And who better to compile one than Lily Chin—the author of four hugely popular knitting and crocheting manuals, a veteran teacher, and one of the fastest crocheters in the world?Lily Chin's Crochet Tips & Tricks compiles more than 75 of her best techniques—some collected from her regularly sold-out classes, many more never seen before—into one comprehensive, pocket-size guide. This book is filled with simple solutions to every crocheter's pet peeves, as well as nonstandard approaches to some of the biggest crocheting bugaboos. At the end of it, you'll be left with one satisfying question: "Why didn't I think of that?!"

    But what it lacks in years, it makes up for in its range of use. Acrylics appeared on the market for artists in the late 1940s as a quick-drying alternative to oil paint. In its early manifestations, it dried so quickly that more than a few brushes stuck immediately to the canvas!Although acrylic has been around for more than fifty years, incredible advances continue to be made in the research and development of acrylic polymers and pigments. These advancements are attributable not only to the efforts of a few dedicated chemists, but also to the work of an entire community devoted to acrylic. There are a lot of brilliant minds taking these minute molecules very seriously.

    Sharing her groundbreaking technique for straight-knit socks, Alice Curtis provides step-by-step instructions for 20 original patterns that feature a variety of yarns and an array of motifs ranging from cables to argyle. The possibilities for creative variations are endless, and each pattern can easily be adapted to any size. Get inspired and use your straight needles to knit stylish masterpieces that will keep your feet cozy and warm.

    Some of the flora looks realistic; others are beautifully fanciful, pure products of the imagination. A simple, well-photographed basics section explains how to create them all: specialty techniques include felting, stacking the flowers, stiffening the petals, and linking the flowers together. “Grow” daffodils, dahlias, ferns, firewheels, primroses, sunflowers, and violets—or even a fantastic blossom with layers of scalloped petals radiating out in increasing size from a crystal button center. For added inspiration, a series of showcase projects incorporates the blossoms, including hats, backpacks, pillows, and cards.

    In Creative Watercolor, popular watercolor artist and workshop instructor Ana Victoria Calderon shares her step-by-step techniques for painting modern motifs in this classic medium. Through a series of easy tutorials and projects, you will: Get an overview of basic materials and tools, plus options for embellishing your paintings Master essential techniques, starting with easy warm-up activities, learning to layer, and getting into the flow with watercolor, plus an introduction to scanning and digital editing for making multiples Learn to paint a variety of simple, beautiful motifs: flowers and leaves, butterflies and critters, fruits and vegetables, and delightful lettering Use what you've learned to create unique, stylish  stationery, including beautiful invitations, place cards, menus, monograms, recipe gift cards, thank you notes—any project you can imagine, for any kind of event you can think of! There's never been a better time to dive into the world of watercolor, so why wait? Grab a brush and get painting! Perfect for creative beginners, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts.

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    - More than 200 photographed stitches accompanied by detailed instructions- Includes a stitch identifier for easy reference to all 200 stitches

    Cutting hundreds of pieces and joining angled seams can be tough work! But log cabin quilting—an artful and simple way to piece strips of fabric around a central square—is different. From the intuitive construction through the straight-line stitching, this style of quilting is simple as can be. In Modern Log Cabin Quilting, Susan Beal outlines the entire process from start to finish, including basic quilting how-to as well as extensive design, fabric, and embellishment information. Since all log cabin designs follow the same formula, once you master straight lines and right angles, any of the 25 projects in this book are possible. From stash-friendly designs like the Charming Camera Case to more ambitious undertakings like the Vintage Linens Quilt, there’s sure to be a project that will get you into (or bring you back to) quilting!

    Master hand-knitting designer Kristin Nicholas and best-selling author Melanie Falick offer 25 fresh, irresistible designs sized for infants to two-year-olds, complete with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. From booties and blankets to toys and sweaters, the exquisite projects showcase contemporary colors and luscious natural fibers that are as soft as a baby's skin.Each of the patterns is clearly written and thoroughly tested and is accompanied by beautiful, hand-painted illustrations of the skills required, from casting on the first stitch to color work, cables, and finishing details. Engaging color photographs by acclaimed baby photographer Ross Whitaker show the finished garments and accessories being worn and enjoyed by a charming cast of babies being their naturally delightful selves.-- Available for Mother's Day-- Authors have more than 25 years' experience in the knitting industry and have published four books on knitting with combined sales of 200,000 copies-- Knitting is on the rise, especially among young women: An estimated 38 million American women knit or crochet-- The patterns, straightforward and accompanied by how-to illustrations, are for beginning as well as advanced knitters-- Features fresh, up-to-date designs and contemporary colors

    Each of the profiled knitters has contributed a project.

    Completely revised and expanded, this updated edition includes your favorite features, plus: * A 16-PACE COLOR INSERT WITH ALL-NEW PROJECTS * A CRASH COURSE ON THE NEW FIBERS UPDATED INFORMATION ON MATERIALS, AS WELL AS HOW TO WORK WITH AND CARE FOR THEM * DOZENS OF NEW STITCHES AND A CHAPTER ON THE POPULAR OPENWORK STITCHES * MORE THAN 1,300 ILLUSTRATIONS * 369 STITCHES! DIAGRAMS FOR ALL PROJECTS SHOWN The Needlepoint Book covers all the information you need to learn needlepoint and improve your technique -- in a single comprehensive volume. You'll find section on: * CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROJECT * TRANSFERRING DESIGNS * ELEMENTS OF GOOD DESIGN: COLOR, PROPORTION, AND BALANCE * LEFT-HANDED NEEDLEPOINT * FINISHING TECHNIQUES * CLEANING NEEDLEPOINT * AND MUCH MORE! The Needlepoint Book is a complete guide to the craft, and the only book you'll ever need as a reference to become an expert at creating exquisite works to be treasured forever.

    Every stitch is shown as a clear swatch to show the effect and texture, and the pattern is given both written and as an easy-to-follow diagram. Conveniently grouped crochet motifs, stitches and edgings allow for easy browsing and location of favorites. Teaches crafters how to make the best of the textural, 3D nature of crochet—perfect when fabrics and knitting just don't cut it! About The Author: About The Author: Claire Crompton is one of the world's bestselling knitting authors and has worked as a pattern designer for major yarn manufacturers including Sirdar and DMC. Claire has also crocheted for many years and is an expert at teaching and conveying information in an accessible, easy-to-understand format.

     With 52 projects, from crafting colorful pages for dot grid, junk, mixed-media, and travel journals to making your own washi tape, tabs, and paper, you’ll soon have the best-looking journals around. Author Renee Day of the popular Instagram @thediyday takes you on an artistic adventure, guiding you with step-by-step photos and instruction, as you learn how to incorporate amazing DIY ideas into your daily planning! You’ll learn to work with a variety of materials—acrylic paint, brush pens, stencils, stamps, 3D gloss gel, scrap paper, and more—as you personalize your stuff, making things uniquely you.  Going beyond basic tools, this stunning book offers tips, tricks, and creative ways to transform journals and hardcover books into treasured keepsakes, including:Ornamental letteringPersonalized habit trackersColorful calendarsDecorative headers and cover pagesCustomized productivity and bucket listsInspiring artworkGratitude logsUnique planning pagesEven if you have a limited amount of time or supplies, you can create eye-catching journal layouts. It’s time to get creative!

    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.

    Crafters of all levels can easily crochet up a storm—or just make a simple snowflake or two. The designs range from simple ones requiring only a few rows to large intricate ones for more advanced stitchers. Starting with a review of crochet basics, a discussion of materials and finishings, the structure of snowflakes, and methods of blocking and starching your finished flakes, anyone can easily learn to craft one of these gossamer creations. Then onto the Snowflake Selector to browse for a pattern that matches your skill level. However, as you work through the book, you will improve your skills as you go along! These lovely flakes—intricate, delicate, and symmetrical—can be used as appliques, to hang in windows, or to adorn your Christmas tree. With full patterns and lots of project ideas for your finished snowflakes, you’re certain to find hours of enjoyment and inspiration from the next book in our bestselling series.