The original item was published from November 27, 2021 8:42 PM to November 27, 2021 9:00 PM
Staff Picks, Kate Radford, Lincoln Branch Librarian 
Meet Kate, Lewis & Clark Library’s Branch Librarian in Lincoln, Montana. With her interest and experience in knitting, Kate was instrumental in organizing the Assookinakii Cowl Knit-along program as part of this year’s Big Read events. The Lincoln Branch library is fortunate to partner with Tammy Jordan, who leads the Lincoln Fiber Circle, and Kate knew that a knitting program would be enthusiastically appreciated by many of our patrons. With a little research Kate learned about Sisters United and the Farmer's Daughter Fibers shop in Great Falls. Candice English, who is the founder of Sisters United and owner/operator of Farmer’s Daughter Fibers, also designed the Assookinakii Cowl pattern. ”Assookinakii” means “healer” in the Blackfeet language, which seemed a natural fit with the themes of this year’s Big Read book, An American Sunrise, by National Poet Laureate Joy Harjo.
As a Librarian, Kate is enthusiastic about serving a community’s needs and interests and one of her passions is makerspaces. Knitting is a great example of a low-tech makerspace endeavor because knitting is really a programming language. For example, “K2, P2” means something specific to a knitter, just as a programming code means something specific to a computer programmer. This year’s knitting program took place in a virtual makerspace, all online, but just as with all successful makerspace programs, collaboration, experimentation and sharing new skills and ideas were celebrated. A huge thank you goes out to Kate for creating this wonderful, successful program!
As a part of our Staff Picks series, Kate graciously recommended a few of her latest favorite knitting books. (See below) On a sadder note, Kate will be leaving Montana at the end of this month. She is moving back to Idaho to pursue other library work.
The entire staff at Lewis & Clark Library wishes Kate the very best on her new path.
We will miss you!
Seasonal Slow Knitting: thoughtful projects for a handmade year (2020)
by Hannah Thiessen
This gorgeous book is divided into seasons: Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice. In addition to detailed instructions for several lovely patterns, it’s packed with informative essays covering diverse topics such as gift knitting, knitting-centric travel, wool festivals, meditation, ideas for pampering the knitter in your life, and so much more.
Find Seasonal Slow Knitting in the catalog Here
Slow Knitting (by the same author) on Hoopla eBook
Coffeehouse Knits: knitting patterns and essays with robust flavor (2019)
by Kerry Bogert
Kerry Bogert has created a knitting book companion for all your steamy beverage desires. With patterns named after coffee shop indulgences: Chocolate Challah Pullover, House Blend cardigan, Chai Latte cowl, Extra Whip socks, and many more, you’ll want to have a warm cup of jo while pouring over the offerings in this book. The photos alone will have you wanting to knit up some cozy indulgence of your own.
Find Coffeehouse Knits in the catalog Here
The Knit Vibe (2019)
by Vickie Howell
The Knit Vibe is an extraordinary resource for knitters and the subtitle says it all: A Knitter’s Guide to Creativity, Community, and Well-being for the Mind, Body & Soul. As mentioned above, when Candice English set out to create the pattern for the Assookinaki Cowl, healing was on her mind. She created a pattern she’d hope to assist her in getting her creative energy back during periods of unrest in her life, and perhaps we can all relate to that on varying levels. Check out this lovely book which features interviews with several prominent knitters, including Candice English! Creating community and relationships through knitting is a prominent theme in this fascinating book. The “Go-To Gifts” section includes nine patterns for handsome, handmade gifts.
Find The Knit Vibe in the library catalog Here
Maja’s Swedish Mittens: over 30 imaginative patterns to knit (2019)
by Maja Karlsson
If you have not had a desire to knit mittens before, that may change after perusing this book. Maja Karlsson is a Swedish knitter, designer, writer, teacher, and photographer. Her many talents shine in this book. In addition to the charming mittens, Maja shares interesting stories and information to go along with each of her designs.
Find Maja’s Swedish Mittens in the library catalog Here
The Art of Circular Yokes (2019)
by Kerry Bogert
Knitting is truly an art form, and this book elevates its craft with fifteen exquisitely designed sweaters, each by a different knitting professional. This is a lovely book with detailed, clear instructions and diagrams, intriguing short biographies on each of the fifteen different designers, and beautiful photos. If you want to knit a truly amazing sweater or just "ooh and ahh" over amazing knitwear, then check out this book!
Find The Art of Circular Yokes in the catalog Here
Knit the Sky: cultivate your creativity with a playful way of knitting (2019)
by Lea Redmond
This book’s title is also the name one of the thirty-two enchanting knitting projects in the book. Gather yarns in various shades of blue, gray and white and prepare to capture the color of the sky each day by knitting one row for each day, your end project will give you much to reflect upon. More details on this and the other personalized knitting projects can be found in the book. Check it out on Hoopla or via an ILL request.
Find Knit the Sky as an eBook on Hoopla Here
Also available through Interlibrary Loan
For more books on knitting and other fibers arts, come into the library and browse the 740s nonfiction section. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the plethora of books we have on the subject. And if you go upstairs you'll find more staff picks, and next month even a book display on knitting!
See you in the library!