Stephanie Pearl-McPhee unravels the mysteries of tangled yarn, confusing patterns, and stubbornly unfinished projects. Daring to question long-standing rules and encouraging crafters to knit in the way that works best for them, this illuminating, liberating, and hilarious look at the world of knitting is full of surprises and delightfully inspiring ideas."

    This blend of history, mystery, and hands-on technique debunks myths about Victorian life as it inspires beginners and ambitious knitters alike. Included are instructions for Victorian lace as the Victorians never saw it—in glorious detail, up-close and on location in and around Cambridge, England. The lace patterns progress from the first, most basic, edgings to the sophistication of "real" lace. Forty patterns are included—scarves and shawls, capes, and fichus—with comprehensive information on the tools and techniques of lace knitting for beginners and enough challenges to keep experienced or ambitious knitters engaged. Delicate and decorative, historical lace patterns are within the reach of today's knitters in this book of adventurous ideas with a vintage touch.

    Learn how to find the perfect paper to work with your photos. Learn how to place patterns on your pages for maximum impact. You will learn how to mix and match a variety of patterns. Includes great tips on how to store and organize you pattered paper for easy access.

    It's Simple. It's pure Cathy. And it's still totally cool. Cathy Zielske, creative director for Simple Scrapbooks magazine, is back with the sequel to her best-selling book, Clean&Simple Scrapbooking. In her new book, she revisits the core tenets of the hobby: telling good stories, making well-designed pages, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and remembering to have a really good time while you're at it. She reminds us that scrapbooking isn't an obligation, but an opportunity to capture the bits and pieces that make up our lives. From scrapbooking about her intense love of paper towels to her obsession with heavily-tattooed rock stars, Cathy throws open the window on her life and shares how she chooses to record it. You'll laugh, connect, and be inspired to record your own life with pictures, paper, adhesive and above all, authenticity.

     Join the Elm Creek Quilters on their continuing adventures through American history past and present, told from the unique perspective of the creative artists known as quilters. The Runaway Quilt: Alerted that her family may have had ties to the slaveholding South, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson searches her attic for her great-grandmother's quilt, a log cabin with black central squares that, according to legend, was a sign of sanctuary to escaping slaves. She also discovers the memoir of her great-grandfather's spinster sister, Gerda Bergstrom. The record reveals not only the founding of Elm Creek Manor, but also a Pennsylvania farming community divided by the issue of slavery. With the help of the Elm Creek Quilters and the clues in her ancestors' quilts, Sylvia grapples with hard truths in coming to terms with her family's past. The Quilter's Legacy: Resolving to locate her mother's heirloom quilts, Sylvia embarks on a cross-country investigation of antiques shops, quilt museums, and some unexpected places, where offers of assistance are not always what they seem. As Sylvia recovers some of the missing quilts and accepts others as lost forever, she reflects on the woman her mother was and mourns the woman she never knew. The Master Quilter: Wedding bells are ringing in the ears of the Elm Creek Quilters. Their own Sylvia planned her holiday wedding with sweetheart Andrew in complete secrecy. Eager to honor the newlyweds, the Elm Creek Quilters hasten to stitch a bridal quilt for their favorite Master Quilter. As the quilt blocks accumulate, the Elm Creek Quilters celebrate the joys of new beginnings and the ongoing success of their business -- until forces conspire to threaten their happiness and prosperity. Will the burden of closely guarded secrets strain the bonds of friendship? "A shared love for quilting," The Hartford Courant has observed, "helps bring women together. Quilters always welcome new ones and share what they know...in the popular Elm Creek Quilts novels." Here in An Elm Creek Quilts Album, Jennifer Chiaverini's captivating storytelling enacts the enduring wisdom of a joyful sisterhood of family and friends.

    The author has brought cross-stitch firmly into the 21st century. Her work has the look of an oldfashioned sampler, surrounded by hearts and duckies, but filled with messages such as Bite me, Beeyatch, and Homo Sweet Homo.

    Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais’ image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality. Sharkus’ painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living creature. Bova provides astute and illuminating commentary overall, with selected artists’ notes.

    The baby hat is the perfect project for knitters of any level, with enchanting patterns that are easy enough for rank beginners but also interesting enough for the most accomplished needle wielders, in yarns that range from silk and linen to cashmere and mohair. Susan Anderson’s Itty-Bitty Hats presents thirty-eight irresistible designs for infants and toddlers—fun, hip, creative patterns with decorative flourishes that are witty, whimsical, and undeniably unique. The projects are arranged by order of difficulty and accompanied by beautiful photographs, instructive how-to illustrations, and utterly clear instructions (with no confusing abbreviations or insider shorthand). Anderson also provides an indispensable introductory section on stitches, materials, equipment, terminology, and techniques, allowing even the most inexperienced knitter to get started confidently. Made for boys and girls, by parents and grandparents, aunts and even uncles, and, of course, best friends, the handmade hat is the perfect shower or birth or birthday gift—and Itty-Bitty Hats is the perfect gift for any knitter.

    Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers, and botanical ornaments. Written by an expert in blacksmith and metal artist, this book provides readers with a basic understanding of blacksmithing, including an explanation of tools like an anvil, an anvil stand, hammers, and tongs. Heating techniques, like coal forging and fire tending are explained in detail, along with different types of metal, like wrought iron, cast iron, and steel.The Backyard Blacksmith walks readers through step-by-step, illustrated projects including hooks, door and gate pulls, wall-mounted hooks, knockers, racks, and more. These expert blacksmithing lessons come to life with full-color photography to illustrate the steps and provide a better understanding of the text. With this book, beginning blacksmiths can learn to turn metal from its raw shape into something useful and beautiful to behold.

    Unique statements, passionate emotions and favorite interests can all be expressed in these miniature works of art that are always traded, never sold."Artist Trading Cards Workshop" will not only teach you how to create your own cards, combining one or more of the 25+ techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos, it will also share the ins and outs of trading, finding and organizing card swaps and how to trade with others across the miles or even the continents.Discover ways to create colorful collage backgrounds, make cards from fabric, incorporate painting, stamping, phone book pages, tissue paper, string, stencils and much moreall is revealed in step-by-step photos, but that's not all. You'll also: Learn the ins and outs of tradingwhere to look, what to swap.Find creative ways to store the cards you'll soon be collecting.Be inspired by the cards from 60 talented contributors and over 200 beautiful cards.Become a part of the world-wide phenomenon that starts with "Artist Trading Cards Workshop," and share a piece of yourself today! Create. Collect. Swap."

    This title guides readers in the fast-track, low-cost, high-quality approach to spinning.

    Cherish, the stunning scrapbooking how to volume from industry innovator Jeanette R. Lynton, is dedicated to helping scrapbook enthusiasts preserve their memories in unique and creative ways.

    Five starter projects show novices how to create the illusion of brushwork in thread and use basic techniques, from preparing fabric and transferring designs to blocking and mounting. Sixteen easily achieved but challenging larger projects enable beginners and experts to bring to life meticulously detailed sunflowers, magnolias, bearded irises, an Icelandic poppy, roses, and more. With diagrams, full-size templates, and stitch directions included, this is a must-have for any embroiderer’s library.

    From hideous hats and gender-bending sweater sets to a set of bonus patterns that will bring the kitsch home, this gallery of notorious knits delivers it all. Remember, one person’s inspiration can become another’s desperation quicker than you can drop a stitch!

    Now you can use your imagination and make any piece uniquely yours with the 263 stitches presented in this book. A photograph of each stitch, along with a description of its main uses, easy-to-follow instructions, clear diagrams, plus explanations and tips, will help you achieve the best results. This handy guide is divided into five main chapters, "Starting to Embroider" deals with all the basics to get you started: the fabrics, threads, and needles; how to follow a pattern; and techniques, such as beginning and ending your threads. The next three chapters cover the main types of embroidery. "Embroidery on Fabric" covers all surfaces and free-style embroidery, including counted cross-stitch and beadwork. "Smocking" covers the basics and most commonly used smocking stitches. "Embroidery on Canvas" explains how to work on canvas and canvas stitches. The final chapter includes suggestions for displaying your work and caring for it so that it will last for many years. With Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches beginners can start with the basics, and experienced stitchers can browse through the amazing selection of stitches for pleasure and inspiration. Happy Stitching

    Every step in every project is explained and illustrated in great detail, while all instructions have been rigorously tested by certified crochet know-nothings. The book comes with two kinds of yarn and crochet hooks in two sizes. Projects included are a chic scarf, super cute purse, stylish hat, and more. Item# F6CK02 Ages 10+

    But guess what? For every one knitter in the world there are three crocheters—which translates into millions of hip, crafty, 18- to 35-year-olds ready to be happy hookers with Stitch ’n Bitch attitude, sexiness, ingenuity, and cool. Written in the author’s cheeky chick style, this heavily illustrated book—featuring four-color photographs and instructional illustrations throughout—is chock-full of instruction, inspiration, and to-die-for designs, from a Fishnet Skullcap to a lacy evening wrap. For knitters and new crafters exploring the hook comes the primer: the advantages of crochet and the ways in which knitters (and nonknitters) benefit by learning this sister craft; a discussion of tools; all the cool yarns available, and what the different gauges mean; plus basic techniques and stitch patterns—including the chain stitch, picot, flowers, filet crochet, changing yarns, and finishing. Then come 40 fabulous, funky projects—the kind that make Stitch ’n Bitch rule—for crocheters: Pom Pom Capelet, Retro Clutch Purse, Anarchy Irony Hat, Ms. Pac Man Change Purses, Doris Daymat, Va-Va-Va Voom Bikini, Animal I-Pod Cozies, Kid’s Sock Monkey Poncho. No, these aren’t your grandma’s doilies.

    With all the creative experiementation developing at such a fast pace, it is pertinent to know how various techniques and combinations work and whether they are right for your latest project. Alphabetica illuminates new techniques through detailed visuals and rich, explanatory text. From cover to cover, readers absorb the specialties of each contributing artist, such as Judi Riesch's use of vintage photographs, and Lesley Riley's sophisticated fabric transfers, and are able to get an "over the shoulder" glance at how these artists work.

    Using her own art as examples, Beryl gives step-by-step instructions for making projects like greeting cards, wall hangings, and books using the latest mixed-media techniques, all the while encouraging readers to follow their own instincts and experiment.In Mixed-Media Explorations you'll learn how to: apply basic design principles like layering, highlighting motifs, and creating grids to give your art depth and meaning; use six simple embroidery stitches to add interest and texture; turn favorite papers into fabrics that can then be stitched or quilted; "age" your art by etching, burning, and tearing; create richness with metallic threads, paint, and rub-ons; "embed" fibers and found objects; use everyday items like brown grocery bags, wallpaper scraps, and bleach to create texture; stitch through metal.

    Beginners and seasoned knitters alike are promised that learning from mistakes improves the technique and inspires personal style and that sometimes the best solution is to let the mistake stand. This sturdy, spiral bound book explains the correct way to cast on and bind off, decipher charts, choose fibers, and more.

    With an exhilarating, synergistic combination of indoor and outdoor painting, Kevin Macpherson shows you how to create personal, poetic landscapes that capture the feeling of being there.Learn how to:Use a limited palette in a way that is more liberating than limitingExperience nature to the fullest and capture its vibrancy back in the studio through photos, sketches and outdoor studiesCope with the fleeting qualities of atmosphere and light by establishing a value plan early and sticking with itIncorporate impressionistic touches of broken color to give your landscape a depth and vibrancy that enhances its realismApproach painting as a layering and corrective process that encourages non-formulaic solutionsStimulating warm-up exercises in the studio prepare you for your adventures outside, while eight step-by-step demonstrations show you how to put these methods into action. Throughout, Macpherson's own light-filled landscapes illustrate the power of these techniques.Full of fresh air and fresh art, Landscape Painting Inside and Out will guide and encourage beginners while challenging more accomplished artists to bring greater vitality and a more natural, less formulaic finish to their paintings.

    The projects produce high-impact quilts made with simple cutting and construction, therefore no fussy cutting or Y-seams are required.

    In Crafty Chica's Art de la Soul, she offers thirty original projects ranging from colorful jewelry and elegant candles to hip Mexican coffee coasters.Along with full-color photographs, step-by-step instructions, and a handy resource guide are Murillo's fun and inspiring tips for connecting with your culture, tapping into your creative spirit, and finding new ways to spice up your love life, glam up your garden, redecorate your kitchen, and much more.With Kathy Cano Murillo's guidance and glittery ideas, crafty chicas of every age and skill level will be well on their way to developing their own personal sense of style while living artful lives.

    Using Eleanor's easy applique technique, grace your fall table with "Harvest Tablerunner," a cornucopia of the earth's bounty. Eleanor uses 5" charm squares to create the "Buckeye Beauty", a scrappy quilt that is as delightful to make as it is to admire. For traditional flair, the "Country Lane Quilt" fits the bill. From a 1930's Mountain Mist Batting pattern, Eleanor adds her special touch to make this quilt extra special.Winter brings to mind a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. A season to cozy up to a warm fire and sip cocoa. A season to take the chill off with a new quilt. What could be better on a cold winter day than to sit and stitch a traditional "Morning Star Quilt" or a "Lodgepole Pine Quilt" for festive holiday decor. Fussy cut a lovely motif for the center of your Morning Star, Eleanor shows you how! Embellish your Lodgepole Pine Quilt with a scarlet red Cardinal to add flair. For the perfect Victorian Valentine, Eleanor teaches a paper pieced wall hanging "My Crazy Valentine" that lends itself to creative embellishment with machine stitchery, laces, and antique buttons.Rebirth of barren trees and frozen ground signals that spring is just around the corner. Flowers abound in buds and new growth. Eleanor presents "Baskets and Bows" and "Twin Sisters" quilts, perfect patterns to show off lovely floral fabrics. To complete the season, "Gone Fishing" is a whimsical quilt that incorporates piecing and easy applique. Just the quilt for that special little boy.Summer months deliver warm sunshine and dreams of lazy afternoons. "Summer Porch" and "Pink Lemonade" quilts fit the bill for pleasurable sewing. "Summer Porch" is delightful with flowered fabric and crisp lattice and cornerstones. What hot summer day would be complete without a "Pink Lemonade"

    You will enjoy making exotic leaves and flowers, furry creatures, bugs and frogs, and add embellishments to your creations, using pearls, semi-precious stones and beads.

    Photographed against the glittering backdrop of the Mediterranean island of Malta, these quilts echo the bright sunshine colors in a glorious array of new designs from both Kaffe and his team, Liza Prior-Lucy and Pauline Smith. With each quilt comes illustrated step-by-step instructions with colored diagrams, a 'flat shot' photo, and the quilt template.

    The 27 projects and 30 variations feature vintage ephemera soldered within glass, for finished works that tell a romantic or whimsical story. All exhibit Sally Jean Alexander's signature style - a style that brings new life to antique papers, vintage photographs, found projects, scavenged text, and more.

    Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston have made beautiful quilts together despite their physical distance from each other—the stunning photos of their many creations prove it. They reveal the secrets of their success, including how to bridge style differences and use each person’s strengths to best advantage. Freddy, an expert in color, discusses her specialty, while Gwen talks about design principles. In addition, each artist offers ten personal tips and structured and unstructured projects to try, as well as ideas for putting them all together. A gorgeous gallery of quilts is sure to inspire needleworkers to combine forces.A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

    The emphasis is on color, composition and creativity, but the real treat is adding embellishments of pearls, semi-precious stones, shells and beads to your creations. Under The Sea is swell!

    With a few pieces of basic equipment and a small harvest of backyard weeds, you can easily create stunningly original handcrafted papers. Helen Heibert’s illustrated step-by-step instructions show you how easy it is to blend and shape a variety of organic fibers into professional stationery, specialty books, and personalized gifts. You’ll soon be creatively integrating plant stalks, bark, flower petals, pine needles, and more to add unique colors and textures to your paper creations.

    Includes 52 Scrapbooking challenges that help you think outside of your creative box and expand your individual style.

    Now, in her much-anticipated first book, embroidery pioneer Jenny Hart brings her sublime designs to everyone. Expanding on the offerings of her Stitch-It Kit, Sublime Stitching offers all the instructions, tips, and hip patterns needed to create hundreds of stylish projects. Perfect for stitchers of all experience levels, this charmingly photographed book includes simple directions and inspiring project ideas for stitching up jeans, handbags, neckties, baby bibs, and more. Best of all are the entirely original, ready-to-use iron-on patterns bound in the back. Jenny has included all sorts of delightful designsfrom cheeky margaritas and maracas to classic teapots and cupcakes. These patterns are easy to remove after using, and a cinch to store in the handy pockets on the inside covers. Believe it or not, each pattern can be used up to nine times. Now that's sublime.

    With all of the techniques needed to produce Ruth's beautiful designs explained in clear, step-by-step photographs, this superb book will appeal to both beginners and experienced embroiderers alike.

    In the largest Christmas book every published by Gooseberry Patch, readers will find the best of their reader-shared homespun ideas for food, fun, easy crafts, and gifts in one easy-to-use collection. The book's grand size and bountiful content put this all-in-one Christmas book in a league of its own. You'll enjoy: * Over 400 tried & true reader recipes for meals, desserts, snacks, drinks, and more, plus over 200 gifts from the heart--Gooseberry Patch style!* Over 200 craft ideas that include patterns and step-by-step instructions entice you to stitch, glue, and paint to your heart's content.* Over 400 see & do color photos and spiral binding make it easy to use.

    And these 500 exquisite artisan pieces will open crafters' eyes to the varied and wonderful possibilities. These baskets, made by top creators from around the world-as well as the best emerging newcomers, range from exquisitely functional to purely decorative, from classical to ultramodern. In addition to traditional twill, rattan, and reed, the artists have incorporated more unusual objects, such as plastic, paper, thread, and metal wire - even seeds, fish scales, and newspaper. Basket makers, collectors, students, and anyone who loves beautiful items will delight in these masterworks.

    Considering the range of personalities out there, it's only fitting that our quizzes come in a range of formats (true or false, finish-the-doodle, flow charts and so forth). To complete the personalization, the book comes in three different translucent, flexible covers: serene green, hot pink, and all-about-you blue.Comes With: Color-coordinated ballpoint pen, 70-page notepad Have fun

    Inside you'll find visual, step-by-step instruction divided into two sections that detail techniques for working with both round and flat brushes in acrylics. The lay-flat spiral binding makes it easy to quickly flip through and find the stroke you want, featuring a range of comma strokes, pressure strokes, fan strokes, teardrop strokes, scroll strokes and much more.From the very basics of supplies and techniques to more in-depth guidance for creating unique compositions, this guide offers everything you need to build confidence, have fun and paint successfully - whether you're a beginner or a more experienced decorative painter. This comprehensive guide includes:Quick-reference photos for finding the right stroke, fastStep-by-step stroke instructions that actually build a little painting with every lessonEasy-to-follow worksheets for combining strokes to make complete flowers, birds, butterflies, lace, ribbons and more20 fresh and pretty borders painted with round and flat brushesTwo sections highlighting common mistakes and how to fix themPlus, this guide offers a bonus section that shows you how to create six gorgeous compositions that feature today's most popular colors and stroke styles. It's all here! The Brushstroke Handbook gives you everything you need to master every stroke and explore a range of decorative painting possibilities. It's the one reference you'll want to have handy for virtually every project.

    Featuring 15 step-by-step projects for creating clay fairies, gnomes, trolls, and other enchanting figures, this beautiful instructional book shows readershow to create an entire fantasy land.

    In "GET YOUR CROCHET ON!: Hip Hats"" and Cool" "Caps," Afya presents 20 step-by-step patterns of her most popular designs for women, men, and children. Chock-full of designs that are simple enough for a beginner but stylish enough for the most seasoned crochet artist, "GET YOUR CROCHET ON! "speaks to the crocheter in all of us and includes instructions for everything from choosing the right hooks and yarn to washing and caring for the finished piece.

    Then experiment with four basic container styles to create round, oval, square, and other shapes. Create purses, baskets, and bowls in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, and colors Simply wrap fabric strips around cotton clothesline, coil into the desired shape, and secure with machine stitching Special sections on lids, handles, and embellishments offer unlimited options for your own variationsVideo

    The traditional "Quick Trip" is based on a "Trip Around the World" format.A Bargello effect is achieved with the "Quick Quarter" pattern, and for the artist in you, piece a "Water Lily" which adds a bit of applique to a rippling water background. The patterns are easy enough for a beginner but will challenge seasoned quilters to achieve just the perfect effect for an inspiration quilt. Eleanor's technique for this quilt is fun and so easy that it is truly a "Quilt in a Day." Let your personality shine through in your quilt by fabric selection and placement. Yardage and cutting charts are included for all five-quilt sizes with bonus instructions to make table runners from your scraps. The book features sample quilts that symbolize locations from the desert to the sea. Take a trip to your sewing room and create your dream vacation wit!h a Quick Trip Quilt!

    This book features stories, patterns, advice, opinions, questions, answers, jokes, pictures, and more!

    Renowned author and sewing expert Nancy Zieman shows you everything you need to know about serging through easy-to-follow instructions featured in Serge with Confidence.First build your confidence by learning the basic techniques and tools needed on your way to serging success, and then put those skills to use by creating one of the many showcased projects.Whether you are a beginning serger or you have been using your machine for years, Serge with Confidence is the No. 1 resource to have on hand in your quest for serging excellence.You'll find:Comprehensive overview of a serger and how to use itOverview of the types of stitches available, products and tools18 inspirational projects, from wardrobe pieces and accessories to home decor, and holiday ideas, all fully illustrated and beautifully photographedThrough guide to keeping your serger running smoothly and trouble-free

    Begin making beautiful ceramics, even if you’ve never attempted pottery before, following detailed information about:Essential tools and studio equipmentDifferent types and constituencies of clay – including earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and rakuForming methods – including pinching, coiling, slabbing, press molding, throwing, and trimmingAdding texture and patterns – with techniques such as sgraffito, stamping, inlaying, and burnishingPainting and printing – using slip, banding and combing, resists, and underglazesGlazes and post-firing techniques – including salt and soda glazes, lusters, and metal leafEssential technical resources – such as glaze recipes, types of kilns and firings, and health and safety tipsThis 192-page hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5 × 8 inches, a perfect size for you to keep handy and reference often. A glossary at the back defines important terms. With its combination of practical advice, exciting images, and inspirational ideas, this book is a must-have for all potters at any stage of their career.

    This text contains 25 designs that will appeal to both novices and experts alike.

    Chapters include: Equipment and Supplies, Preparing Applique_, Stitching, Embellishing, and Projects. Seven projects showcase the Applique_ techniques. Full-size Applique_ templates are included.

    She covers the tools required and gives a detailed description of materials. 116 full-color photos. 57 full-color diagrams.

    Learning to knit can be enormous fun for five-to-ten-year-olds--especially when helped along by animal characters whose antics make each lesson a delight.

    Loomers of every skill level will find something new and exciting to make.

    Textile technology has radically evolved in recent years, and many of the ideas mentioned in the first edition have now become reality, while countless new ones have been conceived.Techno Textiles 2 highlights advanced textiles in production and available to the designer, artist, architect, and consumer today. here are textiles for a new world: fabrics that shrink or expand to the desired size; textiles developed from carbon, steel, glass, and ceramics; materials that protect the wearer from environmental extremes on earth and in space.The book is divided into three sections: "Innovation" (how the newest textiles are imagined and made); "Applications" (from fashion and design to architecture and art); and "Reference" (a full reference guide, including glossary, biographies. directory of addresses, public collections, and extensive bibliography). It will become required reading for professionals and for anyone curious about the new environment in which we live.

    Discusses exotics and native species, familiar plants and dozens of rare and obscure plants.

    Now Suzen Millodot has created beautiful jewellery from real three-dimensional Celtic knots tied with cords and embellished with beads and pendants. Suzen demonstrates techniques such as button and braid knots, plaits and Turk's Head knots and shows how to use them to make eighteen stunning projects including necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches and earrings.

    A collection of fantasy designs that presents cross stitch scenes from fairy tales and fables.

    Book by Barry Hall

    With easy-to-follow colour charts and complete step-by-step project making-up instructions, this title features 10 magical chapters with a range of cross stitch designs including the Celtic fairy queen, Chinese dragons, beautiful mermaids and a majestic unicorn.

    More than 700 photos and illustrations accompany instructions detailed enough to allow a beginner who has never taken a sewing class to glide through chapters on patterns and fabrics, proper cutting and marking, methods for pressing and seam finishing, and how-tos that ensure a perfect fit. The choice and tailoring of collars, buttonholes, pockets, and mitered back vents are shown to create individuality and flair, while special sections provide information about stripes and plaids, men's jackets, finishing touches, and helpful tools and notions.

    Includes simple instructions for basic stitches and easy step-by-step directions for 16 kid-friendly projects. Illustrations.

    Each chapter presents enduring Thimbleberries patterns featured in Lynette's extensive fabric line from RJR fabrics. The quilts are grouped by size into three chapters: Weekend Wonders - little quilts displayed as decorative wallhangings with themes from harvest to holiday; Cottage Comforts - cozy-cottage throws to help you surround yourself with the comforts of Thimbleberries classics; Bedtime Bliss - 13 projects plus optional color ways to choose from to help you transform any room into a restful retreat.

    just like a painter!This easy-to-use book includes:14 projects with easy-to-follow instructionsSimple techniques for fabulous special effects, including adding applique, layering tulle and adding bordersEasy step-by-step instructions for creating your own landscape design135 plus full-color photosA photo guide to selecting the best fabricsQuilt the world like a master painter. Teacher, artist and expert quilter Cathy Geier shows you how with "Watercolor Landscape Quilts."

    E. W. Clayborn, Valet, Theo Angell. Inside the book: Indepth, archival interview with scifi author Octavia Butler, brutally honest tour diary by Okkervil River's Will Sheff, Drew Daniel of Matmos tell us "How To Sing Along to 'Sweet Home Alabama', Crime writer/historian Peter Doyle unearths archival crime-scene photos from Australia, Dan Bejar of Destroyer is interviewed by his eight-year-old mini-me, the legacy of street-corner gospel-blues great Rev. Louis Overstreet, psychedelic painter Fred Tomaselli talks in-depth about his art and his punk/fanzine beginnings, Meredith Brosnan goes off about the ABC No Rio open-mic scene in NYC in the mid-'80s. Interviews with Sam Lipsyte, Todd Barry, Souled American, Peter Lamborn Wilson, and the Blow. Fiction by Stacey Levine, Vanessa Vaselka, and Jana Martin.

    Providing details on the four essential pyrography ingredients--temperature, speed of stroke, texture patterns, and layering--this reference also includes chapters on equipment, surface selection and preparation, and finishing techniques. Teaching the way in which the eye comprehends visual tones and translating this knowledge into light and dark values with woodburning tools, this text for all skill levels also provides 30 traceable line patterns that differ in skill and ability.

    The result is gorgeous, soft-edged patterns that will delight sewers and fabric lovers alike. This appealing, modern take on a traditional art takes the intimidation out of a versatile craft and allows anyone to create beautiful items. Each chapter focuses on a specific method, from arashi (pole-wrapping) and stitching and gathering to using bleach to remove colour. The eighteen exquisite projects are embellished with detailed photos and easy-to-follow instructions throughout.

    Beginning with a comprehensive look at tools and materials—covering all types of fabrics, threads, needles, and beads—the guide teaches stitches, edging, and fringe, as well as the proper care of beaded fabrics. The focus on technique allows crafters to easily integrate beaded enhancements into any type of existing project, and the experienced instruction covers bead choice, color schemes, and finishing methods for a polished look. With its clear directions and a gallery of sample projects, this workshop-ready book will instruct and inspire.

    Decades of experience is edited, expanded, and updated so students can easily study the very best techniques of hooking a rug. See how the same designs can be hooked in as many as four different ways-fine shaded, primitive outline and fill, dip dyed, and with artistic scraps. This book is an indispensable tool for all levels of hookers.

    Considered thedoyen of British glass engravers, Peter Dreiser has fully updated thetext for this second edition with Katharine Coleman, one of the leadingcontemporary glass artists of today. It is now 4-colour throughout withsuperb new images illustrating the work of a new generation ofcontemporary glass engravers. The many techniques covered includecopper wheel engraving, synthetic wheel engraving, cut glass, brilliantcutting, diamond point, drill engraving, glass etching andsandblasting. This book is one of the very few on the practical aspectsof this craft, of interest to student and the interested public alike.Comprehensive information, examples and exercises for the student areall accompanied with clear photographs, of work in progress and thefinished item.

    (Antiques & Collectibles)

    In this inviting reference she shares her latest innovations in one-stroke painting, featuring 50 all-new flowers and 10 fresh floral compositions you can apply to virtually any project.You're sure to find the perfect flower here. Five complete sections cover a range of brightly colored blooms, including cottage garden flowers, tropical flowers, wildflowers and herbs, spring bulb flowers, and more - all presented in a quick-reference format. There's even a special section on flowering trees and shrubs.Comprehensive step-by-step acrylic painting demos accompany each flower so you can pick up Donna's trademark techniques with ease. You'll also find visual instruction for creating allover floral patterns and beautiful backgrounds using faux finishes and textures, plus a comparison chart on choosing the best background color.Become a one-stroke wonder! With Donna's guidance, painting fabulous flowers has never been easier - or more fun!

    All the essential tools and techniques are clearly explained in more than 400 diagrams and photographs, making it an invaluable guide for both beginners and the more experienced crafters. Readers will discover new twists on the basics, and learn how to create complex-looking stitches, openwork and lace, multicolored patterns, shaped motifs, Afghan squares, and much more. A 16-page gallery in the back of the book features a wide range of crochet items from designers around the world, a perfect section to inspire creativity.

    They're not buying ducky stickers or templates or the latest designer "rule" book...they don't follow anyone's rules but their own. We call it Freestyle and it's what Chris Ford, Emily Falconbridge, Tia Bennett, Genvieve Simmonds, Ashley Calder, Kelli Crowe, Severine DiGiacomo, Ashley Calder, and this unconventional gang do so well. Some call it scrapitude. We call it, Freestyle.

    A selection of six quick-to-stitch designs have been included depicting a hippo, ostrich, lioness, elephant, leopard, and crocodile.

    Whether you're a new knitter who wants to learn the basics, or an experienced knitter who wants to try complex patterns, THE KNITTER'S HANDBOOK provides clear, easy-to-follow guidance for over 250 stitches and techniques. Beginning with basics like casting on and simple textures and eventually building up to cables, jacquards, fair isles, embellishments and intricate ribbon patterns, this terrific visual resource offers a combination of photos and diagrams so it's easy to understand stitches and patterns at a glance.

    It illustrates the coming to the fore of French graphic design, information design, multimedia and television, and places graphic design amongst the fields of fine art, iconography, sculpture, literature, fashion, urban architecture and other artistic disciplines.

    These creatively constructed versions are all grown up and influenced by Altered Art’s wide-ranging and wildly popular techniques. From representational to abstract, human to animal, the interpretations are limitless.

    It's a new and exciting approach that yields remarkable results--even for beginners. She covers four basic procedures--plaiting, knotting, looping, and twining--and incorporates materials such as copper, colorful wire, natural fibers, even bottle tops and bark. The array of projects includes soft-fiber necklaces as well as one made from looped linen over a forged silver mold: small retro pins, bright and colorful in twined pattern shaped; and a variety of pieces made from wire twisted with beads. There's no other book like it, and it's sure to appeal to a diverse range of crafters.

    Now you can cast your own sewing spells with paper-pieced designs to enchant the young and the young at heart.

    Easy-to-make projects are combined with ideas for giving that will warm the hearts of givers and receivers alike.Create 20 projects with traditional patterns and repeated blocks-perfect for whipping up quilts in multiplesDiscover helpful tips for organizing charitable quilting bees for quilters of all skill levelsFind ideas for choosing charities, from pediatric centers to nursing homes, plus advice on sizes and materials

    From the basic to the more intricate and from traditional to contemporary, each embroidery stitch is demonstrated through clear, colorful illustrations and detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.Stitches are grouped according to type, making it easy to locate a specific stitch, and presented in order of difficulty, from beginner to advanced. The stitches are further divided into fabric stitches and canvas stitches, and include:Line and border stitches Straight and slanted stitches Filling and detached stitches Composite and isolated stitches Crossed and insertion stitches Edging and hem stitches Motif stitches Single- and double-canvas stitches Plain- and even-weave fabric stitches. This book is the perfect handbook for the relaxing and enduring hobby of embroidery.

    Drawn from Popular Mechanics magazines of the 1940s, The Boy Mechanic features a tremendous variety of well-illustrated projects. They range from the practical to the fanciful, comprising everyday items such as birdhouses and bean shooters as well as unusual ventures, including ice gliders and magnetic theaters.Girls, boys, and adults of both genders will appreciate these engaging projects, which require only common tools and inexpensive supplies. Whether used as a manual or simply read for the pleasure of a look back at the good old days, this book promises hours of enjoyment.

    Provides information you need to know about punch needle embroidery - from tools and supplies to finishing and framing.

    The log cabin quilt is one of the oldest and most ppular designs - and the beloved style gets an exciting twist here: a selection of modern interpretations to accompany the traditional favourite.

    Besides sharing the amazing history behind the antique quilt's construction on the battlefront by Sorbian soldiers—who used materials from their uniforms to piece it together—this book also shares the technique Holland used to successfully replicate the quilt. Quilters who are looking to incorporate her new technique—called inlay appliqué—into their own work can use the included patterns, each of which were inspired by the original 1776 quilt. Featuring both incredible designs and a compelling story, this is a captivating read for quilters and historians alike.

    Over 570 color photographs chronicle a wide variety of rugs being hooked today, putting to rest any notion that no one hooks rugs anymore. Contemporary hooking artists from all over the U.S., Canada, and beyond present hooked abstract designs, animals, commemorative pieces, landscapes, portraits, nautical themes, traditional patterns, and primitive styles. They include more than floor coverings; some are wall hangings and others hooked furniture. See humorous rugs, sentimental tributes to places and people, designs adapted from photographs and famous paintings, fantasy subjects, and much more. Of interest to collectors, textile artists, and dealers. Be inspired to join this growing creative outlet!

    From what tools to use to creating depth and shadow, a novice artist can become an accomplished illustrator in no time.

    Contents • Features 23 projects with a twistFeatures• Jenny Hart - new wave embroiderer• Patrick Amiot - sculpting junk into art• Liza Lou - Stringing a million beads• Diana Eng - designer of high tech fashionColumns• Welcome• Modern crafting• Old school• Linkages• Susie Bright• Recycle it• MakeoverProjects• Led clothing• Jet age garden• Knitted boots• Room divider• Pet project: Catnip castle

    Her popular shop, French General, offers handpicked linens and collectibles from her yearly visits to the south of France, plus an array of products to awaken the senses, from bath and laundry potions to ribbons, beads, and baubles. Here, she distills her much sought-after sensibility into 40 charming projects that capture the sights, scents, and textures of the French countryside. They include lavender sachets, lovely etched glasses, pillows, covered hangers, French potting boxes, and herbal lotions. A Selection of the Homestyle Book Club.

    This work shows how these designs become dramatically different from one to the next, depending on the settings and scraps you choose.

    "Dramatic Light" shows you how, blending inspiring artwork with clear, step-by-step demonstrations for working in both watercolor and oil. Your paintings will improve instantly as you follow hands-on, visual guidance for recreating the basic principles of light: transparency, translucency, luminosity and reflections. This remarkable book features: 16 step-by-step demonstrations that show you how see and paint light in it many formsA range of styles and subjects to admire and borrow from, including flowers, landscapes, people and still lifesDetailed instruction for mastering challenging textures, such as sparkling glass, sheer fabric, moonlit skies, shimmering water and moreVisual comparisons that highlight common mistakes and how to fix themYou'll find the guidance in "Dramatic Light" very effective and accessible, even if you're new to painting. Special sections cover a range of topics, from creating good compositions to mixing colors to working with reference photos.Take this guide, explore light's sublime possibilities, and transform your work.

    Expert photographer Joseph Meehan explains every aspect of close-up digital photography, with information on cameras, accessories, lighting; tactical approaches for different subjects and ideas for computer image enhancement.

    It begins with the basics--planning a design, attaching fittings, making secure crimps, selecting beads--so crafters can quickly get started creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Simple wire-bending techniques allow them to make beaded drop earrings as well as more elaborate necklace and bracelet designs. Advanced techniques use metallic, sterling silver, even 14-carat-gold wire to make gallery-quality jewelry in almost any style and size. Featuring design ideas by a variety of jewelers, this book includes pictures and descriptions of tools and materials, a guide to common types of beads, advice on proper lengths and fit, and inspiration for creating a wide range of styles.

    There are 50 authentic projects such as a kabbalah prayer in Hebrew, a fabric bag with Bedouin motif, an illuminated Celtic prayer, and a "hope, love and joy" talisman in Chinese.Whether for learning this ancient skill or for crafting personalized cards and gifts, this book celebrates the sage advice of calligraphers worldwide: "The joy of calligraphy lies in its practical aspect."

    These motifs, designs, patterns and borders will inspire craftspeople, artists, needleworkers and all those interested in creating their own original ideas and projects.

    Subject matter includes the 'face' of Tutankhamen, the breathtaking pyramids, fascinating hieroglyphics, and life on the River Nile. All 25 projects, including pictures, wall hangings, cushions, box lids and greetings cards, have full step-by-step stitching and making-up instructions. This book reveals the fascinating historical facts and insights behind every design to make this a truly unique cross-stitch journey through an ancient civilisation.

    There is advice on the yarns or threads to use, arranging the threads on the disk or plate, producing many different types of braid, braiding with beads, finishing off and using the braids to make bracelets, necklaces, bag handles and much more.

     8 quilts: Make Your Point (color placement makes Pinwheel and 16-Patch blocks appear to be set on point); Broken Dishes (showcasing favorite fabrics); Enjoy the Simple Life (appliqué message and blocks in country prints); Trail Mix (combining Four-Patch and Nine-Patch variations); Square Dance (a diamond pattern emerges from simple squares and triangles); Living in the Past (inspired by a circa-1885 Ohio Star quilt); Centennial Pineapple (Log Cabin variation); and Country Charm (X blocks with floral appliqué).

    Our 20 coloring designs are printed on see-through vellum Have fun

    So we created an activity book where girls craft tiny purses. Logically speaking, it's perfect. With Ribbon Purses, girls can make up to 14 bitty bags, with no two exactly alike. Everything they need is here, including colorful floss, plush chenille and satin cording, sparkling beads and, of course, beautiful ribbon?seven different kinds. Super-simple instructions, clearly illustrated every step of the way, ensure that even beginning crafters will be able to sew and embellish their own miniature designer purses. The biggest question will be how many to keep and how many to give to friends. A finished ribbon purse is just small enough to hang from a belt loop, backpack or necklace. It's just big enough to hold a coin, baby tooth, orphaned earring or other little lucky charm. And as a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted fashion statement, it's just right.

    Also includes a selection of templates, appliquC) and quilting designs--"some classic, others modern--"for you to try.

    From those humble beginnings, the craft has evolved into a highly respected art form, and many who have seen the vibrant rugs created by Atlantic Canadians are inspired to take up the hook themselves.In East Coast Rug-Hooking Designs, master rug-hooker Deanne Fitzpatrick explores and explains the art she loves. Photographs of her colourful hooked rugs are accompanied by her frank and touching stories of life in Atlantic Canada-the life that inspires so many of her designs. From hooking and gathering fabric, to choosing colours, designing, and binding, the entire process is clearly explained. Over thirty playful and dynamic patterns are included-some suitable for beginners, and some that will challenge even experienced hookers. Whatever your level of expertise, this book will surely have you hooked!Rug-hooking artist Deanne Fitzpatrick is renowned worldwide for her stunning rugs and patterns. Her work is in permanent exhibits at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Canadian Museum of Civilization, among others, and she has made frequent radio and television appearances, including on CBC's Land and Sea. She lives in Amherst, Nova Scotia.

    Let the foremost authority on fabric beading show you how to create incredible works of art.

    They have been designed with both boys and girls in mind and each item is easy to knit, with full instructions and techniques througout.