Sewing Pretty Little Things: How to Make Small Bags and Clutches from Fabric Remnants

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"Sewing Pretty Little Things" shows how to use small pieces of fabric to make big impressions. This book is packed with creative ideas for using fabric scraps and remnants in classic, beautiful designs. The authors show how to give new purpose to a special piece of fabric, by transforming it into an attractive coin purse, an elegant wallet, or a handy clutch. With original projects like journal covers, travel slippers, key fobs, cosmetic cases, and even backpacks, readers are sure to find a use for all kinds of fabrics and patterns. Stunning color photographs illustrate the potential of the craft. Step-by-step instructions make each project easy to create with whatever material is at hand.

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired

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"The Farmer's Wife" magazine posed this question to their readers: "If you had a daughter of marriageable age, would you, in light of your own experience, have her marry a farmer?" The magazine at the time had 750,000 subscribers, and received over 7,000 letters. The best answers to this question are included in this book, along with the traditional quilt blocks they inspired.
Laurie Aaron Hird provides everything you need to be inspired and create your own sampler quilt: 111 six-inch quilt blocks, with assembly diagrams for piecing the blocks and template cutting directions; complete instructions for making a sampler quilt in any traditional size: lap, twin, queen or king; CD with easy-to-print, full-sized templates for all 111 blocks, and printable quilt construction diagrams; 42 letters from the 1922 Farmer's Wife contest to give you a priceless glimpse into our country's past

Japanese Quilting Piece by Piece: 29 Stitched Projects from Yoko Saito

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From master quilt artist Yoko Saito, "Japanese Quilting Piece by Piece" explores traditional folk themes and interprets them with a vintage, yet modern feel. Inside, you'll learn traditional patchwork techniques, such as log cabin, hexagons, baskets, and stars, sewn in soft sepia and taupe fabrics. Featuring piecework, applique, machine stitching, hand-stitching, and embroidery, these projects are a delight for anyone who loves doing needlework. You'll also discover large wall quilts as well as smaller projects, from fabric baskets and handbags to an apron and fabric cushions--all with enclosed paper patterns.
In her masterful style, Yoko Saito uses beautiful and meticulous stitching while still embracing the "wabi sabi" concept of imperfection, using odd-shaped pieces and quilting with a free mind. "Japanese Quilting Piece by Piece" invites all quilt artists to stray from conventional designs and create one-of-a-kind quilts and quilted projects.

Folding Paper: The Infinite Possibilities of Origami

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Based on a traveling art exhibition that opened in 2012 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, this slim volume lives up to its subtitle: readers will indeed find nearly infinite possibilities in folded paper. More than 40 of the world's leading origami artists are represented, with full-color photographs of works leaping off the page. Early on, Paulo Mulatinho's Planta, an abstract riff on the familiar paper crane, faces off with Hieu Tran Trung's Velociraptor Skeleton, a dinosaur skeleton shown on the recto page and made from over 70 sheets of uncut paper. The variety and breadth of the medium are amazingly clear. Animals (including a stunning ball variation on paper cranes), abstract forms, even a house, all dazzle and will inspire artists. The text of the book is mostly academic, but Lang's essay on the math and physics of origami may intrigue some readers, especially when they are left gaping by the overwhelmingly complex, computer-generated "circle packing" he employs to create a grid for folding on paper. Readers are mostly here for the photos, and they are well worth the very reasonable price. Publishers Weekly

Playing with Image Transfers: Exploring Creative Imagery for Use in Art, Mixed Media, and Design

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"Playing With Image Transfers" teaches you the four image transfer methods: Packing Tape, Solvent, Medium, and Acrylic transfers and includes project ideas and an image gallery for added inspiration.

Very Easy Sweaters: 50 Simple, Stylish Designs ( Vogue Knitting )

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From the editors of "Vogue(R) Knitting" comes a chic and beautiful collection of 50 simple sweater patterns, all by notable knitwear designers like Cathy Carron and Kaffe Fassett. Selected from recent issues of the magazine, these "best of" designs are perfect for beginners and cover everything from stockinette, stripes, and cables to lightweight knits and relaxed fit.

The Beauty of Zentangle: Inspirational Examples from 137 Gifted Tangle Artists Worldwide

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"Zentangle(R) is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon, attracting individuals from all walks of life. Created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, the Zentangle method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. The Beauty of Zentangle celebrates this simple but elegant new craft with hundreds of sensational one-of-a-kind designs from around the world. Selected by the editors of Design Originals, the #1 publisher of Zentangle art, this amazing collection of Zentangle-inspired masterpieces encompasses a wide range of styles. Stunning works are included from breakthrough artists and CZTs like Suzanne McNeill, Cindy Shepard, Marie Browning, Sandy Steen Bartholomew, and many more. Their inventive tangles are at the forefront of a new wave of creative expression and personal freedom"

More Modern Top-Down Knitting: 24 Garments Based on Barbara G. Walker's 12 Top-Down Templates

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Barbara Walker’s Knitting from the Top, originally published in 1972, is a treasure trove of inspiration about the technique of knitting garments from the top down (for example, knitting a sweater from the neck down to the hem or a hat from the crown down to the brim). In 2010, STC Craft published Kristina McGowan’s successful Modern Top-Down Knitting, a collection of fashion-conscious top-down designs inspired by Walker’s book. Knitters not only loved the technique, which allows for easy, try-on-as-you-go custom fitting, but also applauded McGowan’s modern sense of style. For More Modern Top-Down Knitting, McGowan has dug even deeper into Walker’s iconic work—this time challenging herself to design two garments based on each of Walker’s 12 basic top-down templates. The results come together to form a fresh, stylish wardrobe that includes everything from sweaters and dresses to capes, skirts, hats, and even pants and shorts.

Lena Corwin's Made by Hand: A Collection of Projects to Print, Sew, Weave, Dye, Knit, or Otherwise Create

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Lena Corwin's Brooklyn art studio is home to dozens of different crafting classes taught by several professional designers with an assortment of skill sets. The diversity of activities presented in Made by Hand opens up possibilities for dozens of skills, from printing to origami, from soap-making to patchwork] tie-dying, weaving, embroidery, and more-there's something for everyone.
Each teacher advises her students in how to select the most effective materials, set up a workspace, and ensure that as few mistakes will be made as possible. Photographs accompany the steps so that more advanced artists, or those who are completing the project for a second time, can reference them as a guide. These straightforward pictures are uncluttered demonstrations of the most important steps in the process.
Whether you're interested in mastering a new skill or are looking for a few fun summer projects, Made by Hand offers the perfect range of usable textile handiwork, presented by fourteen teachers who obviously enjoy their craft.

Irresistible Gifts to Cross Stitch: Inspired Designs and Patterns for Hand-Stitched Projects to Make and Give

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It's so much fun to stitch for others, because making gifts is the perfect excuse to stitch! With this in mind the editors of CrossStitcher magazine have assembled the ultimate collection of irresistible gift ideas. Inside you'll find 255 amazing gift and card patterns for each and every special occasion, from Mother's Day to the arrival of a new baby. Featuring projects by 16 top cross stitch designers, this tantalizing compendium is a must-have for every stitcher.
Romance is forever in the air for cross stitchers, with weddings, engagements and anniversaries, and there's always another day ahead on the calendar for family get-togethers, from Christmas and Halloween to Easter and birthdays. And we've got them all covered! With projects suitable for every skill level and simple step-by-step instructions, you'll be ready for anything.

Soft Toys: Cut Out and Sew Your Own Original Toys

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This handy guide to the rewarding craft of soft toy making is packed with new personalities just waiting to come to life! "Soft Toys" offers 13 easy-to-sew projects for loveable softies, with step-by-step instructions designed for all skill levels. Patterns are drawn on a grid system so you can work to any size by scaling up or down.

The New Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques: A Comprehensive Visual Guide to Traditional and Contemporary Techniques

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"The Encyclopedia of Jewelry-Making Techniques" is an all-encompassing guide for making beautiful jewelry at home. In a step-by-step approach, readers learn a plethora of techniques for creating intricate pieces of wearable art. The author provides simple instructions for all sorts of jewelry, and she shows readers an array of finished projects.

Quilting Arts TV Season 12

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Quilting Arts TV is a national PBS television program hosted by Quilting Arts Magazine's founder, Pokey Bolton. Offering something for everyone who loves quilting, the show is where art and embellishment meet traditional quilt making. Join us every week as we cover a variety of fiber art and mixed-media techniques—from sewing, surface design, and embellishing to hand and machine stitching—as well as projects that you can make on your own, including bags, wearables, and home décor.

Quilting Arts TV Season 11

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Quilting Arts TV is a national PBS television program hosted by Quilting Arts Magazine's founder, Pokey Bolton. Offering something for everyone who loves quilting, the show is where art and embellishment meet traditional quilt making. Join us every week as we cover a variety of fiber art and mixed-media techniques—from sewing, surface design, and embellishing to hand and machine stitching—as well as projects that you can make on your own, including bags, wearables, and home décor.

Quilting Arts TV Season 10

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Quilting Arts TV is a national PBS television program hosted by Quilting Arts Magazine's founder, Pokey Bolton. Offering something for everyone who loves quilting, the show is where art and embellishment meet traditional quilt making. Join us every week as we cover a variety of fiber art and mixed-media techniques—from sewing, surface design, and embellishing to hand and machine stitching—as well as projects that you can make on your own, including bags, wearables, and home décor.

Quilting Arts TV Season 9

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Quilting Arts TV is a national PBS television program hosted by Quilting Arts Magazine's founder, Pokey Bolton. Offering something for everyone who loves quilting, the show is where art and embellishment meet traditional quilt making. Join us every week as we cover a variety of fiber art and mixed-media techniques—from sewing, surface design, and embellishing to hand and machine stitching—as well as projects that you can make on your own, including bags, wearables, and home décor.

Wedding Crochet: 20 Romantic & Feminine Crochet Designs for Your Special Day

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These handcrafted crochet designs will add an elegant and personal touch that will enhance your wedding day experience. Author Sandy Powers has created 20 romantic and feminine patterns, including shawls, gloves, head pieces, favors, purses, and more. Each project features dazzling detail in the pattern designs and added embellishments, making these pieces memorable, creative and a must for your special day.

Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country

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Retailer and style expert Osofsky (founder, Hammertown Barn) and author Adams ("The Gardener's Gripe Book") visit 18 houses located in the Northeastern United States, including their own, that exemplify the casual, relaxed decorating approach fostered in Osofsky's lifestyle stores. Most of the homeowners are writers, artists, designers, or other creative professionals and have used their talents to design interiors that reflect their tastes and lifestyles. More than 200 color photographs depict newly constructed, modern dwellings and restored or remodeled older homes, providing a refreshing look at the use of country style. Library Journal (09/15/2013)

Lace One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects Celebrating the Possibilities of Lace

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Judith Durant has done it again! This all-new collection of 101 original lace knitting projects, each using just a single skein of yarn, will thrill knitters of all levels. From clothes and accessories to pillows, curtains, and tablecloths, these beautiful projects were contributed by designers and knitters around the world. Try your hand at an heirloom-quality lace shawl, a lacy pair of gloves, or a dainty child s dress with a perfect lace insert the possibilities are endless!

Lace Collection for Knitting: Intricate Shawls, Simple Accessories, Cozy Sweaters and More Gorgeous Designs for Every Season

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The editors of Knitter's Magazine have assembled a collection of 23 sumptuous patterns for the knitter who loves lace. Projects include sweaters and shawls, along with other accessories and add-ons, such as bags, gloves, even a blanket. Lovely thumbnail photos of the pieces are displayed on the table of contents page, and the first section of the book contains great tips for knitting, finishing, and washing lace. The patterns are divided into four sections: All-Seasons Lace, Quick Lace, Light Lace, and Cozy Lace. The "Jan Sweater" is a fun vintage-style 30s sweater; the "Sprite Dress," a gorgeous asymmetrical flapper pattern; the "Lazuli Shawl," a delicious lace-weight wrap; and the "Fontaine Collar," a classy, versatile leaf-patterned accessory. Several patterns include charts and diagrams in addition to the written instructions. Delectable to knit, delicious to wear, this collection provides plenty for the discerning lace knitter to sink knitting needles into. (Publishers Weekly (08/05/2013)

Handmade Scandinavian Christmas: Everything You Need for a Simple Homemade Christmas

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A beautiful collection of over 120 craft ideas to achieve the perfect homemade Christmas!
From simple yet stunning ways to decorate the Christmas tree, to delicious festive treats to eat and drink, Handmade Scandinavian Christmas is bursting with ideas to inspire you year after year.
Begin your festive season in the forest, collecting pinecones, twigs, and berries00the perfect ingredients for a rustic Christmas. Create light and warmth in the dark winter months by crafting colorful lanterns and candle making. Add a personal touch by making your own beautiful gifts for friends and family, and follow the ingenious ways of wrapping them.
Whether it is for the home, Him, Her, or the children, "Handmade Scandinavian Christmas" has something to inspire everyone, and this endless treasure chest of beautiful but achievable projects can be used again and again for years to come.

Felt Christmas Decorations ( Twenty to Make )

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The 20 projects in this book include a range of decorations suitable for Christmas that are made out of felt--a soft, natural, and highly tactile fiber that is relatively cheap to buy, is widely available in a huge range of colors, and is very easy to work with. There are designs for hanging tree decorations, a Christmas wreath, an advent calendar garland, free-standing felt ornaments, a Christmas cottage storage box, and a bottle gift bag, just to name a few. The projects have a fresh, contemporary look and are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced sewers. The easy-to-make pieces use prepurchased felt so no wet felting or needle felting is involved, and include step-by-step instructions, lists of the materials and tools needed, and a beautiful photograph of the finished piece. The basic techniques and stitches used are included at the beginning of the book and templates are provided where required.

One Piece of Fabric: 15 Projects to Make

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Provides step-by-step instructions for fifteen projects that use one piece of fabric, including a skirt, a shopping bag, a summer dress, a belt, and more.

Terrariums Reimagined: Mini Worlds Made in Creative Containers

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Add style, nature and a touch of whimsy to your home with one-of-a-kind terrariums. " Terrariums Reimagined" shows how to make and maintain arid deserts, flowering jungles and lush landscapes in unique containers, such as:
- Milk Bottle
- Mason Jar
- Tea Pot
- Wine Bottle
- Light Bulb
- Glass Soda Bottle
- Decorative Vase
- Whiskey Bottle
Author Kat Geiger's unique approach to designing mini gardens in glass makes it easy to turn imaginative ideas into stylish showpieces, blooming decor and fabulous gifts. This book provides everything you need to know about making terrariums, whether you're a novice or an expert, including step-by-step photos, helpful gardening advice, and tips and tricks on how to find the perfect repurposed vessels for your creations.

Bead Bracelets: 15 Beautiful Jewelry Designs

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Fifteen beautiful bracelet designs to make and show off. Inspiring projects from Susan Beal, including: One Strand Bracelet, Lucky Blue Bracelet, Charm Bangle, Little Lockets Charm Bracelet, Red Sparkles Vintage Button Bracelet, Woven Bracelet, and more. Plus a special Techniques section filled with bead stringing, wirework, and other jewelry making know-how.
With a few tools, a couple of easy-to-learn techniques, and the guidance of Susan Beal's clear, easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can make gorgeous hand-crafted jewellery in a snap.

Multistrand Jewelry: Secrets for Success

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Multistrand pieces can be confusing and difficult pieces to create at times...in comes "Multistrand Jewelry." From the pages of "Bead Style" magazine, this book answers questions from readers about multistrand pieces and its challenges. We provide 26 projects with in-depth instruction, clearly detailing the steps for successfully creating multistrand bracelets and necklaces, using a wide range of materials. In addition, each project features a "Secret of Success" from the designer or editor for multistrand techniques.

Aimee Ray's Sweet & Simple Jewelry: 17 Designers, 10 Techniques & 32 Projects to Make

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Ray ("Doodle Stitching") and Sheldon ("Shrink! Shrank! Shrunk! Make Stylish Shrink Plastic Jewelry") have curated a collection of fun and quirky jewelry incorporating a number of techniques such as embroidery, needle felting, and basic bead stringing. Most of the projects require only entry-level skills (and entry-level tools), but the results are surprisingly sophisticated, and the standouts are reminiscent of the trendy accessories popular on Etsy (or in funky craft boutiques).

Children's Sun Hats ( Love to Sew )

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Safe playtime in the sun looks good with these 20 hats to sew for young boys and girls. Through templates and easily understood instructions, the book teaches how to sew contemporary and fun summer hats for children that include sun visors, caps, and sun hats. Colorful fabric patterns and playful photos will inspire sewers to have fun with the projects, and the down-to-earth directions make it possible for first-time milliners to achieve success.

Monster Knits for Little Monsters: 20 Super-Cute Animal-Themed Hat, Mitten, and Bootie Sets to Knit

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"An adorable collection of animal-themed hat and mitten sets for babies and toddlers from ages six months to three years, that kids will love and adults can't help but fawn over. These cute coverall hats keep your child's head, ears, and neck warm and toasty, and have a practical pullover design so that they can't tug it off easily. Also included are designs for matching mitten "paws," socks, and scarves. Featuring bears, owls, frogs, foxes, sharks, robots, dinosaurs, bunnies, and even Shrek-like ears, there are loads of delightful ways to dress up your child in charming creations that are quick and easy to knit. The book is organized by the different kinds of creatures like Cuddly Critters, Feathered Friends, Huggable Horrors, Adorable Aliens, and Festive Friends, inspiring you to make hats for your children to dress up in all-year round. Each project contains step-by-step instructions, plus information for finishing touches to make your projects stand out. A knitting refresher course is given in the back of the book for complete beginners, covering tools, yarns, and all the techniques and stitches you'll need to create the projects. And a Create Your Own Design section will inspire knitters to let their imagination run wild to create personalized accessories that their little monsters are sure to love and cherish"--
 

Hand-Stitched Home: Embroidered Inspirations, Ideas, and Projects

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Caroline Zoob's Hand-Stitched Home includes more than twenty striking and elegant embroidery designs for the home, including embellishments for dining chair covers, bed linens, window treatments, seat cushions, and more. Attention to simplicity and calm is what makes Caroline Zoob one of the most talented and creative designers in embroidery. Her work is utterly distinctive and in this book she shares her inspirations and techniques.The flexible approach of Hand-Stitched Home allows the reader to complete the full projects and explore different stitches and inspirations to create completely personal and original pieces. The book also includes detailed instructions for all of the projects, including special needlework methods the author has devised herself. 

Country Living Spooky & Bright: 101 Halloween Ideas

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When October arrives, thoughts turn to Halloween and all things scary. To make your holiday marvelously macabre, "Country Living" has a collection of 125 creepily cool ways to create meaningful memories for family and friends. With ghoulish delight, "Spooky & Bright "revels in Halloween's magic and mystery with to-die-for pumpkin displays, blood-chilling haunted houses, sinfully sweet treats (like spider-web cupcakes), hair-raising party and trick-or-treat suggestions, and decorating tips with a dark sense of humor. You'll go batty over every devilishly delightful idea!

Great Little Gifts to Knit: 30 Quick and Colorful Patterns

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Jean Moss, author of "Sweet Shawlettes," has designed 30 fun, fresh, beautiful patterns that incorporate traditional knitting techniques from all over the world: from Fair Isle and Aran knits to Peruvian intarsia patterns and Japanese shadow knitting techniques. Beautiful, clever, and, most of all, quick to knit, these projects offer knitters a chance to learn and experiment with new techniques--all in projects that can be made in less than a weekend.

15 Minutes of Play -- Improvisational Quilts: Made-Fabric Piecing Traditional Blocks Scrap Challenges

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Scraps never looked so good! 
This is improvisational piecing reinvented.
Learn how to create a unique piece of made-fabric in just 15 minutes with Victoria Findlay Wolfe's improvisational scrap-piecing methods, then incorporate your made-fabric into traditional quilt blocks.
As you play, you'll sharpen your design skills and learn about combining colors and prints in new ways.
Watch your quilt design emerge. Discover just how distinctive classic blocks like Sawtooth Star or Flying Geese can be, when they are constructed with more spunk and spontaneity! Includes 11 challenge exercises to strengthen your creative muscles, plus an inspirational quilt gallery.

Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks

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Sampler quilts, like the Farmer's Wife or Dear Jane quilt, are a staple of traditional quilt-making. Best known for her fanciful fabric designs, Pink puts a modern spin on this old-school format with this collection of six-inch blocks, all designed and sewn in her vibrant fabrics. Each block design includes a close-up photograph of the finished block, along with cutting directions and a piecing diagram. This format will be familiar to quilters who have made sampler quilts before. The directions are in diagram form, so some basic knowledge of patchwork piecing is required. Five full-size quilts incorporating all or most of the blocks in the collection are provided. (Library Journal)

Gifts from the Garden: 100 Gorgeous Homegrown Presents

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Homemade creations and bounty from the garden make for welcome gifts. Food editor and writer Robertson incorporates these subjects in this unique collection of 100 projects for both edible and practical use. No parts of the plant are left out; the chapter "Straight from the Garden" instructs readers to use cuttings, pressed leaves, and flowers to create decorated stationery and "Cook's Window Boxes." A chapter on "Herbs & Flowers" contains information on making fragrant bath sachets, herbal bathtime teas, and edible wreaths of chilies or herbs. The final chapter, "Fruits, Vegetables & Nuts," includes recipes for toffee apples, cucumber night cream, and the classic creme de cassis. A list of projects by category neatly summarizes all of these gifts from the garden. (Library Journal)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Metal Jewelry

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Packed with step-by-step instructions and color photos, "The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Making Metal Jewelry" explains essential techniques -- soldering, smithing, stamping, hammering, casting, riveting, and wiring. Readers will learn how to work with easily obtainable but beautiful metals while making a dozen original projects -- along the way, discovering alternate methods, ways to correct mistakes, safety tips, online video instruction, and more. 

Earring Chic: 35 Hand-Selected Projects

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Hoops? Dangles? Chandeliers? Yes, yes, and yes!
"Earring Chic" has them all (and more!) and will dazzle you with projects from all of your favorite North Light designers.
Heidi Boyd makes great earrings for day, while Margot Potter injects her incomparable whimsy into her pieces and Fernando Dasilva will get you ready for a night on the town.
Inside "Earring Chic" you'll find: 35 projects by jewelry masters, all hand-selected from our treasury of fabulous projects.
So pick a pair (or two) to make for yourself (you deserve it!) or to give to a friend. "Earring Chic" will inspire you!

Stitch Zakka: 22 Projects to Sew & Embellish 25 Embroidery Stitches

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22 small embroidered projects with simple step-by-step instructions ideal for beginner and intermediate sewists Learn 26 basic embroidery stitches and how to transfer embroidery patterns to fabric Full-size embroidery designs with instructions for color and stitch placement Today s coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery in this charming collection. Featuring 22 projects with a contemporary flair, you ll find embroidery patterns for an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, color photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.

Mason Jar Crafts: DIY Projects for Adorable and Rustic Decor, Storage, Lighting, Gifts and Much More

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Packed with dozens of easy do-it yourself projects, this book shows how to transform the forever fashionable Mason jar into everything from a festive party decoration or fun children's toy to an elegant wedding favor or useful home decoration, including: a cake stand, calligraphy drink glasses, holiday candelabra, a terrarium, a night light, a piggy bank, an herb garden and animal hooks. With helpful instructions and over 150 step-by-step photos, Mason Jar Crafts will have you fashioning inexpensive and stylish projects in no time.

Knit Your Socks on Straight: A New and Inventive Technique with Just Two Needles

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Curtis, a seasoned knitting instructor, encountered a number of students who wanted to knit socks, but were intimidated by the double-pointed needles required to knit a small tube. This led to the development of her sock-knitting technique, which uses two straight needles to knit a flat sock, which is then seamed using a crochet hook. Though knitting socks flat isn't a brand-new technique, Curtis focuses on designing socks that are comfortable, wearable, and a step up from plain vanilla. The result? Attractive socks that knitters with a deep-seated fear of double-pointed needles can create. VERDICT Curtis's technique isn't for everyone, but her addition to knitting literature will open up sock knitting to a new audience. Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC

Sew a Backyard Adventure: 21 Projects Teepees, Hats, Backpacks, Quilts, Sleeping Bags & More

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Sisters Maw and Bell have collaborated on a set of patterns of unusually complementary designs, all variations of what one might need when camping. The majority of the patterns are for children, from a child-sized fishing vest with lots of pockets to the Good Night Sleeping Bag with a stuff sack. Several quilts are stunning and complex: the Blowin' in the Wind quilt features an array of pinwheel blocks in three sizes, and the bear-and-tree-filled Woodland Trail Quilt evokes an Alaskan log cabin. In fact, all of the patterns are quite complex and require a good knowledge of sewing before being attempted, although decent, if hardly comprehensive, directions and pattern templates certainly help. While the patterns (which are, unfortunately, often designated "for campy kids") are reminiscent of actual camping gear, sleeping bags and clothes aren't lined or waterproof. "Backyard" is the right setting for these items. Pattern templates and full color photos --Publishers Weekly; April 1, 2013

Metropolitan Knits: Chic Designs for Urban Style

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Big city. Big style. It's knitting that's fashionable yet timeless. With these 20 polished, sophisticated projects, knitwear designer Wehrle has created a collection that perfectly reflects the rhythm, flavor, and drama of city life.

Sweet Treats in Cross-Stitch: 53 Delightful Projects to Embroider ( Made in France )

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Strawberry shortcakes, plump macarons, toffee apples, and ice-cream sundaes--these mouthwatering motifs in delicious colors will inspire crafters to create beautiful gifts and accessories for the home
The 53 projects collected here include placemats, napkins, bibs, bags, aprons, cushions, and tea towels, but once one has mastered the simple cross-stitch, the possibilities are endless. Motifs are embroidered on impossibly chic French homewares in colors and styles that are appealing to make for and with children, each project is illustrated with a full-page photograph and grid, and the motifs can be used to transform and embellish an endless array of homewares and accessories.

Convertible Crochet: Customizable Designs for Stylish Garments

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Convertible Crochet "is a brand new way to think about crochet fashion, exploded lace motifs, and flattering silhouettes. Award-winning designer Doris Chan helps you get more out of crochet with these endlessly adaptable patterns and techniques that can work with a variety of different looks, personal styles, and body shapes. You'll learn to personalize these designs by easily making alterations, adding removable elements, or simply styling the piece in an ingenious new way. Make it once. Wear it again and again.

Paper Blooms: 25 Extraordinary Flowers to Make for Weddings, Celebrations & More

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The thought of paper flowers may conjure images of previous times when young women made them from sheets in the teacher's facial tissues box. Rudell, whose work has been featured at Tiffany's and the New York Botanical Garden, as well as in Elle Decor, Brides, and Good Housekeeping, has assembled a garden's worth of blooms made of tissue, rice paper, vellum, and handmade paper. The tools (multi-blade scissors, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, and glue guns, pens, and tubes) are described in depth before each suggested project, ranging from simple to complex. Color photos of the multiple steps in each project guide the way down the garden path to mums, marigolds, and poinsettias. This is a realistic and aesthetically pleasing guide for groups attempting marriage decor en masse or for the individual attempting posy place cards for 10 or a special 3-D birthday greeting to drop in a friend's mail slot. Helpful templates included.Publishers Weekly (04/29/2013)

Embroidery Pour Le Jardinier: 100 French Designs for the Gardener

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Embroidery pour le Jardinier presents more than one hundred designs to add charm to things you use in the garden and twenty-one needlework steps teaching how to do this. In no time you'll be hand-stitching cherry motifs to seed bags, butterflies to tool kits, and scarecrows and pumpkins to your gloves and smocks. The designs featured inside will allow you to personalize your gardening accessories and create lovely embroidered gifts for your friends.

Paper Pups: 35 Dogs to Copy, Cut & Fold

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Hayakawa ("Kirigami Menagerie") has been an origami enthusiast since childhood, and his second book focuses on dogs made out of folded card stock. The introduction explains the basics of cutting and folding; specific directions, as well as illustrations of key steps and a full-color photograph of the finished piece, are included with the information on creating each dog. Rather than starting with a full sheet of origami or office paper, Hayakawa recommends photocopying the reproducible template for the dog of your choice onto card stock, then following the cutting and folding directions for the specific animal. It's a little confusing, but the results are surprisingly realistic. VERDICT This collection isn't for beginners, but origami enthusiasts can amaze their friends with their ability to create everything from a mutt to a poodle. Copyright 2013 Library Journal.

Printing on Fabric: Techniques with Screens, Stencils, Inks, and Dyes

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Artist, designer, and teacher Swearington provides a basics-and-beyond introduction to screen-printing and fabric-dyeing tools and techniques in this how-to guide. After an introduction to the basics, the author walks beginners through the steps of printing fabric using screens and stencils, then proceeds with more advanced techniques, such as using multiple screens and repeating patterns. Helpful tips are interspersed throughout the guide, and a selection of projects highlighting the qualities of hand-printed fabrics rounds out the book. VERDICT Swearington's enthusiasm for her topic shines through, and she makes every step of the process look like a lot of fun. Copyright 2013 Library Journal, Library Journal (05/01/2013).

Crafting Calm: Projects and Practices for Creativity and Contemplation

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Shannon ("Prayers for Healing"), a San Francisco-based interfaith minister, finds spiritual calm through creating, and this collection of stories, journal prompts, inspirational quotes, and craft projects is designed to help others find their own inner peace. The author's focus is on the Christian faith, but she includes anecdotes from crafters from other faith traditions, including Judaism and paganism. The projects are fairly simple, and all focus on bringing spirituality, prayer, or meditation into the mix. Sometimes this works, such as the personal prayer flag; other times, it's a little forced, like the "sacred bath salts." Library Journal (04/01/2013):

Crochet a Zoo: Fun Toys for Baby and You

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Sixteen adorable patterns for crochet; crocheters can stitch one or two animals or construct an entire zoo set for a special gift.