Books
A bonus offer to you… All books shipped by Saga Hill have the option of being autographed by W.J. Johnson. Discount book sellers won't offer you that! See the Notes section under each listing for more information.
Yarn Works: How to spin, dye, and knit your own yarn
By W. J. Johnson, author/photographer/designer (pub 2014, CPI–Creative Publishing international).
Yarn Works is a complete guide on how to spin, dye, and knit ALL fibers. It includes the science behind fibers; goes into depth on spinning—from the history of the spin to how to make your own spinning equipment; discusses the history of dyes and the dyeing process and demonstrates how to work with natural and synthetic dyes. There are also 10 patterns for knitters that follow a different fiber (protein, cellulose, synthetic) right through the spin and dye process, ending with a finished knitted project using the yarn created from the spinning and dyeing workshops offered in the book.
To learn more, GO TO THE PRESS RELEASE.
SH-BK005 – Sorry, my copies are now sold out, and the publisher, Creative Publishing international, lists it as out-of-print. Go to Amazon.com or do a search online to see where it may be available as a used book, although, good luck to that—there are very few used copies in the marketplace! The best bet is to look for copies in your local library, or possibly at your local yarn shop or used bookstore. Amazon.com no longer offers the e-book version, although click here for an e-book version on the Barnes & Noble website. (This e-book version may not be available for very long!)
Baby Knits from Around the World
containing two patterns by W. J. Johnson of Saga Hill: Swedish Dubbelmössa (two layer hat) and Chinese Double Knot Headband.
(Kari Cornell, Editor, pub 2013, CPI–Creative Publishing international).
From the Knitting From Around the World series, this book showcases 20 designs by well-known artisans hailing from classic knitting traditions in Scandinavia, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Baltics, Europe, South America, and North America. The book includes detailed instructions for ever-popular baby hats, blankets, sweaters, booties, pants, dresses, toys, and mitts; while introductions to each pattern detail the history of the technique that the design employs.
SORRY, SOLD OUT! This book is out-of-print. Look for copies in your local library, or possibly at your local yarn shop or used book store.
Knitting Socks from Around the World
containing a Swedish-inspired Tvåändstickning (Two-Ended Knitting, aka Twined Knitting) sock pattern “Midsommar Blommor (Midsummer Flowers) Socks” by W. J. Johnson of Saga Hill.
(Kari Cornell, Editor, pub 2011, Voyageur Press).
Knit an heirloom pair of socks from any of the four corners of the globe. This book contains the history of sock knitting (by Nancy Bush) and 25 stunning sock patterns from well-known designers (e.g., Beth Brown-Reinsel, Nancy Bush, Candace Eisner Strick), including myself, W. J. Johnson (Midsommar Blommor Socks). NOTE: The kit for making these socks is no longer available.
BUY NOW AT 30% OFF RETAIL PRICE!
SH-BK001 – Retail Price: $24.99 USD
SALE PRICE: $17.49 plus shipping (plus sales tax for MN residents). This book is out-of-print, so get your copy while you can!
Knitting Scarves from Around the World
containing a Swedish-inspired “Lovikka Scarf” pattern by W. J. Johnson of Saga Hill.
(Kari Cornell, Editor, pub 2011, Voyageur Press).
Part of the Knitting From Around the World series, this book contains 23 patterns for scarves from around the globe—including stylish traditional projects from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia. Pattern introductions provide a background of knitting techniques from that part of the world, including schematics and charts.
This book contains a scarf pattern that I designed (the Swedish Lovikka Scarf), inspired by traditional Swedish Lovikka mitten design.
SORRY, SOLD OUT! This book is out-of-print. Look for copies in your local library, or possibly at your local yarn shop or used book store.
Notecards
Bohus Stickning Notecards (set of 6)
These blank notecards with envelopes were created for the exhibit “Radiant Knits: The Bohus Tradition—Bohus Couture Design,” and show photos (taken by W.J. Johnson of Saga Hill) of a variety of vintage garments. The backs of the cards provide historical information about the specific garments on the card.
Bohus Stickning (Bohus Knitting) was a Swedish knitting design organization (1939-1969) that continues today in the hearts of many knitters and through knitting kits still being recreated in Sweden. I partnered with Susanna Hansson (noted Bohus knitting expert in the U.S.) and the American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis to create an all-encompassing Bohus Knitting exhibit in 2009. This hugely popular exhibit focused on the U.S. connection to Bohus design and welcomed guest speakers, artists, and museum visitors from around the world. Along with a film premiere, special tours, lectures, and knitting workshops, vintage Bohus couture garments were on display in two galleries. These cards show a few examples of the range of garment designs that were on display and part of the history of the Bohus Stickning organization.
SH-5002 – Bohus Art Cards – Price: $8.00plus shipping (plus sales tax for MN residents)
ONLY AVAILABLE WHILE THE REMAINING STOCK LASTS!
Sachets
Lavender Fiber Sachets created by Saga Hill
This small, fragrant bag of lavender is perfect for placing in your fiber or yarn stash, in a small closet, under your pillow—or anywhere you need a little calming aromatherapy! The 100% cotton bag (approx. 3 x 4 inch/8 x 10 cm) is hand-stamped and hand-packed by Saga Hill and contains approximately .3 ounces/8.5 g of premium-grade dried lavender buds. Purchase several to spread around your stash, home, and to give as gifts! The scent is easily refreshed after a few months by just squeezing the bag to release more scent from the buds. I have found that this lavender, when placed in a small container or space, continues to release a scent for several years.
Saga Hill Lavender Sachet
SH-5006 – Price: $2.75 USD (per 0.3 oz/8.5 g bag)
plus shipping (plus sales tax for MN residents)
Kits
Silk Fusion Kits created by Saga Hill
Silk fusion is created from silk and a special textile adhesive. The process creates a flat or sculptural silk material that's very strong and can be turned into purses, lamp shades, bowls, garments—just about anything you can imagine. It's a blast to work with, super easy to do, great for adults and kids, opening a new world of creative ways to work with silk fibers. Any silk fibers may be used in silk fusion but the kit only contains honey tussah. The silk in the kit is enough to create an 18 x 18 piece of silk fusion.
Kit contents: Complete instructions; 0.9 oz [25 g] Honey Tussah Silk; 2 fl oz [59 ml] JoSonja's® Textile Medium; 18 in x 36 in. [46 cm x 91.5 cm] fiberglass screen; and 1 paint brush.
SH-5020 – Price: $24.00 USD, plus shipping (plus sales tax for MN residents) WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
Knitting Patterns & Knitting Kits
We plan to offer our patterns and knitting kits online in the near future, although at this time, they are only available directly from Saga Hill at our pop up markets. Find market dates here.
You may also find a selection of Saga Hill knitting patterns and occasional classes by W. J. Johnson at Ingebretsen's Needlework Shop. For a list of Saga Hill classes, go to our Classes page.