As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters—her own Mary Tudor, whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experienced knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle–style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martini explains, "is a knitter’s Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you." And so she took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband—without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle. A wooly Julie and Julia, this epic yarn celebrates the profound joys of creating—and aspiring to—remarkable achievements.

    Envision handmade books to hold your writings, poems, photos, and keepsakes. More than 170 photos to inspire, and hundreds of illustrations to guide readers through the basics of an almost infinite variety of imaginative styles.

    In the ensuing decades, he has led hundreds of metalsmiths to explore and expand on his pioneering work. Now for the first time, the results of those efforts are compiled into a comprehensive review. With practical techniques and over 450 photographs, this groundbreaking book sets a standard for breadth, authority, and inspiration. Eight by 10.5 inches; 160 pages; full color; hardcover with dust jacket; 450+ photos.

    The Bohemian Modern home is a place where creativity, individuality, and a wild mix of color and pattern meet in a modern environment. Whitewashed walls and polished concrete floors are brought to life by vibrant Moroccan rugs and wall hangings, wicker chairs draped with tactile throws, and a veritable jungle of house plants—clustered in pots, hanging from the ceiling, and even growing on the walls. The style certainly gives a nod to ’70s chic, with its use of shagpile rugs, Swiss cheese plants, and macramé, but it stands firmly in the present day by boldly contrasting those elements with sleek modern art on the walls and bold pops of color. Emily Henson starts by taking a look at the different facets of the look: pattern and color, textiles, handmade pieces, living with houseplants, and collections and display. She also offers up styling tricks to use at home and ideas for recycling and reuse. Next, a series of case studies take a closer look at Bohemian Modern homes and the people who live in them. From a restored barn on the breezy Moroccan coast to a former parking garage in the Netherlands that's been converted into a flexible family live/work space, Emily shows that any home can have Bohemian Modern style.

    Step-by-step instructions for creating papier-mâché monstrosities

    All you need to do is find patterns that you can make up in a few hours. There are loads of great patterns out there that you can whip up easily while you’re sitting around watching television, riding in a car on a long trip, or in your spare time (if you actually have any). In this 365 Days of Crochet e-book, we are giving you a whole year’s worth of patterns, and each one can be made in a single day. In fact, you can make many of these patterns in a couple of hours or less, although you may want to set aside 5-6 hours if you plan on trying some of the bigger projects like blankets and ponchos. Seriously: You will find loads of great ideas for items for your home, wearables, gifts, and a whole lot more. So, grab your crochet hooks and yarn, and start the year off right with a special pattern for every day of the year.Download Your Copy Right Now!

    Presented with easy, step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photos, these 23 projects include a bohemian coat sweater, a mohair hat, retro bed slippers, and an assortment of trendsetting bags. Projects are included for baskets, pillows, and a throw to add a stylish twist to a crocheter's home decor. In addition to introducing basic crochet techniques, this guide tackles more advanced projects using a variety of yarns, including mohair, merino, angora blends, and linen.

    An international favorite since its original hardcover publication in Spring 1994, this spectacular collection of enthralling, full-color photographs portrays an array of serendipitous and thoroughly charming cats against a backdrop of the beautiful Greek Isles. Combining the romantic beauty of the Mediterranean and the delightful behavior of felines, Cats in the Sun will appeal to cat lovers, travelers, and photographers alike.

    D. Lenzen shows how to tie knots like no others. Just as origami figurines are created through the merging of different folding techniques, he creates new knots by combining historical knot elements and new knotting techniques. The product of this intermingling is what he calls a fusion knot — a brand new genre of knot in a centuries-old tradition. It is rare for a knot book to feature even one brand new, never-before-seen knot, but Decorative Fusion Knots features more than 20 brand-new knots created by the author. Decorative Fusion Knots is the culmination of ten years of study, practice, and creation. The knots within were inspired by history, nature, mythology, and more. Many of these incredible knots have never been presented or described publicly, until now. Never before has a knot book presented a step-by-step format to tying brand new knots like this in full-color. Alongside fusion knots, this book presents logical and comprehensive instructions for a plethora of historical knots, including Celtic knots, Chinese decorative knots, maritime knots, and popular paracord ties. Each historical knot instruction is presented in step-by-step fashion. Each of the 300 step-by-step color photographs is accompanied with clear, concise instructional captions. Whether you’re a sailor, teacher, jewelry maker, survivalist, general knot enthusiast, or just looking for bush crafts, paracord ties, a curriculum for students, or a fun way to pass the time, Decorative Fusion Knots is the book for you. With easy-to-understand captions and clear step-by-step photos, readers can learn at their own pace, review whole techniques at a single glance and simply lay the book flat on the table and follow along as they tie.

    From lobster-shaped mittens with moveable claws to a smoke-puffing dragon scarf with spikes, knitting critters is pure enjoyment. In this Collection you’ll discover scarves, hats, mittens and more, masquerading as wooly zoo critters with floppy ears, wiggling tails and googly-eyed faces.All you need are basic knitting skills and a few skeins of colorful yarn. Step-by-step instructions are written in easy-to-understand English without the usual knitting abbreviations or cryptic symbols. Plenty of tips are included to add a little extra flair, flourish and swagger to your creation and make it uniquely yours. Morehouse Farm Critter Knits make wonderful gifts: they are one-of-a-kind, totally unique, absolutely loveable, completely practical and functional and enjoyed by young and old. The critters you’ll encounter in this volume are: Caterpillar Scarf Kissing Fish Mittens Gecko Scarf Bear Paw Mittens with Honey-Dunked Scarf Critter Scarves (Fox, Raccoon & Cat) Dragon Scarf Dragon Hat Dragon LegWarmers Panda Scarf Snake Scarf and matching Cap CatWrap Owl Purse Alligator Scarf (regular and mini-sized) Gator Mitts Loon BackPack Lobster Claw Mittens Lobster Tail Scarf Pony Tail Hat RatRace Scarf Rooster Hat

    Full of acute observation, uncontrollable humour and a rousing climax.’ - Country Life ‘To his credit Stancomb resists the stereotype of the closed-minded British expatriate.’ - Independent on Sunday - Pick of the paperbacks ‘A thoroughly good read ---An endearing tale of a roller coaster ride.’ - Croatia Online ‘This is not a tale of your usual English couple. This is such a fantastic read ... both humorous and thought provoking.’ - Travellingbookjunkie ‘The author presents this quirky little tale in an honest way, even when he is on the receiving end of a joke. You don’t need to make a break with your past to enjoy this book. It is a fascinating, humorous and totally believable read.’ - Robin’s Reviews ‘A good read. I enjoyed best the humorous bits.’ Tony Rossiter (author of It’s Only a Bloody Game) ‘A good read.’ - Tariq Ali Notes From a Very Small Island is the follow-up to the bestselling ‘Under a Croatian Sun’, which tells the story of a couple upping sticks and leaving their humdrum life in London for blue skies and café life on an island in Croatia. In this second book, the couple continue their attempts to fit in with the village community, but it’s not always easy, and more often than not their endeavours involve them in in hilarious disasters. They also now try to start some projects up, but they have to battle with maddening ex-communist authorities and highly suspicious locals. However, through this, they get to see the crippling legacies that communism and the recent war have left in the lives of their new neighbours. Although largely a light hearted tale, the book is also a heartfelt insight into a community trying to adjust to being members of the EU and the ways of the Western World.

    Readers will learn how to make odd and endearing one-of-a-kind creatures from a variety of sock styles. Softcover F&W Media Inc

    Transform tacky bridesmaid gowns and pleated pants into picture-perfect tops, skirts and accessories. The two Melissas and a Hope deliver 30 great projects that are achievable for even the new sewer. "Subversive Seamster" is your secret roadmap to the jewels of thrifting and the ins and outs of refashioning. This book has shortcuts, tips, and secrets to the wide world of inexpensive, individualized fashion. Our clothes make a statement about who we are. What better way to say, "I am an individual!" than to wear one-of-a-kind items made out of other one-of-a-kind items? We derive the most fashionable satisfaction knowing that we are reusing and recycling what already exists in this material world--and looking darn good doing it!

    Austentatious Crochet presents Austen fans with a unique opportunity to step into the scarf, skirt, or chemise of Elizabeth Bennett, Emma Woodhouse, and a host of other favorite Austen characters.The book features thirty-two original crochet projects inspired by Austen novels but fabulously brought up to date and wearable today. The designs focus on women's wear, such as dresses, sweaters, cardigans, and capelets, but also encompass accessories such as handbags, scarfs, and pillowcases and clothing for children.Introductions to each project include favorite bits of dialogue from the original novels. Fully illustrated with evocative photos, Regency-style illustrations, and step-by-step schematics, Austentatious Crochet is certain to please the devoted Austen lover as well as craft enthusiasts.

    Packed with wonderfully eclectic examples, this book explores the intriguing creative possibilities of bookmaking as a modern art form, including a wide range of bindings, materials, and embellishments. Featured techniques include everything from Coptic to concertina binding, as well as experimental page treatments such as sumi-e ink marbling and wheat paste. In addition to page after page of inspiration from leading contemporary binderies, Little Book of Bookmaking includes a practical section of 21 easy-to-follow illustrated tutorials.