Seriously essential books

Taking a break from "the ripple series" today, I'll get back to it next time.

I was surprised to learn when I returned to machine knitting at the beginning of 2011 that things had changed since the last time I had been involved with the craft. As I've written previously, my former work as a stitch pattern designer basically did not exist any more. My former agent was now selling real estate. Most of the manufacturers of semi-industrial and domestic knitting machines were no longer in business.

There were good things too. A couple of months before I officially returned to knitting, I learned that Ravery existed. I was thrilled to learn that there were several Ravelry groups devoted to machine knitting. Those groups have been invaluable in getting me (and my machine) up and knitting again.

And there was something else:  I still had my knitting books. When I yearn for the hardcore, step by step by step technical instructions that go beyond the basics, when I need theory, history and detailed information that cannot be covered in a couple of queries to the forums, I turn to the books. Old skool. Paper and print. Hard or soft cover. Books. Some of them are from the old days and I've owned them for decades. Others were written decades ago but are new to me.  I've also purchased some wonderful contemporary books. The first book has been on my shelf for years. The second was included with a new-to-me knitting machine.

In this blog I often refer to the treasure  A Machine Knitter's Guide to Creating Fabrics by Susanna E. Lewis & Julia Weissman. It's that good and deserves another mention. The book is out of print and prices for used editions fluctuate wildly. Copies are sometimes unavailable. If attempting to buy one on Amazon, check frequently. I once saw one listed for $35. Today as I write, the range is from $119 (used) to $339 (new). It originally sold for $35.95.

The book is not for the beginner. Only four machine brands (Passap Duo 80, Brother/Knitking KH 860 with KR850, Singer/Studio 360, Superba S-48/White 1602, sold under various names in different countries) are referenced in the specific instructions for swatches. However, if you are at the point where you know your way around your particular machine(s), the translation to your machine should not be difficult. What's brilliant here is the compleat presentation of knit design principles and techniques on the knitting machine. It's not just a stitch dictionary.

Neither is A Second Resource Book for Machine Knitters by Kathleen Kinder, though there are stitch patterns galore with charts for pattern cards included. There is also solid information on garment construction with patterns for basic garments and accessories. There are instructions specific to certain mechanical selection machines (Passap Duo 80, Toyota 787, Jones & Brother) as well as electronic machines (Superba 48 and Knitmaster SK500), which were new on the scene when the book was originally published in 1980. What I appreciate most about the book, however, are the "Quickie Hints and Tips" and the two excellent articles at the end of the book titled "The Mastery over the Machine" and "The History of Knitted Fashion". Used editions are usually available at a reasonable price. There exists A Resource Book for Machine Knitters, the first book in the series by the same author. I'm sorry to say I don't have a copy.

I would love to hear in the comments just what your seriously essential (machine or hand) knitting books are.