10 Secrets of the Laidback Knitters: A Guide to Holistic Knitting, Yarn, and Life


Vicki Stiefel - 2011
    With humor and insight, authors Vicki Stiefel and Lisa Souza illustrate how to become a laidback knitter--one who enjoys the process as much as the product. Join in and be inspired by the mix of people, patterns, and places in their knitting world; follow the steps they took; and discover the secrets that set them along this path. 10 Secrets contains a wealth of other valuable and fun information including profiles, websites and other resources the authors can't live without, information on fibers, spinning, and crochet, and much more!Additionally, an amazing collection of twenty-seven patterns--complete with instructions and charts--fills the book with elegant shawls, chic sweaters, and colorful scarves from a spectrum of designers, all beautifully photographed in full-color.This is a book that gives knitters permission to relax and have fun; to see that knitting can be as much about process as about the finished product, and know that the stitches they knit can express the inner joy they feel. The exciting patterns--aimed at knitters from beginners to experienced--complement the books exuberant purpose and style.

Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners


Trish Burr - 2011
    In 15 projects organized in three levels, from novice to intermediate, Trish provides expert, easy-to-follow guidance on techniques for surface stitching that provide subtle shadings and a soft, paintlike blending of colors. Sections on materials, the long and short stitch, and helpful practice motifs lead to gorgeous projects like Burgundy Rosebuds, a Wild Pansy, and a Racquet-tailed Roller.

All-in-One Quilter's Reference Tool: Updated


Harriet Hargrave - 2004
    Find information fast in this convenient pocket-size reference guide. Easy-to-follow Charts, Tables & Illustrations. Yardage requirements. Cutting instructions. Setting Secrets. Choosing Supplies. Piecing Techniques. Number Conversions & More.

Bust DIY Guide to Life: Making Your Way Through Every Day


Laurie Henzel - 2011
    And who better to teach us how to DIY our lives than the über-crafty editors of BUST, the quirky, raw, and real magazine “for women who have something to get off their chests”? In The BUST DIY Guide to Life, magazine founders Debbie Stoller (of Stitch ’n Bitch fame) and Laurie Henzel have culled more than 250 of the best DIY and craft projects from its 15-year history. Organized by category—beauty and health, fashion, food and entertaining, career, finance, travel, and sex—and written in BUST’s trademark brazen and witty style, this quintessential DIY encyclopedia from the quintessential DIY magazine is eclectic, empowering, hilarious, and downright practical, truly capturing the spirit of women today.Praise for the BUST DIY Guide to Life:“This lifestyle manual will come in handy when you need anything from a headache remedy to a dirt-cheap wedding.” —Entertainment Weekly“Has tips on beauty, fashion, and finance, too, all with attitude. But our dog-eared pages? Decorating, all the way.” -- Los Angeles Times“It’s a rare do-it-yourself book that combines instructions for both homemade pot holders and Tantric sex. But The Bust DIY Guide to Life isn’t your typical how-to manual. The book, by Bust magazine cofounders Laurie Henzel and Debbie Stoller, is an irreverent yet informative guide to much of what life throws your way—removing laundry stains, lubricating a bicycle chain, even planning a wedding on the cheap.” —Akron Beacon Journal "Looking for one source to provide answers on how to do practical things? This is it! A friendly compendium that shows you (with many pictures and diagrams) how to replace a broken zipper, make soap, turn your bell bottoms into straight-leg jeans, how to buy an old house, how to buy a vintage car, how to skateboard and lots more." —The Fresno Bee

Pretty in Punk: 25 Punk, Rock, and Goth Knitting Projects


Alyce Benevides - 2007
    Indulge your girly side with the Ready Steady Go mini skirt, rebel with Feel the Pain wrist cuffs, or channel your inner rock star with the very same Mohawk hat Depeche Mode's Martin Gore wears on stage. Whether you're new to knitting or a veteran desperately seeking patterns with an edge, you'll find projects here for every mood and every genre. With step-by-step instructions, helpful technical illustrations and intarsia graphs, plus high-fashion photos of all the finished projects, Pretty in Punk is the only authority on anti-authority knitting.

The Feisty Stitcher: Sewing Projects with Attitude


Susan Wasinger - 2010
     Along with the familiar fabrics and recycled garments, she gets into the spirit of exploration with unexpected materials, from paper and tire tubes to neoprene. And with the skill level set at beginning to intermediate, every crafter can join in!Projects include:Bags and Totes  Home décor and gift items Wearables, such as hats and other accessories

Joyful Mending: Visible Repairs for the Perfectly Imperfect Things We Love!


Noriko Misumi - 2020
    Simply by applying a few easy sewing, darning, felting, or crocheting techniques, as well as some sashiko and other favorite embroidery stitches, you can repair your favorite pieces in a transformative way. These techniques don't just save you money, but make your life more joyful, fulfilling and sustainable in an age of disposable "fast fashion." Author Noriko Misumi teaches you her philosophy of mending and reusing items based on the age-old Japanese concepts of mindfulness and Wabi Sabi (an appreciation of old and imperfect things). In her book, she shows you how to: Repair any kind of fabric that is torn, ripped or stained-whether knitted or woven Work with damaged flat or curved surfaces to make them aesthetically pleasing again Create repairs that blend in, as well as bold or whimsical visible repairs Darn your handmade or expensive gloves, sweaters and socks to make them look great again The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.

Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry: 50 Designs Using Leather, Ribbon, and Cords


Lorelei Eurto - 2012
    Inside this colorful instruction book are clear steps for incorporating these trendy materials into designs as well as troubleshooting tips for finishing the ends using the right findings and how to care for materials such as 100% silk ribbon.Bohemian-Inspired Jewelry is perfect for all levels of jewelry makers interested in creating beautiful, hip designs. Beginner jewelry artists will learn basic skills including, stringing, wire-wrapping, knotting, and braiding. Advanced designers are provided with a vast range of material and design ideas. Regardless of your skill level, you'll also learn how to feel confident with more complicated knotting. This is the perfect instructional book for jewelry designers interested in exploring the world of alternative materials in beaded jewelry.

Joyful Stitching: Transform Fabric with Improvisational Embroidery


Laura Wasilowski - 2001
    With instructions for 21 embroidery stitches and 6 projects, all in Laura's signature colorful, whimsical style, you'll transform a flat, plain surface into a joyful, design-packed art piece. Stitch on wool, felt, or silk, and enjoy the simple pleasure of slow stitching. Includes a gallery of display ideas.

A Bag for All Reasons Sew Your Own Fabric Bags, Purses and Accessories for Every Occasion


Lisa Lam - 2012
    NEW

November Knits: Inspired Designs for Changing Seasons


Kate Gagnon Osborn - 2012
    Projects range from casual cardigans and scarves to stylish wraps and sweaters. The book is divided into three moods: Farm Hands, the most casual design section; Ivy League, which focuses on more sophisticated knitwear, and Southern Comfort, which has slightly dressier garments ideal for holidays and special occasions.

Simple Knits for Cherished Babies


Erika Knight - 2001
    Visually, this is a beautiful book, with full-page color photos of each design and detailed close-ups. Among the many designs featured are an enchanting cashmere teddy bear, a lace-edged baby blanket, and classic baby booties. Warmly recommended for public libraries of all sizes.”—Library Journal.

The Knitting Book: Yarns, Techniques, Stitches, Patterns


Frederica Patmore - 2011
    With many celebrities picking up their needles and hundreds of people getting into knitting every month, this book will help you join the trend and enjoy knitting for many years to come.Packed with essential advice, inspiring ideas and 40 trendy knitting projects, the book includes everything you need to get started or develop your skills. Knitting terminology is demystified and step-by-step photography of each technique along with handy "galleries" of popular stitches stops you getting your needles in a knot.Get knitting with The Knitting Book, essential for beginners and experienced knitters alike.

Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in the Sun: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork and Quilting


Kaffe Fassett - 2007
    Master colorist and quilter Kaffe Fassett escorts you through a showing of each gorgeous new piece accompanied by photos of the quilts taken on the sun-drenched shores of Portugal, the inspiration for the fantastic designs. Detailed instructions, diagrams and templates accompany each work ensuring that your quilt in the sun will be in hand before long.Twenty new creations from the master himself and acclaimed designers such as Liza Prior Lucy, Mary Mashuta and Amy ButlerExuberant colors and patterns inspired by and photographed amidst the beautiful sea and land, artifacts and architecture of PortugalDetailed step-by-step instructions, full-color piecing diagrams and templates plus a flat shot for each dazzling designVaried palettes for selected designs vividly demonstrate the impact of color and encourage you to explore your own unique color combinationsA special section of tips and techniques give knowledge and confidence to quilters of all skill levelsAn extraordinary gift to delight the quilters on your list

DIY Bedroom Decor: 50 Awesome Ideas for Your Room


Tana Smith - 2015
    From an Ombre Painted Canvas and Ribbon Chandelier to Chalkboard Frames and Sequin Curtains, this guide shows you how to create the fabulous room decor crafts that you've spotted in magazines and online on your Tumblr dashboard. With just a few simple tools and Smith's guidance, you'll turn your bedroom into a super cool space your friends will envy. Every page also includes step-by-step photographs that guide you through the process, so you'll never have to worry about how your projects will come out.Filled with easy-to-follow instructions for 50 imaginative ideas, DIY Bedroom Decor helps you transform your current space into the bedroom of your dreams!