The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd

No knitter's library is complete without this book.  Seriously.  If you've ever thought, "I just want to knit a plain, basic [fill in the blank] out of nice yarn but you can't find the right pattern, this is the book for you.  It's a pattern book and a reference book, allowing you to work from a basic pattern but with helpful hints for embellishments. Perfect for every knitter from beginner to expert, this is a book that you'll use for your entire life. 

ABOUT THE KNITTER’S HANDY BOOK OF PATTERNS

Offering charts and plans for making infant- through adult-sized projects, this unique book provides knitters with a complete resource of more than 350 patterns for caps, tams, scarves, vests, sweaters, mittens, gloves, and socks that are written for multiple gauges to accommodate all weights of yarn from bulky to fingering. Also included are the basics of pattern design and alteration to allow for the addition of different types of texture and color patterns or the modification of existing patterns to accommodate more gauges. Patterns are also accompanied by an assortment of ideas for edgings and finishes, further expanding design options.