Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida

Roehm translates the imaginative work of Shida, one of Japan’s best-known hand-knitting designers, into English for the first time. Shida gained an international following with the Japanese publication of a book of couture knitting patterns a decade ago, and here presents hundreds of other patterns, adding scallops, yokes, and edgings to her offerings. She provides five full patterns for actual projects, including socks “for warm feet” and “cute fingerless mitts.” In Roehm’s introduction she admits, “Japanese knitting can be challenging.” And, indeed, this book is most assuredly not for the beginner; it better serves the knitter who can juggle stitches, 11 pages of symbols, and tiny-fonted charts. The charts are not keyed to the symbols, although the symbols follow publishing standards. Certain conventions in the graphic format of Japanese patterns “[take] some getting used to,” Roehm warns. For intrepid knitters looking for a challenge, the pages of stunning stitches will prove well worth the effort. Color photos. (Oct.)