knit most of the sweaters in the above new book; 3-ply makes a beautiful jacket or coat (amazingly warm yet lightweight) and 4-ply is excellent for blankets or Cowichan-type jackets. To the 7 natural sheep-shades of cream, browns, greys, and black, we have added the 11 dyed colors.

Knit Real Shetland

—15 Knitting Projects in Real Shetland Wool from Jamieson & Smith

Full instructions for beautiful designs from 14 knitters: mittens, a waistcoat, tam, hats, a tunic, tea cosy, lace scarf, and sweaters - both patterned and plain. All interspersed with lovely photographs of local landscapes and artifacts. With an introduction by Kate Davies. Softcover. 80 pages. $34

For the true Shetland Islands experience, add Real Shetland Yarns below, a collection of wool and sheep stories in Shetland dialect.

Real Shetland Yarns: A collection of wooly tales and memories

A "Real Shetland Stories" competition was held on the Shetland Islands during Wool Week, 2011. Over 100 entries were received and were whittled down to the 40 sheep and wool tales collected in this book. Many are written in Shetland dialect, which is a mixture of Norse, Lowland Scottish and English--and, thoughtfully, a Glossary is provided at the end.

Here are two examples: "Memories flood back ta da bonnie isle in the 1960s when I wis a peerie lass."

"I never kent me granny, who died boost afore Mam and Dad got married. Day aye spoke about hit in quiet, loving wirds and I did think, "wish I could o met her, joost fur a peerie cuddle."

Each story is accompanied by a snapshot; some very touching, indeed. Softcover. 98 pages. $45

Knitting with Two Colors

—Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen

Meg Swansen and Amy Detjen, both master knitters, have been working with color techniques for decades. Knitting with Two Colors not only presents the knowledge they have gathered but also expands on it with a generous amount of original color knitting techniques developed by Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Amy Detjen, Joyce Williams, Janine Bajus, and Cully Swansen.

The book is a two-color knitting workshop for beginner to advanced knitters and a companion to the multitude of color patterns and color charts available in our knitting world. You will find extensive instructions for custom sizing and centering patterns, as well as step by step direction to help you design and knit multiple styles of two-color garments. 64 pages. Detailed photos and examples throughout. $24.95

Creative Knitting: A New Art Form

—Mary Walker Phillips

In the new and expanded version of Creative Knitting, Mary Walker Phillips provides inspiration for producing large works--hangings-that she knitted as gallery and office-building installations. Instructions are included for some obscure and intriguing knitting techniques. Softcover. $24.95

Knitting Counterpanes

—Mary Walker Phillips

We are always pleased to see the return of valuable, classic books such as this. Total of 46 motifs and 32 lace edgining and, should you choose not to knit 86 identical pieces for a bedspread, knit one motif at a time and turn them into tam o'shanters. Softcover. $16.95

Designs and Patterns from Muhu Island: A Needlework Tradition from Estonia

—Anu Kabur, Anu Pink, Mai Meriste

This extraordinary tome is for those intrigued by traditional knitted garments, charts, photos, and lore. If you love visual and verbal data about historical textiles, including embroidery and crochet, then this book is for you. We have only a small supply. This is a 384 page book!

Hardcover. $135

Norwegian Mittens and Gloves: 25 Classic Designs for Warm Fingers and Stylish Hands

Annemor Sundbø

A new book from this author is always a cause for celebration. Annemor has become the contemporary voice for traditional Norwegian knitting. For decades she has been preserving and studying knitted artifacts and has collected nearly 1,000 different mittens (as well as scores of mitten fragments). Her newest books presents a wonderful cross section of mitten and glove designs with advice on how to adapt the motifs for hats, sweaters and pillow covers.

Hardcover. $24.95

Bauerliches Stricken 1/2/3

The elusive trio of splendid pattern books by Lisl Fanderl, Bäuerliches Stricken 1, 2 and 3, has just been enhanced and reprinted. Frau Fanderl has been referred to as the Barbara Walker of Bavaria, and, indeed the three books are a treasure trove of patterns collected from Bavarian, Austrian and Swiss museums. Each motif is accompanied by a photographs and a chart.

The new printing has been expanded to include color photographs of jackets, vests, socks, etc. References and folkloristic notes have been added as well to create an essential guidebook and a valuable source of inspiration. In German.

Bäuerliches Stricken 1: Traditional patterns from the alpine region

Bäuerliches Stricken 2: Stockings, jackets and vests made from traditional patterns from museums and privately owned

Bäuerliches Stricken 3: Patterns from townspeople of Bolzano, Innsbruck, Vienna, Laufen, Salzach, Noerdlingen, Eichstaett, as well as from the monestaries of Niederalteich and Frauenchiemsee

Set of 3 books, Hardcover. $135

Knitting Around the World: A Multistranded History of a Time-Honored Tradition

—Lela Nargi

Here is the history of knitting around the globe, an examinination of the styles and techniques of particular countries and regions - including England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Japan, Australia, Canada, United States, Peru, Bolivia, and more. 20 profiles of historically significant knitters --plus 20 patterns that exemplify knitting traditions from around the world. $35

Working with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy & The Cowichan Sweater

—Sylvia Olsen

This wonderful book covers the complete history of an iconic hand knitted garment that has held sway - on and off - since the early 1900s. Thickly hand spun from natural, unprocessed wool, the resulting sweaters are both warm and water repellant.

Originated by the Coast Salish women, the story of Cowichan sweaters tells us of the knitters as they "... experienced grinding poverty, destructive racism, government paternalism, and cultural appropriation, but they battled back, using their sweaters to survive and to disprove the stereotypes that excluded them from the mainstream society and economy." Spectacular old photos are plentiful and the narrative is most engaging. And new, including the Big Lebowski in his shawl collared replica of a Cowichan jacket.

Hardcover, 328pp, $38.95

The Haapsalu Scarf

—Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi

A new treat is in store for lace knitters: The Haapsalu Scarf, Square
& Triangular Lace Scarves from Estonia will reach our shores by
early December. By the same team who produced the magnificent Haapsalu Shawls book (now out of stock until mid-summer): Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi.

This new work has (to quote the blurb), "Historic shawls from Haapsalu: patterns of retained shawls in museums and collections. Three ways to knit triangular shawls. Patterns of triangular shawls by masters from Haapsalu. ...more than 40 different patterns for square shawls and nearly 20 triangular ones. You can find precise designs with certain number of loops that saves the knitter the trouble of matching patterns together. No pattern is repeated from the previous book." 272 pages, large hardcover, $75.00

The Haapsalu Shawl

—From Estonia

During the past decade we have been thwarted in our attempts to reprint the near-legendary Estonian shawl book, Pitsilised Koekirjad. 

However, last year a new lace book was published - in Estonian ... but we had only to wait a short time to see it appear in English.

This lovely new book has an introductory section on the history of lace knitting in Estonia, with plenty of photographs. Then on to techniques accompanied by large, clear illustrations. The stitch dictionary is extensive with clear photos and charts (128 of them) for each motif and the book is peppered with encouraging full page photos of finished shawls. Hardcover, $60.00

Traditional Knitting

—Michael Pearson

As more and more new knitters take their craft to higher and higher levels, the call for traditional books has become clear. Michael Pearson's lovely book of Arans, Fair Isle, and Ganseys will be back in print in the spring (2013). Unknown Publication Date; Preorder now. $19.95

The Principles of Knitting

—June Hemmons Hiatt

The Principles of Knitting has long been sought after and is back in print after a long hiatus. Not only is the book back, it is also completely redesigned and rewritten with new instructions and illustrations. Author, June Hemmons Hiatt has added knowledge gained during the last twenty-five years. Hardcover.704 pages. $45.00

Charts for Color Knitting

—Alice Starmore

Alice Starmore is renowed as one of knitting's top colorists. Her patterns for color knitting are awe inspiring and now her previously out of print charts for color knitting are back.

$19.95

See other Alice Starmore books in Aran and Fair Isle Books.

Knit One Knit All

—Elizabeth Zimmermann's Garter Stitch Designs

One of Elizabeth Zimmermann's dreams was to publish a book of her garter stitch designs. Though she proffered the idea to her primary publisher, and though the idea floated around their office for years, ultimately the project was not undertaken. In one of the publisher's letters that seemed promising, Elizabeth had written an exclamation of joy in the margins, and it seems fitting to us to fulfill her wish for a garter stitch book.

As we looked through Elizabeth's designs, we found a wealth of material, much of it little known or unknown to knitters. Further, we were intrigued and excited by the unique construction of some of these "new" designs (equal to her classic baby surprise jacket). You will find sweaters, coats, jackets, and vests for adults and kids, baby garments, plus a wonderful array of small projects including sideways gloves and socks, several brimmed hats, an ingenius pattern for knitted clogs and more. $32.00

See other Elizabeth Zimmermann books in General Knowledge Books.

Norwegian Knitting Designs

—Annichen Sibbern Bøhn

This long out of print book is back. It includes the original traditional Norwegian knitting charts gathered by author Annichen Sibbern Bøhn during a journey through Norway and is supplemented by Terri Shea's tips on substituting charts into existing patterns and designing new projects using the symbolic meanings of folk (and modern) motifs. 80 pages. Softcover. $19.95

See other Scandanavian Books.

Estonian Sock Patterns All Around the World

—Aino Prakkli

This new book by Aino Praakli, author of the wonderful Estonian Mitten book (see below), has nearly 100 traditional sock patterns including many designs and historical background from the rich collection in the Estonian National Museum. Hardcover. $40

Estonian Mittens All Around the World

—Aina Praakli

This lovely new book, (Eesti Labakindad Ilma Laande Laiali) from Estonia is written in Estonian and English. The author has undertaken extensive research to provide us with photos of 175 different Estonian mittens plus a chart and construction details for each - as well as the name of knitter (when possible). It is Aina Praakli's dream to see the knitted treasures of her culture spread around the world; we are more than happy to help in this effort. Hardcover, 240 pp, $40.00

Around the World in Knitted Socks

—Stephanie van der Linden

Amazing new sock books keep appearing; here are 26 different sock designs representing over 20 countries, including some stunning color-patterned work. Softcover. $24.95

Spinning Around: Spinning, Dyeing & Knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann's Classics

—Jeannine Bakriges

Master spinner (and dyer/knitter), Jeannine Bakriges worked for years to compile this beautiful and informative book. The book includes extensive technical information on spinning, notes on natural and solar dyeing, including setting up a dye studio, and knitting patterns by Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen including: Sock-Toe Scarf, Halter Top, I-cord Gloves and Hat, Knit-Stitch Pullover, Very Warm Hat, 3-Cornered German Shawl,Circular Brioche Watch Cap, Headband, Kliban Hat, Moccasin Socks, Epaulet Jacket, Jogger’s Mitts, Moebius Vest, Dickey, Knee Socks, Moebius Scarf, Balaclava Helmut, Bohus Sweater & Hat, Pillbox Hat, and the Mananita. From fleece to knitted garment, Spinning Around is an incredible journey. Softcover. $29.95

Diagonal Knitting (New)

—Katharine Cobey

I have long admired this remarkable and innovative knitter, teacher and sculptor. Her imagination and intelligence ooze from the pages of this new book. Follow Katharine's guidance for simple knitting techniques and shaping insights to knit your own unique garments - from dramatic and splendid coats, to sweaters, scarves, shawls, etc; all diagonal and seamless. The power of some of Katharine's gallery installations in the final chapter bring me to tears. Softcover. $35

Wrapped in Lace: Knitted Heirloom Designs from Around the World

—Margaret Stove

Margaret Stove's new book is a dream for lace knitters. Stove inspires us with the elegance of her designs--from a shawl so delicate it can be slipped through the center of a wedding ring to contemporary works. Stove is a known lace master and includes the traditions of lace designing from the Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, Orenburg and more throughout her works. 12 projects and plenty of technical instruction, including how to repair and knitted lace. Softcover. $26.95

Knitters Almanac Commemorative Edition

—Elizabeth Zimmermann

Dover is celebrating EZ's hundredth birthday with a special edition of Knitter's Almanac. Embellishments include: All new color photographs of ma's designs by contemporary knitters; wonderful intro by Stephanie Pearl McPhee; a 1974 letter from Barbara Walker to EZ; new and extensive Index; Feb Lady Sweater instructions, preface by me AND an Andrew Wyeth painting which includes EZ's Maltese Fisherman's Hat. Hardcover. $24.95

Love Darg Shetland Shawls

—Sharon Miller

A treasure for lace knitters. Sharon Miller's newest book. Love Darg Shetland Shawls, has arrived (Darg is a Scottish term for the produce of a day's work). Directions are given for both the 1909 and 1910 versions of the traditional shawl that Miller found in Aunt Kate's Home Knitter booklet. 56 pages filled with charts, lace tips, and photographs, as well as reproduction of the 1910 Home Knitter with Sharon's charts accompanying the original photographs and verbal instructions. $47

The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting

—Rae Compton

We find it very encouraging that classic knitting books are being reprinted in such great number. In this 1983 British book, the author delves into techniques and patterns of traditional knitted garments from the UK, Shetland, Turkey, Scandinavia, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greece and more. You will find a wealth of charts, photos and technical drawings. Softcover. $14.95

Norwegian Patterns for Knitting

—Mette Handberg

Be prepared to gasp at a slew of rich and beautiful classic/contemporary Norwegian charts and garments. Translated into English with complete instructions and charts as well as a wealth of inspiration.  Hardcover. $24.95

Portuguese Style of Knitting

—Andrea Wong

Portuguese Style of Knitting includes a brief history of Portugal and its crafts of knitting and spinning. Andrea's travel photos open a window on the colorful world of Portugal. Detailed images and explanations offer knitters the opportunity to practice this style of knitting—a style that, once mastered, is easy on the hands and relaxing. Andrea also offers ten garment patterns that she designed specifically to practice different aspects of Portuguese-style knitting. These are inspired by traditional garments as well as the richly patterned environment of Portugal. Softcover. $24.95

Omas Srickgeheimnisse

—Erika Eichenseer, Erika Grill and Betta Krön

Not new, but back in stock after a long lapse! This wonderful book contains some spectacular and unique stitch patterns for both lace and texture; some of which I had never seen before.There are 200 motifs altogether; each photographed and charted - with 2 charts per motif: one for flat knitting and one for circular (!). Prepare your brain to learn some new chart symbols. I know - we all wish for a universal charting system - but we do include an English translation for the symbol definitions (with thanks to Renate Baur). Hardcover. $35

Knitting In Art

—Annemor Sundbø (translated by Carol Rhoades)

Annemor Sundbø's beautiful new book, Knitting in Art, is aptly titled - with "Art" encompassing history, paintings, carvings, politics, religion, classic sweater charts, embroidery, nether garments (and other 'unmentionables'), plus the author's passion for garments, remnants, and artifacts rescued from ragpiles. Written in Norwegian and English, side by side (translated by Carol Rhoades), the book is richly laden with photographs, drawings and charts. There are good guidelines for constructing a classic Norwegian Dropped-Shoulder sweater plus how to execute that stunning, traditional embroidery around the collar and cuffs. Another treasure from this Norwegian treasure. Softcover, 200pp, $68