Kerry Bogert - Coffeehouse knits : knitting patterns and essays with robust flavor

Special thanks to Toast Coffee & Wine Bar Windsor, CO

IF YOUVE BEEN KNITTING for any length of time, theres no doubt youve formed a bit of a ritual when it comes to your time spent stitching. For me, its shuffling downstairs in the early morning hours before the rest of the house wakes. I brew some coffee (hazelnut cream, please, no need for extra sugar), pour a steaming hot cup, and sit in my favorite corner of the couch knitting until its time to get the kids off to school. I find myself wishing I could linger there all day, but sooner or later work calls. Luckily, my work is creating craft books like the one youre reading now, or the urge to pour another cup would be too difficult to resist.

I find a habit has developed around my knitting outside the house as well. When my knitting friends gather, its almost always in a coffee shop. Before heading out the door to the coffeehouse, a few things must happen. First, I need to wear my latest finished project. Surely I was working on it the last time I saw everyone and theyd need to see how it turned out. Then, knitting bag packing. Ive long since thrown out the idea that I should only bring a travel-friendly project with me for gatherings. While I do try to bring something I wont mess up during distracted moments of chit-chatting, Im not afraid to bring a sweater if thats what Im feeling most inspired to work on. Last, a spare skein or two. If Ive made a recent stash enhancement, I love to share what Ive found with friends. If Ive recently culled a few skeins, I bring them knowing theyll find a good home by the end of the visit.

These two simple acts, my quiet morning knitting and time spent with my knitting friends, are at the heart of the inspiration for the projects featured in this book. I know Im not alone in either of these doings. Though our routines and caffeine tolerance may differ, Im sure you know the comfort and connection these actions bring. In that vein, youll find projects to keep you entertained during solitary times, alongside ones you could easily knit while talking with friends. Dont be afraid to stop and sip your drink of choice; it will be easy to pick up where you left off. Youll also discover beautiful yarns that will be buttery in your hands and others youll jump to show your companions. All the while, the combination of design and fiber has the focus of being classic and wearable, so youll love wearing these on outings just as much as knitting them.

And whats better over coffee than engaging conversation? So along with patterns, youll find essays from knitters just like you. Each has a unique perspective on their relationship with knitting and what being a part of this great community has provided them. Consider this book an invitation. Pour yourself a cuppa, grab your needles and yarn, pull up a chair, and join us. Were so very glad youre here.

Kerry Bogert Knitter and Editorial Director, Books

I ADMIT, IM A JAVA-HOLIC, and Ive had more than my share of nonfat cappuccinos with the coffee gals, but on rare occasions Ive been known to break routine for a secret indulgence reminiscent of my childhood: hot chocolate. Not just your typical steaming cup of cocoa, but one topped-to-overflowing with smushy-soft marshmallows (smush-mallows, as I called them), like the ones I drank over stories and laughs with the important gals of my youthmy sister, mom, and grandmathe same women who taught me to knit on now-vintage needles in rainbow colors. I got good advice from them that Ill pass on to you: dont abandon your knitting too long, dont stop gathering with your pals to laugh and chat, and please dont forget to treat yourself to an occasional hot cocoa overflowing with smush-mallows, because youre worth it.

Amy Rollis

This sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down. The patterning around the yoke is designed to be reminiscent of those fancy swirls baristas make with milk foam atop espresso beverages. The combination of lace and cables makes these swirls pop in an unusual and organic fashion. AMY GUNDERSON