Erika Knight – författare

Landscapes have long provided a source of inspiration for artists and makers. From the sharp concrete edges of buildings and frosted hedgerows to seaweed strewn beaches and eroded cliffs, there is so much we can take from the environment around us.Texture explores Erika Knight's personal journey through the landscape of knitted fabrics as she examines the different habitats that have inspired her designs throughout her career. Broken down into countryside, city and coast, the core of this book is a compilation of simple knitting recipes that embrace the movement for 'slow fashion' and honour the process of craftsmanship. Each of the 20 garments will teach you how to tackle knitted texture – turn a graphic rib, an intricate lace stitch, and a travelling cable into a covetable collection of jumpers, gloves, hats and socks. Through each of the projects, you will consolidate and build upon new skills that will take your knitting further. With simple and stylish shapes, Erika dispenses her designer tips for creating a series of modern yet timeless garments. Including inspiring photography that showcases the beautiful designs, this book is the ultimate source for knitted texture and belongs on every knitter's bookshelf.

NEW IN PAPERBACKIn Essential Crochet, Erika Knight, international designer and author of the hugely popular Simple Crochet, brings crochet bang up-to-date for the modern maker. At a moment when many of us are keen to stamp our lives and our homes with a touch of individuality, these beautiful textiles are the ideal solution to indulge ourselves, to bestow as gifts and to create modern heirloom pieces. With 30 beautiful projects for homewares and accessories, Erika cleverly combines the nostalgic with the contemporary to entice beginners into this established craft and to inspire experienced practitioners to try new ideas and materials.With a complete guide to the basics of how to crochet, illustrated with step-by-step photographs, the essential crochet techniques are all that is needed to create the projects in the book. Designs are grouped thematically by style and colour palette, embracing both the modern and the traditional. They range from a basic patchwork throw made from an easy-care wool cotton in natural shades and a filet lace cushion in crisp white cotton with timeless appeal, to a contemporary tablemat made of pearlised wire and a glamorous pin-on corsage. Each pattern has been devised for the homemaker, with all instructions clearly explained so the minimal number of steps provides the maximum results.

For the very first time, leading knitwear designer Erika Knight has put together a collection of knits for men perfect for all ages and all shapes and sizes. Practical, comfortable and reliable, the sweaters, cardigans and accessories she has created for this book are sure to become 'old friends', guaranteed to be well-worn and well-loved, and perhaps even borrowed by a partner. The first section, Basics, presents strong classic shapes that are quintessentially masculine and can be worn by men of any age. From the definitive v-neck sweater to an easy-wear cardigan, the garments can be made time and time again in a variety of yarns and colourways. New Classics reworks many of the basic shapes from the first chapter, and gives them a contemporary edge. The v-neck sweater becomes a slimmer-fitting fine knit while a classic cardigan becomes patterned with cables. Items is for men who aren't afraid to make a statement with their clothes, whether it's a multi-coloured striped sweater, a herringbone patterned v-neck or an over sized super chunky sweater.The perfect finishing touch to the collection comes from some of Erika's trademark accessories - a highly adaptable basic beanie hat and two scarf patterns.

Following the success of Simple Crochet, Erika Knight has turned her attention to the novice knitter with this unique workshop-based how-to-knit book. With Simple Knitting you will learn to knit whilst creating your own accessible yet highly desirable basic projects that are at once essential and inspiring. Each of the 20 projects in the book teaches you a new skill, and builds upon and consolidates those knitting techniques already learnt from the proceeding projects, until you have mastered a wide repertoire of skills and amassed an enviable collection of gorgeous knitted items. More and more people are discovering the pleasures of knitting, yet many of today's new knitters have not had the same opportunity of previous generations to learn the necessary techniques. Who better to learn from than Erika Knight? With a series of workshop-style masterclasses which you work through as you create each knitted project, Erika guides you through all the key techniques, from plain stitches to more advanced cables and shaping, as well as broader design principles, such as putting together a colour palette. Simple Knitting provides a unique opportunity to learn the design secrets of one of the world's most highly respected knitwear designers. With inspiring photography by Yuki Sugiura that showcases each of the beautiful designs perfectly, supported with clear charts and artworks, Simple Knitting is the ultimate book to learn to knit from.