The perfect go-to guide for every stripe of crochet artist, from the crafting commuter to the full-time hook-and-needler (and the perfect gift for anyone who could use an extra dose of over-the-top cuteness in their life), Hoshi’s Ami Ami Dogs is sure to knit smiles and tail-wagging into the fabric of any home it joins.

    Every artist starts with the basics and here is a step-by-step guide to them all. With this how to draw for kids book, every kid can be creative and capture whatever catches their eye.In How to Draw, kids ages 9-12 will try their hand at everything from magical creatures and cartoons to realistic landscapes, portraits, and so much more. Covering basic techniques as they go, this book will prepare and inspire young artists to create their very own masterpieces. It’s easier than you think.How to draw for kids includes: Age-appropriate basics—Kids will learn how to shade dark and light, use perspective, create 3D shapes effects, and more. Easy-to-follow steps—Get start-to-finish instruction for every exercise. Cool pictures—Unicorns, faces of friends and neighbors, buildings, plants and trees—the possibilities are as endless as your child’s creativity. Every kid has the potential to be creative—this how to draw for kids workbook nurtures their confidence step-by-step.

    Michael Miller fabric designer Sandi Henderson holds to the adage "waste not, want not" to deliver a collection of innovative sewing projects that lets you make the most of bits and pieces of your beloved fabrics.From a market skirt to a butterfly pin, from an embellished table cloth to hip hair accessories, Sewing Bits and Pieces gives you 35 sewing projects to make unique pieces that are perfect for gift-giving (or keeping for yourself)!Features gorgeous full-color photography throughoutDetailed instructions walk you through each projectSandi's popular Portabello Pixie blog is read by thousands every dayPacked with tons of fun, innovative projects, Sewing Bits and Pieces will have you creating sewing masterpieces in no time.Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

    Crocheting skills are learned by working on projects, beginning with something very easy and getting progressively more difficult as the reader works through the book. New skills are explored in depth as they are introduced. The introductory section covers all the basics of crochet-selecting yarn, hook types and sizes, other tools and accessories, crochet gauge, chaining, forming the basic stitches, reading patterns-making this the most comprehensive beginner’s book available. The online video tutorials created to supplement this book are an additional learning tool demonstrating the essential techniques used in crochet.

    Sew modern quilts for everyday use that will help you return to the roots of quiltmaking, with projects designed to help you use up every last scrap. Learn sorting and storage tips to help you plan your next quilt, with projects categorized by type of scrap--squares, strings, triangles, or little snippets. You'll never look at scraps the same way again!

    . . Mary Thomas's Knitting Book. It's a veritable encyclopedia of knitting, clearly and definitively explaining and illustrating every method, operation and stitch, and a good number of the patterns you are ever likely to need or use. After an engaging history of the craft and its implements, Miss Thomas carefully lays the foundation of knitting in the opening chapters ― how to hold needles, wind yarn, gauge stitches, control tension, etc. ― and builds gradually upon it in the following sections. These explain in lucid progression every operation in common knitting, from basic knit stitch and purl, casting on and casting off, shaping by decreases and increases to turning, triangular shapes and mitres, and knitting on the diagonal or bias. For the reader who has mastered these fundamental procedures, Miss Thomas devotes the remainder of the book to fancy knitting stitches and techniques, including color knitting by stranding and weaving; pattern weaving; knitting woven, by frame with its complement of stitches (plain, raised, rib, etc.), looped, beaded, embroidered by chart, using cross stitch, honeycomb, etc.; and making patterns for garments and working out their details (armholes, belts, buttonholes, collars, hems, necklines, pockets et al). To put what the reader learns into practice, she offers instructions and patterns for making various Shetland shawls, gloves, and socks. More than 250 technique diagrams clearly illustrate every operation and pattern as to position of hands, yarn, and needle, so the knitter will have no trouble in following along. For all knitters, whether beginner or adept, a chapter of helpful knitting hints on blocking, picking up dropped stitches, lengthening, knitting up, mending, taking-back (correcting), etc. completes these invaluable and personalized lessons.Unabridged republication of original (1938) edition.

    Sheila McGregor's in-depth treatment ranges from the regional styles of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to those of the North Atlantic Islands of Faeroe and Iceland. Vibrant patterns for an array of garments include jerseys, gloves and mittens, stockings, and caps. Illustrated with 191 black-and-white and 20 color pictures, this volume is well known and prized among longtime practitioners of the craft. Its return to print will delight a new generation of knitting enthusiasts.

    Essential reading for handspinners, wool growers, and other fiber craft enthusiasts, this guide gives special attention to fleece characteristics, methods of preparation and spinning, and best end use. Everything from baby-soft merino to silky lincoln to sturdy karakul--the full range of nature's miracle fiber--is represented here with expert advice on selecting top-quality fleeces; cleaning wool efficiently and thoroughly; teasing, flicking, combing, carding, and other preparation methods; and spinning and plying a variety of yarn styles. Actual fleece locks are shown in full-size photographs. Knitting, crochet, weaving, and other techniques illustrate the importance of matching wool type to end use.

    She calls on her years of experience as Knitty's Managing Technical Editor, where she has edited hundreds of sock patterns, to share this information in a way that is easy to understand with patterns that inspire.So go ahead and treat yourself to these 15 original sock patterns that are easily customizable and work with any needle configuration. Your feet will thank you!

    Sweaters get damaged or go out of style but we still love the prints, colors, and textures. You don't have time to knit it from scratch. It's ecologically correct. And most of all--it's fun!Sweater Surgery shows you how to upcycle all your slightly worn, slightly damaged, or plain old out-of-style sweaters into fabulous new items for your wardrobe and your home. Readers learn how to choose, cut, restitch, felt, and embellish old sweater fabric, transforming it into beautiful handbags, mittens, scarves, hats, hoodies, skirts, jewelry, soft toys, pillows, and more!Complete instructions for 27 projects, plus a huge gallery of exciting ideas for further inspiration.

    This fun-filled book offers dozens of creative ideas and easy-to-follow instructions for using duct tape to make everything from wallets and coin purses to novelty neckties and household decorations. Separate chapters give directions for projects that include— Duct Tape Accessories—wallets, sandals, watch strap and more Duct Tape Clothing—apron, necktie, mini skirt, tool belt, and more Duct Tape Flowers—roses, iris, water lilies, and more Duct Tape Animals—turtle, duck, lion’s head, puppy, and more Megativities— skyscraper, Rubik’s Cube, and moreDirections are presented mainly in illustrated form and entail numbered steps that start with a rectangular section of tape. Succeeding diagrams indicate the shape and direction of each progressive fold, leading to the final illustration of the finished piece. Here’s a book of fun for both grownups and kids, and a great way to introduce children to crafting. They’ll find that it’s easy to get started, and once they’ve tried any one of this book’s easier projects, they’ll be itching to construct increasingly challenging and imaginative creations. More than 500 color illustrations.

    The Fine Art of Paper Flowers is an elevated art and craft guide that features complete step-by-step instructions for over 30 of Tiffanie Turner's widely admired, unique, lifelike paper flowers and their foliage, from bougainvillea to English roses to zinnias. In the book, Turner also guides readers through making her signature giant paper peony, shares all of her secrets for special paper treatments, candy-striping, playing with color and creating botanical imperfections, and shows how to turn paper flowers into gorgeous garlands, headdresses, bouquets and more. These stunning creations can be made from simple and inexpensive materials and the book's detailed tutorials and beautiful photography make it easy to achieve dramatic and lifelike results.

    Chock full of easy to understand instructions and full color pictures for the 24 recipes included, you are sure to succeed with this book, regardless of your skill level. With a few simple ingredients, and a little bit of time, you’ll be making bath bombs in an afternoon. You’re in good hands with this quick and easy guide to showing you not only the basics, but also more fun and challenging recipes like the Fizzy Pops, designed to look like tasty cake pop treats. Taking it a step further she has also included cupcake bath bombs with a sugar scrub topping. Who wouldn't love to make these? This book can be a project for yourself, a gift for a friend, or an enhancement to your knowledge in the world of bath and body crafts. Whatever the purpose, the reader will enjoy!

    From brides who want to address their wedding invitations to do-it-yourselfers who want to prepare certificates or make a family tree, and even for art journalers and scrapbookers who like creative text in their works, calligraphy books and classes are hot.This new-in-hardcover book will spark the interest of the calligraphy novice by introducing a new approach to lettering, one that combines a lively combination of traditional lettering styles, fun and scripty modern styles, and artsy street-style lettering, along with project ideas that incorporate creative lettering.The book demonstrates the uses of traditional and cutting edge lettering tools, from classic calligraphy pens to bling-producing metallic foils and glue pens. It introduces a wide array of lettering styles with complete alphabets sample artworks that show an application. Fully stepped-out illustrations break down each letterform, taking the reader through each stroke and a large collection of gallery images provides further inspiration for how to use creative lettering in artwork.

    This heartwarming title will appeal to knitters interested in not only stitches, yarn, and patterns, but also in the lives of other knitters, the lessons that can be learned from their craft, the ways knitting helps knitters cope during difficult times, and the role of knitting in family life. "Let [this book] keep you company when you need another knitter's voice beside you," Edwards writes in her introduction.Like a good friend, A Knitter's Home Companion will inspire readers to laugh, cry, remember, be thoughtful, cook, and, of course, pick up their needles--sometimes to soothe, sometimes to celebrate, and sometimes to just pass the time. Divided into four chapters--Motherhood, Home, Community, and Legacy--stories range from "But She Doesn't Have Any Underpants," about the challenges of knitting for family to "Home Ec Workshop and the Mystery of the Indian Slipper," about finding community at a local yarn shop. Projects range from mittens and socks to a baby blanket and afghan.Praise for A Knitter's Home Companion: "This charming book is like reading a letter from your best friend . . . The recipes, beautiful drawings, anecdotes, and helpful hints on every aspect of our favorite craft . . . will bring a smile to your face and a comfort to your soul." - Love of Knitting "These reflections on knitting will resonate with knitters of all stripes. Charming stories supplemented by delightful patterns and recipes open a window to a knitter's inner life . . . From here, straight through to the end of the book you will feel a personal connection to this author who knits to celebrate, soothe and pass the time." -Knitch Magazine"This is a charming and utterly alluring book that makes you want to cook and knit and have a little chat about the kids. I love Michelle Edwards' drawings, and the design of the book is an artwork in itself. This is a book you want to buy for yourself, and maybe to give to a few close friends, as well." Jane Smiley, Author of many novels and knitter of many sweaters"A cozy and charming collection of essays about the joys of knitting --complete with lovely patterns and yummy recipes--to leave you feeling warm and inspired." Kate Jacobs, Author of Friday Night Knitting Club series and Comfort Food"Michelle Edwards' writing remind me of a simpler time when I grew up in a small town where family was the center of everything. When I read her stories, I think about the legacy I am leaving to my daughter by teaching her the craft that I love so much and what a treasure a handmade gift really is. Beyond the delightful and heartwarming stories, the patterns, and the recipes is a wonderful message about what is really most important in life." Vanna White"It was Edwards' love of knitting and her desire to find a nurturing community that led to her newest book, A Knitter's Home Companion, which is a love song that she's written to knitting and the process of forming a community around her lifelong passion of shaping strands of wool into hats, scarves, sweaters, socks, mittens, and even egg warmers." -Wordswimmer.com