Dover Painting

Comprehensive in scope and elegant in presentation, this classic Victorian-era volume was the first complete how-to guide to knitting. Originally published by Butterick, the company that later produced Vogue Knitting, it constitutes a fantastic historical document as well as an easy-to-follow guide for knitters at all levels of experience.

Derived from a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted studio sourcebook of the early 1900s, the patterns in this stunning collection combine to form a treasury of bold, colorful designs. These images have never before appeared in print, and this compilation affords users a unique selection of remarkably brilliant motifs. Originating in Lyon, France's long-time silk capital, the patterns were created by anonymous designers for the embellishment of fabrics. Predominantly florals and foliates, these decorative figures pulse with brilliant colors — vivid scarlets, muted olives, pearly grays, salmon pinks, and other dazzling hues.

In simple, direct language, accompanied by purposeful illustrations, teacher and master watercolorist Ted Kautzky shows beginners how to handle the medium. Widely regarded as the author's best work, the book discusses color pigments, paper, and other supplies; washes, strokes, and the use of accessories for special effects. Important chapters follow on the characteristics and techniques of handling limited and full palettes. Valuable instructions on composition and related subjects are interwoven throughout the text. In addition to many demonstrations, there is also challenging practice material.