Books and Magazines

Patterns can be previewed on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-book-of-haps

A hap is a Scottish dialect word for a simple shawl or wrap. Haps have a particular association with the Shetland islands where, for more than a century, they were knitted for everyday wear as well as for sale. Combining textile history with contemporary design, this book explores the story of the hap through five beautifully illustrated essays, and thirteen stunning patterns. While the first part of the book looks to the past for inspiration, exploring the many different contexts in which haps were made and worn, the book’s second half acts as a springboard to the future, as designers from around the world present their own interpretations of the hap.  From Nevada and Finland to Reykjavik, and Burra Isle, the patterns in these pages are as distinctive and varied as their designers’ locales. Haps may well surprise you: they can be square, triangular, or hexagonal, incorporating lace, cables, or colour. Though haps are, by definition, functional, wearable textiles, you’ll find they can also be elegant and fascinating, graphic and abstract. Whatever your knitterly interests, you’ll find the Book of Haps an endless source of inspiration and a canvas for your creativity. 

Contributors:

Jen Arnall-Culliford, Martina Behm, Roslyn Chapman, Kate Davies, Carol Feller, Lucy Hague, Romi Hill, Bristol Ivy,  Gudrun Johnston, Hélène Magnússon, Donna Smith, Hazel Tindall, Tom van Deijnen, Veera Välimäki.

Photographed by Tom Barr, on location in Shetland and mainland Scotland.

Patterns can be previewed here on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/inspired-by-islay

In this stunning new collection with her own Buachaille yarn, Kate takes inspiration from Islay’s landscape to create twelve new designs. From modern haps to traditional kilt hose; from Fairisle hoodies to cabled cardigans; from a yoke pullover to a colourful modular blanket,  the designs are arranged in four “stories” each of which explores a different island locale. With their roots in Islay’s distinctive history and culture, Kate’s designs suggest the rich breadth and depth of inspiration the island affords, from the archaeological legacy of the Lords of the Isles to the poetry and song of the Islay bards. In addition to Kate’s patterns, this book brings together beautiful photography of Islay by Tom Barr with essays by four contributors who share their varied local expertise. Gordon Yates introduces Islay’s wildlife, Anna MacQuarrie explores the important legacy of Gaelic in the island landscape, Jane Hunter explores Islay’s geology through the intriguing medium of tweed and stitches, while Susan Campbell tells us more about the island’s handcrafts. Open the pages of this beautiful book, join Kate on a journey to the Hebrides, and you too will be Inspired by Islay.

Print book plus complimentary digital download

From writer and designer, Kate Davies, comes a book that brings the creative process of hand-knit design to life in an exciting new way. In Colours of Shetland, Kate takes you on a northern journey, exploring wild and beautiful island landscapes through words, projects and pictures. Situated in the rich context of the Shetland places, wildlife, objects and people that have inspired Kate, each design in this book has its own engaging ‘colour story’ to tell.

Through the pages of this book, you will get a taste of the heritage that makes Shetland one of the world’s most knitterly destinations, and be inspired to knit with yarn that has a genuine connection to the landscape in which it is produced. Showcasing Jamieson and Smith Jumper Weight, the flagship Shetland yarn with a marvellously varied palette, each project features the clear instructions and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Kate’s designs.

Alongside ten original patterns that are a joy to make and wear, Colours of Shetland offers the hand-knitter food for thought and a feast for the eyes

Patterns can be previewed on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/colours-of-shetland/patterns

By: Alexa Ludeman and Emily Wessel (Tin Can Knits)

Join Tin Can Knits on a colourwork adventure! Whether you choose to knit one of the 12 designs, or follow the step-by-step recipe pattern to design your own colourwork yoke sweater, this collection invites you to step off the beaten path and get outside your comfort zone!

Photographed on their family road trip around Iceland, the striking knits are framed by exquisite backdrops.

Your printed copy includes a complimentary digital download code.

Patterns can be previewed on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/strange-brew

By: Kate Davies

 Kate Davies loves hat-knitting, and when she developed Milarrochy Tweed – a yarn named after one of her favourite Loch Lomond locations – she knew it was time to create a book of hat designs. Milarrochy Tweed’s complex, tonal shades make it ideal for colourwork of all kinds, so Kate invited twelve friends to join her in the challenge of creating a range of hats of rich variety and hue. Heid is the Scots word for head, and inside these pages you’ll find fifteen fabulous heids to choose from. From Ute Vos’s simple stripes to Virginia Sattler-Reimer’s complex kaleidoscopic crown; from Felicity Ford’s exuberant Featherheid to Emily Williams’ stunning double-knitted Tarradale, the heids in these pages are as varied as their creators. Established designers such as Ella Gordon and Dianna Walla meet emerging talent like Justyna Haberkowa and Sarah Mackay, drawing creative inspiration from landscape and location, flora and fauna, childhood memory and medieval architecture. With an introduction by Kate, and stunning photography around Loch Lomond by Tom Barr, this book is sure to bring you a warm and happy heid.

Your printed copy include a complimentary digital download code.

Patterns can be previewed on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/milarrochy-heids

By: Kate Davies

Knit, Read, Walk: The West Highland Way

Kate Davies and Tom Barr live by Scotland’s best-loved long-distance walking route: the West Highland Way. In this collaborative creative project they celebrate their home, their workplace, and the landscape which inspires them every day. Kate began by creating a collection of twelve hand-knit designs, each with its own distinctive story to tell. Balanced equally between garments and accessories, you might choose to knit a tweedy cardigan which echoes the mossy palette of Conic Hill, a delicate jumper recalling a favourite plant found on Rannoch Moor, or a shawl sparked by the energy of the Highlands’ first “electric village”. Each design is paired with an exploratory essay which sets Kate’s designs and inspiration in their richer context.  From Rob Roy’s romantic (mis)representation to the beautiful songs of Donnchadh Bàn; from Loch Lomond’s built environment to ways of seeing Rannoch Moor, Kate’s writing reveals the West Highland Way as, first and foremost, a social landscape with an important cultural history. Kate’s words and designs are accompanied by Tom’s stunning photography, depicting the West Highland Way in all seasons of the year. 

Why not turn these pages to walk, read and knit with Kate and Tom? Open up this book, join them on their journey, and make your own West Highland Way.

Your printed copy also includes a digital download code.

Patterns can be previewed here on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/west-highland-way

128 pp. Printed by Bell & Bain in Glasgow. 

By: Kate Atherley

From “alt” to “yrn,” knitting patterns have a unique language of abbreviations and knitting techniques. The Knitter’s Dictionary is your comprehensive resource to understanding the language of knitting in a quick-reference guide that no knitting bag should be without. For beginner and skilled knitters alike, there’s always something new to discover in your next hand knit project. The Knitter’s Dictionary puts an expert knitting instructor in the palm of your hands to help you navigate any pattern.

Within this knitting bag necessity you’ll also find:

• Over 150 illustrations showing you everything from the difference between a toque and a beret to how-to information on increase and decrease stitches.
• Handy cross references quickly lead you to exactly the information you need whether you’ve come across a new abbreviation in a knitting pattern or you’ve forgotten the steps to a long-tail cast on.
• Extended information on more challenging topics like taking measurements, understanding gauge, and fiber care instructions make this more than a dictionary–it’s important information no knitter should be without.
• Packed with bonus tips and tricks, learn the do’s and don’ts of pattern knitting making patterns easier and more enjoyable to knit!

The Knitter’s Dictionary gives knitters the answers they need when and where they need them in a precise and helpful way. Give yourself or another knitter the gift of knowledge with this must-have resource.