This approach appeals now more than ever as stylish women are continuously looking for ways to fit their love of sewing into busy lives filled with family, work, school, and countless other obligations.Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses is Gretchen Hirsch’s modern reinvention of this simple idea, focusing on easily mastered sewing skills, minimal pattern pieces, and fabulous designs. And the best part? Readers will end up with a sparkling wardrobe of easy-to-wear, fun-to-style dresses that will fill busy modern lives with retro charm.

    I read all of the customer reviews on my books and appreciate everyone who takes the time to give their feedback; your comments have helped me to see where improvements and clarifications needed to be made, and I am very thankful for your input.This book shows you how to do all of the basic crochet stitches with detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations. You will easily progress from complete beginner to being able to crochet any of the projects in this book, and beyond!This latest edition includes the instructions for four of my best-selling crochet patterns:- Boot Cuffs Slouchy Hat House Slippers Cloche Hat in addition to the quick and easy original patterns for a spa-style wash cloth, mesh scarf, Kindle cover, flower head band, and a basic granny square motif which can be used as a basis for many other projects such as afghans, cot covers, cushion covers........the possibilities are endless! This is the ONLY beginner's book you will need. Scroll up to the top and click on the link to "Buy Now" to deliver almost instantly to your Kindle or other reading device, and make a start on this wonderful craft TODAY.

    Simple sewing techniques and quick yet stylish projects combine in this appealing book that teaches readers basic sewing skills while they create adorable yet useful items to keep for themselves or give as thoughtful presents. Use surface embellishment techniques including applique and embroidery to transform plain tees or old linens into pretty and unique signature items like a pillowcase purse or a skinny summer scarf; create lovable critters or a set of crafty coasters from scrap fabric and felted sweaters; or clean up the clutter in your craft room with easy-to-sew organizers for your crochet hooks, knitting needles, pins, and more. A focus on using vintage and thrifted, repurposed fabrics shows readers how they can whip up unique sewing projects that are also easy on the planet (and on your pocketbook). Colorful photographs reveal the projects and fabric selections up-close; step-by-step instructions, plus Jenny's tricks and tips, make it easy for home sewers to re-create these sew darn cute items for themselves.

    Whether you've been sewing for years or just gotten the itch, you'll find invaluable information inside for using your sewing machine to its maximum potential.Learn how to:Troubleshoot machine problems like skipped stitches, needle breaks and tension troublesPerform basic maintenance on your machine to keep it running smoothlyChoose fabrics, threads and other materials that will keep your machine running at full capacity and result in quality projectsRecognize and utilize the best sewing machine feet to achieve the desired resultsRefine everyday tasks from installing zippers to sewing buttonholes and constructing perfect hemsCreate beautiful embellishments like scallops, ruches, smocking, pin tucks, cutwork, puffing and entredeux to enhance any sewn project or garmentAn indispensable reference book to keep next to your machine, inside you'll find quick answers to all your sewing problems. Take control of your sewing machine and achieve wonderful results every time!

    From wire wrapping and knotting to weaving and polishing, you'll get all the skills you need to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, key chains, wine charms and items for the home. Discover how to * Create funky and elegant designs * Work with leather, silver, and stones * String, knot, and weave beads * Avoid common mistakes * Host a trendy jewelry party

    After running out of money, and losing telephone service and electricity to unpaid bills, she received and solved three cases. When three new cases fall into her lap at her grandfather’s birthday party, she is more convinced than ever that she has chosen the right career. The first case is for her sister, who wants Kate to help Wayne Warren, a fugitive accused of stealing a truck hauling potato chips. The second case comes via a kidnapping: Kate is snatched off of her parents’ front lawn and taken to the ornate suburban home of suspected Russian mobster, Zoltan Bolenko. Zoltan has a nephew who has gambled away very valuable porcelain roses, and Zoltan wants Kate to find and return the roses before their owner, Zoltan’s sister, learns her son has lost them. Finally, family friend Charlotte O’Halloran, a glamorous former FBI agent now mysteriously retired, offers Kate surveillance work. Happy to be working and sure her money troubles are over forever, Kate eagerly takes on all three. Drafted as her reluctant assistant is Kate’s charming, unemployed cousin Nick; and butting in as her would-be mentor is Mac, Kate’s retired neighbor, a man with impeccable posture, a murky past and a broken heart, courtesy of Kate’s aunt. In four short days, Kate’s multiple investigations have her fearlessly zigzagging from one adventure to another. With unshakable faith in her abilities and unflagging persistence Kate manages to unravel the truth behind every case, ultimately discovering how many people erroneously think they can get away with one little lie.Fast paced and very funny, the Kate McCall series features a fearless and impulsive young woman absolutely determined to make a success of her business on her own terms and in her own way. Written for fans of humorous fiction, as well as those looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous tough female PI, this lighthearted series will also appeal to anyone who enjoys a great read, memorable characters and a happy ending.

    Start with simple, easy-to-make projects, such as embellishing clothing you may already have, and proceed to more complicated alterations. Included are projects for steampunk jewelry, accessories, and clothing.

     When Molly was eight, her mother passed away on Christmas Eve. It was on that day that Molly learned that Christmas didn’t bring joy, but heartache. The years drew on in a struggle against hunger and making the rent. When her father passed away, Molly knew her time was running out. She didn’t have two dimes to rub together, it was only a matter of time before she was homeless. When her neighbor, Mrs. Gardner, suggests a way out, she refuses. But a few months later, Mrs. Gardner returns with a sheaf of papers. She had written to a man named Howard Grover on Molly’s behalf. A husband, a home and the promise of a future awaited her, if only she would agree to travel west. About to be evicted, a desperate Molly realizes it’s her only chance at survival. When she meets the humble Howard and his kind sister, Rose, Molly feels at home for the first time. Although Howard is by no means wealthy, he promises Molly she will never go hungry again. When he proposes they get married on Christmas Eve, Molly is hesitant. Christmas Eve was a time of heartache. She agrees, only to awaken on Christmas Eve to deception and a confession. What must Howard confess? Will Molly ever have a Christmas of joy? This is a sweet mail order bride romance that will have you counting your blessings. This Cinderella-like tale tugs at the heart-strings and will have you racing to the last page for an ultimate happily ever after.

    Thanks to Hollywood's newfound obsession and updated, stylish designs, a whole new generation has caught on to the art of knitting. For those just starting out or veteran knitters, expert Donna Kooler's newest, Encyclopedia of Knitting, will get those needles clicking. This comprehensive guide covers all the basics, from the history of knitting, tools, and materials, to how-to instructions for 164 stitches and stitch patterns, with tons of photos and diagrams to show the way. Includes instructions for both right-handed and left-handed knitters, with narrative directions and symbols to make learning easier. Contemporary projects by today's top knitting designers are suitable for a variety of experience levels and include a man's vest, a baby's dress, and decorative pillows. If the runaway success of her two previous Encyclopedia volumes is any indication (and we certainly think so ), this one has "bestseller" written all over it.

    The founding members of the Myrtle Grove Garden Club are Jesse Camden and her mother, Sophia, who are co-owners of the Gilded Lily Tea Room and Coffee House, along with Vivian Windsor, who is Myrtle Grove’s resident oil heiress and a lifelong friend of the Camden ladies. Bonus: Recipes included in each book. Three complete books in the boxed set are: Murder, Mayhem and Bliss (Book 1) When the husband of Bliss Kerr, niece of Vivian Windsor, is found dead in their pool, Jesse Camden hurries to the side of her dear friend, Vivian. As murmurs of murder grow, and Bliss’s future darkens, Vivian turns to Jesse for help. With eager assistance from the Garden Club, Jesse sets out to find a killer, painfully aware she has no idea how, and failure isn’t an option. Murder Most Thorny (Book 2) Jesse Camden’s reunion with an old friend comes to a shocking halt when a tornado drops a dead body out of the sky almost on top of them. When that body proves to be her friend’s ex-husband, Jesse scrambles the Garden Club together to help dig up evidence of her friend’s innocence. Unfortunately, all they dig up is another dead body. Murder on a Silver Sea (Book 3) A string of accidents and a wealthy dowager’s fatal fall send Jesse Camden and her Garden Club bestie, Vivian Windsor, rushing to a remote island in the Salish Sea to search for a possible murderer and fulfill a promise to safeguard the small dog who inherits not only the fortune but the danger that comes with it.

    Renowned for her stylish and simple designs, Bliss first guides the beginning knitter through all the basic steps and techniques. She then presents step–by–step instructions for 15 adorable knitwear designs, from a beanie hat and raglan sweater to seed–stitch shoes. Published in a handy format ideal for tucking into a knitting bag or pocketbook.

    Sweaters get damaged or go out of style but we still love the prints, colors, and textures. You don't have time to knit it from scratch. It's ecologically correct. And most of all--it's fun!Sweater Surgery shows you how to upcycle all your slightly worn, slightly damaged, or plain old out-of-style sweaters into fabulous new items for your wardrobe and your home. Readers learn how to choose, cut, restitch, felt, and embellish old sweater fabric, transforming it into beautiful handbags, mittens, scarves, hats, hoodies, skirts, jewelry, soft toys, pillows, and more!Complete instructions for 27 projects, plus a huge gallery of exciting ideas for further inspiration.

    Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks "at the same time" on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.Get off to a great start with one basic sock pattern; then experiment with seven more designsMake cuffs, feet, and toes match exactly from sock to sock; no more measuring as you goDiscover how easy it is to convert any sock pattern for double-pointed needles to this ingenious method

    But with her recent move to Dapple Hills, North Carolina, she’s learning all sorts of new things—including how to solve a murder… As the newest member of the Village Quilters Guild, Beatrice has a lot of gossip to catch up on—especially with the Patchwork Cottage quilt shop about to close. It seems that Judith, the landlord everyone loves to hate, wants to raise the rent, despite being a quilter herself… But when Judith is found dead, the harmless gossip becomes an intricate patchwork of mischievous motives. And it’s up to Beatrice’s expert eye to decipher the pattern and catch the killer, before her life gets sewn up for good. Includes quilting tips!

    As a symbol of the Self, the mandala provides a connection to our innermost being. The forty-eight drawings presented here for coloring include designs inspired by forms of nature, Native American and Tibetan sand paintings, Hindu yantras, Turkish mosaics, the illuminations of Hildegarde of Bingen, and the art of M.C. Escher. These mandalas are organized according to the Great Round of Mandala, a scheme of twelve archetypal stages that represents a complete cycle of personal growth. Thus, to do the coloring book from start to finish will carry the reader through a balanced experience of change, guided by the accompanying text.