CHECK IT OUT:

Knitting and crochet have exploded in popularity. Women, men and teens are picking up needles and creating visually compelling works of yarn. Who knew?

And they’re not crocheting toilet seat covers, knitting oddly misshapen, lumpy sweater thingies or piecing together puce-colored, hot-water cozies. These are slick, modern, designer-inspired knits and chunky, funky teen-style crochet. Add adorable Amigurumi child-friendly animals, itsy iPod carriers, teensy shrunken tops, trend-setting loopy scarves, and the list becomes endless and innovative.

Whether your skills are rusty or you are an enthusiastic beginner, the library has new books and DVDs to get you started down the knitted path. Put a spot of fun in Newport Beach’s rainy, darkened January evenings.

“Knitting with Balls: The First Contemporary Guide to Knitting for the Modern Male” by Michael del Vecchio: Written by a man for the male knitter (or a female looking for a cool guy gift), these patterns offer a variety of stylish and trendy men’s sweaters and other clothing. The directions are written for new or experienced knitters.

“The Big Book of Weekend Crochet: Over 30 Stylish Projects, From Bags and Belts to Scarves and Wraps,” by Hilary Mackin and Sue Whiting: Are weekends your time to relax? Reader’s Digest has some great projects you can finish quickly, even during TV-watching time. Kids’ attire is especially cute. Embrace your inner couch potato!

“The Best of Vogue Knitting Magazine: 25 Years of Articles, Techniques and Expert Advice,” edited by Erin Walsh: Not for the beginner, this treasury details only the best patterns and styles to have emerged from the fashionable Vogue magazine. Although the expertise level is high, experienced knitters will relish the polished, sophisticated finished appearance of these classic looks.

“Loom Knitting Primer,” by Isela Phelps: Need help with needles? All thumbs with crochet hooks? Try these small, hand-held looms or spools and discover the fun in knitted projects without the hassle of counting stitches or casting off seams. Thirty different ideas are presented on various sizes of looms for beginners of all ages.

“The Yarn Girls’ Guide to Knits for All Seasons: Sweaters and Accessories for Men and Women,” by Julie Carles and Jordana Jacobs: Crafty teens will want this guide for great seasonal wear. The ideas range from beach totes and cover-ups to quirky shrugs, retro-guy sweaters and flirty skirts. Young fashionistas will crave the nonconformist looks on display.

“Mr. Funky’s Super Crochet Wonderful,” by Narumi Oagawa: Make Amigurumi animals and other accessories for the youngsters in your life. These Japanese-inspired stuffed companions are perfect for spring baskets. Think bunnies, chicks and lambs.

“New Ideas for Today’s Knitting” by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss: Halter tops, bustiers, bikinis! Gorgeous dresses, glittery tanks and nighties, too. Make customized fashion statements with figure-hugging appeal in these one-of-a-kind garments.

And check out these DVDs: “No Rules Knitting,” by Chelsea Povall; “I Can’t Believe I’m Knitting in Motion,” by Melissa Leapman; “The Art of Knitting and Crochet,” DVDs: These programs visually explain the techniques and materials needed to make your creations great.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach Public Library reference librarian Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.