Try your hand at 9 projects, including an elegant sampler with 51 mix-and-match blocks. For quilt as-you-go enthusiasts, Jera shares 3 optional joining methods, including her new technique that makes your quilt reversible! No matter how busy your schedule, you can set attainable goals and practice quilting patchwork blocks in small, manageable pieces.

    The projects produce high-impact quilts made with simple cutting and construction, therefore no fussy cutting or Y-seams are required.

    While there are literally dozens of ways to get yarn on and off the needles, most knitters stick with the methods they learned as beginners, missing out on the opportunity to create edges that are more functional and long-lasting as well as decorative, adding distinctiveness to their finished knits.In Cast On, Bind Off, master knitter Leslie Ann Bestor offers a one-of-a-kind reference to more than 50 different ways to begin and end a knitting project - from the charming bobbles of the picot approach to the tidy, refined edges of the tubular method. For each method, she provides detailed instructions with step-by-step color photography, advice about best uses, and tips for making the most of the technique's strengths and appropriateness. At-a-glance charts pinpoint the right cast on or bind off for various types of knitting and cast on/bind off pairs that work especially well together.Today's knitters are branching out and exploring new knitting styles - from chunky cables to delicate lace - and all they are missing is the perfect cast on or bind off technique to create edges as beautiful, professional, and functional as the stitches that come between. Cast On, Bind Off is an indispensable tool for every knitting bag - a trusted reference that will ensure each project is polished and pleasing .... from start to finish.

    In this inspiring guide, Lexie Barnes shows you how to create handmade bags that provide customized functionality while showcasing your own personal style. With step-by-step instructions for 18 pattern-free projects that include drawstring sacks, handbags, and messenger bags, Barnes encourages you to experiment with bold fabrics, hand-picked materials, and purpose-tailored dimensions to create fashionably unique bags that are suitable for your individual needs.

    While you’re waiting for your favorite knitting event to appear on the horizon of your calendar, you can content yourself with knitting up some of the best patterns from the fashion show. Every knitter is sure to fall in love with the patterns in this free eBook. A variety of patterns will keep you knitting all year long; these classy patterns will be a welcome addition to any wardrobe, and you’ll have a great time knitting them up and remembering all the fun you had at the last STITCHES show.

    Now this self-described “mitten and glove aficionado” shares her enthusiasm for these ordinary items by presenting 28 extraordinary ways to make them for year-round style.Featuring gloves, mittens, arm warmers, mitts, and fingerless gloves, this is the second book in a new SCT Craft series that introduces innovative approaches to creating popular knitted items. Knitting New Mittens and Gloves combines traditional and untraditional techniques—as well as influences as far-flung as Gothic architecture, Estonian lace, and Wagnerian opera—in a winning collection of patterns for adults and children. From wool mittens filled with unspun fleece and arm warmers with leather laces, to cotton-mesh fingerless gloves and silk-beaded mitts to be worn as adornments, each design has an unexpected twist.Because they are small, quick to make, and don’t require a lot of yarn, mittens and gloves are perfect projects for knitting throughout the year, and they also offer an ideal opportunity for beginning and more seasoned knitters to experiment with new techniques, yarns, and styles. With its fresh, original sensibility, Knitting New Mittens and Gloves will captivate knitters of every level.

    Many crocheters make mandalas as a meditative activity, while others love them simply for the wonderful opportunities they offer for mixing colors and stitch textures. A new take on traditional shapes, like granny squares or hexagons, these attractive crocheted circles are causing a real buzz in the crochet community.Included are complete written and charted directions for a variety of types of circular designs, plus a range of creative techniques and ideas to make yours stand out from the crowd. With full patterns and inspiring photos, a review of crochet techniques, a discussion of materials, colors, finishing techniques, and lots of project ideas including bags, shawls, blankets, and pillows, this book guarantees many hours of happy mandala-making.

    In the United States, the online craft culture has sprouted a renewed interest in making Kanzashi with American crafters devising simplified ways to create these gorgeous fabric flowers and incorporating more user-friendly materials like cotton and synthetic fabrics along with the traditional silks.Kanzashi in Bloom takes the American interpretation of Kanzashi a step further, presenting modern, more easily executed flower designs as elements in a variety of fun, fashionable, hip craft projects. Kanzashi in Bloom offers advice on materials, three petal-folding styles, and techniques for assembling a Kanzashi flower. You’ll also find instructions for 20 projects to wear and give as gifts, including:• Tiny blossom earrings • Flowers-in-your-hair clips • The happiest belt buckle ever • Elegant floral gift topper

    

    Using purchased metal stamps and sterling silver blanks, you can personalize your metal jewelry designs with words, textures, and creative designs. Lisa Niven Kelly, creator of the online Beaducation workshops and website, specializes in the technique and has been teaching stamping for more than six years to enthusiastic students. Although stamping is a simple technique, the right tools and skills will help you create professional and exciting results.Stamped Metal Jewelry teaches multiple metal stamping and texturing techniques, and the projects incorporate wirework and metalsmithing to create fabulous necklaces, beads, charms, bracelets, cuffs, and earrings. The book opens with an extensive section on stamping, wirework, and metalsmithing tools and techniques. With these skills, you can begin the inspiring jewelry designs with confidence.Nineteen projects cover a variety of techniques and designs such as creating charms, incorporating stamped links into beaded projects, making stamped links from flat wire and wire-wrapping them together, stamping on blanks and layering them, riveting, texturing metal, oxidizing, and more. In addition to Lisa's projects, the book features contributions by nationally known guest artists Tracy Stanley, Kriss Silva, Lisa Claxton, Kate Richbourg, Janice Berkebile, and Connie Fox.

    Containing 300 entries, this informative collection covers everything from knitting’s appearances in history, literature, folklore, and pop culture to little-known facts about wool, sheep, and fiber producers. Helpful tips and techniques are included, as well as tidbits on crochet, spinning, and weaving. With illuminating illustrations throughout, Knitting Ephemera will entertain knitters and needlecrafters everywhere.

    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.

    Inside you'll learn all the secrets behind her exciting new fusion of traditional spinning and envelope-pushing creativity.The yarn styles explored in this comprehensive spinning guide are as well made as they are inventive. Jacey walks you through each of her techniques, with a refreshing mixture of quirky, fanciful, and unexpected designs that are always skillfully constructed. Inside you'll discover:*How to create innovative, eye-catching single and plied yarn styles, including wraps, beehives, bumps, racing stripes, loops, bubblewrap, multiplied, and more.*Detailed technical instruction with step-by-step photos with finished yarn and swatch close-ups.*Jacey's bright personality and motivational tips to inspire all spinning enthusiasts to unleash their creative spirit.Traditional spinners will love Jacey's adventurous spirit and attention to expert technique, while textured-yarn spinners will love Jacey's wild designs and solid construction.As a bonus, the instructional DVD provides additional handspinning demonstration and commentary to complement the techniques in the book. Jacey has bottled the energy and expertise of her highly sought after workshops into a personal, at-home workshop experience for you.

    With simple step-by-step instructions that are accompanied by templates and pattern pieces, each project is designed to be completed in just a few hours. Get inspired and turn a yard of your favorite fabric into a quilted lunch bag, bright sundress, or a cuddly plush turtle.

    From the clever decorations and take-home gifts, to classes, games, and a Hogwarts-worthy feast, no detail is forgotten. Your party guests will marvel at every magical moment of their journey into the world of witchcraft and wizardry.