Barbara Walker's Books

A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, as well as Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns and Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns are my favorite sources for stitch patterns. Aside from the vast array of patterns, the best part of the books is the the commentary on each of the patterns. It's like having access to someone's personal notes on how each stitch knits up, how it could be used, and how it could be varied.

There is also a fourth pattern book, A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns that I don't have (yet). I also love another of her books, Knitting from the Top.