Hexagon Happenings: 15 Quilts & Projects

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Hexagons are a versatile shape used in both traditional and modern quilting and often combined with hand piecing. Forster (Quilting-on-the-Go; Utility Quilting) explores this iconic shape and its component parts (half-hexagons, equilateral triangles, kites, and diamonds) in this comprehensive guide to hexagon quilts. The highlight is the terrific overview of methods for sewing and finishing such quilts. Most books focus on a specific method of piecing hexagons (often English paper piecing), but Forster presents methods for hand-sewing and machine-sewing hexagons, as well as time-saving tips for cutting and directions for drafting hexagons and hexagon-based shapes. A variety of finishing and binding techniques for hexagonal quilts are also presented. The 15 projects allow quilters to practice the techniques on designs small (table runners, placemats) and large (full-size quilts). VERDICT This superlative book is akin to taking a workshop with an expert. Quilters who enjoy hexagon-based quilt designs will appreciate the thorough approach and well-presented information. LJ Reviews 2015 February #2

The Modern Medallion: 11 Designers Share Quilt Projects to Make, Mix & Match

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Medallion quilts are a traditional style that has been wholeheartedly embraced by the modern quilting movement. Most such quilts consist of a central focal block surrounded by a series of symmetrical borders, giving an appearance of a framed picture. This collection, curated by two well-known quilt bloggers, gives full instructions for piecing 11 different medallion quilts, with styles ranging from traditional-made-modern (Erica Jackman's Oviedo Medallion) to minimalist (Christina Lane's Graphical Modern Medallion). The quilt designs are beautiful, but what's most impressive about this collection is the variety of techniques included—everything from hand stitching to curved piecing to improvisational piecing to appliqué makes an appearance. A coloring sheet is provided for each design, allowing quilters to plan their color scheme and audition fabrics. VERDICT It's rare to find a quilting book that is both trendy and widely appealing. There are projects in this collection that will suit diverse tastes, and the customizable nature of medallion quilts guarantee quilters of a variety of skill levels the opportunity to challenge themselves creatively. LJ Reviews 2015 March #2

Crochet the Perfect Gift: Designs Just Right for Giving and Ideas for Every Occasion

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Kat Goldin's delightfully inspiring book provides dozens of fabulous, modern crochet designs. Within its pages you're certain to find something just right for that someone special on that special occasion: Choose from hats, socks, mittens, sweaters, shawls, bags, throws, and so much more. You'll find patterns for women, men, babies, children, and home accessories to boot, plus ideas for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays, and other festive celebrations.

Enlarge Image Warm Days, Cool Knits: Lighter Designs for Every Season

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Wear any season in style with knitwear inspired by southern climates.

Knitting is not just for cold and snowy climates! For anyone who has ever stopped to wonder what knitters in the South are wearing--and knitting--for the changing seasons, Florida designer Corrina Ferguson has set out to show us inWarm Days, Cool Knits: Lighter Designs for Every Season.
In this gorgeous collection of knitted garments and accessories, up-and-coming designer Corrina has designed knitwear pieces appropriate for each southern season. Cardigans and hoodies stand in for winter coats, knitted tees and short-sleeve cardigans are perfect for spring, tanks and cropped cardis are comfortable on warm summer nights, and pullovers and shawls are just right in fall.
Through her choice of lightweight yarns and bold colors, Corrina has set these pieces apart from the crowd of everyday knitted garments and shown them off as a versatile knitted southern wardrobe.

Modern Top-Down Knitting: Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara Walker

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For decades, knitters have been constructing garments using the wonderfully efficient top-down technique made famous by Barbara G. Walker in her renowned tome Knitting from the Top. But never have the results looked as glamorous and city-chic as they do in Modern Top-Down Knitting. In this sophisticated wom­ens wear collection, designer Kristina McGowan presents streamlined, feminine dresses, tunics, and skirts; elegant cardigans and pullovers; and stylish go-to accessories such as hats and mitts. Also included are step-by-step photo tutorials that make top-down techniques easy to understand and sizing and style adjustments a cinch to achieve. Detailed instructions are also included for finishing garments with couture-quality trims and linings, so they look just as elegant on the inside as they do on the outside.


The Best of Jane Austen Knits: 27 Regency-Inspired Designs

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Collects knitting patterns inspired by the places and characters in Jane Austen's novels, including cardigans, shawls, bags, and gloves, with information about Austen's life and the Regency era.

Classic Crochet the Modern Way: Over 35 Fresh Designs Using Traditional Techniques: Placemats, Potholders, Bags, Scarves, Mitts and More

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Crochet and Tunisian crochet are more popular than ever, and in this fabulously illustrated book, it's easy to see why! Who can resist the opportunity to bring traditional techniques together and create something new? Inspired instructor and author Tove Fevang shows how the basics of standard and Tunisian crochet can be used, adapted, and combined to make dozens of different projects: afghans, place mats, hand towels, pillows, potholders, wrist warmers, scarves, handbags, and more. And step-by-step instructions for all the stitches you'll need make it easy to choose a project and get started, even if you've never picked up a hook before!

Graphic Clay: Ceramic Surfaces & Printed Image Transfer Techniques

 

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For anyone working with clay, this project-driven guide is an unmatched teaching tool and a fount of inspiration. Focusing on surface processes and skills ranging from letterpress to painting, it offers a wealth of techniques for transferring images onto clay vessels. The topics include staining sculptural work, glazing, brush application, screenprinting patterns, and more. Q&As with top artists reveal how they discovered their signature style.

60 Quick Knit Baby Essentials: Sweaters, Toys, Blankets, & More in Cherub? from Cascade Yarns®

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Every baby needs these knits—and every knitter needs this book! The latest in the bestselling 60 Quick Knits series, it features easy, creative, adorable projects that range from blankets and booties to onesies, cardigans, hats, and toys. Each one is made in cuddly Cherub, a popular, well-priced, ultra-soft acrylic yarn.

How to Use a Sewing Machine: A Beginner's Manual

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Sewing machines may seem complicated—but this guide explains everything beginners need to know to choose and use it with confidence. See how to set it up and work its basic functions, like winding a bobbin, threading, and adjusting tension and stitch size. Learn basic techniques, from stitching seams to zips and pleats, plus decorative embroidery. An invaluable troubleshooting section rounds this out.