Top Five Knitting Books 2011

2011 was the year that I went knitting mad ... studying knitting patterns on Ravelry, investing in all sorts of double pins and circular needles ... and buying tonnes of yarn (online and in shops). I have a huge to-do list, a few bags containing part-finished projects and of course, i've been buying a few knitting books to help me with my 'habit'.
Here's my top five collection of knitting books bought in the past year ...

1 - The Gentle Art of Knitting - Jane Brocket
This is such a beautiful book, lots of inspiring pictures and divided into different sections - comfort, practical, charm, colour and style. If you only buy one general knitting book make it this one.

Image from Amazon

2 - 10 Simple Cosy Projects - Sarah Hatton

I've used this little book so much! Yes, the patterns are very simple, but it's well worth owning this book just to give you that extra push to get knitting. I've knitted so many pairs of wristwarmers, and fallen in love with Rowan Cocoon!

Image from Amazon

3 - 55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colourful Festive Ornaments - Arne and Carlos
I've made so many Christmas decorations since buying this book. Ok, so you can only use it at certain times of the year, but this one has defintely paid for itself already.

Image from Knit Magazine

4 - The Scrumptious Collection: Volume 1 - Fyberspates
I've yet to make something from this fabulous book, but that's mainly because I can't make up my mind whch pattern to do first. A wonderful mixture of garments and accessories.

Image from Amazon

5 - Socktopus - Alice Yu
Much as I would love to join the Knit Love Club, Alice's sock club, it's out or my budget range, but this collection of her sock designs more than makes up for it. There are great sections explaining different fibres and yarns, and the anatomy of a sock, and I love the fact that her designs are so heavily influenced by popular culture.

Image from Amazon