On The Bookshelf

Its a rainy weekend, and a hot cup of lemon ginger tea is brewing. The Autumn Studio Tour is underway in Muskoka, with more than two dozen artists opening up their seasonally decorated home studios to the public. On the heels of a wild and adventurous week of extreme weather, there is still some colour in our area for the leaf peepers, through a veil of misty rain.

If you are feeling more inclined to stay indoors and view the Fall colour from a cosy sitting area, here are a few of the newest additions to our bookshelf-

One Skein by Leigh Radford, art director for Interweave Magazine has put together a fun quirky collection of thirty knit and crochet patterns, all requiring just one skein of yarn. From baby knits to felted bowls, and aimed specifically at beginners, this innovative book features quick to make projects, and is the ideal resource when it comes to deciding what to do with those leftover balls of yarn.

Knitted Gifts by Ann Budd, book editor and former senior editor at Interweave Magazine, presents a compilation of thirty patterns by top knitwear designers. Geared towards all levels of expertise and feuturing gift items for all occasions- birthday, anniversary, sympathy, bon voyage, housewarming, graduation, baby arrivals and Christmas.

Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch, author of Sensational Knitted Socks and The Little Box of Socks, has delved into Russian history and put together a collection of thirty-five mitten designs and four traditional hats. With colourful easy to read charts and great instructional visuals, this book makes mitten knitting simply irrestistable.

Gifted by Mags Kandis, Canadian author and well-known director of Mission Falls, has come out with a charming gathering of small luxury projects to knit and crochet. Thirty-four eye-catching designs are photographed beautifully and ready to work up in just an evening or a weekend. Patterns include- felted needle cases, lavender sachets, mittens, slippers, and colourful arm warmers.

Nature's Wrapture by Sheryl Thies, a teacher and knitwear designer, draws our attention to her latest collection of shawls and scarves, knit in a variety of textured and classic yarns. Twenty nature inspired styles are included to the delight of our many shawl enthusiasts.