Weekend Handmade: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Crafting

In "Weekend Handmade, "author Kelly Wilkinson encourages readers to celebrate the joy of crafting, both for the satisfaction of making something by hand, and because the finished items serve as reminders of time taken to slow down and create - no matter the day of the week.
The book is organized into three sections: Make offers projects to wear or decorate with; Grow presents projects inspired by gardens, fields, and farmer's markets; and Gather spotlights projects that enrich casual get-togethers.
With clear, step-by-step instructions, every project in "Weekend Handmade" --from aprons, tablecloths, and marmalade to a memory box and a chandelier--can be completed in a few hours or over the course of a weekend.
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Custom Knits 2: More Top-Down and Improvisational Techniques

In "Custom Knits 2," Wendy Bernard picks up where she left off in the bestselling "Custom Knits "(published by STC Craft), empowering knitters to delve even further into customization. Each chapter begins with a tutorial on the featured topic--such as converting patterns to fit men, women, or children, or tricks and techniques for substituting yarn, gauge, and stitch patterns--and is followed by a selection of Bernard's fashionable designs on which to try them. The patterns can be knit as-written or customized; specific prompts for customization are included throughout. "Custom Knits 2 "concludes with formulas for making garments without a pattern, using only body measurements as a guide--a graduation of sorts for adventurous knitters. 
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Simply Necklaces: 20 Beading Projects

This entry in Lark's new, budget-priced "Simply" series focuses on beaded necklaces. After a brief overview of types of beads commonly used in necklaces and basic principles of necklace design, the projects take center stage. The format is learn-as-you-go, and most of the projects involve simple stringing and eye-catching focal beads. There is one pattern that uses circular peyote stitch, and there are a few wirework patterns. As with most books of stringing patterns, it is unlikely that beaders will be able to replicate the necklaces, but the projects will inspire novice beaders who want to make their own necklaces. (Library Journal)
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Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Sweden: 20 Designs from Rowan for Patchwork Quilting

"Piece by piece, world-renowned textile artist Kaffe Fassett and his team of designers create famously stunning quilts. Over the years, Fassett has attracted a passionate audience of quilters, who will revel in this exciting new collection of 20 beautiful quilts, each a gorgeous display of the dynamic colorways, keen fabric choices, and brilliant design sense at work. Photographed at the Skansen Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, Kaffe's vibrant collection provides a pleasing contrast to its spare, homey surroundings. The patterns, based on Kaffe's signature line of Rowan fabrics, are designed by him along with some of the world's finest quilters, including Liza Prior Lucy, Pauline Smith, Roberta Horton, and introducing Corinne Kramer. In addition to complete instructions, Quilts in Sweden includes Kaffe's tips and techniques, culled from more than 30 years of experience, which offer additional one-of-a-kind guidance"
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The Shirt Off His Back: 30 Projects for Transforming Everday Shirts Into a Variety of Home Accessories

THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK provides you with instructions for completing 30 projects that combine thriftiness with creativity. What becomes of men's shirts when they've been put aside and are no longer worn? Author Juliet Bawden has many imaginative answers to that question. Showing how to put discarded shirts to excellent use, she demonstrates that with a little imagination, you can transform them into objects that are as beautiful as they are useful. Choose from among her projects to create everything from bunting to bags, doorstops to duvet covers, and much more.
Charity and thrift shops generally offer an abundance of men's shirts in virtually all styles, patterns, and colors. Whether you're looking for stripes, checks, florals, retro-prints, or bright or pastel shades, you'll have little trouble finding inexpensive, good-quality material that you can use as you reinvent discarded shirts, transforming them into fabulously stylish items.
Each one of this book's projects is beautifully photographed and features clear instructions, complemented with full-color, step-by-step photos or illustrations. You'll find both surprises and inspiration as you discover many innovative ways to make use of every part of every shirt--from buttons and sleeves to collars and cuffs.
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Knitivity: Create Your Own Christmas Scene

A novel way to decorate for the holidays—instructions for a handknit nativity scene complete with 16 dolls and a foldout manger so that you can display your creations.
Inside Knitivity: Create Your Own Christmas Scene, you'll find a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by creating a handknit nativity scene complete with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel and star, the three wise men and their gifts, the shepherds and their sheep, and the ox and ass.
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The Best of Interweave Crochet: A Collection of Our Favorite Designs

"The Best of Interweave Crochet presents the very best patterns by top designers from the magazine since its inception. From Kathy Merrick's color-rich Babette's Blanket to Kristin Omdahl's shapely Infinity Shawl to Lily Chin's flattering Lace Dress, you won't want to wait to get started on these popular projects and more. You'll also find the in-depth instructions, tips, and techniques that you know and love from Interweave Crochet. Create bold new crochet creations using innovative variations on basic stitches and try your hand at more complex stitch motifs, Tunisian crochet, and lacework. The Best of Interweave Crochet is a complete collection of top designs all in one easily accessible volume. Whether you're picking up a hook for the first time or you're a long-time crocheter, you'll love these twenty unique and popular projects"
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Knit Green: 20 Projects & Ideas for Sustainability

Library Journal (12/15/2009):
There are books that are carefully orchestrated to hop on the "green crafts" bandwagon, and there are books like this one: a thoughtful, intelligent work that discusses how everyday crafters can make environmentally responsible choices while creating works of art. The projects, which include items made from sustainable or recycled fibers, are fun and varied.
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Lovely Things to Make for Girls of Slender Means

A stylish book about making gorgeous clothes for not much money, recycling thrifted material and creating something brand new from foraged fabric. It's about re-appraising the clothes in your cupboard and transforming them into new outfits and accessories, using simple techniques and the minimum of equipment. In the season-by-season guide, Farry shows us how to recreate Audrey Hepburn sailor chic, look utterly original for a summer wedding, accessorize knits, and make a patchwork poncho for wintry evenings. There's also a section on repairing clothes, on darning and patching creatively, so your favorite items need never end up in the dustbin.
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Vintage Jewelry Design: Classics to Collect & Wear

Library Journal (08/01/2011):
Cox (cultural history, Univ. of the Arts, London; "Stiletto") showcases 120 years of fabulous jewelry from well-known artisans, celebrity designers, and production houses, including Cartier, Chanel, Dalí, Fabergé, Fulco di Verdura, Alexander McQueen, Tiffany, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Historical and vintage photographs and helpful captions accentuate the succinct, well-written text. The chapters highlight major trends by decade. Examples are "Edwardian Era" (1910s), which shows the elegance of Fabergé, Cartier, Boucheron, and items from the war years; "Hollywood Glamour" (1930s), showing flashy and iconic designs and one-of-a-kind pieces for celebrities; "Mid-Century Sparkle" (1950s), which displays French figurative jewelry and the marvels of Schlumberger, Tiffany, Dior, Swarovski crystals, and charm bracelets; "Pop Goes the Future" (1960s), where anything goes, from ethnic designs and hippie motifs to space-age modern; and "Future Collectibles," which presents new designers like Shaun Leane, Frank Gehry, and Kazumi Nagano. A "Shopping and Collecting Guide" covers where to buy, spotting fakes, caring for fine jewelry, and online shopping; a glossary and a list of museums, collections, and antique markets are also provided.
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The Feisty Stitcher: Sewing Projects with Attitude

Booklist (04/01/2010):
*Starred Review* A feisty stitcher is someone whos not afraid to use a sewing machine like a power tool. That should give readers a good understanding of Colorado crafter Wasingers (Eco Craft, 2009) latest volumea panoply of good-looking, well-designed, and ecologically sound items for homes and selves. Her point of view is underscored in the first chapter, in which she covers how to finish up with sturdy French seams; the use of grommets, snaps, and closures; how to sew with fat thread and reinforce with Xs; and sewing machines that work (that is, those that can sew straight, zigzag, and overcast stitches). Every one of her 30 projects follows a similar offbeat toneand design. With every item, she features a guide to ease level, time, cost, and unexpected materialsas well as a snappy description for at least one (cost is equivalent to a week of lattes), with an immediate segue into a step-by-step narrative and color photographs. Pick among oilcloth bike bags; an eco-version of Uggs boots; a see-through punctured lampshade; and a one-day planner fashioned from an inner tube.
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Signature Styles: 20 Stitchers Craft Their Look

Twenty top stitchers take readers on an exclusive tour of their homes and studios-graciously offering their signature techniques and a step-by-step project along the way.
This unique book presents informational, inspirational profiles of creative and crafty women, complete with stunning images of them surrounded by the style components that define their work and art. The profilees include such best-selling authors such as Betz White, Kayte Terry, Megan Nicolay, and Kathy Cano Murillo as well as popular bloggers such as Heather Bailey.
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Sewing for Boys: 24 Projects to Create a Handmade Wardrobe

25 sewing projects for boys, ages newborn to 8-years-old
From sporty to dapper to whimsical, "Sewing For Boys: 24 Sewing Projects to Create a Handmade Wardrobe" shows you how to create an entire handmade wardrobe for all types of boys, ages newborn to 8-years-old. The patterns span all seasons and include a selection of specialty items for playtime, art, and "on the go" accessories. You'll get instruction and guidance on numerous techniques to add longevity to each pattern; not just for the boy who grows too quickly but also for his little brother or cousin to wear and cherish later.
In "Sewing For Boys, " moms, grandmothers, and other eager sewers will find a full collection of mix-and-match patterns to fully clothe their little men in style, all packaged with gorgeous photography and presented in the style of coveted Japanese pattern books. The garments and accessories you'll sew are comfortable, durable, and completely unique. From a short sleeve raglan tee and suspender shorts to a just-like-dad flannel robe and slippers, you'll find 24 sewing projects to keep your little guy dressed with style year-round. Unique focus on sewing for boysA variety of projects; something for all levels of sewing experienceTested, verified patterns, with relevant illustrated instructions created by the authors
Perfect for beginning to advanced seamstresses with a young boy in their lives, "Sewing For Boys" is a pattern collection you'll to turn to time and again.
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'Twas the Knits Before Christmas

Knitting enthusiasts will get into the Christmas spirit right away when they open this evocatively illustrated book. It combines a charming selection of holiday-themed knitting projects with an illustrated presentation of Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem, " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. "Beautiful full-page and full-color Christmas illustrations capture the holiday spirit, and many of the book's pictures feature knitted items based on characters and objects cited in the beloved Christmas poem. Among them are a knitted Saint Nicholas, his reindeer, a Christmas wreath, Christmas dolls, and a large Christmas stocking. Best yet, knitters can reproduce each one of these items for themselves. Author Fiona Goble presents detailed directions for knitting each Christmas item--ten projects in total. Knitters who complete all of these projects will have a wonderful set of holiday decorations for their home or their Christmas tree. The book's opening chapter was prepared especially for inexperienced knitters. It reviews basic knitting techniques as an introduction to the book's projects.
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Fashion Design Essentials: 100 Principles of Fashion Design

Library Journal (08/01/2011):
Endeavoring to present the top fundamental principles of fashion design, this book is organized according to categories of inspiration, materials, technique, style, and trends. The technique section is the longest, covering everything from sketching to garment construction and sewing. In 100 short articles embellished with full-color photos and illustrations, Calderin (director, creative marketing & special projects, Sch. of Fashion Design; "Form, Fit, Fashion: All the Details Fashion Designers Need To Know but Can Never Find") brings even highly conceptual and esoteric fashion design ideas down to earth. He addresses aspiring and working fashion designers of all levels, but other interested parties include avid "Vogue" readers and "Project Runway" fans.
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