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

Voodoo Maggie knows cute and these are possibly the cutest creatures that can be created with colored yarn. There are adorable Koala Bears, Darling Dachshunds, Snuggly Bats, and the not-very-fearsome but actually-kinda-cute Yeti. In "Voodoo Maggie's Adorable Amigurumi," there are 18 creatures that Voodoo Maggie is willing to unleash on a world yearning for some serious cuteness. Full of colorful photos to help guide you through the patterns, this book has projects even beginners can complete in a weekend or less. Some can be done i... read more

For the first time in her distinguished career, knitwear and crochet designer Erika Knight has moved into an entirely new area of craft. In Beads & Buttons, she applies her unique flair for colour, texture and design to beading, presenting a collection of 25 must-have jewellery projects.The book is divided into three themes, Natural, Playful and Vintage. Using driftwood, pebbles and shells, hemp twine or leather thonging, the Naturals projects reflect a modern mood within accessories for relaxed, easy-wear simplicity from a simple ... read more

Handmade cards are fun to give and receive! "175 Fresh Card Ideas" is packed with ideas for all occasions - from kid-friendly themes and milestone birthdays to holidays, showers and sweet sentiments - readers will never be stuck without a design idea for any card-giving occasion. More than 50 cards include step-by-step instructions and each chapter features a gallery brimming with more inspiration.

Equipment and materials; findings and fixings; techniques; new from old; the project groups - Chinese enamel, gorgeous glass, cloisonne glory, the lustre of pearls, the versatile rocaille, bohemian rhapsody, jewels from the Earth, oriental cinnabar and lac; perfect porcelain; ceramics of the world; beads from nature; all the glitters; threading on leather; pick and mix; midnight crystal; earring extravaganza; do it yourself - making your own simple beads.

'Tis the season to make felt crafts-fa, la la la la! These 45+ festive Christmas projects will bring joy to crafters everywhere. Created by successful online designers from around the world, the adorable items range from a sweet garland of little birds to super-cute matryoshka doll ornaments. All can be made with simple sewing techniques, and there are both no-sew and eco-smart options, too. Both indie and mainstream crafters will love these fresh new ideas!

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.

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

A collection of quilt designs using layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs and fat-eighth bundles. It includes 14 delighful projects, varying from lap quilts to full-sized, that show you how to get the most from pre-cut fabric bundles.

Italic and copperplate are easily the most popular styles among today's calligraphers. This volume brings something fresh to a field increasingly crowded with how-to primers: intermediate level advice for those looking to advance to the next level. Well-illustrated, step-by-step instructions by an expert calligrapher explain every detail of mastering the two hands, from the basics of posture and practice to tips on texture, colour, and commercial calligraphy. It is a Dover Original.

Amigurumi (which means knitted stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed animals. The technique results in animals with large heads and small bodies, upholding the super cute aesthetic of amigurumi animals. Jam-packed with four-color photographs of seriously cute dogs, as well as pattern and step-by-step instructions on how to make them, "Ami Ami Dogs 2: More Seriously Cute Crochet" will inspire you to pick up the needle and thread like no other craft project. The book teaches crocheters: basic crocheting techniques (p... read more

For homeowners building new decks or upgrading existing ones, this most complete and up-to-date book is packed with over 300 inspiring photographs along with hundreds of design solutions and top-notch advice to help inform smart decisions. Chapters focus on a wide range of deck sizes, styles, and materials, as well as furniture, accessories, and landscaping ideas. In addition, practical sidebars and case studies will help anyone plan just the right deck to suit their home, yard, and lifestyle.

A contemporary take on gorgeous things to make Making it yourself rather than buying it off the shelf has never been trendier. Whether driven by eco considerations and anti-consumerism or by the desire to own or give something personal rather than uniform, many more of us are getting out the knitting needles and sewing kit, and taking pleasure in lavishing some TLC on our homes, our friends, our children and ourselves. Homemade is packed full of ideas for things to make that make life that little bit better. From crocheted coat-han... read more

There is something very comforting about being wrapped up against the winter elements, and this book offers a collection of desirable handknitted accessories that you won't want to be without. Whether you knit them for yourself or for your loved ones, you will find a project to inspire you. The designs are modern, stylish and fun; the patterns, easy, approachable and quick to knit. A simple knowledge of the most basic knitting skills is all you need to tackle the projects and there are plenty of helpful hints on how to adapt the de... read more

Whether you're a new knitter who wants to learn the basics, or an experienced knitter who wants to try complex patterns, this practical book provides guidance on more than 90 stitches and techniques. * Comprehensive guide to yarns and patterns * Clear, easy-to-follow instructions on knitting * 250 step-by-step illustrations to help you master the techniques