Top Knitting Books of 2010

2010 is behind us, and now that we're starting to recover from our various holidays, many knitters are gearing up to settle in with some great winter projects.

So many great books came out this past year that at times it was hard to keep up. There are so many talented authors, beautiful projects, and guides to help us finally conquer those challenging techniques, it was actually hard to narrow it down. To make sure you don't miss out on any really good ones, I've compiled a list of the top books of 2010. Grab your needles and let's get started!

The Basics

The Complete Photo Guide to Knitting : Basics, Stitch Patterns, Projects for All Methods of Knitting
by Margaret Hubert

By the same author of The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet, this book has been getting rave reviews since it hit the shelves in July of this year. It's chock full of excellent photos with clear instructions for the beginner and beyond. Covering everything from the basics and ribbing to the more complicated techniques, you can tackle lace, intarsia, cables, and even entrelac knitting. This book will be useful for years to come and would be the perfect gift for someone who has been intimidated by learning to knit.

Special Techniques

Power Cables: The Ultimate Guide to Knitting Inventive Cables
by Lily Chin

Intrigued by cables but not sure if you're ready to tackle them? This book might just convince you. This book helps to make cables easy and fun with beautiful, trendy clothes and accessories to entice and inspire as well as easy-to-understand instructions and tips on how to use cables to their best advantage.

Entrelac: The Essential Guide to Interlace Knitting
by Rosemary Drysdale

Entrelac is an interesting knitting technique with a striking, woven appearance. I've been anticipating this guide for a while, and I wasn't disappointed. Not only does it give clear instructions, with good photographs, on entrelac knitting, but it also includes tips and ideas for incorporating entrelac into pieces combined with other types of knitting. I found this particularly useful to me. When I debated learning entrelac, one of the potential drawbacks for me was it's lack of usefulness based on how overwhelming the texture can be. I was glad to see that the author resolved that issue with excellent tips and ideas. Knitters should at least check it out. Entrelac is becoming extremely popular, if Ravelry is any indication.

Knitting Block by Block
by Nicky Epstein

I admit, I covet books by Nicky Epstein. Be it crochet or knitting, she never cases to amaze me with her beautiful and informative books and this one was certainly no exception. Lots of gorgeous blocks and imaginative ideas. Admittedly, some of the blocks require a bit more assembly and attention to detail than some knitters enjoy, but the effects are breathtaking. Well worth adding to the library.

Toe-Up 2-at-a-Time Socks
Knit on One Circular Needle
by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

From the author of 2-at-a-Time Socks comes another spiral-bound book teaching a time-saving technique for socks. For those of us who like to do our socks toe-up, this guide helps troubleshoot when you're trying to learn this rewarding technique.

Knitting Brioche: The Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch
By Nancy Merchant

Brioche stitch is a unique double knitting technique that is useful for quite a few interesting effects. This book takes you through all the steps you need to know to expand your knitting with brioche. The beginning part of the book covers instructions, and then the bulk of the book is taken up with variations on the stitch using from 1 to 4 strands/colors of yarn. The last portion of the book has some really beautiful projects. I particularly liked the scarf that's on the front cover and the reversible tulp capelet. If I can ever find some time to knit one up...

Project Guides

Country Weekend Socks: 25 Classic Patterns
by Madeline Weston

More sock patterns! (I love socks). This book has some great textured and color work socks that will have you raiding the stash to tackle some portable, rewarding projects. Love colorful, challenging socks? Then you might also want to check out the next book.

Think Outside the Sox: 60+ Winning Designs from the Knitter's Magazine Contest
Edited by: Elaine Rowley

So many intriguing socks to choose from that I can't even pick a favorite. If you just got the latest Knit Picks catalog, you'll see that several of them are shown in it, showcasing their yarns.

Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker
by Kristy McGowan

Absolutely gorgeous, trendy patterns of all types, from hats to beautiful dresses. A must-see at the very least. I couldn't keep myself from buying it. To see some of the types of patterns that are in it, check it out on Ravelry. It's quite popular there.

The Knitter's Year: 52 Make-in-a-Week Projects: Quick Gifts and Seasonal Knits
by Debbie Bliss

Debbie Bliss is another favorite among knitters, and this book is chuck full of really cute projects that will have you raiding the stash. Since they're small projects, some of them can easily be considered stash-busters. One can never have too many cute stash-busting ideas, because stash-busting gives plenty of reasons for stash building!

Hopefully, these books will keep you happily knitting away as we wait to see what the best books of 2011 will be. I can safely assume I won't have any fingers left, but my sock collection will be worth it!