Guests
by Rachel C., April 25, 2011 3:22 PM
Super Mario Bros.! Star Wars! D&D! The periodic table! No matter how you get your geek on, you will be delighted in the variety of crafts in Susan Beal's latest book, World of Geekcraft. The delicate Steampunk Pendant is proof that geeks are sexy and the Star Wars Terrariums show that you don't have to be a Jedi to enjoy your crafts. I'm so enamored with this book that I'm ready to set aside my 20-sided dice, grab my guildies, and start
|
Guests
by Rachel C., November 10, 2010 5:19 PM
The indie craft scene lends its name to some of the freshest new artists today: Diem Chau, Marloes Duyker, William Schaff, and Patricia Waller, to name just a few. Their ideas are edgy and combine many mediums, their art is often political and satirical, and all of their work is a bold response to the homogeneity of mass production. Regardless of where you stand on the debate of art versus craft, all of the art (or craft) in Indie Craft will intrigue and excite
|
Guests
by Rachel C., November 9, 2010 4:44 PM
Knitters everywhere have been rejoicing for the republished and expanded edition of Alice Starmore's classic Aran Knitting. Aran garments have a controversial history that Starmore deftly covers in the first section of the book, recounting how geography, war, social life, and family life on the Aran islands led to Aran knitting. But most knitters, including myself, are after the mind-blowing stitch patterns and jaw-dropping sweaters. Many of the garments have been newly photographed to bring out the vivid details present in Aran knitting, and new patterns have been added as well. The ornate designs can be knit by anyone with enough time and patience, and yield stunning results. Grab a copy of this book while you can, before it goes out of print
|
Guests
by Rachel C., November 8, 2010 2:55 PM
Sock yarn is often meant to be shown off, displayed for all to see. Yet with your shoes on, how can anyone appreciate not only the time you spent knitting your socks but the tantalizing hand-dyed yarns, as well? Sock knitter, meet Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders. This book offers 101 fresh and contemporary patterns that use just one skein of yarn to make all sorts of non-sock knits. Shawls, gloves, caps, and kids' knits are just a few of the projects that will get your needles moving and help you bust your stash. (And yes, there are sock patterns included, and they are gorgeous.) Most of the projects can be knit in a few days, if not a few hours, and guarantee instant gratification. Following in the footsteps of the rest of the One Skein series, Judith Durant's new book is an exciting addition to any knitter's
|
Guests
by Rachel C., July 13, 2010 2:40 PM
I am a person who greatly appreciates the quiet and solitary moments in life, especially in this society of ever-increasing noise, so it was quite refreshing to find The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood. This book is a lovely journey through many different flavors of quiet ('coloring in the lines' quiet, 'best friends don't need to talk' quiet, 'last one to get picked up from school' quiet) and a reminder for adults about how to appreciate and reflect on many of the simpler, less chaotic times in our
|
Guests
by Rachel C., May 18, 2010 4:56 PM
I love the idea of quilting, but abhor the idea of working on the same project for months on end, which means that I simply adore Whip Up Mini Quilts. All of the projects in this book can be completed in a few hours or a few days and yield a variety of fantastic results. An excellent 50-page tutorial on quilting is included, as well as 20 project ideas for some of the most adorable quilts I have ever laid my eyes
|
Guests
by Rachel C., April 19, 2010 2:33 PM
Dresses have become a staple in many women's wardrobe due to their versatility and ease. However, finding that perfect dress can be more difficult than finding an unbleached hair on Betty White's head (no disrespect to Ms. White as I think she is a comic genius). With Wendy Mullin's new book, Built by Wendy Dresses, you can create that perfect dress for any season and any occasion. All the dresses in the book are based on three simple designs (the sheath, the shift, and the dirndl), and each design has pattern adjustments to create 25 new and exciting looks. With summer just around the corner, now is a perfect time to get started on your dress
|
Guests
by Rachel C., April 19, 2010 12:49 PM
Toe up or cuff down, lace or cables, circular needles or double points... no matter how you choose to knit your socks, you are sure to find a perfect pair for you and all your loved ones in Charlene Schurch's new book, Sock Club. With over 20 patterns that until now were only available through sock knit-alongs and clubs, you will learn how to adjust the size of your socks by altering the number of stitches, the size of your needles, or the type of yarn you use. With so many combinations possible, this book will quickly become a staple in your
|
Guests
by Rachel C., February 11, 2010 5:04 PM
Regarded as one of Russia's most talented contemporary writers, Petrushevskaya's collection of vignettes is far beyond the macabre, with characters who desperately cling to the past while living discreetly painful lives. Their souls dangle on the precipice of vacancy, and an unwavering sadness consumes them. The worlds of life and those of death are often blurred, while giving no time or place in which the stories occur. Given all of that, I find much comfort in these tales, as many of them point to a central theme in life: that nothing is as it
|
Guests
by Rachel C., January 1, 2010 3:27 PM
Over the years, Deborah Madison has taught us that what is fresh is always better than what is being shipped in. She focuses on this edict in Local Flavors by offering up recipes which make use of seasonal farmers markets. Chapters are deftly arranged by fruit and vegetable families and when they are in season, which leads to great ease in finding the perfect recipe for squash, eggplant, or cantaloupe. The recipes are imaginative, the photography sumptuous, and Madison's enthusiasm for her subject is positively
|