Luise Roberts was taught how to knit and sew at an early age by her mother. However, it was a degree in graphic design and earning a living designing books, in particular several knitting books, that rekindled her interest in knitting. With a new enthusiasm and fresh ideas, she is keen to convey this passion to others. Her recent books include 1000 Great Quilting Stitch Patterns and !000 Great Knitting Motifs. Luise lives in London, SE6. Kate Haxell was taught to knit by her grandmother, but only discovered she was holding the needles wrongly twenty years later when she edited books for Debbie Bliss. Since then she has worked with several knitters and learned many new skills. Kate also lives in London, SE5. Kate and Luise's most recent book, First Knits, has just been published by Collins and Brown.