Maker March with DK Canada

It's Maker March with DK Canada! If you're like me, I find myself gravitating towards books and my craft stash during this time of self isolation and social distancing. Books and creativity - what better to try and escape for a wee bit. DK Canada has some great ideas for Maker March - and beyond.

What one caught my eye? Knit Step By Step: Techniques, Stitches, and Patterns Made Easy by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore. I'm determined to master more than just the basics in knitting.

Knit Step by Step will take you from those basics - Tools and Materials to Techniques, to Projects and finally Stitch Patterns.

What I really, really like about DK books are the full colour pictures that accompany the information. And in this case, it's the actual items that would be employed in knitting. The information is laid out in a clean, attractive way that lets you read one piece at a time.

Very detailed, close up, well contrasted images are used to showcase the various stitches. These are really easy to follow. And then we arrive at the place I've never gotten past - harder stitches and patterns.....The key is not to panic! Just pick one to try and give it a go. That's what I'm doing - Fair Isle patterns are still aways off for me. But when I am ready, Knit by Knit has great, detailed info just waiting to be explored. Hint - make sure you check out the stitch pattern glossary at the back - this is where I picked the stitches I wanted to try.

And there are some projects included - there's a nice (easy!) baby blanket I'm going to make.

Knit Step by Step is a great resource for new and experienced knitters. Another great book from DK!

The Knitting Book - DK Canada

There's a knitting group at my local library. I've stopped in many times to see what they're making and each and every time I leave I think - "I want to learn how to knit." And I've convinced myself I will knit hats for each and every family member for next Christmas!

But, I need some direction and instruction. And I've found it in The Knitting Book - New Edition- by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore.

And speaking of Christmas, The Knitting Book would make a great gift book for anyone on your list. DK Canada has some other great suggestions in their Wonders of Gift Giving Boutique.

The Knitting Book is a fabulous resource for anyone - beginner through to those who already have skills. Everything is covered from start to finish.... Materials, including types and weights of yarn. All accompanied with large, full colour photographs that really allow the user to see the detail. Tools includes the same excellent photos detailing needles and other equipment. The Swatch Gallery contains 30 different styles and full instructions for these are found in another chapter at the end of the book.

But how to knit? Well, the Key Techniques chapter has very explicit and detailed instructions from casting on, so many ways to knit with patterns, colours, styles, embellishments and more, right through to casting off. Over 250 step-by step techniques! Again, all with colour photographs showing how to proceed very clearly. This is what I love about DK books - the clear instructions, clean layout, easy to see and process detailed information and most of all the colour photos.

The Knitting Book also includes a number of project ideas for beginners through to seasoned knitters. And yes - there's two hat patterns! And a really easy baby blanket that would be a good starter project for me. There are sweaters, throws, runners, an arm knitted rug and more.

A wonderful resource! Check out the excerpts below.

Get Crafty With DK Canada

I love making things. Most times they turn out - and sometimes they don't. Either way it's just fun to try different crafts. And I've tried many!

But the one I return to time and time again is quilting. I'm not an expert, but I think the recipients of my quilts have been happy!

DK Canada has put together some suggestions for those of you looking to 'get crafty' in their Craft Boutique.

The one thing a quilter can't have is enough fabric. But the next best thing? Uh huh - quilting books!

Quilting: Patchwork and Appliqué is now happily living on the book shelf in my sewing room.

The basics are included to get a new stitcher started - information on tools, fabrics, design, techniques and more. The next section has a small block gallery and the techniques needed to put the pieces together. (Hand piecing is included, but I'm a die hard machine quilter) And even though I've already quilted, I found a few good tips. I've avoided hexagons but think I'll  them a try using the set in seams outline on page 101. Paper piecing is another technique I've avoided - but there is a good tutorial on this as well. DK books always have clear instructions accompanied by great detailed colour photos that make it easy to follow along. Most of the demonstrated techniques have a project included to practice the skills from that section - pillows, coaster, bags etc.

I only started appliquè last year, but have found I really enjoy it. Applique is a technique where a shape is cut out, applied to another fabric and decorative stitching binds the two. There are various ways to apply the two fabrics and again, all the instructions are detailed with colour photos. (and projects!)

What about the quilting itself? Again, many techniques and ideas included. Both machine and hand quilting instructions are detailed. There are patterns for many different full size quilts at the end of the book. There's a sailboat quilt that I am absolutely going to make - it would make a great baby gift.

Beginners will find Quilting: Patchwork and Appliquè an invaluable resource. And seasoned - or somewhat seasoned ;0) - quilters will love adding this book to their collection!

Make Your March Break Great with DK Canada!

 

Looking for fun stuff  for you and the kids to do over March Break and beyond?

Look no further than DK Canada!

They've got a selection of great books with lots of ideas for doing and creating - all at special prices  until April 1/14.  Check out the selections here.

 

I must admit, I love crafting. I don't have a little one at home to craft with right now, but I'm always on the lookout for ideas for the children's craft table at my library.

 

There's lots to choose from in DK's Make Your Own Gifts: 52 Year Round Presents All Wrapped Up. (52?! You could do one a week!)

What caught my eye? There were quite a few amongst the five categories. (Paper Craft Projects, Stitched and Beaded Goodies, Molded and Sculpted Treasures, Make, Bake and Create Treats and Beautifully Wrapped Projects.)

Now, I myself think paper maché is loads fun, but maybe not so much for the library. (But the idea to use a screw top jar as the basis for a piggy bank was a good one) Instead I found some neat no mess paper crafts that would work. For Mother's Day the folded paper flowers look beautiful. A pad of scrapbooking papers would give lots of variety for a bouquet. We've got loads of scrap paper at work. Quilling a card would be a good choice for the slightly older crowd. Decorating a glass jar with decoupaged flowers would be a nice anytime gift for kids to give - just add a special note inside.  More uses for those clean glass jars - the dry ingredients for a brownie mix and recipe. I loved some of the wrapping and tagging ideas and have these bookmarked for future use as well - making a sturdy gift bag out of a recycled cereal box (painted or covered with paper), stamping paper to make your own envelopes, tags and gift wrap. There are many more projects, with patterns included. As always, the layout of the book is fun, easy to read, colourful and filled with pictures!

I crocheted many a granny square in my younger days, but have not picked up a hook in a long time. And quite frankly I could not remember the basics, let alone the advanced stitches, at all. So  DK's Get Started: Crochet  by Susie Johns appealed to me.

The book is nicely laid out into three sections- Start Simple, Build on It and Take It Further.

The basics are always the place to start - the types and size of hooks, yarn selection, colour choices, gauge, and a handy chart to make sure your match the needs of your project.

First up - a very simple project that re-taught me the basics - a cotton washcloth/dishcloth. It took me a bit to catch on again, but with the clear stitch directions, I caught on again fairly quickly. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed crocheting! I've peeked ahead at the rest of the book. The stitch dictionary is built on, with more photos and directions. The second part of the book utilizes more that the back and forth of my washcloth! Afghans, baby blankets, coaster, pillows, bookmarks (!) and yes - Granny Squares! Get Started :Crochet is just one book in DK's Get Started series.

Again, what I love about DK books are the photographs. I am a visual learner and appreciate seeing the 'real' thing, not a drawn picture. Well laid out and easy to follow. I'm not sure why, but crocheting is just much easier for me than knitting. Especially since I've relearned it! Thanks DK!

Getting crafty with DK Canada

My favourite leisure activity is reading - no surprise eh? But running a close second is creating. I love trying new crafts at least once and my craft room (yes I am lucky enough to have a whole room to myself) reflects that!

 

I always enjoy giving a gift that's hand crafted - it's personal and unique. To help you find ideas, DKCanada has a great selection of craft books on a 30% off until Oct. 15/13. The one that caught my eye was Handmade Gifts. There are so many ideas and choices within - all categorized under recipient categories: For the Home, Jewellery, Pampering, Accessories, Pet Lovers, Edible Gifts and Gift Wrap. Within those categories are a wealth of ideas and techniques. Some crafts were not new to me, but the ideas were.

 

There's a great idea for handmade journals using personalized covers, such as old maps that I think would translate well into a craft for the teens at my library. The same method could be used to produce photo albums. Another great (inexpensive too!) idea was using found or dollar store vases and customizing them with a homemade stencil and permanent marker. Easy and cute.

 

Soap making is a little more involved. When I worked as a historical interpreter, I made lye soap regularly as a demonstration. The luxury soaps in Handmade Gifts might be a little easier on the skin! Here's a look at the instructions for lemon soap. (Soap variations link here) This sneak peek also gives you an idea of why I love Dorling Kindersely books - there are always full colour, clear pictures to accompany instructions or descriptions. Instructions are concise and easily understood. The layout of DK books is attractive and geared towards the reader.

 

With Christmas coming up, home baked cookies and truffles are perfect hostess gifts. (The macarons look delicious!) Recipes included along with some great ways to 'wrap' food items. How to wrap or present those other gifts? How about a hand stenciled bag that can be re-used. Your imagination is the limit on designs. Hand stamp some Kraft paper with the little ones. (another idea for a craft for the smaller folk at my library)There are templates for creating your own gift bags with ribbon handles as well as folding boxes.

Indulge your creative side! And if you start now.....you'll be ready for Christmas. :)

 

 

What Did You Make on March Break?

March Break is almost upon us and you still might be figuring out what you can do with the kids that week. DK Canada has some great ideas.

Parents can send in photos of what their kids make on March Break and the March Break creations will be judged by Craft Guru Extraordinaire Jane Bull (author of Make It, Made by Me and the upcoming Stitch By Stitch… she also was one of the creators of DK’s perennial Eyewitness series ) and the winning entry wins a signed Jane Bull collection and a $150 DK shopping spree. Details can be found here. Ends March 31/12.

To help you get started DK Canada has 30% off some of their crafty titles in their March Break Survival Boutique. There are lots of great titles to choose from, but the one that caught my eye was Quilting Step by Step by Maggi Gordon. The daughter of a friend from work has asked if I can help her with her 'artist' badge, so although I quilt, I though this would be a great little book to review the basics before we started.

And it absolutely was. Gordon provides good, solid coverage of the basic items needed - pins, threads, needles, templates, cutters, fabric selection and more.

The next chapter goes into detail about assembling different blocks, starting from the very simple nine patch and log cabins to the more involved hexagon and cathedral windows. (This is a block I've always admired, but never gotten to yet - the instructions are crystal clear with detailed pictures accompanying) Foundation piecing and many options for applique are also covered. Indeed, there are over 75 pictures of various blocks.

And once you're done piecing your top, Gordon explains how to add a border and finish your piece. However, this quilter will not be handstitching anything in the near future! Machine finished for me!

Quilting Step by Step is a great starter book for those looking to try this time honoured art. Pair it up with some fabric and you've got a great gift. Or a way to spend some time together on March Break!

Martha Stewart's Handmade Holiday Crafts - Editors of Martha Stewart Living

Oh, I fully admit it - I love crafting and making stuff. When I get my hands on a book like Martha Stewarts' Handmade Hoiday Crafts, I wait for just the right time to read it. I then flip through randomly stopping at ideas that catch my eye first time through. When I pick it up the second time (again at the right time) I read it from cover to cover.

And there are some fantastic ideas in this latest Martha offering. The book is geared towards crafts for all the major holidays - Valentine's Day, Mother and Father's Days, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, hanukkah, New year's, Easter and yes the one that is fast approaching - Christmas.

And not every one is geared towards adults. There are lots of child friendly crafts that you can do with a small person in your life. There were some excellent ideas that I can see being used at the library - a doily as a stencil, thumb print hearts, heart and lollipop flowers and more. Ideas for colouring eggs? Oh boy, there were soooo many! I think I'll try decopaging some this coming year. Cards for every occassion with patterns for the pop ups featured. I'm not sure I could duplicate some of the elaborate pumpkin carving designs, but they're fun to look at. I have a bunch of buttons just begging to be used - the Mother's Day card is perfect.

And lots of suggestions for Christmas and New Year's. There were some easy ideas for gift wrapping, cards and tags. And a really cute idea using wide ribbon as a gift bag for a gift certificate.

I tried one of the gift tag ideas, using shipping tags, painting them and sticking on a piece of greenery. (The one on the left really needs a gold star on top)And I picked up some cookie cutters from the dollar store too. You could put some pretty Christmas paper behind to make ornaments. Or a photo, as I did - to remind a certain 20 something son of his time as one of Santa's elves! A great reference book to have on the shelf year round.Peek inside the book.

The Knitting Book - Dorling Kindersley

So, I consider myself to be a pretty crafty person - no, no not sneaky, but in the creative sense. I've mastered many an art, but knitting is the one craft that continues to elude me. And it just makes me more determined.... So when I saw The Knitting Book by Frederica Patmore and Vikki Haffenden, I knew I had found the book I needed.

I think (know) some of my past failures have been based on ignorance. It's all well and good to be told that you need an acyclic yarn for this buy this size of needle, but I want to know why and what alternatives I have. The Knitting Book has it all! In glorious, glossy colour with lots and lots of detail.

It starts off with basics - I had no idea there were so many types of yarn available beyond the basic wool - bamboo, soy protein, ribbon, cottons and more. (Even using wire, plastic and fabric!)And a description of needles and where and why they should be used. And embellishments - ribbons, beads and buttons.

And on to the basic techniques - almost 20 pages on different casting on methods. Very clear and concise instructions with detailed photographs that make it look really easy. Tons and tons (okay really only 250!) of various techniques are covered in the same careful detailing - from the simple knit and purl to Fair Isle, circular, felting,  how to read patterns and so many more.

Also included are glossaries detailing stitch patterns with instructions and pictures as well as how to finish your project, sew it together, embellish and care for it.

And projects! Lots of choices - from a simple scarf, to more involved hats, mittens, socks, tea cosies, bags, baby gifts etc. And much as I might imagine that I could whip up a quick dozen pairs of mittens for gifts for Christmas, it's not going to happen. But I am thinking I could whip up a few cute little egg cozies to get my feet wet. Stay tuned to this space for progress photos!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Dorling Kindersley publishes the best reference books. They're substantial, chock full of detailed information. But I am a visual learner, so it is the clear, colour, detailed photographs I appreciate the most.

If you've got a crafter on your Christmas list, I'd definitely recommend The Knitting Book.

Create, Update, Remake - Canadian Living

Okay, I'm a bit of a crafty little devil. No, no not that kind. The kind that is obsessed with crafts, craft stores (love those 40% off coupons), craft books, craft magazines and yes, has her own room in the house dedicated to all my hobbies.

And you can never have enough ideas... I subscribe to Canadian Living Magazine and I admit it - I always flip through to the crafts first, then go back and read the rest. Well, Transcontinental  has just released Create, Update, Remake edited by the staff of Canadian Living and there they are - 100 of their favourite crafts from the last ten years -  all in one place!

First thing to catch my eye was the cover shots. I have a whole collection of those retro kitchen gadgets (another hobby....) and love the idea of displaying them in white shadow boxes like this. Definitely going to copy this idea.

The book starts off with a chapter on sewing. There's a great little totebag pattern that even a beginner could handle. I'm thinking gift idea, or the bag for the gift. Reusuable and no waste. Some of the ideas are simple one, yet add that little extra touch, such as adding satin edging to your pillowcases and sheets. Many of the sewing crafts incorporate vintage linen finds. (Yay - because I just happen to have a lot of these too!)

The next chapter covers knitting and crocheting with clear, easy to read instructions for many ideas - socks anyone?

I loved the Around the House chapter. Lots of great ideas here. One of my favourites was turning flea market glass sugar bowls into hanging garden lights. And I love the instructions for making your own garden stepping stones. I'm going to give that a go once the snow melts! Framed pressed flowers from the garden would make a nice grouping on my stairwell. Ever wonder how to upholster a chair - detailed how-to's are included.

There's a great seasonal section as well, with lots of ideas for younger crafters. I've used the clothespin butterflies for a pre school craft at the library and it went over well. I loved the Spring craft - plastic spoons turned into crocuses.  

And the last chapter covers food and drink and inventive ways to package them as gifts. There are recipes for human treats, but I'm going to try the Classic Canine Cookies first.

Patterns are included at the end. Each craft includes a full colour photograph. Lots of ideas and lots of fun for all ages and levels of craftateers!

Over the Counter #9

Catching my eye this week as it passed over my library counter and under my scanner was re-bound by Jeannine Stein. Well of course it caught my eye - it's a book about making books! Some really, really clever ideas inside this one.

From the publisher Quarry Books:

"Re-Bound is a beautiful book on bookbinding with a fun green twist-all the projects use recycled and upcycled materials. This book shows you how to take everyday materials from around the house, flea markets, thrift stores, and hardware stores and turn them into clever and eye-catching hand-made books.

(Over the Counter is a new feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)

Warmans' Button Field Guide - Jill Gorski AND Button it Up - Susan Beal

Does anyone else out there have a tin or jar of buttons, collected over the years? I'm lucky enough to have some of my Grandmother's buttons. I remember playing with them when I was younger, emptying the tin out and sorting them into piles of different colours or shapes.

These two books were both on the new book display at my local library and I couldn't resist picking them up.

The Warman's Field Guide is fascinating. It starts off with the history of buttons and lots of information on actaully collecting buttons as a hobby. It features full colour photos detailing all the different types of buttons (more than you think!) and their values. I actually found a few of Grandma's in this book!

Button It Up has full colour photos as well, detailing ove 80 projects involving using up your button stash. Many of them inolve jewellery and are quite creative.

As a sewer, I have my own tin of buttons, ready for any project or repair needed. And I'm still exploring making my own polymer clay buttons for children's garments or quilt embellishment.

What's your button story?

Socks From the Toe Up - Wendy D. Johnson

I consider myself pretty crafty - no not sneaky, I just really enjoy making and creating. And I've tried a lot of techniques, but knitting is one I've really never gotten into, except for stocking stitch scarves. With all the fiction books featuring knitters clubs and groups, I think the art of knitting has experienced a real resurgence in popularity.

My grandmother always made us handmade mittens or socks for Christmas. When I saw Socks from the Toe Up from Random House, the choice was made.

Wendy Johnson is a knitting diva! I loved the story of how this book came to be. She joined an online project in 2007 called The Summer of Socks. Wendy delved whole hearted into this project and came up with over 18 original designs and it morphed into this book.

As a newbie I was quite glad to find all the basics included. Needles - who knew there were so many kinds - yarn choices (I've stopped many a time in the craft store and just petted all the different skeins of wool!), and other tips and tools.

Most important though were the basics of knitting - the techniques for casting on, binding and the most important part of Johnson's patterns - the toe. Her reasoning makes perfect sense. If you start from the toe and work up, you save yarn and can fit as you go. All the instructions are clearly written and accompanied by detailed drawings.

The photographs of each pattern are done in full beautiful colour. And oh boy, are they gorgeous. Lace, cable and patterns that are astonishing in a pair of socks. I will of course be starting on what Johnson refers to as a 'plain vanilla' pattern - there are three basics to get you started. So at some future juncture I will attempt a pair of socks and share them with you!

Wendy is a blogger too - you can catch her at Wendy Knits.

Anyone else ever tried to knit socks?

Here's a great article (with pictures!) by Wendy on the different toe starts.

I loved the tagline in the flyleaf - "Socks From the Toe Up is the hands-down best guide for toe-up socks."

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts

I fully admit it - I'm a big fan of Martha Stewart's crafting projects. I was given a subscription for Martha Stewart Living Magazine for Christmas a couple of years ago and have kept every issue. But that one year is just a fraction of what appears in this new release from Random House Canada. It covers 17 years of craft content from the magazine packed into 32 chapters!

I have been reading (drooling over) Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts for the last couple of weeks, savoring every last page (and there's over 400 pages!)

Each craft has an overview, the supplies needed, very explicit step by step instructions and many projects incorporating the techniques. All are accompanied by absolutely gorgeous full colour photos.

Many of the ideas presented are updated techniques on historical crafts such as candle making, soap making and quilling to name a few. Although some crafts may seem daunting on first view, they really aren't. I'm thinking of making candles for Christmas gifts next year. I could tin punch some holders for them. And then use stencilled gift wrap, stamped cards, origami boxes and calligraphic notes from other chapters to package them!

I've enjoyed working with stained glass before, but haven't tried my hand at glass etching. There are some great ideas for starting small with tumblers and working your way up to mirrors and hanging pieces.

Some of the ideas are so simple and yet so visually stunning. I loved the framed pressed botanicals. Sun prints were something I'd never heard of before. Using light sensitive paper, you burn the image in reverse and use it for a variety of designs.

Some of the chapters use newer techniques. I'm a dedicated sewer and had a huge light bulb moment when I came to the chapter on polymer clay. Buttons! I've always purchased those cute crafty buttons to finish off a child's outfit, but I'm going to try making some of my own.

I haven't even begun to touch on everything included in this truly encyclopedic book. There's beading, decoupage, gilding, mosaics, silk screening, wreaths and lots and lots more! There is a glossary in the back as well as templates and patterns for all the projects presented. I'm thrilled to have this book in my library.

I'll post some pictures of finished projects - but for now, I am happily rereading this book - there's just so much to take in in one read. One final word - I WANT TO LIVE IN MARTHA STEWART'S CRAFT ROOM!

Linen, Wool, Cotton - Akiko Mano

Linen, Wool, Cotton is being released April 14th from Random House Canada. Written by Akiko Mano it showcases the Japanese Craft style.

It's true - I am addicted to fabric. And nothing beats natural fabrics - especially cottons.

Wool is a natural insulator. Natural cotton breathes with your body. Linen products can last generations, becoming softer after each use. Why wouldn't you want to sew with natural fibres?

Mano feels the same way..."As I handle each fabric, I try to think of what the most suitable use for it might be. I'm pleased when I can find that use, when I can make something without changing the nuances of the cloth even if I change it's form, when the essential nature of the material remains."

She has produced patterns for items using each type of material. In the wool section, there are instructions for blankets, socks and a unique Mary Jane slipper. Mano gives us ideas for linen aprons, duvet covers and pillowcases. I hadn't considered pillowcases of linen before, but I bet they would be incredibly soft on your skin. In the cotton section, she uses many different weights, producing patterns for items such as floor mats, shoe bags, jumpers and lunch bags. At the end there are notes on preparing your fabric and equipment needed, as well as some online resources.

All of the 25 patterns included in the book are accompanied by clear, concise instructions with diagrams. Each project is also photographed in colour. The photographs underline the clean, spare lines of Mano's designs. The are simple, yet beautiful, echoing the Japanese craft style. Beginning and experienced sewers would be able to reproduce the patterns shown.

This is the first time this book has been offered in English. I found it fascinating to read a craft book from another country and especially enjoyed the photographs.