Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter and Warm Woolies Knit for Charity - Join the Online Knit-Along

Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) May 23, 2007

Have you heard about the latest craze to hit the Harry Potter crowd? Fans of the popular series have been knitting their way into Harry's world. It turns out that one of America's favorite pastimes has found its spot next to another pop culture phenomenon--the wildly popular Harry Potter series.

Knitters of all ages are showing their enthusiasm for their favorite character, book, or movie by knitting and frequenting online knit-alongs that attract hundreds of like-minded Harry Potter and knitting enthusiasts. In response to this interest, popular online knitting blogger Alison Hansel has created Charmed Knits (Wiley, $14.99, April 2007), a book featuring 30 knitting patterns inspired by the Harry Potter series. Knitters at all skill levels can now make their very own cloaks, initial sweaters, wizarding gear, and more by following simple step-by-step techniques and color photos.

As an added bonus, knitters and Harry Potter enthusiasts have the opportunity to use their powers for good. Charmed Knits author Alison Hansel and Wiley have partnered to create an online knit-along to benefit the Warm Woolies charity. Warm Woolies is a nonprofit organization whose volunteers knit clothing for poverty-stricken children who would otherwise suffer from cold. Their mission is to provide the very neediest children with wool sweaters, vests, mittens, hats, and slippers.

Using the "House Hats" pattern, knitters and fans can donate as many hats as they please. The knit-along will continue through August 31st, and the hats will be distributed to needy children all over the world this Fall. For more information, visit http://charmedknits.blogspot.com/ or http://www.warmwoolies.org/.

While various Potter-inspired patterns are available online and in print, Charmed Knits is the first collection to include patterns that fill every fan's cravings. Whether it's knitting Errol the owl, a scarf in House Colors, or an "Invisibility Cloak," both Potter fans and knitters will never be bored conjuring up pieces to help them feel at home in the magical world of Harry Potter. With patterns that run from children to adult, difficulty levels ranging from easy to complex, and colors from Gryffindor to Slytherin-- there is something for everyone.

Thanks to Charmed Knits, fans can now recreate the magic of Harry Potter to share with loved ones or those in need of a little warmth. Both knitters and fans have a chance to craft their own bit of magic, with a book inspired by one of the most beloved series' of our time.

This book is unofficial and unauthorized. It is not approved, licensed or endorsed by JK Rowling, her publishers, or licensors.

CHARMED KNITS
By Alison Hansel
ISBN: 978-0-470-06731-4; $14.99; 166 pages
April 2007

About the Author
Alison Hansel (Boston, MA) is a popular online knitting blogger (The Blue Blog at alison.knitsmiths.us). An avid Harry Potter fan, she's designed Potter-inspired patterns and hosted several popular Weasley knit-alongs. She has published patterns in the popular online knitting magazines MagKnits and Knitty.com. Jean Lampe (Bend, OR), Technical Editor, is a freelance author, teacher, designer, and spinner. She writes a regular column for Cast On, the official magazine of the Knitting Guild of America.

About Wiley
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Our core businesses include scientific, technical, and medical journals; encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia. The Company's Web site is http://www.wiley.com. Wiley is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb.

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