Ask most people to picture either a librarian or a knitter, and they’re likely to conjure up the same image: a stern, older woman with sensible shoes and hair in a bun.

Stereotypes aside, there does seem to be a special bond between knitters and libraries. This book celebrates that connection, offering 30 exquisite designs inspired by librarians (real and fictional), library architecture, cataloging systems, and sometimes the books themselves. Each pattern comes with its own story, making this book as fun to read as it is to knit from.

Advance praise for Stitching in the Stacks:

“Surprisingly seductive and exuberantly restrained, Stitching in the Stacks unfolds as each beautiful design reveals itself—glasses off and hair unbound—in a “Miss Jones, you’re beautiful!” kind of way. The stories surrounding each project are pithy and enlightening, satisfying the history nerd as well as the knitter in me. I was gratified to see an array of models used, many sizes and shapes represented, because—as we all know—true beauty knows no singular definition.”

—Annie Modesitt, aka the Knitting Heretic and author of History on Two Needles

“This book gives a very healthy dose of TLC to librarians, crafters, and those who are both librarians and crafters (like me). The patterns are gorgeous and honor librarians past, present, and fictional. Our authors also provide extensive research into the study of library history, librarians, and library science, citing colleagues I am proud to have met at conferences. A must for any who love fiber and libraries.

—Kate Kosturski, co-founder of the American Library Association’s CraftCon

Paperback published in June 2013 by Cooperative Press

cooperativepress.com