What kind of stores are you looking in? I've found that my local yarn shop has mostly the hard backed books and individual patterns in binders that sell for $4 to $10 apiece, too rich for my blood. Check out WalMart, Michael's, Joann's and stores like that. You will find lots of books like you described.

Thanks, Donna! duh! Yes, I was looking in the yarn shops and some bookstores -- I like to support locally owned businesses as much as possible -- haven't looked at the craft stores. Like I said.... duh!

There are tons for free on the internet too. So far my favorite have been the ones on Lionbrand.com. and the other yarn websites. This forum has provided me with some favorites also.

Have fun!

Sherri

Hi, start with this site on the internet http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/ there is a bit of everything and all for free. Happy Knitting! Isamae

Check out the knitting books at your local library. You can sometimes get ones they don't have thru interlibrary loan. If you can still find a Knitting Pattern A Day calendar at a discount, there's a lot of patterns for your money. Knitting websites like Knitty.com and Magknits.com have free patterns. Besides Lionbrand, several yarn suppliers have free patterns on their sites, including Berroco and Garnstudio. The internet stores like Knitpicks.com and Elann.com have lots of free patterns (and great yarns for less). Sometimes Interweave Knits magazine will have free patterns on their site too.

Thanks for all the ideas! I did hit a couple of craft stores this morning but didn't buy anything... well, no patterns, only a few small supplies. Lack of a job makes me very frugal :) but I also didn't see anything that said I just *had* to have it...

I've been purusing the websites and have found a few great patterns that way. The poncho I'm making is one of those.

I'll have to get to the library soon -- and I see I have some new webpages to look at. Yay! :)

Does anyone know how/where I would find Rowan patterns? I've seen a few people post pictures of some of their sweaters (of course I didn't write down pattern names and now I can't find them....). I found a website for Rowan but it's all in UK $$ -- surely there's a US source? Are they only in the upscale shops, or...?

Again, thanks for all the help and hints! Now I need to get knitting....

I have also bought a lot of patterns on Ebay.

Some yarn stores carry the magazines and collections but you can also try eBay. If you're willing to pay full price, the site below carries them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rowan patterns source