New Titles for Those in the Crafty Corner

Those of you who enjoy fiber-craft (i.e. sewing, knitting, crochet) will enjoy three of our newest titles on the subject.

     First up for all of you who enjoy sewing and want to freshen your home or give a room a new look, we have Easy to Make! Curtains & Blinds by C & B Crafts. This book is broken down in easy-to-read sections that allow even beginners to get in on the decorating fun. In the "Getting Started" chapter, you will learn about the different types of windows, how to choose the right window treatment, what sort of fixtures you will need, what kind of fabrics work well, and how to work with patterns and textured fabrics. Next, you'll learn how to measure for your curtains, calculate how much fabric your project will take, and learn about lined, interlined, unlined curtains, and sheers. The third chapter discusses how to create the perfect blinds for your windows. You'll learn how to measure for your blinds, calculate fabric quantity, and see the difference between Roman, soft pleat, and roller blinds. The final two chapters discuss the finishing touches like trims, embellishments, and tiebacks as well as the equipment and techniques you will need to create your new looks. This book includes color photos and illustrations as well as a glossary of terms for your convenience.

     Next, we have Sew Brilliant Bags by Debbie Shore. This book contains 12 beautiful projects for sewing your own bags, purses, and totes. The easy-to-use instructions are accompanied by step-by-step photography to make your projects a breeze. All of the techniques are fully discussed and the projects are made using a basic sewing machine. The author also teaches you how to customize your projects to suit your own tastes as well as how to design and make your own creations.

     Finally, we have a knitting-project book that features projects that are a bit more whimsical. Woolly Woofers is by Debbie Bliss and contains more than twenty knitwear projects for your dog. There are sweaters for the winter and costumes for the holidays. Both beginner friendly projects and advanced skilled outfits adorn these pages. There is a chic Breton striped top and beret; a tweed cape and matching deerstalker that takes its cue from Sherlock Holmes; a black and white sweater inspired by the Jolly Roger; and a festive Santa Paws costume. All of these projects include the step-by-step instructions and knitting pattern for your convenience.

    Come and check out these titles today!

Beer Lovers, Rejoice!

     This week I want to take a look at two new books about craft beer, brewing beer, and food pairings to go with your beer.

     The first book is Mastering Homebrew: the Complete Guide to Brewing Delicious Beer by Randy Mosher. This is the ultimate comprehensive guide to the craft of beer for both beginners and advanced brewers. These simple, easy to follow instructions along with colorful graphics and illustrations show the process and technique for the home brewer. Mosher also includes 27 master recipes and a vast range of variations to help you master the art of beer. You will learn how to get the most out of your brewing ingredients, formulate recipes for classic as well as original brews, understand the different beer styles, choose and use your equipment, manage the brewing process for the best results, and package and serve a perfect glass of your beer. This book is written with expert advice and levity to help inspire and mentor the homebrewer.

     The second book is Beer, Food, and Flavor: a Guide to Tasting, Pairing, and the Culture of Craft Beer by Schuyler Schultz. This book begins with some tips and vocabulary for tasting different kinds of beer. Next you will learn which beers pair well with different kinds of foods. You will learn to build menus that will help bring out your chosen beer's best flavors as well as which sorts of cheeses pair well with beer. The final chapters of the book discuss the philosophies of craft brewing as well as discussing some of the most notable craft brewers here in the United States. The final chapter offers a glimpse into the greater craft beer community with focus on online communities, beer judge certification programs, brewers associations, and books and resources that may be helpful for those serious about their beer.

   Both of these books are available in the New Non-Fiction section of the library. Similar titles can be found in the regular non-fiction section around the call number 641. And remember, if you need a little help finding these titles, the Reference Desk will be happy to help!

A New Hobby for the New Year!

    Thinking of taking up a new hobby for 2016? Why not try an oldie, but a goodie--Crochet! We have two new crochet books that may interest you.

     First, is the "Beginner's Guide to Crochet: 20 Crochet Projects for Beginners" by Sarah Shrimpton. This book is a comprehensive guide that contains all the basic crochet stitches and techniques to get you started. Each stitch is explained in clear detail with easy-to-follow diagrams and projects that utilize the skill you are trying to master. Later patterns in the book combine several techniques and stitches to help you develop skill and accomplish more complicated designs. You'll learn to make everything from a simple dishcloth to the granny blanket, from an amigurumi teddy bear to other 'extreme' crochet creations. The twenty projects in this book are designed to step you up gradually and help you be more confident in crafting your crochet creation.

     The second book that is available is "Great New Ways with Granny Squares" from Search Press and written by Rosa P. This book is divided into the four seasons with each season encompassing several projects under each heading. The beginning of the book provides a basic course in crochet, as well as many beautiful color photos of the author's designs. Each project is starred as quick and easy, easy, average, requires some practice, and more challenging/requires more time. The twenty projects include a bracelet, pencil case, and phone case, as well as the traditional shawl, throw, and tablecloth. All of these designs begin with...you guessed it, the granny squares!

     Try one of these or any of the other crochet, knitting, and other fibercraft books that we have available here at the library. Even if you don't stick with it, you can at least say you gave it a shot! Happy Crafting!

Another Pair of DIY Books!

     People are always asking me for books on different hobbies. Who can blame them? Most people enjoy learning new skills or improving on the ones they already have. Sometimes people want to turn their hobbies into small businesses to bring in a little extra money. Well, the library is always a good place to browse when you want to do any of the preceding. We have books on hobbies, small business, and turning your hobbies into a small business.
     A popular idea for hobbyists is soapmaking. I often see handmade soaps at flea markets and craft fairs. In the days before commercial soaps, people made their own at home; usually from ashes and animal fat also known as tallow. There were also soaps made from olive oil and later coconut oil. These were usually expensive and, as such, were reserved for the wealthy. Nowadays, however, soapmaking is usually left to hobbyists or homesteaders and is therefore not a common skill. The library has recently acquired two books on making your own soaps for your own personal use or even as a small craft-based business idea.

     The first book is called, The Natural & Handmade Soap Book written by Sarah Harper. There are twenty soap recipes for bath time, kids, home, and gifts. The author shows you how to use two key techniques in making your own artisan soap--the traditional cold-process method and the faster melt-and-pour method. Included are recipes for soaps, shampoo bars, homemade laundry detergent, and even dishwasher soaps. These recipes include handy tips and tricks that will help you perfect your technique and allow you to find your own variations of ingredients for your projects. There is a comprehensive list of the tools needed for both techniques as well as an outline of how to be safe while pursuing your new hobby. Harper also includes some advanced techniques as well as a list of suppliers and other resources that may prove useful.
     The second book for the hobby soapmaker is The Complete Soapmaker: Tips, Techniques & Recipes for Luxurious Handmade Soaps by Norma Coney. This book walks you through every step of the process of soapmaking.

From finding and using the right equipment and ingredients to handling lye safely and making basic bars or fancy molded and marbled soaps, this book covers more than fifty hand-milled recipes that include herbs, fruits, and vegetables. There are also specialty soaps including translucent bars, gels, and shampoos. Coney includes tips on storing your soaps so that their fragrance will be preserved as well as how to gift-wrap and display any soaps you want to sell. She also includes convenient conversion charts for figuring out weights, volume and temperature.
     Why not try one of these or any of the other hobby books the library offers?!

Two New Woodworking Titles

Vicksburg is considered a retirement community and we get a lot of retirees visiting our library. Many are looking for hobby books to keep their minds sharp and their hands busy. From time to time, I get a retired gentleman (and sometimes a lady) who would like to learn more about crafting their own furniture. It just so happens that we have recently received two books on the subject from the editors of Fine Woodworking Magazine.

The first of these is titled: Fine Woodworking: Tables and Chairs. While most of these projects seem to require quite a bit of knowledge of woodworking, the editors believe that even beginners will find a project to help increase their skill as well as be able to build a piece of furniture to pass down to future generations. One of the first projects in this book is a sleek Mahogany coffee table with beautifully curved legs. Other projects include a Bow-front hall table, classic Shaker dining room table, 18th-century corner chair, and a simple and elegant bench. Designed by some of America's best woodworkers, these projects cover a broad range of styles and ensure that you will find something for your taste.

The second title we have is Fine Woodworking: Chests and Cabinets. This collection of chests, cabinets, and other storage projects takes you through the process of building beautiful pieces of furniture using clear instructions and comprehensive photos and drawings. Whether you love the classic Shaker style or lean more toward a modern look, you will certainly find something to inspire you. Some of the projects in this book are: an Arts and Crafts display cabinet, a cherry and fir bookcase, a Victorian-inspired vanity cabinet, and a Shaker chest of drawers. I think my favorite project is the Pennsylvania Spice Box. This adorable chest would be perfect to pass down to future generations.

 

Both books index their projects and offer a brief bit of information on the various contributors. They both also give information about connecting with Fine Woodworking Magazine online. If you would like to check out these or other books on woodworking projects, please come to the library and look in the non-fiction section using the number 684 to find other ideas to inspire your hobby.

New Art Instruction Books Donated to the Library!

We were fortunate this past year to have six beautifully illustrated art instruction books donated to us by The Shelby Ferris Art Study Group. The books were donated to us in memory of both Shelby Flowers Ferris and Elizabeth Montgomery Clarke.

First, we have Women Artists written by Margaret Barlow. This large, beautiful book covers the lives and work of female artists from the time of the Renaissance until present day. It includes well-known artists like Mary Cassatt, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Frida Kahlo, as well as, artists like Judith Leyster, Kathe Kollwitz, Dorothy Tanning, and Judy Chicago. This book highlights the artists accomplishments and their influence on art despite limited access to formal training and society's pressures for them to conform to what was considered to be "womanhood."
Next, there is William Newton's Complete Guide to Watercolour Painting by, you guessed it...William Newton. This instruction

guide has beautiful full color pictures as well as step-by-step guides to complete your own watercolor projects. You'll get an introduction to painting basics, materials you'll need, the use of color, and how to choose your subjects.

Two other books donated also cover watercolors. First, there is Painting Beautiful Watercolor Landscapes by Joyce Hicks.This author also gives a list of commonly used materials for watercolor painting and step-by-step guides for layering color and choosing your projects.

The other watercolor book is Painting Expressive Watercolor by Bridget Woods. This book, too, is richly illustrated with 259 color photographs. It also explains the importance of color, tone, shape, texture and scale through exercises and shared techniques. It encourages readers to explore the medium of watercolor to express sensations and ideas as well as to develop handling skills, confidence, and to find your own unique style as an artist.

The last two books to be donated are: Dramatic Color in the Landscape: Painting Land and Light in Oil and Pastel by Brian Keeler and AcrylicWorks: the Best of Acrylic Painting edited by Nancy Reyner. Like the other art instruction books, these two tomes have full color photographs and a variety of projects. Brian Keeler's book focuses on creating landscapes using oil and pastels. His book doesn't have the easy step-by-step guides of the others, but it illustrates each topic in depth so that the reader can see what is being taught. 

AcrylicWorks is less an instruction book and more of a collection of paintings done by artists who favor the acrylic medium. Each full color picture is accompanied by a paragraph or two about how/why the artist created the piece.


Again, we would like to thank The Shelby Ferris Art Study Group for their generous and beautiful donation to our library!