The Essential Stitch Collection
591734
This book has a fantastic collection of stitches and the photography is quite good.  Unfortunately only a small percentage of the patterns have row-by-row instructions.  Most of them only have charted instructions instead which are much more difficult to follow.  I probably won't get much use out of this book.
2948163
This book has recently been put back in print; the previous edition was so coveted and scarce that copies were extremely hard to come by and very expensive to buy used. Why is a book of 125 pages of black and white charts so desirable? First, it's put together by that master of Fair Isle (two color per row knitting), Alice Starmore, who is known for her exquisite colorwork interpretations of traditional Fair Isle knits. Her books are treasured around the world.

If you like to knit, you may be the sort that branches out from recipe-patterns and adapts them to your own tastes, or you may be a designer who starts from scratch or nearly from scratch and wants a source of two color patterns to blend into a knitted design.

The patterns run from the traditional geometric OXO Fair Isle with "Peeries" or the smaller, narrow bands with small stitch repeats, going only up a few rows. These are traditionally put between bands of the larger OXO. There are also patterns derived from nature: flowers, birds, berries. Of course, there are pictures of finished work to give you inspiration or just for the joy of their beauty.

In particular, if you are an aficionado of colorwork, there are patterns that are derived from various cultures such as the Peruvian motifs and my personal favorite, the geometric designs of the Komi, Sami, Latvian, Estonian and other northern peoples from Eastern Europe and Western Asia. These designs are particularly interesting as they take advantage of a peculiarity of stockinette (flat) knitting done either circularly (all knit) or knit-purl flat knitting. In this case, the stitch to row ratio is 5:7 meaning if you do five rows, it takes seven of them to make a square bit of knitting. But these folk designs, which look like large diamonds with fronds or branches, make perfect squares sitting on their points due to the way knitting works up. They are often seen on hats or mittens. The design is said to be a geometric representation of the sun and its rays.

In addition to band patterns (run horizontally), there are center panel patterns (run vertically). And there are all-over patterns, useful for blankets and sweater bodies.

This book has been long awaited to come back on the shelves and it's one book I consider a MUST-HAVE reference if you do any of your own knit designing or modification of existing patterns. Now it's available for all and that's a really good thing. This book of patterns is one I highly recommend for anyone who loves colorwork.
4518167
Though this book is not exhaustive like other similar titles, I really like what is in the book.  The pictures are very clear; I think what I like most is that the pictures are in color.  It makes it far easier to see the stitches and how the resulting stitches will look once finished. It is a very good reference and addition to my library.
2894679
See the Images I have uploaded above.  It's difficult to choose what of the kabillion books to get to perfect and enhance your needlework without being able to browse through a prospective purchase.  And you should definitely purchase this book.

I am a self-appointed expert in needlework books because: 1) I own about 800, 2) I've been an avid needleworker all my life, 3) I analyze and review books.  Most important, I am constantly searching for and trying new techniques to embroider.  This keeps my interest alive and my walls and gifts filled with pleasant and exciting projects.  I entered an intense bell pull...<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Unfinished-Sampler-125-Cross-n-Patch/dp/B0018OU2LE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Unfinished Sampler #125 (Cross 'n Patch)</a>&nbsp;in the Wisconsin State Fair and won all the blue 1st class and best-in-show ribbons.  This bell pull had over 100 different stitches in hardanger, hemstitch, drawn thread, pulled thread, surface and insertion stitches, etc.  I took a class on a lark to expand my horizons and wound up with a beautiful piece of art proudly hanging in my living room.  It was far simpler to stitch than it looks.  When I found Pageant in Patterns, this heavy 510-page tome, I was overjoyed at what it contained.

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS I OWN.  I don't say that lightly.  By "important," I mean that Pageant of Pattern is one the groundbreaking books from the 1960's and 70's that was in reaction to and helped foment the upsurge in interest in embroidery.  Hundreds of books on embroidery were published during this period--happily, most authored by women.  Not since Therese de Dillmont in the late 1800's and Mary Thomas in the 1930's has been written such a comprehensive and expansive book than this one.  Maggie Lane, a wonderfully prolific author herself, diagrammed over 600 stitches/combinations for Sherlee Lantz who discusses needlework (it goes beyond just needlepoint) in very practical terms with an emphasis on historical origins.  Most important, this book is so clearly written and drawn that you will feel compelled to design your own sampler just for the joy of trying your hand at something new.

Look at the Images again.  There are 2 fold-outs in the book, one including MOST but not all of a sampler of squares.  The squares are in different sizes and I didn't stop to count them but the sampler is roughly 33 squares by 8 squares--over 260.  There are color plates of antique samplers, current works, museum pieces and the detailed history of stitching is rewarding.  Ms. Lantz consulted museum curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum--both in NYC--as well as many in other states.  She scoured books on the subjects and provides a substantial bibliography.  (I should know...I own most of them.)  She includes world-wide design patterns which will broaden your views of the beauty in embroidery in other countries.  I didn't upload it, but one color plate shows a long sampler from 1859 that was rescued from a DUMPSTER in Vienna, currently in the Ferman-Foy Collection in NY.

There are many, many sellers who offer this book on Amazon.  Please shop around and find a good bargain.
3901854
This book is filled with a great collection of snowmen embroidery patterns that are then used on a variety of small to large quilt projects. My favorite is the needle book perfect for holding all your blue floss and needles when taking these stitching projects on the go.
2278315
Book arrived in good time.  As advertised, it was in almost new condition.  It is now a cherished part of stitchery library.
3145559
Awesome collection of patterns by a talented designer.  If you are an intermediate to advanced knitter and love to knit cardigans and pullover type sweaters, you should check out this publication.  It's full of items that I can't wait to knit.  Some will be made with Noro yarns as suggested  and some with other equally good brands. These designs will look awesome in solids, tweeds or those that self stripe.  As soon as I got the book, I went through and wrote down the yardage requirements for every pattern that I intend to knit for myself.
1384340
This is a gorgeous collection of just about every knitting stitch you could ever want. From cables, to bobbles, to delicate Spanish lace...it's in there. The directions are clear, including charts and specific stitch count so that you can use the patterns to design your own garments. If you don't already own it, you should...as well as all of Barbara Walker's other collections of knitting patterns!
1227095
WOW!  This is a great book.  I just bought it after reading bits and pieces of it from a copy I borrowed from our library.  It has Scandinavian, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, and North Atlantic Islands (Facroe and Iceland).  It has patterns for Jerseys, Gloves and Mittens, Stockings, and Caps.  It also has a number of stitch patterns to use in your project.  It's a wonderful book to add to your knitting collection.
690266
This is a good book to have in your colletion of references.  Has many stitches that a beginner can use.
668856
A compilation of all the basic stitches you'll need to create something beautiful......use your imagination!
652606
This is a beautiful, hard-cover book with excellent projects, well-written instructions and very pretty pictures.  I have been crocheting for years, but I simply had to have this book in my collection.  It has very specific instructions for every stitch imaginable and is an excellent reference book to have on hand!
2054607
The book was first published by John Murray (Publishers)Ltd, London in 1983, now in its fourth printing, has 243 pages.
This is an authoritative, comprehensive and fully illustrated publication covering the Victorian and early Twentieth Century periods. This book is aimed at collectors who want a guide to help them identify a particular piece as well as those who want a more general history of needlework tools. There are hundreds of illustrated examples with full descriptions in the main text as well as the captions.
The main categories covered are: workboxes, sewing cases, emery and wax holders, pin cushions, thread containers, clamps, lace bobbins, tatting shuttles, chatelaines, needlecases, thimbles and thimble cases, scissors, tape measures, thread containers, crochet hooks and knitting and netting tools.
2996442
This is a great crochet stitch pattern reference book that includes color photos, and the crochet stitch diagrams are an added bonus.
1214240
I have a special shelf for my most loved knitting books, and this one is on it! I love stitch collections, and Mary Jane Mucklestone has created a beautiful one. There are 200 fair isle designs, presented beautifully in great color choices. I can see using lots of these in mitts, hats, and yoked cardigans. So many beautiful possibilities!
1029997
This comprehensive account of East Asian embroidery is a must for any textile collector.  Beautifully illustrated throughout and wonderfully informative it educates and feasts the eye. The photographic details are very clear and provide a good indication of the different textures.  There is also a useful, fully comprehensive bibliography encouraging further exploration of this fascinating subject.
914991
A really great companion, from the basic stitches in the front, through the diagrams, to the index at the back. Thank you!