Warm Weather Knits

Paying attention to shapes, details, pattern stitches and fibers that work especially well for summer, Deborah Newton presents more than 20 sweaters and accessories to knit. The designs use a variety of cool fibers and blends, from classic cottons/linens/blends and lightweight "cool-wool" to new "green" organic and recycled yarns, as well as specialty yarns/blends such as bamboo and soy. Known for her finesse with textured knit stitch patterns and finishing details, Deborah has geared the designs toward a stylish audience, young as well as older, with sporty designs as well as dressy. There are summer cardigans and pullovers; two twin sets (one whisper-weight for hottest days); coordinated family sweaters for man, woman, and child; variations on the indispensable tank top; a tunic worked two ways; a dress; two shawls, and a market bag.
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Steampunk Softies: Scientifically Minded Dolls from a Past That Never Was

Sarah Skeate and Nicola Tedman offer crafters an array of charmingly raffish characters inside "Steampunk Softies: 8 Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was." Even if you're unfamiliar with the term "steampunk," chances are you've already discovered it through the works of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Tim Burton, Mary Shelley, or Lemony Snicket. Steampunk is an artistic movement that includes stories involving steam-powered versions of modern technology in a fictionalized Victorian setting.
Staying true to steampunk style, Skeate and Tedman's inventive "Steampunk Softies" feature prominent science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as anachronistic inventions and props. In addition, many have dual roles that add practicality to their punk existence--the Lady makes an excellent paperweight, while the Illusionist's cloak doubles as a screen cleaner.
Despite their meticulous detailing, "Steampunk Softies" are simple enough for even a sewing novice to construct. A short biography accompanies each softie, providing a background story for each character. Also included are a complete list of supplies, illustrated step-by-step blueprints, and a handy, back-of-the-book reference section that provides tips on aging and distressing project materials.
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Hankie Couture: Hand-Crafted Fashions from Vintage Handkerchiefs

What is"Hankie Couture"? A stunningly original collection of doll-sized fashions--everything from pajamas to wedding gowns--meticulously crafted from vintage handkerchiefs. Accented with slyly witty "Hankie Couture" girl "philosophy," this book is a stylish showcase of 125 unique fashions and accessories. It is also a how-to guide that allows you to transform treasured heirlooms or colorful flea-market finds into one-of-a-kind fashion ensembles.
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The Complete Book of Home Crafts: Projects for Adventurous Beginners

"Over 90 home projects designed by craft experts just for beginners! 'The Complete Book of Home Crafts' is a fantastic introduction to crafting for the home. With step-by-step instructions and a wealth of illustrative photographs and templates, everyone will feel comfortable diving into these fun projects. Spice up old furniture with antiquing effects or decorative tiling, revitalize a boring mirror with some paint and a few stencils, or learn to create beautiful beaded jewelry and handmade commemorative plates for loved ones...
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The New Sewing Essentials

Providing a basics-and-beyond reference for novice and experienced sewers, these guides include a large number of color photographs of each piece of equipment or sewing technique in the step-by-step directions.
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The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing

Providing a basics-and-beyond reference for novice and experienced sewers, these guides include a large number of color photographs of each piece of equipment or sewing technique in the step-by-step directions.
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Respect the Spindle: Spin Infinite Yarns with One Amazing Tool

The progression from working with yarn to making yarn is natural for many fiber artists, and the hand spindle is a simple, economical, time-tested tool. Franquemont, who learned spindle spinning from Peruvian craftswomen while living in the Andes as a child, introduces readers to the joys of producing yarn with the humble spindle. Her enthusiasm shines throughout, whether she's writing about the types of spindles or the physics of spindle spinning. The techniques are all amply illustrated with step-by-step photographs. A good introduction for those beginning to explore spinning, and a comprehensive guide to technique for experienced spindlers
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Loop-d-Loop Lace: More Than 30 Novel Lace Designs for Knitters

Loop-d-Loop Lace is the third volume in the groundbreaking Loop-d-Loop series by Teva Durham. In this installment, Durham shatters the idea that lace is old-fashioned by presenting more than 30 cutting-edge knitting designs that are as up-to-the-minute style-wise as they are thoroughly steeped in lace tradition. The projects cover a wide spectrum, from classic shawls and camisoles that utilize traditional laceweight yarns and revered stitch patterns, to ultramodern pullovers and accessories in bold colors and chunky yarns that showcase lace at a larger scale. Projects range from easy to advanced. Detailed swatch photos throughout illuminate the stitchwork, while color fashion photos show off the finished garments with the series' signature modern, romantic appeal.
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Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning

A textile artist of 30 years who has taught handspinning throughout the United States and Canada, McCuin is eminently qualified to instruct on the craft. Beginners will find this a good general introduction to spinning with hand spindle and spinning wheel, while experienced handspinners will learn from its detailed information on spinning novelty yarns. Throughout, McCuin highlights inexpensive ways to sample the craft before purchasing costly equipment, e.g., by experimenting first with an inexpensive homemade warp-weighted loom.
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Introduction to Making Cloth Dolls

Meet three 16- to 18-inch designer dolls with lineages similar to those of such couture wearables as Rodarte and the late Alexander McQueens. No wonder, since their UK creator, Horrox, has extensive experience in textiles and fashion. Her training shows, first, in the explanation of materials, tools, and equipment, with careful listing of both required and not-so-necessary tools. General how-to instructions follow, emphasizing the actual crafting of two different types of hands and faces, well illustrated with color photographs. Tips, some helpful, some not-so, are scattered throughout in shaded boxes, ranging from a reminder to craft both right and left feet to the steps of sewing the ladder stitch. Then the dolls debut, each with a second variation. Meet Miranda, Anastasia (woodland nymph), and Titania (yes, the fairy), all delightfully posed and designed to brighten the living space or bedroom of anyone, of any age. Eight pages of templates are appended.
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Knits That Fit: Instructions, Patterns, and Tips for Getting the Right Fit

Stop following, start knitting!
When you lovingly make something stitch-by-stitch, it shouldn't fit like it came from a department store. However, that's exactly what happens when you knit to fit a general size instead of your actual measurements. In "Knits that Fit," you will learn how to break free from following a pattern word-for-word and start making small changes to tailor your knitwear.
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Terrarium Craft: Create 50 Magical, Miniature Worlds

Few terrarium books have been published in recent years, but many glass gardening enthusiasts persisted past the 1970s, and they will enjoy the 50 projects in this book—updated terrariums evocative of forests, beaches, deserts, and fantasies. Projects break the mold of traditional, covered, humid terrariums and have a modern look even when incorporating antiques or mementos. As in any good craft book, each project includes at least one large, stunning photograph, a materials list, and enumerated directions. Crafty brown thumbs will appreciate the inclusion of maintenance advice for each completed project. The resource list is helpful for locating supplies not found locally, but suggested substitutions are readily given since the authors encourage creativity and spontaneity. Aiello is the owner of Artemisia (a Portland, OR, boutique specializing in indoor gardening) and Bryant is a columnist for "Portland Monthly"
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Ultimate Crochet Bible: A Complete Reference with Step-By-Step Techniques

Focusing on techniques rather than projects, Crowfoot, who has worked for Rowan Yarns and Debbie Bliss, here progresses from the basics for beginners to more complex, advanced styles and techniques such as Tunisian crochet, intarsia, and entrelac. The techniques are illustrated with full-color, close-up illustrations, and these allow crocheters to see how the stitches are constructed. In a book like this, organization is key, and each clearly labeled section has its own colored tab on the side of the book for easy access to needed information. Every crocheter should have a reference to the craft, and this is a solid choice
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Reverse Glass Painting: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Learning the Craft

Reverse glass painting, as demonstrated in this book, involves creating a traditional primitive picture on a piece of glass in a way that the finished image can be viewed on the opposite side of the glass. Here award-winning painter Anne Dimock provides advice on the tools and materials needed to get started, tips on creating a variety of painting effects, techniques on using stencils for borders, guidelines for applying and etching gold leaf, and step-by-step projects for mastering the craft. Helpful series photographs demonstrate the process for creating a variety of traditional images, including landscapes, maritime themes, fruits, flowers, animals, and human figures.
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