Local knitters hit the books

Julia Roberts does it. So do Madonna, Hilary Swank and Cameron Diaz. But these A-listers have more in common than their yoga trainers or personal stylists – they're all known to be fans of knitting.

Knitting is a trendy hobby that's on the rise, especially among 25- to 34-year-old women, according to the Craft Yarn Council of America. If you're already a fan, or just thinking about picking up your first set of needles, you'll want to check out a new book by two Seattle-based knitting gurus.

"Handknit Style II" (Martingale and Company, 2006), a book of knitting projects from the women of the Seattle-based knitting shop Tricoter, is loaded with gorgeous and not-too-complicated sweater patterns. And we're not talking about your grandmother's variety, either. The authors, best friends and business owners Beryl Hiatt and Linden Ward, selected a lineup of fashion-forward wraps, pullovers, jackets, cardigans, shells and skirts. The spiral binding allows the book to lie flat when open, which makes following directions much easier.

Not a knitter? Maybe you have one on your gift list. If so, wrap this book up with a pair of new knitting needles and a spool of colorful yarn, and you're set. "Handknit Style II" is available at Tricoter, Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble for $34.95.

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