Leapman, Melissa: - With more than 1,000 knit and crochet designs in print, Melissa Leapman is one of the most widely published American designers. She began her design career by freelancing for leading ready-to-wear design houses in New York City. She is the author of a few dozen knit and crochet books and publications, and her designs have been featured in numerous magazines and yarn house pamphlets.