SMP Craft

Being a big knitter and crocheter, I am a scarf and shawl fiend! Scarves are easy and fun to knit and the perfect accessory to change up an outfit. I just love how comfy and how versatile they are. I’m such a big fan of scarves that I’m a little ashamed to admit that the enormous collection hanging on my closet door is so big that that when I try and close it, a scarf end always gets stuck poking out from the door!

Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls by Sarah Hatton contains 22 fabulous designs that you can wear all year round. My favorite part about the book is the “How To Wear” section which gives readers loads of ideas plus instructions for how to wrap, fasten, belt, or tie on your latest scarf project. In the pages above, I share with you the knitting pattern plus the “How to Wear” ideas for Sarah’s Multiway Stole. A few weeks ago I spotted this same design at Uniqlo — a large rectangular scarf with buttons up part of one side. Which made me think (as most crafters do), why buy one when I can make my own? I really hope you enjoy knitting this multifunctional and gorgeous piece. I think it’s the perfect Springtime accessory to wear — you can change the way you wear it based on the temperature outside!

Have you seen Scotland’s latest tourism campaign? It’s simply brilliant! I really can’t think of a better reason to visit Scotland than these two adorable Shetland ponies wearing Fair Isle sweaters! This is a cuteness-factor overload!

Button up, ponies! It’s chilly out there!

Alright, so it’s a bit of false advertising. I’ve been to Scotland and sadly not once in my travels did I spot a Fair Isle-sporting pony! Someone needs to fix that pronto! A few years ago there was a massive call online to knit sweaters for penguins who were affected by an oil spill in New Zealand (the sweaters prevented them from preening themselves and ingesting the oil). Why not start a campaign to knit sweaters for underdressed ponies!? I know, I know. Ponies don’t really need sweaters, but…but…I just really want to see more photos of cute squat animals wearing Fair Isle! Is that so wrong?

If you’d like to help me realize my dream of seeing more Fair Isle-wearing ponies, then have I got the book for you! The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting is not only a great introduction to Fair Isle, there are over 60 gorgeous patterns (plus ideas for variations) and 11 easy-to-make projects in the book, all containing clear step-by-step instructions, color-knitting charts, and close-up photographs. You’ll learn everything from basic two-color seeding to all-over Fair Isle pattern knitting. Check out the sample pages below to get a peek at the pattern directory (some of which I think any pony would love to wear!) I even included a Fingerless Mitts project, which I think would be a cinch to adapt into some hoof warmers!

The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting
Step-by-Step Techniques, Easy-to-Follow Stitch Patterns, and Projects to Get You Started
 by Lynne Watterson
$22.99/$26.50 Can.
144 pages, trade paperback

Knitting with Icelandic Wool (click on cover to buy)
by Vedis Jonsdottir
$29.99 / $34.50 Can.
264 pages, paper over board

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops, all I want to do is wrap myself up in a cozy sweater and sit around and read or knit all day. At 264 pages and 70 patterns, Knitting with Icelandic Wool (out today!) is packed with inspiration for your next winter project. Complete step-by-step directions are paired with clear charts for color and lace knitting, so that these warm and wonderful creations knit up easily. There are sweaters aplenty featuring the traditional Icelandic yoke, plus patterns for dresses, cardigans, hats, socks, and scarves for men, women, and children. There’s even a sweater for your dog!

All the projects are made with Icelandic wool (aka Lopi), which is a 100% pure wool yarn that is lighter, warmer, and more water resistant than other yarns. How did the yarn get these special properties, you ask? Well, because the sheep native to Iceland have developed over time a coat that gives them as much protection as possible from the harsh northern climate. A brief history of the emergence of the Lopi sweater and the wool industry in Iceland is included in the book for you yarn enthusiasts that want to learn more about this area and fiber.

Check out some sample pages below and enjoy the free pattern for the Toppur hat featured in the book!

75 Floral Blocks to Crochet (click on cover to buy)
Beautiful Patterns to Mix and Match for Afghans, Throws, Baby Blankets, and More
by Betty Barnden
$21.99/$24.99 Can.
144 pages, trade paperback

Bring the beauty of the garden indoors with our upcoming book 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet by Betty Barnden. Due out September 18, 2012, we’re giving our blog readers an exclusive sneak-peek at some of the gorgeous floral block designs that are featured in the book.

Blocks of all shapes and sizes abound: squares, triangles, circles, diamonds, hexagons, and more—all containing beautiful, eye-catching floral themes. Pair traditional blanket squares decorated with petals and rosebud accents with colorful, three-dimensional blocks featuring flowers and leaves that pop, creating interesting textures and details. There’s something here to inspire every crochet fan and is perfect for crocheters on the go. The book also includes written patterns and color charts, a crochet refresher course of basic techniques, and a creative projects section.

View and enjoy our sneak preview below!

75 Seashells, Fish, Coral & Colorful Marine Life to Knit and Crochet (click on the cover to buy)
by Jessica Polka
$21.99/$24.99 Can.
128 pages, trade paperback

A captivating collection of knit and crochet patterns taken from the shoreline and the deep!

Dive into a beautiful collection of aquatic wonders to knit and crochet—from lovely shells, lush seaweed, and eerie anglerfish, to elaborate and colorful coral reefs.
Each creature is beautifully presented in the directory at the front of the book; here they are shown living in their different habitats, including the beach, the tidepool, and the open ocean. Each is cross-referenced to the instructions chapter, where an easy-to-follow pattern, complete assembly and finishing instructions, yarn requirements, and charts for crochet designs can be found.
The book also includes a host of inspiring ideas for how to use your creations in a wide range of settings—elegant jewelry and accessories, unusual home accents, and large display arrangements.

View & download a sample project by clicking below!