Crafts & Collections - hobbies

Sewing machines are speedier--but, increasingly, quilters are discovering that working by hand provides even more pleasure and superior results. And world-renowned quilt maker, teacher, author, and show judge Nancy Brenan Daniel has created an inspiring guide just for them, with ideas for 18 varied and beautiful hand-sewn quilts. Her detailed instructions cover it all, from making the blocks and stitching them together to adding borders and binding. Many of the designs come straight from Nancy's own antique collection, and they're ... read more

A celebration of the Crazy quilt, this book by a distinguished quilting teacher, appraiser, and restorer races the bewitching history of these quilts from their earliest origins to the present day. Following the Crazy quilt's development from colonial times to the Civil War, Victorian era, and the emergence of modern Crazies. Images stitched into the quilts are decoded, showing a rich historical record. Included is a detailed "how to" section on planning, piercing, and embroidering or embellishing a crazy quilt, plus an appendix of... read more

Six experienced craft authors show how to make simple and stunning greetings cards featuring flowers. A huge variety of techniques are simply explained and demonstrated. The resulting projects are stunning, but the clear step by step photographs, templates for the designs and simple instructions make them achievable for card makers of all skill levels and there are dozens of beautifully photographed variations for more inspiration. Card makers looking for all kinds of different techniques will find something to inspire them here. T... read more

Journey to Provence, France, and take pleasure in 20 beautiful new quilts that feature all the romance of a time gone by. Kaffe Fassett's Quilts en Provence is a study in geometry and colour set in the South of France, where narrow streets and vibrantly hued buildings provide a medieval backdrop.

Covering all aspects of this increasingly popular craft, Complete Beading will get you stringing, weaving, and stitching with beads straightaway. Choose from over 20 beading projects for all skills levels, from bracelets and earrings to scarves and bags. Step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through every aspect of each project, guaranteeing success every time. Workshop sections introduce each new technique, so that you are prepared when it comes to beading up a piece of jewellery or special gift. W... read more

Using her stunning eye for design and knowledge of traditional designs, Alice Starmore brings you 18 original projects inspired by the artistry of the Celts. Done in the Celtic style which incorporates both the natural world and geometric design, each of the five chapters journeys through the stunning complexity of this historic art form. Designs are split into 'Key', spiral, knotwork, bird and tree and animal patterns worked in beautiful yarns on a variety of canvases. Needlepoint beginners have all the instruction they need in th... read more

The Fabric and Yarn Dyer's Handbook is for anyone who wants to create a unique textile or yarn to use in quilting, home furnishings, embroidery, knitting or crochet. This book contains detailed step-by-step instructions to all the main techniques for dyeing and decorating. These include traditional vat and tie-dying as well as innovative contemporary methods never published before, involving the use of such workaday items as photocopiers, aluminium foil and latex. A comprehensive section on the characteristics of different fabrics ... read more

Mosaics can transform the most primitive motifs into works of art. With Mosaic Craft, learn how a basic understanding of the techniques (and a little imagination) will help you create brilliant and beautiful projects for your home. This book begins with information on the tools you will need, and then covers all the basic techniques, with clear instructions and step-by-step photographs. The project section has 20 glorious designs that build in complexity as you progress in skill, from easy items that can be made in a few hours to ... read more

The traditional paper patterns of Japan have been admired for centuries for their timeless beauty. These collections of large and small traditional papers each contain 12 different two-sided designs based on the traditional patterns of Japan.

Knots have endless uses, and knowing which one to tie, how to tie it correctly and when to use it is an invaluable skill, especially for anyone involved in outdoor activities. This Pocket Guide to Knots provides comprehensive instructions for tying more than 100 popular knots commonly used in climbing, tramping, boating, camping and fishing. An introductory section outlines the basics of rope construction, the many different types of ropes and cordage, as well as their maintenance and care, and also delves into the interesting ... read more

Features: over 200 full colour images and step-by-step photographs; a wide range of stitch glossaries; and a selection of modern, and easy to make projects.

Offers a wide range of applique, quilting and patchwork patterns. This work features over 200 full colour images and step-by-step photographs.

This book is a delight. Katie Boyette's designs are playful, inventive, and a whole lot of fun for both children and adults. The 20 projects are organised from beginning to end with the easiest upfront and moving to those that are more of a challenge in the latter pages. Icons are shown that clearly indicate the level of each project. Katie has included a glossary on each project page so there's no annoying back-and-forth looking for abbreviation meanings. "KnitWit" contains more than 150 full-colour photographs of each project, sh... read more

Suitable for both children and adults, this title presents the 20 knit projects that are organised from beginning to end. It contains more than 150 full-colour photographs of these projects, showing along-the-way photos, important steps such as attaching arms and legs, and final photos of the completed piece.

Novelty knitters will love this collection of mini Christmas projects to knit ready for the festive season. Susan Stratford has designed twenty different projects, with alternatives in different colour schemes. There are mini Christmas stockings, a holly wreath, reindeer, a snowman, a robin, an egg cosy, a star, a Christmas pudding, gingerbread hearts, a mini Christmas sweater and much more. Full knitting instructions are given, and each project is simply photographed so that knitters have a clear look at the design, and also shown... read more

Every project has been designed to enhance your happiness, from feeling more energetic to chilling out, and even encouraging wealth! Most projects use one ball of yarn making them quick, accessible and affordable - all things to smile about. Projects are perfect for taking happiness everywhere - ideal for knitting groups and knitters on-the-go. The feel-good theme means that the knits make great gifts - a reason that many crafters knit.

Granny squares are to crochet what pieced squares are to quilting. They originated with pioneer women using up precious scraps of yarn to make blankets for their families, and over the years, many recognized, named patterns have been handed down from one generation to the next. Beyond this treasury of 75 different granny square motifs, Margaret Hubert shows how the granny square can be used and interpreted in different ways with different yarns, and how today's crocheter can design her own projects using the granny squares of her c... read more