Also known as afghan stitch, this versatile technique is worked on a long needle with a crochet hook at one end. Choose from 13 gorgeous projects, including women's garments and accessories as well as home accents Learn a variety of stitches, from basic to more advanced, including some that look just like knitting Read a brief history of Tunisian crochet and find out why it's experiencing such a resurgenceVideo

    In Uncommon Crochet, designer Julie Armstrong Holetz applies new ideas and unconventional materials--like wire, raffia, jute, sisal, recycled belts, fabric strips, and felted beads--to twenty-five patterns for bins, baskets, totes, handbags, clutches, jewelry, and more. Step-by-step instructions, detailed how-to photographs, and essential advice about creativity, design, and experi-mentation encourage you to play with fiber, add funky embellishments, and use your creative spirit to customize any pattern--even the ones in this book! From practical containers like Red's Goodie Basket (a stylish home for your WIP--works in progress) and Vintage Satchel (a sturdy retro messenger bag) to just plain fun projects like Petite Fleur Vases (tiny bud vases that hold water) and Sushi (crocheted California rolls, anyone?), Uncommon Crochet offers fresh twists on old-school techniques that turn simple projects into gift-worthy creations.

    A collection of gorgeous knitwear designs for infants and toddlers - from sweaters and jackets to blankets, booties, and hats.

    Discover just how easy and fun canning can be. - Choose from 70 user-friendly recipes and additional helpful tips for canning success. - Get started quickly and painlessly with equipment and supplies checklists. - Make perfect pickles, relishes, and jams and jellies throughout the year as fresh fruits and vegetables become available. - Stay safe with comprehensive instructions and safety guidelines that ensure your canning projects are both easy and foolproof. - Satisfy family members' special dietary needs with low-sodium and low-sugar recipes. - Simplify the process of pressure canning of home-cooked meats and prepared dishes.

    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.

    The 1998 and 2005 versions of this book garnered rave reviews among readers and this new Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4 Wheel Trails is certain to receive plaudits for its updates and other improvements. Suggest with confidence.

    They come in many colorways and fiber contents--and they're everywhere. Best of all, they're versatile; you can use these fabulous fibers for a lot more than socks. You can make shawls!Learn how to work from a knitting chart; instructions for 15 striking shawls are charted "and "written outGet tips for choosing the right yarn--from fiber content to color--plus tips on using stitch markers, making shawls bigger, and moreMake great gifts; find a variety of knitted-shawl patterns to suit yourself and your friends

    In The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Amigurumi crafters will learn the basic stitches of crochet, how to make basic shapes (heads, arms, legs, torsos), stuffing techniques, and embellishments such as hair, eyes, and tassels. They will also learn how to make flowers and vegetables, and will acquire the tools to be able to let their imaginations run wild and create their own unique and adorable Amigurumi.Easy-to-follow instructions and patterns for the absolute beginner.The only book that teaches readers how to make their own Amigurumi (not just follow patterns)Includes several complete patternsAuthor is a foremost expert on Amigurumi

    Each knot is shown in a close-up photograph with clear step-by-step diagrams showing how they are tied. Starting with the basics, the knots progress on to more complicated and complex designs, but the clear diagrams make it a cinch to follow along. This invaluable guidebook covers the different types of threads or cords available, and shows a range of clasps and other findings and beads to use in your knotwork. It also includes tons of expert tips like how to set up your work board or how to keep track of the cord ends for less confusion. Thirty-three projects featured in the book range from simple jewelry like a classic friendship bracelet and watch straps to more complex ones like bags and baskets.

    Plus, the projects are cute to boot!” —Sue Daly, founder of the Renegade Craft FairNo more spending more than you can afford on clothes! Chic & Simple Sewing shows you how to make modern, stylish, and fun clothes you’ll want to wear every day. Plus, you’re in control. You pick the fabrics, the cut, the size—all tailored just for you, not mass-manufactured on an assembly line. For about the price of two or three commercial sewing patterns, this book will give you full-size patterns to make the more than 20 garments, including a classic shift, A-line skirt, and figure-flattering wrap dress. What are you waiting for? Your new, one-of-a-kind wardrobe awaits!

    You'll get up to speed quickly with this straight forward guide, full of practical step-by-step visual instructions. Full color screen shots help you learn visually and quickly become productive. <br><br>From the best selling author of the Top 100 Tips for iPad.

    Turning its pages, you will see the patterns grow from simple to more elaborate. You will find this to be the best arrangement for instructional purposes as well as a demonstrations of the orderly and scientific methods on which knitting patterns are based. You will be astonished at the great beauty and variety of these patterns, and you will come to realize the potential of knitting, in practiced hands, as one of the finest of crafts.The author begins with basics, with the distinction between knit and purl sides of the fabric and the use of simple black-and-white charts to present patterns. She then introduces a new motif or design in each chapter. Charts, diagrams, and photographs are used liberally along with the text to illustrate each pattern and steps in the creation of each, with special symbols to indicate critical points, so that you can guard against going astray. The patterns range from cross and cross-over motifs through slip-stitch patterns, eyelet patterns, faggot and lace faggot stitch, bias fabrics, lace knitting, embossed motifs and patterns, medallion knitting, picot point knitting, and filet lace. Concluding chapters are devoted to seamless garments and accessories, modern garments, and ornamental uses of increasing and decreasing. There are lists of French and German knitting terms and an index of textures.Special attention is given throughout to explaining the how and why of each pattern, and the properties of each in terms of horizontal and vertical stretching so that selection of patterns can be made practically as well as aesthetically. The beginner will find this book an excellent guide and instruction manual, and the experienced knitter will find it an almost inexhaustible encyclopedia of patterns, methods, and suggestions.

    By the time you finish this book, you'll have all the skills you need to achieve a striking likeness in a drawn portrait. Artist and life drawing expert Jake Spicer takes you through a series of carefully crafted tutorials, from how to put together a basic portrait sketch to developing your portraits and then taking your drawings further. From understanding and constructing the head and shaping the hair, to checking the relationships of the features and achieving a lifelike expression, every aspect of the portrait process is examined, along with advice on which materials to use and how to find a model.

    An indispensable and handy resource for anyone who wants to take better pictures in Yosemite and elsewhere.

    With instructions for twelve different characters and enough materials for two complete projects -- Yoda and a stormtrooper -- your crochet collection can also soon include Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Jabba the Hutt, and many other favorites.    Use the force of crafting to create this amazing cast of characters with Star Wars Crochet.