nonfiction/knitting patterns (intermediate)
This didn't provide much if any help with the fair isle knitting techniques, but fortunately I still remember how from previous projects. The patterns aren't that appealing to me, but someone who knits a lot of larger items and a lot of fair isle might be inspired.. ( )

Fearless Fair Isle Knitting
30 Gorgeous Original Sweaters, Socks, Mittens, and More
Pub Date: February 15, 2011
Fearless Fair Isle Knitting
30 Gorgeous Original Sweaters, Socks, Mittens, and More

I have done Fair Isle Knitting for companies in the past and although
it's a challenge it's very rewarding. I like how this book starts out
with just the basics and goes from there after all it is just knit and
purl stitches.
How to avoid the jog and how to read charts are very informative.
Steeks, cutting into your finished project, it's the terror of all. I usually
make double or triple steeks before I cut.
Very colorful close up details of the pattern, color sequences and instructions
for the whole family.
Holiday fun was my favorite part of this book because I feel you can use as
many of the designs as you want. Sometimes I find with too many designs the
work is too 'busy'.
Many patterns for hats, wrister, mittens and gloves.
The geometric color and design patterns are very stunning. ( )

Kathleen Taylor is a practical, common sense teacher who assures you that you can knit with color. In Fearless Fair Isle Knitting, she virtually takes your hand and leads you through the challenges of knitting with more than one yarn in a row. She begins the lesson with a discussion of color and yarn choices. She presents the fearless/foolish argument for swatching. Taylor provides an excellent tutorial on multiple methods of dealing with the dreaded steek, as any hand-knitter knows can make or break a garment which has been labored over for weeks. She provides clever designs, which she incorporates in multiple types of garments. She introduces surface patterns for sweaters, which she reuses in socks, mittens, hats, and scarves. She illustrates the dramatically different look that occurs with a change in colors. There are patterns for a unique sleeveless hoodie, a delightful little girl's dress and hat, and a wonderful dragon shawl among her creations. The photography accents Taylor's tasteful use of colors. One of Kathleen Taylor's strengths is that she makes color knitting accessible to hobby-knitters. I am delighted to be able to recommend Fearless Fair Isle Knitting. There are helpful tips and pointers for knitters of any skill level. And for knitters who become fans of Kathleen Taylor, she has a blog at http://kathleen-dakotadreams.blogspot.com/ ( )