Yearning for yarn?

The cold weather in Georgia makes this an ideal time to knit or crochet something warm for someone you love.  Fortunately, we have a number of wonderful books in our collection that will inspire you to pick up your knitting needles or crochet hook!

The Handknitter’s YarnGuide: A Visual Reference to Yarns and Fibers

By Nikki Gabriel

The Handknitter’s Yarn Guide is a must-read for knitters who want to understand which fiber will work best for a given project.  Author Nikki Gabriel begins by examining the yarn categories (super fine, fine, and light; medium; bulky and super bulky) and then reviews specific fibers.  For each fiber or fiber-blend, she provides detailed information. Descriptions include the general qualities of the material, the pros and cons for using a particular fiber, and its care requirements.  She also explains what projects tend to be best for a given yarn and provides the recommended needle size.

Although this book does not include patterns, knitters will find it worth their time and effort to gain a better understanding of the different fibers available in today's yarn and craft stores.  

30 Min Knits: What Can You Knit in a Half Hour or Less?

By Carol Meldrum

If you are finding it hard to reserve time for knitting during the holiday season, or if you need a few last-minute gift ideas, 30 Min Knits might be the solution to your problem. The projects are divided into two categories -- easy and intermediate.  Easy projects are meant to help beginning knitters with skill building, while intermediate projects include advanced techniques that will challenge more experienced knitters. Patterns are written using standard abbreviations, and techniques are illustrated at the end of the book.  While some of the patterns included might be a little silly (such as the Salvador Dali mustache), several are quite nice.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders

Edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman

If you are casting about for project to make as a gift for someone special this Christmas, Crochet One-Skein Wonders might be just the book for you. Editors Judith Durant & Edie Eckman have brought together patterns from crochet designers around the world. Readers will be able to choose from 101 projects, each of which uses a single skein of yarn. Patterns are organized by yarn weight and cover a broad range of projects, including mittens, scarves, purses, children’s toys and more.  Most patterns are only one or two pages long, and each is illustrated with a color photograph.  With so many choices there is sure to be at least one project that will be perfect for someone you love! 

To request these books click the titles or covers above.