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!

New Knit and Crochet Projects

We have recently received some very nice knitting and crocheting books here at the library. They involve projects such as hats, socks, cowls, shawls, and pillows. Now, I'm no knitter, but I do like to crochet a little bit and these books provide easy projects that are small enough not to be daunting and large enough to give you all the practice you want.

The first book is One + One Wraps, Cowls & Capelets by Iris Schreier. This book features twenty-nine knitting projects that use just two skeins of yarn. These versatile wardrobe staples range in yarns and techniques. The fifteen selected designers showcase projects for warm and cold weather, classic and trendy styles. The patterns included here range from the feminine 'Lacy Cape' which is worked in the round to make it completely seamless; to the 'Textured Reversible Cowl' that is sure to keep you toasty in winter. Each project lists the materials, tools, gauge and finished measurements, as well as, the skill level needed to complete it. So, if you are a beginner, you may want to try the 'Triangle Lace Shawl' or the 'Star Stitch Shoulder Wrap.'

The next book is entitled, happyfeet: unique knits to knock your socks off by Cathy Carron. The author offers her own twists on socks, slippers, legwarmers, knee-highs, and much more in this collection of more than forty designs. There are socks with pom poms; socks with pockets; petite slipper socks; and creative holiday-themed socks. Want a retro look? Try one of several styles of leg warmers. There is even a pattern for fuzzy slippers that uses flip flop soles to add structure. You may even want to tackle the snuggly sack to keep your feet and legs cozy while you're lounging around on a cold day. Cathy Carron includes supply lists and detailed instructions for each of her projects as well as rating how difficult each one may be. She also illustrates the stitches used in this book in a section in the back.

Crocheted animal hats is by Vanessa Mooncie and it is subtitled "15 Patterns to Hook and Show Off." These fifteen projects are the leopard, frog, raccoon, deer, sheep, parrot, zebra, duck, tiger, husky, bear, pig, giraffe, owl, and rabbit. My personal favorites are the husky, giraffe, and the owl. These are cute projects for you to crochet for yourself or perhaps a child--the author gives instructions for both sizes. Each cozy hat has the same basic shape, including ear flaps to keep you nice and toasty on a cold day. The author gives detailed stitching instructions for each hat as well as explaining how to line each one with fabric. She also goes over the basic crocheting techniques you will need to complete your projects.

The final book I'll cover here is Crocheted Pillows by Susie Johns. This books covers projects that the beginning crocheter will probably find a bit less daunting than the more intricate hats of the

above book. To begin, this book describes the materials you will need, demonstrates the techniques that will be used, and how to add seams, fastenings, and buttons. The author covers round pillows, square pillows, bolsters, chair cushions, a pincushion, and even a pillow shaped like a chicken! Each pattern is detailed and includes a vibrant photograph to show the finished project. Also included in this slim book is a reference page with hook and yarn conversions along with a key for the abbreviations used in the book. There is also a template for the Ball-shaped pillow found on pages 30-33.
These four lovely books are just what you need to improve your skills in yarn-craft and to create unique gifts for family and friends. Check out these, and other fiber craft books, here at the library. They can all be found in the non-fiction section under the Dewey Decimal number 746.

Knitting Projects from Beginner to Experienced

A new addition to our craft collection of books is 'Cutest Ever Baby Toys to Knit' by Val Pierce.

Featuring twenty-one projects, there are a variety of items to make for little ones from blankets to elephants.

The introduction including suggestions for your choice of designs and yarns, tips for sewing the component parts together, tips for stuffing the toys and how to add facial and other features for the finishing touches.  Each set of instructions begins with a full list of materials needed to complete the project.

For beginners, there are instructions for the following:

1. Halloween Booties
2. Soft and Squishy Playbook
3. Starry Face Ball
4. Goody Two Shoes
5. Little Bunny Bag
6. Pete the Penguin

Intermediate instructions are the largest number of knitting project as follows:

1. Daisy the Baby Dinosaur
2. Oscar the Spotty Dog
3. Oswald the Owl
4. Octavia Octopus
5. Duckling Crib Toy
6. Petals Baby Grab Toy
7. Sweetheart Blanket
8. Henry the Hedgehog
9. Sydney Snake
10. Rosie the Rag Doll
11. Freddy Fox
12. Under-the-Sea Mobile
13. Rainbow Butterfly

Finally, there are Two sets of instruction for the experienced knitter:

1. Great Big Dinosaur
2. Tusker the Elephant

Try your hand at making one to the colorful toys for your own little ones or even for yourself.

Get In Touch With Your Crafty Side...

Crafts come and go in popularity, and the current hot craft seems to be knitting. We have two great new titles on this subject! The Knitter's Year by Debbie Bliss offers 52 make-in-a-week projects that revolve around the seasons. Knitters seeking instant gratification will quickly be able to view the results of their handiwork with these projects. Designed to be made in less than a week at a time, these items are ideal for small amounts of yarn left over from previous projects. From springtime fingerless gloves and a floral corsage to a beach bag and lacy scarf, and including a back-to-school iPod cover, chair covers, and ideas for Christmas gifts and tree decorations, knitters will find ideas to occupy themselves throught the year.

Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders, edited by Judith Durant has 101 patterns that go way beyond socks. Affordable, sturdy and available in endless colorful variations, sock yarn inspires creativity and passion among knitters. Judith Durant has chosen not simply inventive sock patterns but also more than five dozen inspired patterns for other items that can be created from a single skein of yard--in addition to the usual baby clothes, mittens and scarves there are patterns for jewelry, cozies, doll clothes and even a dog sweater and a lamp shade! Contributed by yarn shops and designers throughout North America, the patterns are as fetching as they are fun to knit. Knitters of every skill level will find tantalizing challenges; snome knit up in fewer than three hours, others make creative use of sock yarn leftovers and several make heirloom-worthy gifts.

Sweater Quest by Adrienne Martini is her year of knitting dangerously. For Martini and countless others, knitting is the linchpin of sanity. As a working mother of two, Martini wanted a challenge that would make her feel in charge. So, she decided to make the Holy Grail of sweaters--her own Mary Tudor--whose mind-numbingly gorgeous pattern is so complicated to knit that its mere mention can hush a roomful of experience knitters. Created by reclusive designer Alice Starmore, the Mary Tudor can be found only in a rare, out-of-print book of Fair Isle-style patterns, Tudor Roses, and requires a discontinued, irreplaceable yarn. The sweater, Martinin explains, "is a Knitter's Mount Everest, or curse, and our compulsion. I want one more than I can begin to tell you."

So, Martini took on the challenge: one year, two needles, and countless knits and purls to conquer Mary Tudor while also taking care of her two kids, two cats, two jobs, and (thankfully) one husband--without unraveling in the process. Along the way, Adrienne investigates the tangled origins of the coveted pattern, inquires into the nature of artistic creation, and details her quest to buy supplies on the knitting black market. As she tries not to pull out her hair along with her rows gone wrong, Martini gets guidance from some knitterati, who offer invaluable inspiration as she conquers her fear of Fair Isle.