Crafts & Hobbies
Whether you're a beginning knitter or advanced, whether your tastes range from simple knit-purl stitching to fancy Daisy or Moroccan screen, this dictionary of stitch patterns is indispensable!
Young knitters, old knitters, hip knitters, traditional knitters: they all enjoy different styles. But every knitter from age 5 to 95 needs a good dictionary of stitches. 400 Knitting Stitches is a comprehensive guide that invites knitters to experiment with a variety of new stitch combinations. The book is conveniently divided into eight categories: knit-purl, crossed and cables, slipped, lacy, double, twisted, cast-off, and fancy stitches. Making a romantic lacy wrap or a classic cable sweater? Whatever your style, there's a stitch in here for you.
Each of the 400-plus featured stitches is accompanied by easy-to-follow written and charted instructions, as well as a full-color photograph. A section on basic knitting information and techniques at the front of the book makes this volume even more invaluable.
From advanced knitters experimenting with their own designs to beginners looking for clear instruction and explanation, 400 Knitting Stitches is an essential reference for knitters of all kinds.
Marvels of craftsmanship, beauty, and function, Joshua Vogel's hand-carved kitchenware is coveted far and wide. In The Artful Wooden Spoon, Vogel shares more than 100 gorgeous pieces from his workshop gallery, providing rich visual inspiration along with explaining the principles behind handcrafting spoons and sharing simple instructions and step-by-step photographs--no expertise and very few tools required. With more than 225 photographs of Vogel's stunning specimens, this visual introduction to the craft is an invitation to explore an age-old art and to create a timeless gift.
Discover how to develop your pottery design skills and bring your ideas to life from start to finish. Covering every technique from throwing pottery to firing, glazing to sgraffito, this pottery book is perfect for both hand-building beginners and potting pros. Step-by-step photographs - some from the potter's perspective - show you exactly where to place your hands when throwing so you can master every technique you need to know. Plus, expert tips help you rescue your pots when things go wrong. The next in the popular Artist's Techniques series, Complete Pottery is the ideal companion for pottery classes of any level, or a go-to guide and inspiration for the more experienced potter looking to expand their repertoire and perfect new skills. With contemporary design and ideas, Complete Pottery Techniques enables the modern maker to unleash their creativity.
Celebrate the Irish countryside and create one-of-a-kind knitted projectsFeatures an elegant design and 18 enjoyable-to-knit, one-of-a-kind patterns Patterns are just challenging enough to be fun to knit All projects are thoughtfully designed for a beautiful finished project
The patterns found in Contemporary Irish Knits showcase traditional Aran knitting patterns to create the more fitted and flattering shapes that modern knitters prefer. You'll get 18 patterns for making one-of-a-kind Irish knits, encapsulating projects for women's, children, and men's wardrobe pieces, and accessories like bags, blankets, and shawls. Plus, you'll get easy-to-follow instructions and guidance on how to construct and enhance your knitting experience to make for a more intuitively put-together knitted item.
This all-new collection is exactly what today's knitter is looking for, and complemented by inspiring design and photography. If you're a knitter looking for innovative patterns, enhancements to your skill sets, and a chance to broaden your range of knitterly knowledge, Contemporary Irish Knits is for you. It features: contemporary Irish designs created using traditional techniques and stitch patterns implemented in new ways; a broad range of projects; guidance on working with different construction methods; and much more.
Whether you're an intermediate or advanced knitter, Contemporary Irish Knits gives you the skills, projects, and know-how to create truly gorgeous knitted pieces that celebrate Ireland's living knitted tradition with a modern, contemporary twist.
Spark your creativity and keep yourself organized with the beautiful pages and easy-to-follow instructions of Creative Journaling. With 52 projects, from simple tricks, like making your own washi tape, to more ambitious projects, like crafting a custom planner, you'll soon have the best-looking to-do list around.
Author Renee Day will take you on an artistic adventure as you take on each new task and become an expert on amazing DIY ideas! You'll learn to work with watercolors, acrylic paint, brush pens, and much more as you personalize your stuff, making things uniquely you.
Going beyond basic tools, this stunning book offers tips, tricks, and creative ways to transform your notebook into a treasured life companion, including:
- Ornamental lettering
- Personalized habit trackers
- Colorful calendars
- Decorative headers
- Customized productivity lists
- Inspiring artwork
- Creative future logs
- Unique planning pages
Author Renee Day will take you on an artistic adventure as you take on each new task and become an expert on amazing DIY ideas! You'll learn to work with watercolors, acrylic paint, brush pens, and much more as you personalize your stuff, making things uniquely you.
Going beyond basic tools, this stunning book offers tips, tricks, and creative ways to transform your notebook into a treasured life companion, including:
- Ornamental lettering
- Personalized habit trackers
- Colorful calendars
- Decorative headers
- Customized productivity lists
- Inspiring artwork
- Creative future logs
- Unique planning pages
In this all-crochet addition to the One-Skein Wonders(R) series, Edie Eckman and Judith Durant offer 101 exciting crochet projects -- including jewelry, scarves, bags, hats, dresses, and home decor items -- that each use just one skein of yarn. With projects organized by yarn type and weight, you'll be crocheting lacy shrugs for the springtime and heavy-duty beanies for the snowy winter months. Whatever your experience level, you're sure to find a delightfully portable project that suits your individual style.
This inspiring book makes drawing in a realistic style easier than you may think and more fun than you ever imagined! Authors Mark and Mary Willenbrink (Watercolor for the Absolute Beginner) cover it all--from choosing materials and the correct way to hold your pencil, to expert advice on the tricky stuff, like getting proportions and perspective right, drawing reflections, and designing strong compositions. (It's not as scary as it sounds...not with Mark and Mary as your guide!) At the heart of this book, a series of fun, hands-on exercises help you practice and perfect your strokes--24 mini-demos lead up to 9 full step-by-step demos. Each exercise builds on the previous one as you develop your skills, build your confidence, and enjoy yourself along the way. The lessons you learn by drawing simple subjects such as coffee mugs, clouds and trees will help you take on progressively more challenging matter like animals, still lifes, landscapes and portraits...the kinds of subjects and scenes you've always dreamt of drawing. This book is just the ticket for budding artists of any age. It's never too early and never too late to discover the pure joy of drawing!
Fall under the spell of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Enchanted Forest! This stunning coloring book by Johanna Basford takes readers on an inky quest through an enchanted forest to discover what lies in the castle at its heart. As well as drawings to complete, color, and embellish, there are hidden objects to be found along the way. Can you spot the wild flowers, animals, and birds? What about the lanterns, keys, and treasure chests? Beginning at the entrance to the forest, the journey progresses through woodlands, rocky caves, and tree-lined mazes. Color your way past streams and waterfalls and over treetops, until you finally reach your destination: a secluded, magical castle. Hidden throughout the book are nine symbols. Readers must find all the symbols to unlock the castle door at the end of the quest and discover what lies within. Additional special features include a gate-folded two-page spread and a colorable jacket. Praise for the book and author: "The colorists have a queen, and her name is Johanna Basford." --New York Magazine "Consider trading in your yoga mat for a set of markers and peruse the gorgeous gardens of Basford's imagination." --The Huffington Post "The best coloring book for anxiety." --Teen Vogue "This book celebrates the glory of all things green and nature-y in the best way possible: coloring book form! Even if you don't want to add color, the illustrations themselves are frame-worthy loveliness." --Brit+ Co Other popular titles by Johanna Basford include:
- Secret Garden
- Johanna Basford's Secret Garden Journal
- Secret Garden: 20 Postcards
- Enchanted Forest: 12 Color-in Notecards
- Enchanted Forest: 20 Postcards Fans of Leila Duly, Millie Marotta, and Daisy Fletcher will devour Johanna Basford's intricate scenes of flora and fauna.
- Secret Garden
- Johanna Basford's Secret Garden Journal
- Secret Garden: 20 Postcards
- Enchanted Forest: 12 Color-in Notecards
- Enchanted Forest: 20 Postcards Fans of Leila Duly, Millie Marotta, and Daisy Fletcher will devour Johanna Basford's intricate scenes of flora and fauna.
Joyful Mending shows you how to fix old items of clothing, linens and household objects by turning tears and flaws into beautiful features. Simply by applying a few easy sewing, darning, felting, or crocheting techniques, as well as some sashiko and other favorite embroidery stitches, you can repair your favorite pieces in a transformative way. These techniques don't just save you money, but make your life more joyful, fulfilling and sustainable in an age of disposable "fast fashion." Author Noriko Misumi teaches you her philosophy of mending and reusing items based on the age-old Japanese concepts of mindfulness and Wabi Sabi (an appreciation of old and imperfect things). In her book, she shows you how to: Repair any kind of fabric that is torn, ripped or stained--whether knitted or woven Work with damaged flat or curved surfaces to make them aesthetically pleasing again Create repairs that blend in, as well as bold or whimsical visible repairs Darn your handmade or expensive gloves, sweaters and socks to make them look great again
The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.
The joy to be found in working with your hands and the personal artistry you discover within yourself lie at the heart of this book. While nothing lasts forever, there's pleasure, as well as purpose, in appreciating age and imperfection. Joyful Mending allows you to surround yourself with the things that truly give you joy, whether they were given to you by a loved one, picked up in your travels or simply have a special place in your heart.
The essential beginner's guide to knitting know-how, with more than 150 illustrated knitting stitches and techniques. Knit Step by Step shows you everything you need to craft stunning knitted pieces. Master basic stitches and classic techniques, including ribs, Fair Isle, and intarsia, or try your hand at one of eight eye-catching projects. Fully illustrated and easy to use, Knit Step by Step will have you knitting with confidence in no time.
."..specifies tools and equipment and lists the materials necessary to sew, dye, glue, and finish each project...instructions are concise enough to offer craft enthusiasts of differing skill levels a range of projects to undertake."-- "Booklist
. ."..excellent and easy-to-understand introduction to classic leatherworking...."-- "LJ
. 128 pages, 26 color illus., 152 b/w illus., 8 1/4 x 10 1/4.
Adorn your cozy interiors with 30 hand-woven DIY art and hanging plants. Are you a DIY home decorator, plant lover, or flower lover? We got you! Macramé plant hangers are the perfect little touch to accent your cozy, designer home. Macramé--the art of knotting made popular in the seventies--is now on a revival, bringing trendy boho vibes into your living room, bedroom, and more. And there's simply no better way to display your hanging plants than stringing them up in handmade woven knots. Whether you're a novice or seasoned knotter, Macramé Plant Hangers provides thirty quirky yet stunning projects that will spark your DIY artist's imagination and get you creating. Follow detailed photographs and instructions to construct patterns with various natural fibers, including cotton rope, felted wool, silk ribbon, jute, recycled fabric, and more. There are knotted projects suitable for bigger eight-inch pots, small four-inch pots, vintage bottles, and even air plants. Including a practical beginner's section of knot basics; an introduction to weaving; customizable variations to add playful beads, funky fringes, and chic rope tassels to your macramé design for "whimsy;" and a bonus chapter on special projects that mix macramé with a dash of weaving and earthy elements, Macramé Plant Hangers is your handy guidebook to adorning interiors with your own custom hand-knotted, vintage art you can be proud of--while keeping it green!
This is a practical and comprehensive guide for all oil painting enthusiasts, from the beginner to the experienced artist. Starting with advice on materials, painting from photographs, colour and composition, it goes on to describe basic and more advanced techniques such as wet on wet, wet on dry, scumbling, dry brush, sgraffito, impasto and glazing and the wonderful effects they can produce. For those wanting to avoid the use of smelly additives like turpentine or white spirit, there is a section on water mixable oils. For readers who would like to see quick results, there is a section on instant oil painting, or painting in an intuitive, spontaneous way. Easy to follow step-by-step demonstrations show the reader how to paint landscapes, sea and sky, still life and flowers, and each section is accompanied by a selection of inspirational paintings by the four featured artists, in a rich variety of styles.
Discover the primitive craft of punch needle as seen through the eyes of a contemporary artist giving the technique fresh, modern appeal. Yellow Spool's Stacie Schaat shares all you need to know to take a stab in Punched. With Stacie's guidance you'll learn: - Simple tools and basic techniques can make a range of trendy home goods.
- Step-by-step mini-lessons that take you from beginner to pro in no time.
- When to follow the rules and when to break them for knock out results.
- How to combine quick, repetitive stitches with composition and color for a modern aesthetic with a dozen must-make projects.
Explore the traditional and untraditional methods of punch needle with projects that can be displayed, used, and loved for generations. You're sure to be pleased as Punched.
- Step-by-step mini-lessons that take you from beginner to pro in no time.
- When to follow the rules and when to break them for knock out results.
- How to combine quick, repetitive stitches with composition and color for a modern aesthetic with a dozen must-make projects.
Explore the traditional and untraditional methods of punch needle with projects that can be displayed, used, and loved for generations. You're sure to be pleased as Punched.
Make, mend, and customize your own wardrobe with this highly photographic beginner's guide to machine sewing. Discover how to read a pattern, use a sewing machine, and sew basic stitches, seams, and hems. Explore how to put those skills to use to create, personalize, upcycle, and repurpose clothes and soft furnishings. Fully illustrated and easy to use, Sew Step by Step covers all the essential skills and techniques for successful machine sewing.
Shoji Hamada, along with Bernard Leach, was one of the key figures in the development of studio pottery in the 20th century. His influence both in England and the US as well as in his native Japan cannot be underestimated. The Japanese government designated him a Living National Treasure" in 1955 and awarded him the Order of Culture in 1968. This book has been totally redesigned with colour photographs and a new chapter."
You don't have to be a master embroiderer to create beautiful crazy-quilt seams! With 480 seam designs to inspire your creativity, you'll learn to stitch with uniform spacing for a professional appearance. Line everything up perfectly with five pages of full-size stitch templates and dozens of step-by-step illustrations. Then dress up embroidered seams with sparkly beads, buttons, sequins, and silk ribbon embellishments for endless creative combinations!
A fabulous new series using leftover fat quarters to create over 15 gorgeous items. For the birthday that's on the way, or a festive holiday that needs more sparkle, conquer that pile of odd quarters you've stashed away and make over 15 fun gifts for your loved ones. Ideal for sewists of all abilities, this is the ultimate, affordable stash-busting project book that will get you making practical, colorful items too.
Start off with an easy-to-follow crash-course on the essential techniques you'll need throughout the projects - from adding a zip and bias binding to creating patchwork. Then, jump straight into your stash and get stitching! Be inspired by the stunning photography, helpful hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints featured in every project. From children's clothes and toys to bags and make-up pouches, there's something for the young and young-at-heart in your life. Each project includes inspiring photography, instructive hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints and tips from sewing extraordinaire, Wendy Gardiner.
Start off with an easy-to-follow crash-course on the essential techniques you'll need throughout the projects - from adding a zip and bias binding to creating patchwork. Then, jump straight into your stash and get stitching! Be inspired by the stunning photography, helpful hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints featured in every project. From children's clothes and toys to bags and make-up pouches, there's something for the young and young-at-heart in your life. Each project includes inspiring photography, instructive hand-drawn illustrations and heaps of handy hints and tips from sewing extraordinaire, Wendy Gardiner.
"An essential addition to the knitter's bookshelf." --Library Journal (starred review) The ultimate knitting reference, from the world's most recognized knitting magazine, gets a thorough update--including 1,600 color images and brand-new sections with techniques and designs! First published in 1989, Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book instantly became a beloved resource for knitters. The second edition, released in 2002, further cemented its place as the most trusted knitting resource. The past 15 years have seen many exciting advances in knitting, and this update encompasses them all. It features an expanded library of cast-ons, increases, decreases, and bind-offs; in-depth sections on newly favorite techniques such as brioche, entrelac, double knitting, and mosaic knitting; and design and construction chapters that go beyond just sweaters to encompass dozens of options for hats, mittens, socks, gloves, and more than 25 shawl shapes. Comprehensive chapters cover lace and cabling, and provide even more Information than before on knitters' tools, correcting errors, finishing, embellishing, and garment care to give you a masterly understanding of every stage of knitting. With updated, revised, and fresh material throughout, 65 additional pages, and more than 1,600 photos and hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations, Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book is surprisingly easy to navigate with thorough indexing and footnote cross-referencing. From beginners needing to learn the very basics to seasoned knitters wanting a refresher on a complex technique, every knitter will cherish this guide for years to come.
Unleash Your Creativity with 50 No-Sketch Watercolor Projects
From a classic dogwood rose, to a sly fox, to feathers that take on a dreamy quality, you can create polished artwork in just a few easy steps--no sketching required. Dana Fox, creator of Wonder Forest, is known for her unique and whimsical sense of style, and her popular watercolor workshops have introduced thousands to the joys of painting.
Repair your favorite socks with style, add flair with personalized patches, and turn ripped jeans into an embroidered masterpiece. For beginner and experienced makers, Lily Fulop's guide to mending and upcycling is your colorful companion to ditching fast fashion and extending the lifecycle of all your favorite clothes.
Fulop's vibrant step-by-step illustrations make mending easier than every, demystifying techniques and displaying unique ways to show off your personality. And when your mending possibilities run out, she has simple yet striking solutions to repurpose fabric, including braided rugs, crocheted pillows, and more. Say hello to sustainable inspiration.
Weaving is a highly accessible craft -- over, under is the basic technique -- but the stumbling block for many would-be weavers has been the high cost of a commercial loom. The Weaving Explorer removes that barrier, inviting crafters and artists to try out an amazing range of techniques and creative projects that are achievable with a simple homemade loom, or no loom at all! Weavers Deborah Jarchow and Gwen W. Steege take inspiration from the world of folk weaving traditions, adding a contemporary spin by introducing an unexpected range of materials and home dec projects. From sturdy rag fabric grocery bags to freeform wire baskets, delicately woven thread bracelets to colorful woven rugs, crafters will delight in exploring the opportunities to make their own personal variations on these beautiful -- and functional -- creations.
Designed for modern makers looking for a book that will continue to inspire them as their skill grows. Lindsey Campbell, the weaver behind the popular blog and brand Hello Hydrangea, teaches more than 30 techniques plus 17 stylish projects for beginners to intermediate-level weavers. With 400+ detailed photos, Campbell offers just the right blend of learning, encouragement, and great weaving results. An easy tutorial helps you make your own loom that can be used to complete each project. Learn basic terms and skills for beginner weavers, such as warp and weft, and how to keep your sides straight. Sections on intermediate techniques and concepts, such as patterns and how to add embellishments, give you room to grow your skills. Weave 17 projects meant to inspire ongoing creativity, from simple practice tapestries to woven projects such as a necklace and (yes) a chandelier.
The best resource on natural dyeing is back, updated to make your colorful hobby even more beautiful and rewarding. A practical and inspiring guide to creating and using natural dyes from plants, Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, offers the latest information on current environmentally friendly dyeing techniques and more than 65 species of plants and natural dyestuffs. This comprehensive book outlines all the necessary equipment, how to select fibers and plant parts, choose the right methods for mordanting and dyeing, test color modifiers and the fastness of dyed colors, and obtain a range of gorgeous colors from every plant, from alter to woad, shown in more than 250 swatches. Wild Color, Revised and Updated Edition, is the all-in-one resource for fiber enthusiasts, including knitters, sewers, and weavers; gardeners who are interested in new uses for traditional dye plants; and eco-conscious DIYers who want authoritative information about the natural dyeing process and the plants that are essential to it.