Tag: knitting

Calling All Crafters!

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Winter time is the best for getting stuck into those craft projects.  Watching the throw you’re crocheting grow over your lap, or the warm jersey forming from your knitting needles is lovely on a day when you can get cosy.  Perhaps you’re an embroiderer, or quilting is your thing.  No matter what your craft of choice is, these cold winter days just invite settling in somewhere cosy and getting creative.

If you’d like some company while you work on your current project, have you thought of coming to one of the craft sessions in our libraries?

Arapaki Knit & Natter

Arapaki library on Manners Street in the city has weekly lunchtime sessions on Tuesdays at 12:30pm.  Pop in on your lunch break to get away from work for a little bit, and enjoy the company of other craft minded folk.  Perhaps you could borrow this book from their collection to give you some inspiration:

Beginner’s guide to colourwork knitting : 16 projects and techniques to learn to knit with colour / Austin, Ella
“Introduction — Choosing colors — Yarn and tools — Reading charts — Stripes — Slipped stitches — Stranded colourwork — Intarsia — Double knitting — Modular knitting — Entrelac — Techniques. Beginner’s guide to colorwork knitting explains all the techniques and stitches you need to start your journey to knitting with color.” (Catalogue)

Wadestown Library – Community Craft Circle

Or you could pop in to Wadestown library on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30am for their Community Craft Circle.  Join other crafters in their community space to share conversation, craft tips and crafting supply sources.  It’s always lovely to see a new face.  And perhaps you might like to borrow this book from their collection:

Anyone can crochet amigurumi animals : 15 adorable crochet patterns / Simpson, Kristi
“Whether you’ve been crocheting for years or have never picked up a crochet hook before, this accessible, exciting project guide will show any crafter of any skill level everything you need to know to successfully make adorable amigurumi animals! This crochet project book opens with expert guidance on basic tools and techniques and insightful introductory sections on the basics. Get detailed insight on the background of amigurumi, basic materials, how to read patterns, and other essential tips to know in the preface to the projects. Also included are stitch guides, a comprehensive glossary, a handy abbreviations sheet, and more.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Johnsonville Library Sit & Knit

On alternating Sundays at Johnsonville Library at the Waitohi Hub, there’s a fortnightly sewing and craft group for thread-heads of all skill levels and ages. Bring along an existing project, some needles and some yarn, or use our basket of goodies.​ You do need to register for this popular event as there is limited space available, and you can do so here.  Maybe this sewing book from their collection is something that would interest you:

Simple hand sewing : 35 slow stitching and mindful mending projects / Strutt, Laura
“Hand sewing is a great way to practice mindfulness through craft. Laura Strutt has designed these 35 projects specially to develop your hand-sewing skills, but also to help you slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the rewards of your work. Using a number of different techniques including visible mending, sashiko, embroidery, thread doodling, boro, and abstract embroidery, Laura shows you how to incorporate these methods into making something useful, creative, and sustainable. Whichever project you choose, take time to enjoy the process and simply sew.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

For more information on library events and programmes, you can go to: Event Calendar (wcl.govt.nz)

Winter Projects to Warm-up Your Creative Soul: New Crafts and Hobbies Books

Ria

This month, we round up the fresh crafts and hobbies titles to treat your creative self to projects that celebrate WINTER. So, grab those hand tools, and let’s get busy!

Ready…steady…stitch!

From simple hand-sewn mending projects to learning to create your first retro-designed apron, easy projects await the seamstress-in-the-making. Simple hand sewing: 35 slow stitching and mindful mending projects by Laura Strutt and Fabulous fat quarter aprons: fun and functional retro designs for today’s kitchen by Mary Beth Temple can guide you on your first make with only the most basic sewing skills.

As the temperatures continue to drop, winter allows for much-needed healing and recharging.  Flip and tune in to the pages of inspirational stories that will tug your heartstrings, On Mending: Stories of damage and repair by Celia Pym is a must on your list.

Crochet lovers will be delighted with two new reads, Crocheted Houseplants: beautiful flora to make by Emma Varnam and Tom Daley’s Made with Love: get hooked with 30 knitting and crochet patterns. So, crochet your way with these gorgeous projects that will add colour and warmth on a dreary winter morning.  Similarly, Close Knit: 15 Patterns and 45 Techniques from Beginner to Advanced from Europe’s Coolest Knitter by Lærke Bagger is an inspiration for knitters yearning to test their skills with something edgy and funky. With the gnarly rain hitting the capital during these winter months, spending an indoor weekend afternoon upcycling an existing garment or creating something new for yourself can be just the creative boost you need.

Simple hand sewing : 35 slow stitching and mindful mending projects / Strutt, Laura
“Hand sewing is a great way to practice mindfulness through craft. Laura Strutt has designed these 35 projects specially to develop your hand-sewing skills, but also to help you slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the rewards of your work. Using a number of different techniques including visible mending, sashiko, embroidery, thread doodling, boro, and abstract embroidery, Laura shows you how to incorporate these methods into making something useful, creative, and sustainable. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Sewing love : handmade clothes for any body / Ishida, Sanae
“Learning to create and customize your own patterns empowers you to make exactly the kind of clothes you want, and solves the fit issues of ready-to-wear clothing or commercial patterns designed for an “ideal” body type. Ishida takes you thorugh the simple art of pattern-making and garment sewing. You’ll leran to make fashionable yet timeless items completely customized to your own body measurements. — adapted from front flap” (Catalogue)

On mending : stories of damage and repair / Pym, Celia
“A fascinating insight into the work of a pre-eminent craftsperson, On Mending was inspired by Anni Albers’ seminal work, On Weaving, (1965). Not a ‘how-to’ book, this is rather an in-depth look into the damage that we do, as manifested by our outer layers, our clothes.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Fabulous fat quarter aprons : fun and functional retro designs for today’s kitchen / Temple, Mary Beth
“Fashionable Fun for Your Kitchen. Those who sew know that a fat quarter stash can accumulate fast. In Fabulous Fat Quarter Aprons, Mary Beth Temple offers a dozen novel project ideas that are functional, fun, and will use your stash with a wink to the past. Ideal for the busy kitchen, your next holiday party, or that special gift for a friend, each design can be made with anywhere from two to six fat quarters and comes with a matching potholder, oven mitt, or hot pad. Best of all, this handy guide offers an excellent starting point for anyone looking to join the sewing community. So grab your stash and let your materials and imagination run wild to create the apron of your dreams.” (Catalogue)

Made with love : get hooked with 30 knitting and crochet patterns / Daley, Tom
“Tom Daley is on a mission to inspire the next generation of crafters. Stitch by stitch, in Made With Love he wants readers everywhere to discover the joys of knitting and crochet. Alongside 30 exclusive projects ranging from covetable gifts to chic homeware, cosy accessories and stylish wardrobe essentials, Tom offers helpful tips and tricks.” (Catalogue)

 

Design and create contemporary tableware : making pottery you can use / Bloomfield, Linda
“The tableware we use is very important in our everyday lives, whether plates, bowls, mugs, cups or teapots. This stylishly illustrated guide helps budding and established ceramicists alike to create practical and attractive ranges, starting with design principles, working through appropriate construction techniques, and leading on to decoration and finishes. Leading designers Sue Pryke and Linda Bloomfield explain the importance of inspiration and consistency in design, providing step-by-step guides to the main making methods, which include hand building, pinching, coiling, throwing and slip casting. They also offer advice on using various clay materials, and the combination of clay with other materials including wood, metal, textiles and synthetics.” — Back cover.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Crocheted houseplants : beautiful flora to make for your home / Varnam, Emma
“Plants can make any space feel more tranquil, and by making the unique projects in this book, you can enjoy a lush green indoor oasis without ever having to remember about watering, repotting or feeding. Ideal for armchair growers who aren’t keen on getting their hands dirty, these crocheted beauties will give year-round horticultural satisfaction, without any of the hassle. You’ll find retro crowd-pleasers, like yucca, spire, and Swiss cheese plants, along with dramatic purple foliage of coleus, the delicate blooms of the moth orchid and the menacing Venus fly trap.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Unleash Your Creative Self: New Crafts and Hobbies Books

Ria

This month’s collection of crafts and hobbies books offer a delightful cornucopia of creative pursuits and inspiration. From pattern-free sewing how-to’s to finishing an animal crochet block, there are so many fun DIY to explore or upskill. Each project would guide you through with varying level of difficulty, beautiful photographs, and clear step-by-step instructions.  Whether you plan to embroider flowers to give new life to an old shirt or upcycle pages of an old book, there are endless possibilities to channel that urge to explore and create.

Sew it yourself : 20 pattern-free projects (and infinite variations) to make your dream wardrobe / Braid, Daisy
“Sew It Yourself with DIY Daisy is a colourful, size-inclusive and inspiring book for sewers of all stages and abilities, beginners included. It includes guides on everything you need to get started (including equipment, materials and basic techniques) and step-by-step projects with clear instructions, photographs and illustrations that will take the scary out of sewing. Just remember: sewing is self-care, and you make the rules!” (Catalogue)

Sundressed : natural fibres and the future of fashion / Tonti, Lucianne
“In this superbly written book, fashion insider Lucianne Tonti looks beyond sustainable fashion to a future remade by natural fibres.An exploratory dive into the art and industry of clothing and an ode to the possibilities in nature, Sundressed is an accessible, engaging and optimistic challenge to designers, farmers and business to think bigger. She uncovers a growing hive of activity worldwide, from mulberry groves in China and cotton collectives in California to Mongolian goatherds and Australian sheep farmers. With a designer’s eye for detail and an insider’s understanding of the market, Tonti shows us where our clothes come from and why it matters.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Creative book art : over 50 ways to upcycle books into stationery, decorations, gifts, and more / Youngs, Clare
“Transform old books and magazines into beautiful paper crafts, with over 50 inspiring projects. Packed full of ideas for everything from stationery and homewares to paper animals and gifts for kids, Creative Book Art shows you how to make stunning projects that look impressive but are deceptively simple to make. Get cutting and gluing to make display scenes and decorations such as a fairy-tale castle, printed feathers, and hanging paper birds. With just a few basic tools and some old books or magazines to get you started, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to repurpose pages into unique items to keep or gift.”–Publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Seasonal flower embroidery : a year of stitching wild blooms and botanicals / Aoki, Kazuko
“Small embroidered gifts for every season. Give the gift of embroidery! Inspired by flowers in every season, theses small projects make the perfect gift. From small purses and pins to stunning artwork, these embroidery projects are small but stunning and make a big impact with just thread, needle, and fabric”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

Cute & easy crochet with flowers : 35 fantastic floral crochet patterns / Trench, Nicki
“Bring nature with you wherever you go with these 35 beautiful projects, all incorporating floral motifs. Divided into three chapters, the book begins with projects perfect for first-time stitchers. Next, move on to Practice Makes Perfect, where you can develop your crochet skills to make beautiful pillow covers, place mats, and blankets to decorate your home. Finally, more experienced crafters will love the projects in Confident Crocheting–from a Daisy Scarf and Floral Bag, to a Vintage-style Vase Coaster and Gypsy Queen throw that will stay in the family for generations. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

52 weeks of scarves
“52 Weeks of Scarves is a contemporary collection of 52 patterns for scarves, shawls, wraps, cowls and collars, from Nordic knitting experts Laine. This stunning book contains a beautiful scarf pattern for every week of the year. The 52 projects have been contributed by leading knitwear designers from across the world and showcase an exceptionally wide range of yarns, techniques and difficulty levels, including two crochet designs. Comprehensive patterns are supported by extra material on the Laine website, and stunning photography and styling evokes the inspiring Nordic lifestyle and slow living.”–Publisher’s description.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

New Crafts and Hobbies Books to Curl Up With This Winter

Ria

As we embrace the peak of the winter season, you may find yourselves holed up at home longer than usual and in search of something cozy. Why not celebrate this glorious hibernation mood by snuggling up with a comfy duvet on your couch, sipping a newly brewed vanilla chai tea and crafting your day away?

If you find your fingers frozen these winter mornings, we offer you these recently acquired titles to keep you all warm and bundled up to ward off the winter blues. From needle to fabric work, create simple wardrobe embroidery to upcycle your clothes; or alternatively, choose from a combination of 100+ cross stitch patterns of borders, alphabets, and motifs to create a design you want. For some “yarnspiration”, there are knitting projects to explore and enjoy that suit every crafters varying skill level – from a simple teacup coaster to a garden of cute Amigurumi flowers.

Perhaps you are just wanting to settle into a good book and let the day unfold slowly. Embrace the warmth that a good ol’ knitted sweater gives, while enjoying Osman Yousefzada’s memoir as a child growing up in Birmingham, or learning about the significance of colours in clothing throughout history.

These are just a few of handicraft projects and reads to choose from to keep your creative heart warm!

Wardrobe embroidery : knit & embroidery projects for upcycling clothes / Bolstad, Warunee
“In Wardrobe Embroidery, Warunee Bolstad of @plystreknitwear shows you how to easily breathe new life into your wardrobe by adding embroidery to clothes both old and new. Warunee presents a collection of charming embroidery patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly hearts and daisies to intricate floral arrangements. Use these lovely designs to freshen up worn out blouses and jeans or to personalize plain white t-shirts and boring bags.  From classic crewnecks and cabled cardigans to elegant handbags and cozy neckwarmers, these beautiful and simple designs offer sustainable style for everyday life. “–Amazon (Adapted from Catalogue)

100+ cross stitch patterns to mix and match : motifs and borders, plus 21 alphabets / Greenoff, Jane
“From flowers to cottages, birds and bees to holiday and sampler-style motifs, 100+ Cross Stitch Patterns to Mix and Match is bursting with exciting cross stitch designs to make! It’s easy to combine them (Jane teaches you how), and you’ll be ready to make a special stitched piece for any occasion. ” — Back cover. “With the 100+ motif and border patterns in this book, it’s easy to combine them to make your own cross stitch designs. The 21 unique cross stitch alphabets, made to coordinate with the motifs in a variety of styles, allow you to add words to complement your ideas”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Knitting : 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands / Kludje, Sicgmone
“Knitting (Conscious Crafts) is a contemporary craft project book presenting over 20 projects for beginners. In Knitting (Conscious Crafts), co-founders of the Black Girl Knit Club unpick the meditative nature of the knitting process and its empowering skill set for creating, well-being and mindfulness. Making is mindfulness made practical, and knitting is an iconic craft proven to have a therapeutic impact on well-being. Sicgmone Kludje and Vea Koranteng have curated 20 modern makes, ranging from plant pot cosies to throws and snoods, to introduce the basics of knitting. Covering fundamental stitches and techniques including casting on, knit, pearl and moss stitch, Sicgmone and Vea show how these can be adapted for different projects as well as repurposing used textiles into your own upcycled yarn, all whilst embracing the restorative benefits of craft.” (Catalogue)

Kawaii crochet garden : 40 super cute amigurumi patterns for plants and more / Bradley, Melissa
“Crochet a garden of kawaii happiness with this super-cute collection of 40 patterns! Cultivate a colorful world of crochet flowers, plants, and garden creatures that are perfect for gifting, and learn the simple crochet techniques needed for everything to come up roses”–Page 4 of cover.” (Catalogue)

 

Nordic knits : 44 beautiful patterns to knit and keep you cozy / Flanders, Sue
“Nordic Knits offers 50 authentic, Scandinavian-inspired patterns for hats, mittens, and gloves-including stylish, traditional projects from Sweden, Norway, and Iceland”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The color of fashion : the story of clothes in ten colors / Young, Caroline
“The Color of Fashion is a stunning coffee table book with fascinating stories of fashion woven throughout history with COLOR. Whether it’s mellow yellow, in the pink, feeling blue, or green with envy, COLOR is so entwined with our emotions that there are countless expressions and song lyrics devoted to it. But what meaning does color have in what we wear? What does a green dress convey when worn to a cocktail party, what significance does a white trouser suit have when worn by a female politician, and why does a woman in red command attention?” (Catalogue)

The go-between : a portrait of growing up between different worlds / Yousefzada, Osman
“A coming-of-age story set in Birmingham in the 1980s and 1990s, The Go-Between opens a window into a closed migrant community living in a red-light district on the wrong side of the tracks. The adult world is seen through Osman’s eyes as a child: his own devout Pashtun patriarchal community, with its divide between the world of men and women, living cheek-by-jowl with parallel migrant communities. The stories Osman tells, some fantastical and humorous, others melancholy and even harrowing, take us from the Birmingham of Osman’s childhood to the banks of the river Kabul and the river Indus, and, eventually, to the London of his teenage years. Osman weaves in and out of these worlds, struggling with the dual burdens of racism and community expectations, as he is forced to realise it is no longer possible to exist in the spaces in between.”–Publisher’s description.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Warm up with New Crafts and Hobbies Books

Ria

Winter is upon us and the atua Tāwhirimātea is making his presence known with a series of thunderstorms and biting wind chill in the last couple of weeks. As we say goodbye to barbecues and frolicking on a beach, what better way to usher in this new season than to get lost on a passion project at the comfort of your home!

Thinking of making a pair of your own simple slouchy socks for your cold feet but don’t know where to start? Tracy Lord’s “A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting: a complete step-by-step course” has 20 workshops and corresponding projects to put your knitting into practice. Likewise, packed with more than 100 patterns with fresh themes ranging from galaxies to terrariums “Fun & Funky Cross Stitch: 160+ Designs, 5 Alphabets, 30 Bonus Gift Ideas” is a must-have on your winter hobby list.

For those keen to learn about fabric craft, the book “Furoshiki : The Japanese art of wrapping with fabric” by Aurélie Le Marec invites you to discover the benefit of this ancient Japanese art of folding and knotting a fabric to carry all kinds of items (guitar case, anyone?). With over 50 projects to try, this creative and versatile craft could be part of your journey to a greener lifestyle. If you find yourself dabbling in flower arranging, don’t let this winter season stop you from enjoying the beauty fresh flowers evoke. Two books in our collection this month, “Floral Evolution: Over 20 displays that make the most of every stem” and “The Little Flower Recipe Book” provide practical guide, step-by-step instructions, along with stunning photographs for budding florists on a budget.

Other titles in this month’s selection includes “The Fashion Show : The stories, invites and art of 300 landmark shows” .  This pink and gold colour motif book is a window to over 50 years of  fashion’s exclusive printed art invitations. In “Anna: the Biography”, author Amy Odell delights us about Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour’s rise to become one of fashion industry’s most powerful women. So curl up with a cup of tea and spice up your winter night with intriguing tales from one of catwalk’s most important figures.

A beginner’s guide to knitting : a complete step-by-step course / Lord, Tracey
“Presents a step-by-step guide to stitches and techniques, from knit and purl to Fair Isle, and includes twenty beautiful projects to make.” (Catalogue)

 

 

 

Fun & funky cross stitch : 160+ designs, 5 alphabets, 30 bonus gift ideas.
“Hand stitch funky designs! Stitch an eclectic collection of funky designs from top cross stitch artists around the world. Includes a beginners guide to the basic stitches, the stitch chart, and supplies lists. Each design has a skill level suggestion and an estimated time of completion”–Page 4 of cover.” (Catalogue)

 

Furoshiki : the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric / Le Marec, Aurélie
“Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, and is used to wrap gifts and create bags for carrying things more easily. There is no sewing involved and, using just a square of fabric, Aurélie Le Marec shows you how to wrap all kinds of items from books to guitars and laptops to wine bottles. You can adapt furoshiki to suit items of all shapes and sizes and, with more than 50 furoshiki folds explained with step-by-step illustrations and clear instructions, you can help to reduce waste by making furoshiki part of your everyday life.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Floral evolution : over 20 displays that make the most of every stem / Foxwell, Catherine
“Author Catherine Foxwell believes that the flowers and beautiful arrangements should be accessible to all, and this book takes you through some simple projects using sustainable techniques to achieve this. She uses readily available, inexpensive flowers in straightforward projects that teach you how to repurpose the bloom into four different displays. With this step-by-step, extremely accessible approach, anyone can arrange blooms like a pro.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little flower recipe book : 148 tiny arrangements for every season & occasion / Rizzo, Jill
“Beloved florist Jill Rizzo is back, and this time she has turned her attention to charming miniature arrangements. Projects are organized seasonally, and range from a thimble-sized vase of pansies to a tiny teacup holding a bundle of zinnias to a bud vase with a single Japanese anemone. All told, the book contains over 100 easy-to-follow recipes: ingredients lists specify the type and quantity of blooms needed; clear instructions detail each step; and hundreds of photos show how to place every stem.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The fashion show : the stories, invites and art of 300 landmark shows / Webb, Iain R
“The story of the haute couture catwalk, through an exclusive collection of VIP invitations. Spanning over 45 years and 300 shows, each invite opens a window into the key trends and ideas behind each collection.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Anna : the biography / Odell, Amy
“This definitive biography of legendary fashion journalist and media mogul Anna Wintour follows her journey from the trendy fashion scene of swinging 1960s London to becoming the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine.” (Catalogue)

 

 

 

Unleash Your Creative Self: New Arts & Crafts Books

Ria

As we embrace the changing foliage of red, orange, and yellow, there is no better way to celebrate the slowing down nature of the season than to nourish your creative soul. From making marbled papers to painting projects, be inspired in this month’s new collection of crafts and hobbies books.

The art of paper marbling dates as far back as 1118 in Japan. Over the centuries, several marbling techniques have been developed, making paper marbling a quintessential craft to try. In the book Making Traditional Marbled Papers, Kate Brett walks us through its history and encourages us to try several techniques that can be practiced and appreciated by anyone.

Why not catch the mood of the changing season with a brush and palette of colours? Watercolor for the Soul: Simple painting projects for beginners, to calm, soothe and inspire and Still Life : Techniques and tutorials for the complete beginner offers tips and easy-to-follow exercises that are friendly enough to match any skill level, which makes approaching a blank page a positive experience.

With the changing season comes the cold snaps of winter weather. What better way to celebrate this time of the year than to show off your newly-made Peruvian ch’ullu hat, fingerless gloves and Bohus-style Peerie socks! Cozy Knits: 30 hat, mitten, scarf, and sock projects from around the world features an assortment of knitting projects inspired by people, places and traditions around the world. Likewise, if you fancy building up your knitted wardrobe collection, A Knitter’s Guide to Shawl Design explores different techniques and tips in creating your very own shawl. With an abundance of projects in Nordic colourwork, the book Traditional Nordic Knits: Over 40 hats, mittens, gloves, and socks is packed with stunning photographs complete with illustrated patterns and informative guides that would definitely inspire you to grab those knitting needles again.

Lastly, in the book Bonnie the Cow & Her Crocheted Friends: 20 loveable animals & birds to crochet using chunky yarn, Claire Gelder reimagines your traditional crochet projects using super chunky yarn! With straightforward instructions, varying difficulty level and easy-to-follow patterns, you may find yourself snuggling up with your own creation of Bonnie the Cow during movie nights.

Making traditional marbled papers / Brett, Kate
“Paper marbling is a beautiful craft with a long history that can be traced back to Japan in the twelfth century. This practical book introduces traditional patterns and explains the techniques that are used creatively today. It covers the history of marbling – from its origins in Japan to Persia, Turkey and then Europe in the seventeenth century. The process from preparing the size, to adding the paints, creating the pattern and then treating the sheets is covered in detail. Creative uses for marbling are given including step-by-step sequences for a range of projects.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Watercolor for the soul : simple painting projects for beginners, to calm, soothe and inspire / Stevens, Sharone
“Learn to use watercolor to soothe your soul with this beginner’s guide to painting for relaxation. Many watercolor books focus on the result of your painting, but this approach looks at the process of painting as a means to de-stress, with easy exercises for absolute beginners. The aim is to create art that relaxes both the artist and the viewer.” (Catalogue)

Still life : techniques and tutorials for the complete beginner / Johns, Susie
“Learn how to draw and paint sill life with this straightforward, accessible guide. With expert guidance you will discover how to construct simple, appealing still-life arrangements and create beautiful works of art using a range of beginner-friendly materials and techniques. Ten progressive step-by-step tutorials will help you to master this rewarding art form.”–Page 4 of cover” (Catalogue)

 

Cozy knits : 30 hat, mitten, scarf, and sock projects from around the world
“Cozy Knits presents 50 of the coziest, globally-inspired patterns for hats, mittens, and gloves-including stylish traditional projects from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the British Isles, the Americas, and Asia.” — Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

A knitter’s guide to shawl design / Vining, Emma
“As a desirable item of fashion, a cherished gift or a wardrobe essential, the shawl enjoys enduring popularity among knitters and non-knitters alike. A Knitter’s Guide to Shawl Design will inspire knitters of all levels to personalize their knitting and create original shawl designs. Author Emma Vining describes her own design processes, encouraging readers to explore and experiment with shawl shapes and stitch patterns. Beautifully illustrated with photographs, sketches and explanatory diagrams, this book explores tradition and innovation in shawl design.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Traditional Nordic knits : over 40 hats, mittens, gloves, and socks / Wallin, Johanna
“The classic Nordic knitting tradition is a widely-respected—and increasingly popular—source of exquisite patterns and design inspiration all over the world. 15 time-honoured patterns become over 40 different projects, gracing mittens, gloves, hats, and socks through designs suitable for all levels of experience, and each project is introduced with an example of a historic knitted item and a fascinating explanation of the pattern’s background and origin.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Bonnie the Cow & her friends : 20 loveable animals & birds to crochet using chunky yarn / Gelder, Claire
“Dragon’s Den winner Claire Gelder presents a new collection of crochet animals to crochet in chunky yarn. Bonnie the Highland Cow and Isla her calf, as well as other adorable, crocheted companions will complete your cozy companion set. With soft, chunky yarn and long, floppy limbs, you’ll have no choice but to pick them up, or snuggle on the sofa with them. Oversized, and full of life, these toys are about 28in tall and the babies measure about 14in. The projects are aimed at beginners to improvers, and are suitable for someone who has mastered the basics of crochet. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)