Crafts Recent Picks

January / February 2009

The underlined title links will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

Luxury yarn one-skein wonders: 101 small indulgences, by Judith Durant.
"Knitters have spoken! Single-skein projects are all the rage because they're portable, fun, quick to finish, and the perfect answer to that stash of orphan yarns. Already, Judith Durant's "One-Skein" series has delighted knitters everywhere with fabulous single-skein patterns contributed by yarn shops and noted knitwear designers. Now, "Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders", … brings indulgence to the one-skein concept! The newest one-skein patterns are the most decadent yet, featuring the most sumptuous yarns on the market. Like previous One-Skein books, "Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders" features two-colour illustrations throughout, as well as a full-colour photo gallery of projects. Patterns include baby items, personal accessories, toys, and garments - from an adorable baby sweater knit from merino and bamboo to beaded cashmere socks. Not only are these projects fun and fast, they offer knitters a great excuse to pick up several skeins (really now, no one can buy just one!) of to-die-for yarns." (Amazon UK)

Japanese paper crafting: create 17 paper craft projects & make your own beautiful washi paper, by Michael G. LaFosse.
"Across the country interest in paper crafts is booming. People from all walks of life are creating scrapbooks, making gift cards, learning origami. Washi, a traditional hand-made paper originating in Japan, is a perfect accompaniment to these crafts. Japanese Paper Crafting teaches the essentials of making beautiful and unusual washi paper at home. Using diagrams and photographs, the step-by-step instructions will show both novice and experienced paper artists how to make washi paper-and how to create 15 exciting washi projects with their own handmade paper! Projects include a hand-bound blank book, purses and wallets, picture frames, scrapbooking, desktop and tabletop accessories such as a pencil holder, letter tray, appointment book, napkin holders and place cards." (Library Catalogue)

Knitting for good!: a guide to creating personal, social & political change, stitch by stitch, by Betsy Greer.
"In the last five years knitting has undergone a complete transformation. Once considered a grandmotherly craft, knitting is now embraced by new generations of young, socially and politically conscious crafters. For these new knitters, their craft represents much more than the finished project; their knitting is a way to slow down in a faced-paced culture, subvert producers of mass manufactured merchandise, embrace the domestic, connect to people in their community, support communities across the globe, and express their own personal style and creativity. Betsy Greer, creator of Craftivism.com, has written the handbook for this new culture of knitters. By highlighting the subversive, revolutionary, and political aspects of knitting, Greer shows readers that knitting can be a profound way to: connect to ourselves by embracing the personal and meditative aspects of knitting; reach out to our community through sharing our skill and through charity knitting; and support others across the globe by using knitting as a form of activism and expression…." (Amazon UK)

Cute dolls: let's make cute stuff, by Aranzi Aronzo.
"“Cute Dolls" book features bigger versions--medium-sized plush toys for snuggling." (Libary Catalogue)

The prayer shawl companion: 38 knitted designs to embrace, inspire, & celebrate life, by Janet Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo.
"For many, the ultimate expression of spirituality is charity. And for years, people have been crafting prayer shawls - knitted wraps to comfort those in times of need and to help others celebrate special occasions. Written by the two women at the heart of this groundswell of charity knitting, The Prayer Shawl Companion presents 38 wondrous wraps for all occasions, from baptism to remembrance. The book includes easy, intermediate and challenging patterns for such inspiring creations as The Calming Shawl and the Friendship Patchwork Shawl and many more. Since knitting itself can be a gloriously spiritual activity, Bristow and Cole-Galo also offer advice on creating a peaceful creative environment and include heart-warming stories to and from shawl recipients. Professional knitwear designers like Kaffe Fassett and Nicky Epstein have donated more than 10 patterns." (Amazon UK)

Boutique knits: 20+ must-have accessories, by Laura Irwin.
"With "Boutique Knits", you can make your very own knockout accessories. If you love showing your personal style with the "it" handbag, funky scarf, or the hat that makes heads turn, then this book is for you….In this book, Laura presents designs for knitted accessories that stand out from the crowd. Patterns cover a variety of knitting techniques, including felting, intarsia, Fair Isle, lacework, and cables. Get comfortable with your crafty side as you incorporate non-knitting tools and techniques to transform your knitting to achieve that one-of-a-kind boutique feel: pliers, hammers, a sewing machine, use of millinery techniques, and hand sewing techniques. Many of the projects use unique adornment: buckles and bolts borrowed from leatherwork close an intricately cabled belt, a chain handle finishes a felted bag, leather lacing dresses up a knitted bag, and grommets finish a half-felted handbag. Vintage lace, beads, ribbon, and fabric-covered buttons also appear. The author uses knitting and felting techniques to create effects like ruffles, shibori-style pleats, and clever shaping. Transform your knitting with "Boutique Knits"." (Amazon UK)

Wild tea cosies: 24 patterns with step-by-step instructions, by Loani Prior.
"Wild, wacky and adventurous, tea cosies have undergone a radical makeover. Loani Prior's mind-boggling tea cosy designs will motivate knitters everywhere to create their craziest fantasies and most psychedelic imaginings, all in the name of keeping tea warm. Each of the 24 sculptural projects …has simple, straightforward instructions and patterns. Gorgeous photographs from all angles show the design details and the cosies are knitted and crocheted in easily-accessible eight-ply wool. This title is filled with tips and techniques as well as ideas for individualising each creation with glamorous wools, feathers, buttons or any other decoration you take a fancy to. It is perfect for cool young knitters, the hip granny, and everyone in between! With a basic level of knitting or crocheting skill, you can produce exciting works of art to impress and flabbergast your friends, give as great original gifts and ...keep your tea warm!." (Amazon UK)

Nicky Epstein's signature scarves: dazzling designs to knit.

Handmade nation: the rise of DIY, art, craft, and design, by Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl.

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