What to Make Next: The Yarn Barn of Kansas List of Great Project Books

The best project books not only combine gorgeous designs with clear instructions, they also expand your fiber-arts horizon with a trip to a new part of the world, a collection of the best ideas of fellow crafters, an in-depth tour of a great technique, or the chance to incorporate your favorite non-fiber hobby. Here are some of the best project books that the Yarn Barn of Kansas loves to share.

Crochet

• The Tunisian Crochet Handbook by Toni Lipsey
  A collection of wearable designs from complete novice to accomplished crocheter skill levels. Features 20 patterns.

Knitting

• Knit Like a Latvian: Mittens by Ieva Ozolina
  
  Colorwork handcoverings with a traditional shape and graphic, surprisingly modern patterns. Features 50 patterns.

• Nordic Sailor’s and Fishermen’s Sweaters by Lotte Rahbek and Gitte Verner Jensen
  
  With simple shapes and classic motifs, these historically inspired sweaters look like the best of contemporary Scandinavian knitwear. Features 23 patterns.

• Traditional Danish Sweaters
  
  Based on nattrøjer (night sweater) patterns, this collection of includes 11 complete designs and 200 charted motifs to customize your own sweater.

• Charming Colorwork Socks and Joyful Colorwork Socks by Charlotte Stone
  
  Sweet sock patterns, many whimsical, for any season or mood. Each book includes 25 sock patterns.

• The Sock Project and The Sock Obsession by Summer Lee
  
  A variety of colorwork, texture, and plain designs with instructions for several construction methods. Lee’s basic sock pattern is a mainstay at Yarn Barn! Each book includes 25 sock patterns.

• 52 Weeks of Accessories from Laine
  
  One of the generous pattern collections from the Finland-based publisher, this collection includes projects from a number of desigers. Other books in the series include Socks (volumes I and II), Easy Knits, and Scarves.

Weaving

• Interlaced: The Weavers' Guild of Boston Celebrates 90 Years of Friendship and Education
  
  With projects for bags, scarves, rugs, and more, this collection brings together ideas from the distinguished group.

• Sixty Scarves for 60 Years from the Weaver’s Guild of Greater Baltimore
  
  With most of these projects using 8 shafts or fewer, the collection explores the huge array of creativity of the guild’s members.

• The Best of Yarn Barn
  Gathering the top-selling designs in the store’s 50-year history, the collection includes patterns that Susan Bateman, Melissa Parsons, and the Yarn Barn staff know produce great finished projects. Includes 25 projects.

• Doubleweave by Jennifer Moore
  
  Moore’s definitive book on the doubleweave technique hides a collection of inspiring projects—the kind you’ll want to make even if the technique isn’t your favorite. Features 12 projects.

• Overshot Simply

• Crackle Weave Simply

• Shadow Weave Simply

• Summer & Winter Simply
  Weaving Hand Towels Simply
  
  Each book in this series by Susan Kesler-Simpson begins with an exploration of each structure, followed by 25–38 projects to inspire your own exploration.

• Handwoven Baby Blankets

• Handwoven Table Linens

• Rags to Rugs

• Weaving with Clasped Weft
  Renowned teacher Tom Knisely presents project collections with ideas to spark your own creativity. Each includes 27–33 projects.

• Rigid-Heddle Weaving: Basics and Beyond by Deborah Jarchow
  
  With weaving instructions and designs for a wide variety of projects, this book helps weavers get the most from a simple loom. Includes 31 projects.

Dyeing

• Botanical Cyanotype by Sarah Bourne Rafferty
  If you only experimented with sun prints as a child, you may be surprised not only at how gorgeous these botanical prints can be but also by the fact that you can make the solutions yourself. The book includes 14 projects as well as basic methods.

Listen to our chat and tell us: What are your favorite craft books that inspire you to get making?

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Learning how to weave but need the right shuttle? Hooked on knitting and in search of a lofty yarn? Yarn Barn of Kansas has been your partner in fiber since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from the Yarn Barn of Kansas, or around the country, they are truly your “local yarn store” with an experienced staff to answer all your fiber questions. Visit yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.